On Guard at the Gates

The notion of the threshold, the limit that separates energies in their distinct existence and their complexes — as vessels for the actualization of the potentials of the Great Spirit — is one of the key concepts in the magical myth.

On the one hand, maintaining the integrity of the Threshold is a necessary condition of any manifested individual existence. On the other — the Great Spirit is one and universal, and any demarcation within It is conditional and secondary.

This binary is reflected in the system of Gatekeeper gods, one of whom holds the Threshold inviolate, while the other channels the flow of Power through it.

Naturally, the microcosmic mind also includes these principles.

When the inclusion and assimilation of energies take place, the mind must be as self-directed and focused as possible — that is, guided by Veles’ principle governing its functioning.

At the same time, before and after that assimilation — first to seize new elements, and then to expand itself — the mind must cross the Threshold, that is, use the Semargl component.

If the Threshold becomes excessively rigid, insurmountable, the mind will suffocate in its own ossification. This usually occurs in the human world, when people are effectively in a chronically fearful, emotionally starved state, deprived of a living flow of power and blinkered by their limitations.

If, on the other hand, the Threshold becomes too thin, there will be a mixing of energies, and individual existence will cease before completing its realization — the vessel will shatter, failing to fulfill its task, and thus the Monad will not receive the necessary realization and will be forced to begin the process anew.

Identifying and actualizing the Veles–Semargl binary is a key task in forming an effective Psychocosmos.

On the one hand, a Magus must cultivate their separateness, the purity of their energies and not allow them to mix with what is disharmonious for them. Neglect of this principle leads to the accumulation of elements that weaken each other within the mind, a reduction in efficiency and loss of power.

On the other hand — the magical way as such begins with the opening of the vessel, establishing a connection between the actual and potential states of the Psychocosmos.

Moreover, all actions of the Magus are “forays into the darkness” of the Unknown — that is, overcoming the threshold.

A Magus must not destroy, shatter or perforate the Vessel of their mind. On the contrary, they must keep it whole and strong. Yet the vessel should, from time to time, be opened in a controlled way, be allowed to expand and develop.

Myth never speaks of destroying walls. It speaks of the necessity of Gates — that is, control over crossings.

Magi often fall into the trap of one of the poles of the binary — either they close themselves off excessively and ossify, or they fail to watch the gates of their mind closely enough and lose their self-identity.

Every outward exit must be followed by a return and the closing of the gates. Every new element must not merely be perceived and brought into the mind; it must be assimilated, that is, incorporated into the overall system as a harmonious, useful component that aids further development.

A Magus must not take the next step until the lessons of the previous step are fully learned but must not delay when the system is ready for further expansion.

A high degree of control over the gates of the mind is essential for development, ensuring the most effective use of the possibilities and resources available in the current incarnation.