Gates of the Horizon
We have already discussed repeatedly, considering the objective and subjective realms as heterogeneous spaces experiencing the influences of various formative and destructive forces, the Hermetic Myth introduces the concept of the “Horizon” (Gk. Choros, χορός, Egyp. Akhet, Heb. Ofek, אופק), i.e., the Boundary that separates the space of materiality or psyche in which the laws in effect are relatively homogeneous and predictable, from the regions where other forces and regularities act.
In other words, placing an observer at one point in space, one can envision a sphere around them that is comprehensible to the observer and therefore suitable for living and subject to their control.
Therefore, one can say that both the psyche and the objective Universe are such a conditional sphere of the “understandable”, beyond which lie immeasurable regions of the Unknown, the Unthinkable, the Indeterminate — all that which is traditionally called the “Interval”, the “Duat”.
At the same time, we drew attention to the fact that imagining the Horizon as some kind of “membrane”, wall, or shell — that is, something thin, two-dimensional, and tangible — is not quite correct; it would be more accurate to describe it as a special “hyperspace”, a zone (or zones) of instability — that is, “places”, “points”, or even “events” that lead to contact and interpenetration of known, definite reality with potential or unthinkable reality. In this sense, the Horizon simply names that contact, of the very act of interaction; that is, every time reality collides with the Interval, the actual with the potential, or the known with the indescribable, we can speak of interaction with the Boundary.
That is precisely why the Horizon is also described as a set of Gates (Sha’arim, שערים), where each Gate is an act of contact of the known with the unknown.
Since, from a magical point of view, every phenomenon can be described as the result of the action of some will, one can say that any process is both energy and action of some being (or entity).
From this perspective, each Gate is objectified in its “active”, “volitional” form as a Gatekeeper (consiliarius), and is “guarded” from two sides respectively by the “locking”, consolidating force — an Angel, and by an opening force — a Genius of energy (or mind) — a Genius.
We discussed that, in this case, the Genius of the Gates is their “ideal”, potential permeability (the so-called “conductor” — the “ostiarius”), whereas the actual energy flow through Gates is distorted, and therefore in reality the so-called “Goetic demons” (or kidemons) are the gatekeepers who “unlock” the Gates. In addition, we said that at the level of “objective” reality the flow of energy through the Gates is regulated by the Archons, who are regarded as the forces of the primary generation of this reality.
We have often noted that from a practical point of view it is precisely the study of the influence, properties, and qualities of kidemons that is the most important part of magical practice, since resistance to them underlies one of the two basic strategies — purification of mind and world.
At the same time, errors in Goetic practice can also lead to contact with the Gate Angels (porta angeli), who, being just as nondual, uncompromising, and “hostile to freedom” as kidemons, can inflict severe damage on the psyche of the unlucky operator.
Precisely because the task of the Gate Angels is to limit the contact of reality with the potential field, interaction with this group of forces cannot contribute much to evolution; the Angels “lock” reality (at the level of matter or mind) in the form in which it is at that moment, and therefore offer no opportunity for development nor a chance to correct errors.
The only situation in which contact with portal angels is justified is during an active demonic invasion, when it is necessary to firmly “seal” the mind or an object in order to prevent it falling under the destructive forces. However, even in this case it is important to remember that such “therapy” in the long term can have tragic or even fatal consequences.
Nevertheless, if the operator still considers such an influence justified, they should compile the names of the angels being invoked. And if the names, mottos, and epithets of kidemons, epikletes, and many other forces of the Horizon/Interval are well developed and repeatedly tested, then the nominative magic for Gate Angels remains fragmentary.
Note that the keys to it are given by the “Ars Paulina”, various manuscripts/editions of which provide different lists of the “spirits of degrees” — those “elemental vortices” from which the bodies of both kidemons and angeli porta are composed, and using notaricons of these names (significant experimental experience is required here) can provide a basis for constructing the names of Angels.
In any case, it is important to understand that any situation of instability, any act of creativity, any cognitive activity involves contact with the Gates’ energies, and therefore is, on the one hand, can enable expansion and development of the existing state of the world or mind, but on the other hand is also a danger of its destruction (or “locking”), depending on which forces (wills, matrices) will be involved and activated. That is why, for a Magus, the study of the structure and functions of the Gates, understanding the features of the forces involved in them, and their influence on being and mind is crucial.
From your other materials, I understood that there are 72 such Gates. Do they have their own names that define their differences and methods of interaction?
Yes, there are 72 Gates available to human consciousness. The methods of interaction with them are dedicated to the compilation of the “Lemegeton.”
Tell me, Master! Is it not necessary to understand who is striking it to carry the shield?
Absolutely, since there are no universal shields. Different predators should be compared not with different types of striking weapons, from which, indeed, the same shield could protect, but with different types of attacks – striking, chemical, bacterial, radiation, etc. And it’s clear that biological protective means would not save from bullets, and a suit from radiation would hardly help against a rocket.
I understand. We all get what we fear the most. And then another moves on.
We all ‘miss’ those blows we are least prepared for, as it is the level of preparation, training that matters, not just expectations or representations.
Hello, Enmerkar.
Am I correct in understanding that when certain gates are destroyed, the collective psychocosmos begins to be filled with the currents of energy inherent to the corresponding demon, which were not previously present in this psychocosmos, creating appropriate thought patterns, such as collective ideologies, political movements, and various kinds of discoveries – everything that will contribute to the manifestation of this demon and turn into its tools in people’s minds? For example, could the invention of the atomic bomb, biological weapons, or military propaganda be a consequence of the opening of some of these gates? And if the corresponding gates remain closed, do people’s thought streams simply not ‘flow’ along certain channels? If the gates open in the consciousness of one person, does this discovery affect the state of the general collective field?
Hello.
the demon, the destructive matrix, is not something separate from the psyche (and from physics too); it is a type of distortion, a way of the world or consciousness working non-optimally. Therefore, it is more accurate to speak not of the ‘penetration’ of the demon into consciousness, but rather of the activation of a destructive matrix there. We said (https://en.enmerkar.com/magus-way/sushhestva-i-matricy) that the demon as a being is a ‘full’ bearer of such a matrix, and ‘possession’ (https://en.enmerkar.com/magus-way/omrachenie-navazhdenie-i-oderzhanie) is a significant activity of the matrix in another consciousness, which leads to energy being drained towards such an ‘ideal’ destructive bearer.
Thus, when we talk about the ‘opening of the Gates,’ we mean precisely such a redistribution of energy in consciousness or the world, which facilitates/encourages the activation of the destructive matrix.
It’s amazing how a person can be a bifurcation point… it’s written right there!
In principle, everything is logical; a closed world = a closed consciousness. Essentially, they are exiles here. The power of human consciousness is limited due to many mistakes. If born with a deviation – able to look Beyond; if not – live standardly. Everything depends on the properties.
I got a bit distracted from the topic.
It is interesting, of course, that the field of potentials looks like a mosaic field, and understanding consists of embedded geometric figures. That is, we think symbolically. Here is where mathematics is needed. The matrix has certain proportions.
Enmerkar, what do you think, how important is it to know mathematical laws in the understanding of the matrix? Or why do we think in symbols?
Hello, I am looking for a teacher and protector during my period of getting back on my feet – because I am constantly being beaten and have no strength to stand on my own without external help. But I have power. I am like a battery.
Hello, Enmerkar. Everyone has their own birth horoscope and unique imprint of the universe’s force that regulates the individual perception map of the world and reactions to external factors. The location of planets in certain points of the zodiac corresponding to specific gates of the psychocosmos reflect both demon and genius. Can it be said that under the influence, for example, of transit aspects to one of the natal planets, one can consider it a deep trigger influencing possible distortion or manifestation of creative activity in a certain property of the angel at the degree in which the planet will express the role of the dynamic manifestation of this property?
Hello. As is known, ‘the stars incline us, but do not compel us,’ therefore, those ‘imprints’ of the state of the Universe that each of us inevitably carries create preconditions for certain circumstances. However, which of them actually materializes and to what extent depends on our will and our karma. Therefore, one can speak to some degree that a person is ‘by nature’ more prone to some distractors or, conversely, to certain talents, but the choice remains with the individual.
Hello, Enmerkar. You have provided the most comprehensive anatomy and description of vortices and their carriers compared to other sources I have encountered. One question arises concerning the time of influence. In the New Lemegeton, you present the table of Lenan but do not reference it. According to Lenan, the time of influence begins at 00:00 hours, and the hour is divided into equal segments of 10 minutes per genius/demon. But why is it so and not based on the magical hour from sunset to sunrise as in Jewish tradition, or from sunrise to sunset as in European tradition since this is more relevant from the perspective of stellar time? Moreover, since Lenan indicates the days of influence statically without considering the actual entry of the sun into the degree of beginning the influence of the vortex. If possible, please clarify this issue as it is a very important factor in the topic discussed here.
That is why I do not comment on this table, as it serves an exclusively illustrative purpose – how one can approach the construction of the time of influence. However, I personally would use a different ‘time breakdown’ system, and therefore I recommend that the reader ponder this topic independently.