Tuning the Vortices

We have repeatedly, discussed that the primary form of contact between mind and the environment is the vortex. The vortical (that is, two-polar, closed-loop) movement of the environment is the first integral that arises in the process of the creation and manifestation of the world. In other words, as soon as mind and the environment — abstract and potential in themselves — take on reality through their interpenetration, a vortex of one scale or another forms: from the Universal whirlwind — Baphomet — to the tiniest volitional shards — larvae. Among modern theories, such a conception is most closely described by “string theory.”

At the level of the individual human being, the idea of personality, his logos, gives rise to an individual vortex — the “body of desires” — which, although it remains relatively stable throughout life, is rather unstable and sensitive to influences. Like any vortical structure, this “body” can include smaller vortices, assimilating them, either reorganizing them to its own pattern or adopting some of their qualities, and it can be incorporated into larger (egregoric) structures.

The development, maintenance and refinement of the body of desires is no less important than care for other conduits of consciousness.

Developing the stream of awareness happens precisely through the refinement of its conduits, since mind itself is free, homogeneous and without qualities.

In this sense it can be said that traditional Magical Practice is a technology for perfecting the body of desires through its interaction with other carefully chosen vortices under controlled ritual conditions.

Exactly which vortices, under what conditions and for what purposes are drawn into such interactions largely determines a Magus’s success, since it is not hard to see that any interaction between two vortices affects each of them, and such interaction can be of two kinds — exchange or inductive.

In exchange interaction energy flows between vortices — either a roughly equivalent exchange, or — more often — the one vortex absorbs much or all energy of part (or even all) of the other’s energy.

In an inductive interaction, tuning occurs — an alteration of certain vortex parameters (mutual adjustment or the fitting of one to the characteristics of the other), without direct energy exchange.

It is clear that protective circles, amulets and other methods of energy control in rituals are intended to minimize energy exchange, since both the “capture” of foreign energy and losing one’s own are equally undesirable for the Magus.

At the same time, properly conducted induction, by contrast, provides a valuable opportunity for the development and (if necessary) transformation of both one’s own and other vortices.

Of particular interest is the induction of changes in the body of desires under the influence of self-generated constructive vortices. This can occur in various theurgical operations and practices of the “yoga of the deities“. Virtually all methods of activating the higher matrices of consciousness also include modifications of the body of desires, and often of other conduits as well, up to the “remelting” of the physical body itself into the so-called “rainbow”.

For the Magus it is important to take this vortical aspect of interactions into account, both in everyday life and in ritual contacts. Monitoring changes in the body of desires, assessing its energy level and harmony are, of course, crucial not only for the holistic maintenance of a person’s psychophysical health, but also for their proper development.