OccultForum.org

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

I have decided that it would be wise if I were to create a cloth circle as recomended in The Practice of Evocation. It seems the most practical approach and the easiest in the long run. The only problem is, I am a guy and do not have any idea what to do with fabric. When I had to take home-ec, I actually broke two surging machines (fancy sewing machines) in the same day, but still managed to get an a by hiding the hole that I had accidently made in the crotch of the pants I had to sew. Anyhoo, the point is, I don't know what or how to manage it. Could someone help me out with this?

Original post: LadyHydralisk

Took me a while to find it, but I dug up this gem from out of the closet...Talking Points CM, the Circle

http://www.occultforums.com/showthread.php?t=5376

When I use a physical circle, I prefer a piece of chalk since i'm usually on concrete. Rope on grass, and a line in dirt.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

Thank you so much for responding and helping.

I just noticed this. Whoever posted this contradicts himself within the first few seconds.

"ALL MAGICK OCCURS IN THE ASTRAL." Does this not go against the principle of "as above, so below?" Should magic not occur on both planes?

Edit: Nevermind. I wish to learn but do not wish to have 5 people tell me their argument by using the word "because" and repeating the previous person.

Edit: I do have to add however that I do not think that I can take this person seriously. He comes off as an armchair theorist to me, especially when you start saying "you are the circle" and using bubbles and what not. I guarantee that I, unless someone really blows my mind with some evidence that their idea is better, will use the normal circle that the great magiCians of the past have and progress with my knowledge.

Original post: kalki

Use white Opaque Fabric Paint on a large piece of black material. Outline the design in chalk. After finishing and when the paint has dried, fix it with an iron. then wash it.

Best bit of advice I can give after a few botched attempts is...TAKE YOUR TIME. the results after care and patience are stunning, and regardless of wether you use the circle, you have a throw or a fantastic wall hanging. But please, take your time with it, don't do it in an evenong, start on the new moon and finish on the full, that's the care and dedication you should aspire to!


blessed Be

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

Kalki! That is exactly the kind of advice I wished to hear! Thank you for understanding. Is there a way that I can cut out pieces of fabric that I want to be on it, use some sort of fabric glue to put it on there and then iron it down? I was thinking something like using "embroidery" or whatever to do it, but I am clueless in sewing.

Everyone: I am new here, and I appologize if I come off as an argumentative ass. I learn by questioning.

Original post: kalki

[QUOTE=Overflowed_Buffer]but I am clueless in sewing.

Everyone: I am new here, and I appologize if I come off as an argumentative ass. I learn by questioning.[/QUOTE]
I was useless at painting my friend. Sewing? if prisoners can do it to mail bags against their will, I'm sure with patience and time you can achieve it? No-one is useless at anything are they. After all, this is the craft.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

I said clueless, not useless, but point taken:). Did you make one of these fabric circles? If so, do you have a picture? I would love to see the finished results.

Original post: kalki

[QUOTE=Overflowed_Buffer]I said clueless, not useless, but point taken:). Did you make one of these fabric circles? If so, do you have a picture? I would love to see the finished results.[/QUOTE]

Yes I did, when I meet some of my Fellowcraft I will take some snaps but I've retired somewhat from "workings" so I only see them at social meets, don't hold your breathe it could be a while!

One point though. When you use the paint. make sure the fabric sits on say an old bit of spare carpet as it will soak through! also you will need to give the lines a few coats but believe me as you progress you begin to get attached to the work....which is entireley the point about taking your time.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

[QUOTE=kalki]One point though. When you use the paint. make sure the fabric sits on say an old bit of spare carpet as it will soak through! also you will need to give the lines a few coats but believe me as you progress you begin to get attached to the work....which is entireley the point about taking your time.[/QUOTE]
I assume you mean a few coats of the paint?

Quality of appearance is huge for me. I am used to having things prim and proper, without fluke or imperfection. If I do this right, will it look nice?

Original post: kalki

[QUOTE=Overflowed_Buffer]I assume you mean a few coats of the paint?

Quality of appearance is huge for me. I am used to having things prim and proper, without fluke or imperfection. If I do this right, will it look nice?[/QUOTE]your first lines will probably bleed into the fabric a touch but as you build up the layers it wiill look excellent. have a dbble and experiment first. When you do it right, it will look good ! yes.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

That is what I needed to hear. I appreciate your help and am officially going to bed, for tomorrow I travel to Borders bookshop (I wish the Barnes and Noble I like was open but it is being reconstructed into a 2 story building...I am a diehard B&N loyalist whenever possible) to buy an analog copy of Summoning Spirits, possibly My life with the Spirits, and maybe another occult book that tickles my fancy.

Original post: azi dahaka

what about using a rug with a circle painted on it? that way paint bleeding through isn't really a problem and it can be rolled out fast (for all us lazy folks) and won't move or wrinkle during use...

Original post: I AM

[QUOTE=Overflowed_Buffer]Thank you so much for responding and helping.

I just noticed this. Whoever posted this contradicts himself within the first few seconds.

"ALL MAGICK OCCURS IN THE ASTRAL." Does this not go against the principle of "as above, so below?" Should magic not occur on both planes?

Edit: Nevermind. I wish to learn but do not wish to have 5 people tell me their argument by using the word "because" and repeating the previous person.

Edit: I do have to add however that I do not think that I can take this person seriously. He comes off as an armchair theorist to me, especially when you start saying "you are the circle" and using bubbles and what not. I guarantee that I, unless someone really blows my mind with some evidence that their idea is better, will use the normal circle that the great magiCians of the past have and progress with my knowledge.[/QUOTE]

Hey Overflowed_Buffer!

No, it is not a contradiction. Magick occurs in the Astral before manifesting in the physical. This is a SIMPLIFIED explanation but suffices for this discussion. BTW, I am the person who wrote it so I felt it would be alright to respond.

When one creates a physical Circle one is simultaneously creating an Astral Circle even if they do not realize it (As Below, So Above). If you created the Astral Circle first then As Above, So Below would indicate that the physical Circle exists as well.

When we perform magickal ritual we are really performing this ritual in the Astral even if we are physically doing it. At the completion of our ritual our magick emanates through the Astral and MANIFESTS in the physical if we have done things properly AND we are strong enough.

BTW, if you read my Talking Points - The Circle post carefully you will see that I DO use the Circle and NOT a bubble. So, your theory needs some work. However, there are many magickians that do use a bubble or sphere and that is why I included it.

It matters little if you take me seriously. I am only sharing what my experience has shown me. You may take it or leave it. As far as being an "arm chair" theorist goes, I do find that comment amusing.

I hope this helps.

Humbly, I AM

Original post: LadyHydralisk

I laughed out loud as well.

"ALL MAGICK OCCURS IN THE ASTRAL." Does this not go against the principle of "as above, so below?" Should magic not occur on both planes?

It's good you pay attention to the as above, so below thingie. I've always treated the astral as part of *maya. The lower vibration circle is just to get me in the mood for my poor human eyes. It is really nothing more than a mindjob to me.


But that's not to say that treating the astral as above, and the physical in the scientific sense of the word as below, is wrong. My definition of this axiom is so complicated I couldn't even think of a good way to write it out.

*the illusionary world, the physical

Original post: Ludi

In my opinion, the Magickian is the circle.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

[QUOTE=I AM]No, it is not a contradiction. Magick occurs in the Astral before manifesting in the physical. This is a SIMPLIFIED explanation but suffices for this discussion. BTW, I am the person who wrote it so I felt it would be alright to respond.

When one creates a physical Circle one is simultaneously creating an Astral Circle even if they do not realize it (As Below, So Above). If you created the Astral Circle first then As Above, So Below would indicate that the physical Circle exists as well.

When we perform magickal ritual we are really performing this ritual in the Astral even if we are physically doing it. At the completion of our ritual our magick emanates through the Astral and MANIFESTS in the physical if we have done things properly AND we are strong enough.

BTW, if you read my Talking Points - The Circle post carefully you will see that I DO use the Circle and NOT a bubble. So, your theory needs some work. However, there are many magickians that do use a bubble or sphere and that is why I included it.

It matters little if you take me seriously. I am only sharing what my experience has shown me. You may take it or leave it. As far as being an "arm chair" theorist goes, I do find that comment amusing.

I hope this helps.

Humbly, I AM[/QUOTE]
I understand the concept of as above so below, but I suppose I, like usual, was taking it to the literal extreme. I assumed that it was simultanious in all fashions, but perhaps it was said as more of a guide. Either way, thanks for clearing it up.

I know you use a circle...I was refering to the technique.

I was out of line when I called you an arm chair theorist, and I appologize. I was probably still in the mindset of a different event.

Since this topic is more on circles now anyway, I might as well throw in that I think that the physical circle serves as, like mentioned before by LadyHydralisk, more for the mindset. However, I also think that it serves it purpose in different ways also. For instance, if a summoned spirit sees that the magician went through much effort to create the circle physically, he will probably get the impression that the magician is not goofing around and perhaps be less likely to test it. This is simply an minor theory of mine. I like drawing the circle because I enjoy viewing magic on the physical realm. It gives me a sense of pride and hope to SEE my magic doing something.

Original post: I AM

[QUOTE=Ludi]In my opinion, the Magickian is the circle.[/QUOTE]

That is what the Talking Point says. I agree with you Ludi.

Humbly, I AM

Original post: Frater Manjet

Being one of the primary edvocates of the sphere I guess I should chime in here.

To me the natural spacial progression from a circle is to a sphere. I cannot make very detailed posts as my monitor is on it's last legs.

I will return to this topic to add more input at a later date when this computer issue is resolved.

- VVV

Original post: LadyHydralisk

Alright good, will look forward to it, Manjet.

Original post: MaeveQ

Magick is and occurs everywhere
And use whatever suits you. You dont necessarily use what others use. Just find out what suits you best and use that.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

MaeveQ, I assume you were speaking to me? I was hoping to use a fabric circle because, out of the 39 rooms in my house, not one of them has a hard floor except for the bathrooms. (People living with me would LOVE if I chalked up the floors)

I know that a physical circle is not always necessary in your views, but I feel that I would be more successful with one...which brings up the problem of where and how heh.

Original post: MaeveQ

Just have something with circle borders. Its fancyness may motivate you but if you cant get one right now, you can even draw it on large paper.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

Where to find humongo paper...heh, well thanks for the help, I pray that I may manage now.

Original post: MaeveQ

Dont worry you will. You can even use salt, a rope and things like that.

Original post: Overflowed_Buffer

I will probably use a rope for now, until I get my fabric. I think I will put a coat of primer on the rope and paint the names of power on it that way...interesting at least.