...And the Demons Beckon the Wandering Hero

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Horus

There comes a time in everyone's life I suppose who travels the path of the Shaman/ Magician/ Mystic/ etc. when the little nasties below the surface begin stirring and can no longer be ignored. I am not writing this to argue about when and why one would want to undertake the work of seriously integrating these aspects of our being, as some paths regard this as a step not to be undertaken till one is well along their way, and some I have seen regard this as an initial step - in which no serious work may be undertaken until it has been done. Either way it eventually comes up, and sometimes of it own accord. And then what? What do we do when the demons beckon us forth? I see a lot saying "you must face your demons", "you must be dig them up, even from the darkest depths," "you must fully accept and integrate". But it all seems as gibberish to me, because nothing is ever said about how we go about doing this. Now, I have no formal teacher, nor do I have the money to afford guidance from a professional (for Jungian type Shadow Work and the like)... but I feel the issue is coming forth and that I must at least take the initial steps toward this process, guided or not... and to be honest I have no idea where to even start as far as the actual work... so basically what I'm asking I guess (which could have probably been made into a much shorter post) are there any resources for one looking undertake this process for themselves? I am not concerned really with what paradigm said resources might be working in, although I am looking at this from a more psychological point of view (as opposed to say directly evoking demons and the like, which I CERTAINLY am not ready for). Thanks in advance.

-Horus

edit - if anyone wishes to PM me rather than post in the thread, or both, feel free

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: fatbastard

You know that as much as I want this, I refuse myself to offer an advice when
these times come. All I can say is that , besides the shovel, a lamp would be usefull, it can get pretty dark down there.

My best wishes.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Albino Crow

When you hit rock bottom, keep digging. It's been quite a stretch of thinking since I initially read your post to my reply now. Needless to say, we're in the same boat. You're right, there are all sorts of models out there both spiritual and psychological that delve into this crucible of development, but we all have our own requirements. I would most assuredly like to offer you any assistance you're interested in, but that would have to come at your own discretion. I shall not interfere with your Will.

I could say all sorts of pseudo-cthonic things about trials of progess and the demons that prowl your every intention, but I'll reserve those for later. Two primary things I actively involve in my own ordeals is Jungian Psychology (personality fragmentation and integration, individuation, the shadow archetype) which you mentioned, and spiritual/psychological transformation alchemy (seven stages of transformation, V.I.T.R.I.O.L., mandalas). The two together really seem quite a potent team. They work strikingly coherent.

I will agree also. Things of this type of subject matter I would not invest in invoking Ceremonies either. These are trials and tribulations the initiate must overcome, or integrate by themselves. If you're interested, just drop me a pm.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Ludi

I think this is a very important topic, which could contain some real information. Please don't take it away into PM.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Horus

[QUOTE=Albino Crow]When you hit rock bottom, keep digging. It's been quite a stretch of thinking since I initially read your post to my reply now. Needless to say, we're in the same boat. You're right, there are all sorts of models out there both spiritual and psychological that delve into this crucible of development, but we all have our own requirements. I would most assuredly like to offer you any assistance you're interested in, but that would have to come at your own discretion. I shall not interfere with your Will.

I could say all sorts of pseudo-cthonic things about trials of progess and the demons that prowl your every intention, but I'll reserve those for later. Two primary things I actively involve in my own ordeals is Jungian Psychology (personality fragmentation and integration, individuation, the shadow archetype) which you mentioned, and spiritual/psychological transformation alchemy (seven stages of transformation, V.I.T.R.I.O.L., mandalas). The two together really seem quite a potent team. They work strikingly coherent.

I will agree also. Things of this type of subject matter I would not invest in invoking Ceremonies either. These are trials and tribulations the initiate must overcome, or integrate by themselves. If you're interested, just drop me a pm.
[/QUOTE]

Thanks Albino,

Basically I am thinking along the lines of a Jungian approach, but I am also interested in the alchemical approach you mentioned. What I really am looking for are books and other resources which explain the actual process by which one may work with these things... rather than just explaining what they are and what they do. If you happen to know any good sources of information feel free to make recommendations, as I said I know what a lot of the terms mean but not the process of putting them to use. I tend to learn better by example. If you would like, as another suggested, you can post it in the thread too, or I will.

Thanks,
Horus

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: fatbastard

Well, lets look at it the other way, if you are venturing in matters that dwell in Necessity's domain (things that MUST be resolved in order for you to go further) and you happen to ask from a Solar diety help
(that is strength to overcome your own stuff) you WILL get it, but expect afterwards a blazing shitstorm.
Part of the deal you see, to set the stage so that other dieties can watch the show :lol:
After your descent in the Underworld (which will hjopefully surface in gruesome detail in your surroundings), remember three things which may or may not help you:
1) There is a psychopomp that will eventually lead you out but not only before you are in the very bottom
when you will there find the wonder and terror of having your ground completely given away (Pan)
2) Beware of the Star that signals a false dawn amidst the night.
3) DO NOT succumb to premature actions. Breath, relax and observe what is happening.

Ah yes, also, pull a good show for the viewers, impress them so they can tell their friends about you

I almost forgot the most important point:

After all this is over, DO NOT idly stand and admire the fruits of your work. Immediately
use them in immediate areas. Push yourself even further, you will find that you will
have the power to accomplish anything, if only you act on the given timeframe.
That was my biggest mistake, but I excuse myself because I was a blind first-timer.

Also, don't forget to study the texts, particulary the ones you dont understand.
These will be accounted for in the stage-setup by divine technicians :lol:

I raise my cup.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Horus

[QUOTE=fatbastard]Well, lets look at it the other way, if you are venturing in matters that dwell in Necessity's domain (things that MUST be resolved in order for you to go further) and you happen to ask from a Solar diety help
(that is strength to overcome your own stuff) you WILL get it, but expect afterwards a blazing shitstorm.
[/QUOTE]And what better way to facilitate this process than a thread at OF :lol: .

Ludi, I am hoping this topic does indeed take off *crosses fingers* maybe some people who don't normally venture in CS will magickally pop in *cough* and maybe those that do will post!

Not to answer my own question, but two books that initially helped me with a smaller part of this process in my life,before getting into magick much, were actually bought on a whim from the New Age section of Barnes and Noble. Those books were The Mastery of Love and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I plan on reading both of them again soon. In them is contained what I consider a way of "right living" which is very reasonable, and it talks a bit about how we recieve and spread poison to others... accepting our wounds, and not spreading more to others. The focus is not entirely on psychological damage, but it talks a bit about facing personal "demons" and whatnot. It really isn't fluffy at all though, and contains a wealth of wisdom.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: 1000ShadesofGrey

Perhaps this will help.


http://www.wisdomsdoor.com/logs/logs001102.shtml

http://www.wisdomsdoor.com/logs2003/logs030114.shtml

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Tune Bender

These daemons have a name in Buddhism that escapes me at the moment, but from what I know, these are not really "daemons" or any intelligent entities of any sort. They are, however, very annoying. We can over come them by a few methods, but most of which are based around the re-programming of the mind: meditation. Call them simple "chemical imbalances" if you wish, chances are you would be right, but as for going about "balancing" these chemicals in the brain one needs to shift his/her consciousness. Like I said, meditating on a "higher" state of being is the best way of overcomming these "deamons".

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Rin Daemoko

[QUOTE=Tune Bender]These daemons have a name in Buddhism that escapes me at the moment, but from what I know, these are not really "daemons" or any intelligent entities of any sort.[/QUOTE]

Mara?

I like fatbastard's suggestion of asking a Solar deity. For me, I don't call on any specific deity, but rather I deal with the spiritual Sun itself. The core essence of our being that radiates regardless of what's going on in our heads. No matter how overcast the skies of our lives may be, that core keeps on going, never blinking out.

The Sun has many aspects which are completely useful. They range from the brilliant shining Sun at its Zenith, which graces the Worlds with its warm golden light; to the Sun in its Night aspect, when all things are shrouded in darkness, and the creatures that fear the glorious light of the Sun are free to stalk and roam.

The Sun has its Dawning, the moment of realization. It has its Twilight, the moment of its descent into darkness (and time of mystery, magick, et cetera; as this Sun is associate with the West, and the Water element). It also has its Eclipse phase, when Luna veils the face of the Sun, forming a perfect circle of light in which one may glimpse the perfect harmony of all things.

Think of these Sun aspects as aspects of yourself. Even if you're not sure who "you" are, you are still there. Regardless of whether or not you realize it. You cycle through these phases. Sometimes you remain in one phase longer than another, but you do move on. It is the nature of the Sun. Movement, dynamism. A single aspect could take days or months to pass, but it passes.

Like a bubble moving on a swiftly flowing stream, like a flash of lightning. It is there, and it is gone. And still, you remain.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: fatbastard

Sure, just be carefull to balance the workings with grounding and/or meditation.
From my experience, the effects of the Sun might get render you a bit 'jumpy'
and even downright 'snob' and 'forcefull' after they have exercised their illuminating and energizing rays unto you. Well, the royal downside I guess.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Horus

[QUOTE=Rin Daemoko]

I like fatbastard's suggestion of asking a Solar deity. For me, I don't call on any specific deity, but rather I deal with the spiritual Sun itself. The core essence of our being that radiates regardless of what's going on in our heads. No matter how overcast the skies of our lives may be, that core keeps on going, never blinking out.[/QUOTE]I do daily Solar Adoration, do you think perhaps this should suffice. I do a two-fold one, as opposed to the four-fold one that most do... perhaps the feelings I have been getting relate to the "twilight" stage. I had a rather disturbing dream the other night, two of them in the same night rather - which along with the feelings have kind of inspired me to create this thread. Maybe I should just tough it out and see how things go (i.e. let the process unfold naturally)? It wasn't anything particularly disturbing, the feelings/dreams, it just left me feeling as if I should begin the process of identifying and integrating some of these nastier parts. Ah well, it doesn't hurt to gather information I guess... perhaps is part of the process.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Rin Daemoko

The Sun in its Twilight aspect rules the realm of dreams and mystery, so it is entirely plausible that what you experienced in your dreams is a natural part of your Sun's progression through its phases. The closer you get to the light, the greater your shadow becomes.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Tune Bender

Rin:

No, I don't think so. "Samscaras" maybe? That's what I was thinking of before, but wasn't sure. You know I should really just look it up, I have the book just a few feet away.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Rin Daemoko

Samscaras ... you'll have to give me a crash course in those.

I haven't heard of them before. I'm also guilty of not using

books that are but a few feet away from me ... if only they

could walk.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Tune Bender

Well, if I have the name right, Samscaras are big, lumbering personal pains we carry. Through meditation, we begin to shed away some lesser annoyances, only to reveal these big ugly guys. It is at this stage that we begin to tackle our true "inner demons".

Clear as mud?

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Daleth

As far as actually summoning and facing your inner daemons, here's a process I've heard of other people having some success with, although I haven't tried it for myself. The main problem with this process is that it is a significant challenge to your sanity. If you have any doubts that you're strong enough to undergo it, don't. It also requires someplace secluded from humanity. You don't want the cops popping in while you're undergoing this process, and you don't want thoughts about disturbing the neighbors preying on the back of your mind. From what I've heard, this process can take about a week or so.

The first step is determining what your inner demons are. You have to know yourself extremely well to perform this step successfully. On a sheet of paper, simply list them out. "Hatred of my father," "fear of success," whatever you might feel your inner demons are. Really dig for those ones you're hiding very deep, the ones that you're usually not even aware of.

Once this is done, you need to assign a name and a guise to each of these inner demons. There are far too many different methods of doing this for me to go into them all, so you can do your own research into naming and visualizing an entity, or just come up with your own method. Absolutely any way you want to do it, even if it's just giving each a random name and appearance, will work perfectly.

And the final step is the invocation of each of these demons. This is why you need to be secluded from humanity...You're liable to make a lot of noise and do some weird things during this process, and you really just do not want the police walking in on you. I know that it sounds weird to invoke things that are already inside you, but really it's more an act of bringing them to the surface. Whatever method or ritual of invocation you want to use is fine.

I'm going to say this one final time, however: going through this process is a deliberate challenge to your sanity. If you have any doubt whatsoever about the strength of your mind, do not undergo it. If you wind up in an asylum because of it, don't blame me.

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: The Rose

Well I have heard this process called facing your dark mother. When I heard about it I thought it was interesting but thought I wasn't strong enough to face her. I dug into myself but was planning to stop before I got to that point, but she wouldn't let me. She dragged me to face her kicking and screaming. It was horrible to say the least. Anyway the point is if your demons/dark mother wants you to face her then you have no choice. You don't have to do anything it'll happen anyways rather your prepared or want it to or not. Just remember what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Peace and Love and Good Luck, you'll need it

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Spacejack

[QUOTE=Daleth]

The first step is determining what your inner demons are. You have to know yourself extremely well to perform this step successfully. On a sheet of paper, simply list them out...

Once this is done, you need to assign a name and a guise to each of these inner demons...

And the final step is the invocation of each of these demons...

[/QUOTE]
I am involved in this process as we speak. It just seemed like a natural thing to do, to personify these Things inside of me, to bring them Out, and do Battle with them. I am not concerned for my sanity; I prefer a flexible/bendable/fluid concept of sanity and for me insanity is not really an issue.

But anyway, I think in many cases this process can be most damaging if we do not realize whether or not we really want our old haunts gone. For some people (myself in particular), some of these Things are more like old friends that keep me comfortable, like Inertia. Being an Earth sign, languishing in the bottom of a dark pit is sometimes easier and more preferable than being out under the bright active sun. I have to want to banish Inertia before He will ever really leave.