Ritual and Energetics

[Mr. Alejos]

What is a point to ritual? Is it necessary?

Let’s get this discussion going.

I tend to lean towards the programmed response spewed out by many that ritual, and its regalia, is a tool used to break down internal barriers; also that it is an aid in moving the astral “currents” in such a direction as to effect the change we desire. Be that change internal or external.

Though for a while I have begun to see ritual, and all its trappings, to be restrictive.

We may postulate that there is an “astral plane” in which “currents” exist. We can go further to say that this “plane” can influence our world, and we in return can influence said “plane”. Is ritual really necessary to do this?

My answer is no. If we believe in these “currents” and their malleability, why not simple use the force of one’s will?

I know ritual is an inherent part of the Western Tradition, but it seems like one not many are willing to deviate from.

Thoughts?

PS- If you have any other ideas to how ritual is effective, or the mechanics of magickal work, do include them.

[Mr. Alejos]

Does no one wish to chime in?

[Stukov]

In the creation of a magical form you can make whatever rules you wish. If you want something complicated requiring lots of ritual, then that is what you make. However in my experience most things such as this come by ritual through means of classical conditioning.

You go through certain actions that draw energies for you and by association it develops into a ritual.

[Madavascus]

Dear. Mr. Alejos,

In my humble opinion, ritual is often a necessity when the invoked/evoked energies require to be qualified, or finely tuned (by means of symbols, words, etc.) to meet the desired form through which the magical will can be applied to bring about the desired magical effect.

It is not uncommon to find occultists who have been able to bring about wonderful magical effects by pure will however, such as may be the case in an instance where an occultist has been injured and, his magical will having been aroused and sufficiently qualified by the intensity of his indignation and anger, causes him to wrought a powerful blow to his enemy who experiences the brunt of the occultist's anger in the immediate future in the form of some severe misfortune, such as, for example, falling deathly ill, or being involved in a life-threatening car accident the next day or so.

Furthermore, ritual has a profound effect on the human psyche, effectively penetrating the recesses of the subconscious mind wherein (it is argued), the mental origins of the magical will can be found.

[Nahemah]

Does no one wish to chime in?

This is in the Ceremonial folder,I only drop by here when Admin duties call so I didn't see this before now.

I tend to work best in a rather scattered and chaotic manner.Props and ritual are wonderful though at times as ritual can be uplifting,funny /or very serious and grandiose,sometimes all of these and more at once,if it's me doing it.

It sets the scene,so to speak and can help greatly with chieving a conducive state of mind,however,too much reliance on ritual can be a weakness,I believe.
Power comes from the active principle in the ritual and the objects and trappings,they are merely tools,conduits even,but they are not the actuality and sometimes a dogmatic approach can make the mistake of imbuing objects with a sanctity and necessity of purpose that they should not hold.

[Phronesis]

Ritual is not absolutely necessary in the hands of a thoroughly trained magician, but it is very helpful. Many so-called magicians, who have not undergone thorough training, cannot evoke or affect any magic without ritual.

When Iamblichus revived Theurgy, which is the basis of almost all modern ceremonial magic, he argued that because the human being was mental, astral, and physical, the most effective atmosphere in which to work magic is one that utilizes all 3 planes at once. The miscellaneous items would be chosen with colors, geometries, scents, or whatever, such that each item belonged to a single given energy. Thus, the magician would be reminded of this particular energy, and therein his chosen operation, with everything in the ritual space. Moreover, these items naturally made the ritual environment more sympathetic to the given energy, making invocations and evocations easier. Really, this is among the most scientific of all magic; by using special materials, very little focus and training is needed to perform evocations. That’s why even an untrained neophyte can evoke from the Goetia, but he cannot do so without.

The ultimate goal of Theurgy, and ritual work in general, is to affect a union between spiritual essences (i.e. gods) and man. The ritual implements – the Sword, Staff, etc. – are symbolic of divine aspects (e.g. the sword represents the divine will which the magician aspires towards) that the magician wants to consciously assimilate. Through frequent ritual work, moving the Sword allows the magician to use his higher will on demand, for example, and eventually he may do so even without the ritual implement. The forces invoked are done so as to awaken latent powers of the magician, and to slowly divinize every aspect of his being.

[Iteration_hex]

I agree, I no longer really require ritual to work energies, my will seems sufficient to make most of my desires manifest but I do enjoy the act of ritual. It makes me feel like I'm making an effort to connect to the astral plane Instead of just forcing it to my will. what do you think? Do you not have a soft spot for the drama and technique required to pull off a good spell?

[Iteration_hex]

I've also found lately that when dealing with nasty spiritual entities and other malefactors that a well reinforced ritual circle is a must.

[Madavascus]

Ritual is not absolutely necessary in the hands of a thoroughly trained magician, but it is very helpful. Many so-called magicians, who have not undergone thorough training, cannot evoke or affect any magic without ritual.

When Iamblichus revived Theurgy, which is the basis of almost all modern ceremonial magic, he argued that because the human being was mental, astral, and physical, the most effective atmosphere in which to work magic is one that utilizes all 3 planes at once. The miscellaneous items would be chosen with colors, geometries, scents, or whatever, such that each item belonged to a single given energy. Thus, the magician would be reminded of this particular energy, and therein his chosen operation, with everything in the ritual space. Moreover, these items naturally made the ritual environment more sympathetic to the given energy, making invocations and evocations easier. Really, this is among the most scientific of all magic; by using special materials, very little focus and training is needed to perform evocations. That’s why even an untrained neophyte can evoke from the Goetia, but he cannot do so without.

The ultimate goal of Theurgy, and ritual work in general, is to affect a union between spiritual essences (i.e. gods) and man. The ritual implements – the Sword, Staff, etc. – are symbolic of divine aspects (e.g. the sword represents the divine will which the magician aspires towards) that the magician wants to consciously assimilate. Through frequent ritual work, moving the Sword allows the magician to use his higher will on demand, for example, and eventually he may do so even without the ritual implement. The forces invoked are done so as to awaken latent powers of the magician, and to slowly divinize every aspect of his being.

You sir, are one of the rare few who truly understands the theurgy of Iamblichus Chalcidensis. Reading this post has been most uplifting. I commend you! [yay]

[Mr. Alejos]

Great responses from all but for the sake of discussion I may have to play Devil’s advocate.

Busy schedule, but I will respond this week. [happy2]