The Basic 4

Sometimes referred to as "The Four Laws of the Magus" or "The Witch's Pyramid", these four statements typically constitute the basis for performing magic. If you have a background in magic, you're probably already familiar with them.

1. Know

2. Dare

3. Will

4. Remain Silent

Traditionally, these laws are attributed to the four cardinal directions, which in turn correspond to the four classical elements of western philosophy. These also have a symbolic connection to the four psychological functions of Jungian psychology, and the four descriptions of matter in antiquity.

As above, so below, and all around.

For the sake of brevity, I'll keep the explanations here rather broad.
1. KNOW
To know is to identify, whether through study for relatively superficial means, or for the goal of gnosis, or close identification with something other than self. This would be akin to "Imitation of Christ", invocation as opposed to mere evocation.

Knowledge of magical paradigm(s), their history and development. Knowledge of a target in preparation.

Before these and above all, knowledge of oneself.

2. DARE
To dare, identified with fire in the south, means resolve. Apart from the basis of knowledge, determination is needed to work magic. We dare to break free from any dogma which would prevent us from believing in what we wish to accomplish, which is quite a step further from simply understanding what must be done.

3. WILL
The term "will" is usually coupled with "power" to describe a kind of mental toughness and resolve, or to describe, in some modern occult literature, a predestined path which the magician must discover. Neither of these definitions suitably describe the command "to will".

Mental toughness is certainly required for magical success, but that applies more to the previous law, and a belief in any sort of predestined course is certainly not necessary for a magician. Rather, we refer to the exertion, or carrying out of one's wishes, or "doing the legwork". Unless you're going to do the work of acquiring the tools and materials, finding the best location or workspace you can, setting aside time (sometimes at very inconvenient hours), and directing the exhausting emotional energy into the work, you will never progress beyond contemplation.

Mysticism is fine for philosophers, but you cannot become a magician without DOING.

4. REMAIN SILENT
Attributed to Earth in the North.
Once it is done, let it be. All descriptions of this law are useless until you learn to do whatever it takes to withdraw and redirect your attention to something else, lest you step in the way of your work.

There ARE ways of managing your work with a minimum of effort, and ways of seemingly circumventing these laws, and they are worth researching.

But essential rules must be understood before they can be stretched or manipulated.

Tarot Class July 20th, 2010 6:30pm

God's Notebook:

An Introduction to the Tarot

Introduction, History, Development, Theory, and Practice

The history of the Tarot is a reflection of our common histories, our evolving values, our place in the world. The rich abundance of symbols which are featured in the traditional Western decks evolved from the mythologies of Ancient Egypt and earlier influencing cultures. The Tarot, whether used for divination, meditation, or as a study of our symbolic past, is a profound work of art which has expressed itself through various and diverse images, yet consistently conveyed the ideas which are most important to any society.


Introduction and History In this class, we will consider the earliest history of the Tarot, its connections to art and philosophy, and the lineage of our modern decks. This is an introductory class and does not require any prior experience or knowledge of divination or the Tarot.

Call 407-371-9665 for details

Abracadabra,
JM