Magic and Energetics
Modern methods of transcending the ordinary are, more often than not, based on widening the range of perception of elements already included within humanity’s commonly accepted worldview.
Seeing the Aura, the study of “anomalous zones,” objects capable of emitting various energies, megalithic structures, and so on — is founded on a quantitative increase in capabilities present in the human and not contradicting their goals. Let us call the entire set of such approaches “Energetics” and examine its relation to Magic.
Despite the quasi-magical nature of these “energetic” domains of knowledge and their undeniable value in breaking the shackles of dogmatic thinking of a narrow worldview, they, nevertheless, differ fundamentally from Magic both in their initial premises and in their method.
Magic is a means of developing consciousness beyond the limits imposed by human nature. In other words — Magic is an influence directly on the mind, whereas “Energetics” acts upon the Conductors of the mind.
Extrasensory perception, parapsychology and other “paranormal” sciences are aimed at expanding a person’s capacities within a person’s natural limits. It is no accident that they typically operate with a “scientific” picture of the world, within which they construct their explanations.
Magic is a step into the unknown; “Energetics” is an expansion of known limits.
Nevertheless, it is clear that in many real situations Magical and “energetic” approaches are combined.
A striking example of such a fusion is the use of Cromlechs or other megalithic constructions.
On the one hand, such structures were always built at Places of Power that expand awareness. On the other hand, the power of these places is often due to energy emissions of a purely physical nature. And thirdly — Megaliths, large, specially chosen stones — are able, first, to affect the mind directly by interacting with their resident spirits, and second, to emit energies that act on the mind’s Conductors.
Accordingly, when performing a ritual in such a place, a Magus experiences the influence of all these components and must use them effectively to achieve their goal. At the same time, a parapsychologist or a psychic interacting with a megalith deals only with the “physical” component of its influence. This somewhat narrows the possibilities for development.
The same situation applies to many methods of working with the life force that are common today. They can be part of the Magical Way, complementing mental development with the development of the Conductors, or they can be an independent field aimed solely at refining the Conductors.
However, one should not assume that “Energetics” is “worse” or “better” than Magic. These ways are different, but the difference is not hierarchical.
A Magus who develops the mind and pays no attention to its Conductors is unlikely to succeed. Likewise, a parapsychologist or a psychic, or an Eastern martial arts practitioner, who do not develop the mind, will not progress beyond exotic pastimes.
In other words, the whole question is what appeals more to an individual — to develop the mind or its Conductor, to live in an infinitely deep world, or in multiple worlds.
So it can be said that the transition to Magic is a transition to a completely different Life and Reality. And going into Magic to resolve your life problems (of this world) and fulfill your current desires is completely illogical.
Absolutely right.
On Power. It turns out that Power is not just an energetic component that merely provides ‘fuel’ for actions (realization). Power has some personal characteristics (it calls, it guides). So what or Who is Power exactly?
Power is not “fuel”, nor is it a personality. Power is a characteristic of consciousness. And when it is said that Power “calls” or “leads” – it is not meant that it acts volitionally. This is just a beautiful way of speaking. When it is said “Power leads” it refers to a complex process that is tied to the fact that consciousness, being in the flow of Power – that is, in that series of actions leading to its expansion – only feels comfortable in that flow, and deviating from the flow experiences difficulties. Therefore, the flow of Power is the most effective way of its existence. But to avoid falling into such lengthy explanations, it is customary to say: “Power leads”.
What does Carlos Castaneda’s teachings relate more to, Energy or Magic?
Sometimes it feels like consciousness in the flow of power – is not only yours, there is some ‘other’ consciousness too.
Is a computer (machine, and in general any device) a conduit of awareness? If one masters a computer perfectly, does that mean influencing consciousness deeply in this sphere? Deeply – specialization, but if at the same time one forgets about the whole, this “specialization” becomes meaningless? Oh! I’m sorry, I don’t know if I managed to formulate the question correctly.
I think for harmonious development it is necessary not to fall into extremes and not to get too absorbed in something one-sided, but to develop both consciousness and its conduits, the body, which do not interfere but instead complement and contribute to each other. Moreover, the consciousness itself is also one of the conduits of Will, just like everything else. These are all, so to speak, aspects of a unified whole, each of which solves its tasks, thus for full existence and realization, comprehensive harmonious development is essential.