Inspiration and Obsession
We have already discussed how important inspiration is for the Magus. Yet a quite different phenomenon — obsession — is frequently mistaken for inspiration.
Let us try to clarify the difference between these two states.
Both inspiration and obsession denote a transfer of the source of the mind’s activity from the personality that currently dominates the Psychocosmos to something outside it.
Inspiration is a state in which the personality draws creative forces from the hierarchy of Logoi, with the personality itself taking the leading role and thus initiating the flow of Power. Obsession, by contrast, is a condition in which the personality is subordinate, follows someone else’s rules, and is used as a source of Power.
The sources of obsession may be rooted either within the Psychocosmos or outside it.
However, regardless of origin, the principal consequence of obsession is loss of Power.
Inner predators that impose inefficient patterns of behavior on the personality, leading to loss of Power, are experienced by the personality as intrusive thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Popular opinion treats such “obsession with ideas,” “absorption in goals” almost as a human virtue, portraying this spiritual disease as a noble ascent.
Yet obsession with inner predators is the lesser problem. The Psychocosmos is also inhabited by helpful infra-personalities, daemons and «Guardian Angels», whose voices can halt the mad rush into the void — if one can discern them amid the cacophony of the predators’ voices.
In fact, obsession often stems from external forces, all of which are traditionally grouped under the general name «Ibbur», a “graft.”
Unlike the inhabitants of the Psychocosmos, who are usually not interested in the destruction of their world or in excessive loss of the mind’s Power, these predators devour Power according to the principle “the more — the better,” driving the mind toward disintegration and irreversible changes that demand cessation of embodiment.
Moreover, Ibbur is by no means always an aggressive seizure and enslavement of the personality, as in the classical variant of demonic possession.
The Magus faces far greater danger from invaders who disguise themselves as friends and helpers.
Magical Wayfarers often say that they have certain “Masters on the subtle planes.” The words of these “Masters” are accepted with little critical scrutiny, and anyone who doubts their exalted authority is promptly ostracized.
Nevertheless, Thomas Aquinas already formulated a very important idea: «An angel is no better a teacher of theology than a fish is of ichthyology», meaning that each level of mind develops according to its own laws.
Traditional convictions on this matter are equally unequivocal: Man must learn from man.
This is not the whim of greedy teachers seeking to recruit as many pupils as possible; it is a vital idea born of centuries of experience in the struggle against the devourers of Power.
One might ask — what is wrong if a person hears “voices” instructing how to live and act? Indeed — nothing is wrong, provided those voices come from the native and legitimate inhabitants of one’s Psychocosmos.
But often, if one listens closely, one perceives first the external origin of these “voices,” and second, the falsity of their “teachings.”
Of course, such “Masters” who steal energy are extremely reluctant to be exposed as deceitful. They expend considerable effort to convince their “donor” of their loyalty, friendliness, and wisdom. And that is precisely their weak point — they lose their composure the moment their greatness is questioned.
If Guardian Spirits, the legitimate helpers of the personality, treat it with tolerance and unfailing benevolence regardless of its state and attitude toward them, then the “implanted” “Masters” reveal their predatory snarl as soon as the personality withholds energetic sustenance from them. Even for a moment, they become what they truly are — parasites hostile to life itself.
There are numerous cases in which various “mahatmas” have begun to threaten and even bring real misfortunes against a person who doubted their rightful authority over their energy.
Unfortunately, many who set out on the Way of magic are already infected by such parasites. They must struggle seriously for independence, for the purity of their energies, and for authority over their Psychocosmos. Cleansing rituals serve this purpose, which usually mark the beginning of the Traditional Way of magic.
You have to take a lot upon yourself to cite E.P. Blavatsky as obsessed. And why not attribute Crowley who communicated with ‘Lao Tzu’, or say Alice Bailey or maybe Ledbetter, Besant, Francia La Due… no, it had to be Elena Petrovna…
Personally, I am not familiar with Blavatsky’s works, but looking at her photographs, I get unpleasant impressions and repelling sensations. So I don’t want to get to know her better.
Perhaps the most prolific writers, the most talkative ‘gurus,’ and the most popular promoters of anything are nothing more than a communication channel for some higher Intelligence, relative to humans, which, while fulfilling its own evolutionary task, introduces new and necessary concepts and meanings into our world. It is possible that the consciousness of these people is completely empty, transparent, and unobstructed, conducting the necessary formations and information into our world. I’ve always found E.A. Poe’s face surprising; in my subjective view, it’s not at all consistent with his literary reputation as a ‘great master.’ ) And the face of Blavatsky and her entire fantastic personal story have also ceased to be taken seriously for some time now. ‘…If the stars are lit, it means someone needs them…’
Very Wise! Thank you