1) A note from the Tutor.
I look forward to taking a sabbatical from my self imposed
exile in the ivory tower of esoteric research and engaging
once again with those who would practise the strange art and
science of magic.
I hope to inspire at least some people to discover something
to amaze everyone involved, including myself. Expect the unexpected.
The adventure begins in known territory, but with the hope
of reaching the unknown. Participants can enhance their chances
of success by cooperating with each other, so they should give
regular feedback in the discussion periods.
I intend to use sections from Liber
Null & Psychonaut and from Liber
Kaos as our starting points for study. Each
week participants may also perform recommended practical activities
drawn mainly from these sources but also including the Ouranos
and Cthonos Rites by me, available on disc. Participants should
regard the practical exercises as optional extras and they
should not feel under any pressure to use them if they find
them disturbing.
I have conducted research continually since writing the two
books, and I may present revised ideas on some of the topics
mentioned therein.
The eight week course begins with the working assumption that
magic does actually work. I prefer to leave the topic of how
magic works until we have looked at some of the techniques
and tried them out. Suffice to say for the moment that I reject
the idea that magic requires the agency of gods and spirits
and demons. Anyone who actually does believe that unconditionally
should perhaps avoid this course.
I would like to challenge participants who have English as their
first language to avoid using the words 'is', 'was' and 'will'
(as in will be), in their exchanges during the discussions. This
discipline has several surprisingly useful effects on one's thought
processes. |
2) The Syllabus.
At the beginning of each week I intend to release a page or
so of introductory material about the topic for the week. This
will include the chapter references in the two course books
and references to the practical exercises for the week. Sometimes
I may offer additional optional references for those with the
time to read around the subject further.
Week 1. Enchantment. Making things happen by magic. Practical
spell casting.
Week 2. Divination. Finding things out by magic. Practical
divination.
Week 3. Magical Theory. How can it work, and how does it work?
Practical meditation.
Week 4. Evocation. Creating magical servitors. Practical 'spirit'
manufacture.
Week 5. Invocation. Accessing alternative states of consciousness.
Practical psychonautics.
Week 6 Magical Philosophy. The magical view of life. Practical
meditation.
Week 7. Illumination. Exploring your own path. Practical ritual.
Week 8. Conclusions. Integrating the lessons. Mega Ritual. |
