Magical Paradigm
To skip the essay and get right into the magical paradigm this site is built upon click here.
Paradigm vs Worldview
People often use “paradigm” and worldview” interchangeably, and there is indeed some redundancy between the two. Despite this, these are distinct and separate aspects of the conscious mind.
A worldview is a construct formed in large part unconsciously with some assistance from our conscious efforts, and it encompasses one’s overarching beliefs about the nature of reality, which in our context would include magic, the existence of supernatural forces or entities, the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms, how these different “parts” of reality function, and so forth. The worldview is composed of true beliefs, or tenants and principles you are compelled by logic and evidence or even strong instincts to accept as true.
A paradigm is a model of reality that, while certainly informed by our unconscious is for the most part assembled consciously to enable us a framework for building a magical practice and methodology. Among other considerations our paradigm includes how magic functions and how we might approach it, plus related considerations. It is common for a paradigm to contain other paradigms within it, as you will see below.
Within the paradigm we can introduce tentative beliefs, or things we hold as likely true but are open to revision. We may even be skeptical of some of the principles included in our paradigm, endorsing then only until they can be disproven or adjusted.
Faith disguised as belief, or ideas we don’t fully accept but choose to “believe” are often part of an individual’s paradigm. Why this is so is a matter of psychological exploration and clarification which I will leave to the experts in that field. Suffice it to say humans have a tendency of adopting principles they don’t believe are true and then acting with willpower and imagination as if they in fact do accept such principles as truth. (More on this shortly.)
For more information on the worldview, please see the collapsable content or “accordion” by clicking here or scrolling to the bottom of the page.
Paradigm Place and Purpose
The paradigm is formed from the worldview, and in turn gives the foundation for creating a magical philosophy or set of guidelines for the how and why and when of it all. consider this simple diagram to understand how the different constructs fit into one-another.
I give you all this not to promote OCD or suggest you must outline and diagram your mind thoroughly before you initiate into magic. Rather, in addition to helping you understand any points or technical insights I offer, a good understanding of these models and constructs will aid you in empowering your own beliefs and in conceptualizing the flow of magical forces and other aspects of the magical universe, both of which encourage improved results.
A Magical Paradigm You Can Adapt or Revise
Feel free to use anything from this breakdown in your own paradigm or to adjust according to your needs. It is presented mainly to clarify and emphasize the rest of the content on this site. Simply put, this will show you where I am “coming from” so to speak.
The Magical Multiverse
Our cosmos is truly incredible to consider and try to conceptualize, and yet it is but one part of the greater reality. We have our being in a multiverse of many planes, dimensions, or worlds.
These words are used variously by different traditions and philosophies, and while they are considered technical terms, they are conceptual in nature and should not be argued over or taken too seriously. Planes, worlds, dimensions, realms, et al represent ideas that challenge our conscious minds and understanding of how reality operates and we use them as intuitive labels for grappling with reality outside of three-dimensional space.
The Five Planes Paradigm
While countless dimensions and seemingly infinite planes and subdivisions exist within the energetic realities and non-physical spaces of our multiverse, the overarching structure can be objectively represented using the five-worlds model. This construct posits five realities in a vibrational hierarchy existing together in what we experience as the here and now and in other spaces and times, to use native terminology. These five worlds, sometimes called planes of existence, are often portrayed as, and can be approached as, five ascending or descending levels of reality.
From the perspective of our world, the planes ascend, becoming finer or of a higher frequency with each new “level”. From the realm of the gods or unity, at the highest state, the worlds descend to become ever more dense until reaching our physical reality.
The Five Planes of Existence or the Five Magical Worlds
Prior to, or above, apart from, (language breaks down at times with these concepts) the Five Worlds is the Source, or Divine realm.
The Divine Reality
This is the Monadic Plane, One Reality, or the realm of God (the unified concept, neither masculine nor feminine). Within this world exist also the God and Goddess and Son and Daughter in their many, possibly infinite forms, states, or representations. I don’t know whether this reality also contains the essences or consolidations we might call archangels, or if those are apparent in the Spirit World. I do feel this Divine Reality is but a projection or manifestation of our collective human and other sentient spirits and not the actual “place” of the source. It is difficult to identify as a space or place or to say it is before or above (although it certainly is of a higher nature or frequency) because we are dealing with something well beyond our conceptual grasp. This realm represents the source of all, the creator of deities and multiverses from which the beginning flowed.
The five realities, realms, spaces, or worlds in our multiverse are:
- The Spirit World
- This is the realm of pure spirit at its zenith and it contains the angelic provinces also, along with many other spirit forms in a matrix of infinite hierarchies. It is accessible to us only in spirit but likely the experience thereof is impossible to relay in language.
- The All Mind
- Also called the Mental Plane, this is the world of pure mind. Consciousness and intelligence emanate from here and in the lower regions ideas and revelations have their origins.
- The Astral Realm
- Often called the dream scape or world of the soul, the astral is a complex reality where our soul may have much of its being. Parts of the astral resemble what we might call heaven and hell, and the lower gateway contains the long dark tunnel of the near-death experiencer and the conduit through which the souls of children enter our world. The astral realm contains the causal plane and the foundation, storing the images of all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever be. Herein also are the Akashic records.
- The Etheric Plane
- The borderlands between the astral and material worlds, the etheric is a less dense model or copy of the material world it adjoins. Radio waves, ghosts unable to pass fully on to the next world or life, and other phenomena of energy and vital force dwell here. Our chakras exist partially on the ether and partially in the astral, to give you a conceptual idea of the function of this place. Your etheric body, called a double for its likeness to your physical form, is equated with your Will, for the etheric drives the physical into motion and change.
- The Material Universe
- Here is the physical world with all of its alternate realities and “timelines” plus all dimensions of physical space. It is the universe where we have our physical being and conscious awareness. It is also home many “spiritual” entities and energies we are taught do not exist.
Mysticism and Magic in the Five Planes
We can interact with any of the five worlds, and with the Source via mental, emotional, and spiritual vehicles known as energy bodies. Just as we have a material body that has its being in this universe, we have an etheric body (or double), an astral body (light body), mental body or soul, and spiritual body, more often called simply spirit, essence, or divine spark.
The higher philosophical natures and manners of the spirit or divine spark are beyond our general discussion and generally apply more to thought experiments or contemplation than to any practical applications. Suffice it to say we have an aspect to our self or being that belongs to each of the five worlds, and we interact with these higher realities in a continual basis.
Most of the time we are not conscious of our energy bodies or our experiences of other realities. However we can choose to consciously “travel to” the higher worlds through a range of mystical techniques, and can access them also via magical methods and operations.
Astral travel and lucid dreaming are two examples of mystical experiences, wherein our awareness goes to another plane of existence. Meditation, chakra work, and other basic exercises are useful for exploring such experiences.
When we enact proper magical methods we are also engaging with our energetic bodies and, whether or not we are conscious of the fact, directing them to do the needed work on their home plane. This is what Crowley and others meant when they spoke of refining the light body so it can perform its share of the work in its own material and substance.
How Magic Operates in the Multiverse
Magic exists on every plane and magical forces may travel seamlessly from one world to another. In the context of creating a magical effect, whether in consciousness (so on the mental plane and/or emotive plane) or the material world, it is useful to understand two axioms.
- Subtle, or more fine forces cannot act directly on denser, or coarser forces or objects.
- Magic will always take the path of least resistance from initiation to manifestation.
A magical operation begins with an inspiration we experience on the spiritual level or an idea that is born on the mental plane. We may or may not simultaneously become aware in our physical forms of these inspirations and ideas, only noting them at some later point.
Regardless, once we are consciously engaged with an inspiration or idea, we begin planning and at some point move into action. The planning phases strengthens our resolve or will and fortifies thought forms, or represents our spirit and mental body engaging in the work at hand.
When we begin to enact magic, actually connecting consciously with magical forces, we are activating the counterpart action on the astral plane. This can of course happen unconsciously as well, as the astral substance and the material of the unconscious mind are either the same or very similar.
Through the use of the tools and methods of magic, our desire and our unbending will to be magically successful, we begin to mold and form the astral stuff, called the astral Light by many, and guide our creation which emerged onto the mental plane through the formation on the astral and down through the ether, finally into the material realm where it becomes manifest.
This is the path of least resistance where, at every phase, like energy acts upon like energy or object, growing more and more dense until finally our creation is a whole material event or conscious experience. Even a magical effect on consciousness must ultimately pass through these “levels” if we are to be aware of said effect.
The Elemental Qualities of Energy in this Process
The qualitative states of energy, or the four classical elements, exist in a hierarchy from finest or fastest vibration to densest or slowest vibratory rate. The true form of this hierarchy is (spirit, the 5th) air, fire, water, and earth.
Many traditions structure this descending order with fire first, then air, water, and earth. While there are numerous functional sequences that be deployed using the elemental energies, the true hierarchy of highest to lowest frequency as air-fire-water-earth (spirit obviously comes before air) and this is shown in the human chakra system and in the course of elements during a 24-hour period, according to natural magical lore.
This hierarchical flow of energy is used when bringing our magical forms down from the astral plane and through the ether. By using each denser form of energy in our work we sequentially escort the object of our work to the edge of the ether, on the border of material space, from where it will become fully manifest in due time.
Hierarchy of Spiritual Beings
All the five worlds are inhabited by sentient life forms. Beneath the Divine Reality or Source, in the Spirit Plane, angelic creatures and their counterparts are found within their own strict and broad hierarchies. The mental and astral planes are also home to many creatures we might call spirits, demons, and so forth. Many creatures move back and forth between the ether and material world as well. While many of these beings have little interest in us, there are also those creatures who seem intent upon helping or harming humanity, and many others who can be communicated with or brought into our service through magical means.
Our Place within this Hierarchy
I reject the often-repeated huma story of our species as lowly vermin, beholden to and under the control of “higher” spiritual beings. Honestly I find it disturbing; our self-loathing need, throughout time and across countless cultures, to paint ourselves as such weaklings who desperately need some invisible ass to kiss.
Maybe this is some weird humanist folly, rolled up in magical thinking and a mystical worldview. I think we have more to say about our personal and collective destiny than what most traditions involving deities and the spirit world overtly reveal.
As any good sorcerer or demonologist knows, for example, the Earth is ours and we can exercise considerable authority over so-called demons and the spirits of the deceased, should we realize and apply our sovereignty. If you read closely with a certain understanding, even Christianity divulges our inherent power and Divine Providence.
I’m not in the (embarrassing) “become a living god” camp. I was born into a working-class family and my daily life, unless I use a little magic and ingenuity, is subject to the declarations and affronts of seemingly infinite bureaucracies and laws, plus I am clumsy to boot. Neither do I think I am a worm created to beg god for his forgiveness – Hey you made this shit show pal you owe us a fucking apology and not vice versa!
Pardon my side tangent. In summary, I only mean while there are many powers above and beyond our position, there are those below us as well. I don’t know all the players involved so I can’t put up an in-depth ranking report, but I dismiss the idea of fairies and nature spirits being our inherent superiors, for example.
Life, Death, the Afterlife, and Reincarnation
It is possible we incarnate onto this plane as part of larger journey of the soul. The religions of the world all seem to indicate something of this nature, as do the reports of spiritual mediums and (near) death-experiencers. Our own journeys out of body, visions of other realms, and communication with the deceased provide further evidence or at least suggestions that we are souls with more than one life, whether through reincarnation or some sort of afterlife.
When one considers the weight of evidence that can be assembled, it become apparent that a nuanced or multi-faceted explanation is likely needed. Of course, why would it be otherwise? Is such not the standard for this reality?
Everything is multi-layered and full of paradox. Rarely is there a solitary and simplistic explanation for any phenomena we may find interesting, and perhaps it must be this way because the interest creates the situation to some degree.
I believe in cause and effect and that we can absolutely be caught up in events outside of our own intention or creation. Of course. there are many forces in motion and many “powers that be” in this world.
I also believe we can create reality with our consciousness, without any magical training. We may do this at the soul level as well as at the personal level, and the result is our journey of many incarnations and/or our transition to a higher plane of reality after physical life and death.
I have often posited that to aster magic would take any lifetimes and I do believe my interaction with the Art is a key reason for my presence on this Earth at this time. I don’t imagine endless incarnations to appease some cosmic authority nor would I participate in that schema if I had any choice.
The main takeaways here in terms of magical paradigm is my belief that we can communicate with both ancestors and the recently departed, and we can travel into at least some of the spaces and planes inhabited by those souls who have been here and done this already. Also that some of the angels, demons, and others mentioned in the last section are available to help, harm, and participate in whatever way for either a fee or in the event we can force or compel them to cooperate
Magic as it Relates to the Human Being
I don’t think humans are the most magical of creatures who call this world home, but we are pretty damn magical. I want to say every human being has access to the Great Arcanum, but I stop just short of doing so.
Some are born without the sense of sight, or hearing, to which otherwise we all have natural access. By the same token perhaps there are among us those without psychic capability, and who have no access to the magical currents all around us.
Magic in the Blood?
I can say definitively that no special bloodline or genetic material is needed to access magical forces. Certainly some families may be more inclined towards magic, just as some bloodlines seem to e inherently more musical or predisposed to criminal activity.
Naturally environment and developmental influences blurry the line between what is gleaned from a very early age and what is truly inherited. My point is simply that someone who tells you they have magical blood and you don’t is full of shit, whether deliberately so or just misinformed themselves.
The Rules of Magic
May traditions impose rules upon their adherents. Such things are made to be broken, to my mind.
Personal ethics should be your guide to what you may and may not do, and personal ability and power shall define the boundaries of what you can and cannot accomplish.
As for good and evil conduct with magic, there is no panel of special judges assigned the task of dispatching justice on those who do harm. There is only the law of karma, or cause and effect, which states plainly that you get in return what you put forth.
In terms of what you can and cannot accomplish using magic, as I stated above your abilities and power will define that for the most part. However, and it’s a funny thing to me that I must repeatedly define and clarify such an obvious thing, magic cannot do the impossible.
DUH.
If a thing truly is impossible, then we already know it as a thing that simply cannot be. Why is there need to add more words to the pile?
Granted, many things have been called impossible, but that is often a negative side effect of materialism. It used to be impossible to run a mile in four minutes. Absurd in fact was such a notion. Then Roger Bannister did it. Since then 1,700 plus additional athletes have done the same or better. It turns out the word “impossible” gets more than its fair share of exercise.
Yet some things truly are impossible. I can’t physically fly without the aid of technology. Being thrown off a building by a gangster I owe money doesn’t count, even if he insists on telling me I am “going flying” as he drags me up the stairs. Flight, like that of a bird or of Superman, is not a possibility for any human being without an aircraft, jetpack, or hang glider, and no amount of ritual or crystal hugging is going to make it otherwise.
Therefore, anything that has happened or that can possibly happen can be made to occur with magical effort, with or without the ordinary chain of events being involved, and yet nothing that cannot happen because it is impossible can be caused to occur using magic.
This is a Pretty Good Start
I will return here to add and revise in the near future but this is a good start for letting visitors know the baseline ideology and thought processes that drive the magical writings on this site.
Where to Go from Here?
From here you form your ideologies and ethics to comprise your philosophy, part of which is your ethos. Ultimately methods are formed into a system and a praxis is deployed to bring that system and methodology to life!
Of course, before you can engage the working arm of all this, i.e. methods, systems, and praxis, you must first learn basic techniques and begin to build skills.
Understanding Your Magical Worldview
To set out a complete overview, we must address a magical worldview, or a person’s worldview and how it pertains to magic, before discussing a magical paradigm. A worldview is formed on the core beliefs an individual holds about the basic tenants of his or her existence, including beliefs about the substance of reality, the mechanisms that drive our universe and world, the realities of nature and society, and one’s place within this schema. Note that “beliefs” in the context of worldview are the things you are compelled to accept as truth, because either they are self-evident (I’m on a bus right now, or that mammal in front of me is a dog) or because you are convicted by the evidence and your internal logical processes to concede the truth of the matter (after reading a textbook on evolutionary biology, you understand the theory and the truth thereof is obvious to you).
I clarified the point of compelled belief to distinguish it from faith, or “belief” that is chosen deliberately regardless of whether or not a person actually considers it to be true.
Do You Believe in Magic?
Ideally in your worldview there is a place for magic. You either believe it’s a reality or leave room for this to be proven. I was skeptical in the beginning and thought i was losing my m mind a year or two into it when I discovered just how malleable reality can be.
If you totally accept magic as a truth you are blessed! If not, there is still hope, for I can’t help but notice you are here reading this now.
Aside from being a hard-lined naysayer with no life to speak of who just wants to read shut like this and then go on a tirade about it, why would you be here if not for the fact that you at least think it might be possible? That is enough for a start.
Some people think not magic but some “other” forces or processes are responsible for what I call magical results. Perhaps they believe the human mind has the power to create and shape reality or that other unnamed forces are at work, but just can’t or won’t accept the magical explanation.
Many people believe in things like the “law of attraction” or karma, fate, synchronicity, even psychic powers but for some reason balk at the notion of magic being real. Various ideas about how things get done or why results of magical operations take shape have actually been organized into “models” to explain the mechanics of magic, and these models can reconcile many of the aforementioned metaphysical and “New Age” ideas with contemporary magical lore.
For instance there is the psychological or consciousness model, which suggests the conscious observer wields power like that which is discussed in law of attraction or manifestation circles.
The energy model discusses how native and cosmic energy fields create a basis for operational magic and attempts to reconcile physics and metaphysics.
The spirit model is based on a foundation of animism, or the belief that everything is alive and spirits are everywhere in all things. these spirits are the operant agents set into motion by magical working.
From my perspective (or in my paradigm) each model provides a partial picture of the truth, yet none is exclusively right. I therefore don’t deal in these models as stand-aloe entities but may discuss them on occasion to fine tune a point or bring context into an article or essay.
My point in all this is that you must on some level believe or eventually come to believe that magic is a reality in order to form a strong and working paradigm within which to operate magic and indeed navigate life as a magician.
You don’t need to create a spreadsheet or outline for all of this, but it will be a good idea to make some notes as you go and have a clear idea of where you stand on magic and the many related issues and topics that go along with it. Below are some of the axioms that make up my paradigm, which can serve as an example or be adopted, rejected, tweaked etc. however you wish.
I’ve touched briefly upon the difference between belief as a compulsion and faith-based belief. The former are things you involuntarily believe because their truth is obvious to you, while the latter are things you choose, almost like forcing yourself, to believe for any number of reasons. In essence a faith-based belief is not a belief at all, but rather a choice of what you will advocate and perhaps act on.