"to know, to dare, to will, and to keep silent."
The creed "to know, to dare, to will, and to keep silent" is a core principle in many magical traditions, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and its offshoots. Each of the four elements of this creed represents an important aspect of magical practice.
To Know: This element represents the importance of knowledge and understanding in magical practice. To be an effective magician, one must have a deep understanding of magical theory, as well as practical skills in areas such as ritual, meditation, and divination. This includes studying the history and philosophy of magic, as well as developing a strong intuition and sensitivity to subtle energies.
To Dare: This element represents the importance of taking bold and courageous action in magical practice. In order to manifest change in the world, a magician must be willing to take risks and step outside their comfort zone. This might involve performing complex rituals, working with difficult spirits or entities, or facing personal fears and obstacles.
To Will: This element represents the importance of focused intent and willpower in magical practice. A magician must be able to direct their energy and intent towards a specific goal or outcome, with unwavering determination and persistence. This involves developing a strong sense of personal power and agency, as well as the ability to work with different levels of consciousness and awareness.
To Keep Silent: This element represents the importance of discretion and secrecy in magical practice. In order to be effective, a magician must be able to keep their intentions and activities hidden from others who may seek to interfere or undermine their work. This involves cultivating a sense of inner stillness and detachment, as well as developing strong ethical principles and a sense of responsibility for one's actions.
Overall, the creed "to know, to dare, to will, and to keep silent" represents a comprehensive approach to magical practice that emphasizes the importance of knowledge, action, intention, and discretion. By following these principles, a magician can achieve their goals and manifest their desires in the world.
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Can you explain what "strange doctrines" might be, in relation to this topic?
The term "strange doctrines" refers to beliefs or teachings that are considered unusual, unconventional, or outside the mainstream. In the context of magic and the occult, this might include ideas such as the existence of supernatural entities or forces, the possibility of communicating with the dead or with spirits, or the use of ritual or symbolic practices to manipulate reality.
In some cases, the term "strange doctrines" may be used pejoratively to describe beliefs or practices that are viewed as dangerous, heretical, or unorthodox. For example, during the Inquisition in Europe, many people were accused of practicing "strange doctrines" related to witchcraft or other forms of magic, and were often subjected to torture and execution as a result.
However, within the context of magical traditions and communities, the term "strange doctrines" may be used more neutrally to describe teachings or practices that are unconventional or challenging. For example, some magical groups may explore non-traditional paths or incorporate elements from different traditions, which could be considered "strange" from a more orthodox perspective.
Ultimately, the definition of "strange doctrines" is subjective and depends on the beliefs and values of the individual or community in question. What may be considered strange or unorthodox to one person or group may be completely normal or acceptable to another.
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Eliphas Levi was said to have strange doctrines, can you expand upon this?
Eliphas Levi, whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant, was a 19th-century French occultist and writer who is often credited with helping to popularize magical and occult ideas in Europe. His work, which drew from a variety of sources including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Freemasonry, was highly influential in the development of later occult movements such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
Levi's teachings and ideas were considered "strange" and unconventional in his own time, and continue to be viewed as controversial and challenging by many today. Some of his key doctrines include:
The idea of the "astral light": Levi believed that there was a kind of universal energy or force that permeated the cosmos, which he called the "astral light". He believed that this energy could be manipulated through ritual and magical practice to achieve various effects.
The concept of the "Great Work": Levi saw the practice of magic as a means of achieving spiritual transformation and enlightenment. He referred to this process as the "Great Work", and believed that it involved a combination of self-discovery, spiritual development, and magical practice.
The role of symbolism: Levi emphasized the importance of symbolism in magical practice, and believed that symbols could be used to access deeper levels of consciousness and spiritual awareness. He was particularly interested in the Tarot, which he saw as a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The idea of a universal religion: Levi believed that all religions and spiritual traditions ultimately shared a common core of wisdom and truth, and that the goal of spiritual practice was to uncover this universal wisdom. He saw the practice of magic as a means of accessing this wisdom and integrating it into one's life.
Overall, Levi's teachings and ideas were considered "strange" in his own time because they challenged many of the conventional beliefs and practices of mainstream European society. Today, his work continues to be influential in the development of modern occultism and magical practice.
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Who was Ganneau that Levi followed?
Ganneau, or Charles Clermont-Ganneau (1846-1923), was a French archaeologist, epigrapher, and scholar of Semitic languages. He was particularly interested in the history and culture of the ancient Near East, and conducted extensive research on the archaeology and epigraphy of Palestine and Syria.
Eliphas Levi, whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant, was an admirer of Ganneau's work, and was particularly interested in his research on the Qabbalah and the relationship between Judaism and other Near Eastern religions. In his book "The History of Magic", Levi cites Ganneau's research on Jewish mysticism and the origins of the Qabbalah, and praises his scholarship and erudition.
However, it's worth noting that while Levi was influenced by Ganneau's work, the two men had very different views and beliefs. Levi was a practitioner of magic and occultism, and saw the Qabbalah as a key tool for spiritual development and transformation. Ganneau, on the other hand, was a secular scholar who saw the Qabbalah and other mystical traditions as objects of academic study, rather than as spiritual practices in their own right.
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Levi was said to be a writer of Catholic propaganda, can you elaborate on this?
There is some debate among scholars about the extent to which Eliphas Levi's writings can be classified as "Catholic propaganda". Some critics have argued that his work reflects a strong Catholic influence, and that he sought to promote Catholic theology and values through his writings on magic and the occult.
One of the key pieces of evidence cited in support of this view is Levi's early career as a Catholic priest. Prior to his involvement in occultism, Levi was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1854, and served briefly as a parish priest before leaving the Church. Some have argued that his Catholic background and training may have influenced his later writings, and that he saw his work on magic and the occult as a way of reconciling his Catholic faith with his interests in mysticism and esotericism.
However, others have argued that Levi's work is much more complex and multifaceted than a simple exercise in Catholic propaganda. While it's true that his writings frequently incorporate Christian imagery and language, they also draw on a wide variety of other sources, including Hermeticism, Kabbalah, and Freemasonry. Moreover, his work often challenges conventional Christian beliefs and practices, and emphasizes the importance of individual spiritual experience and self-discovery.
In short, while there may be some elements of Catholic propaganda in Levi's work, it is also characterized by a deep and nuanced engagement with a wide range of esoteric and mystical traditions.
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In one of Levi's rituals he says to recite a magical hymn containing verses from the psalms of David? Do you know the hymn and can you provide the psalm referred to?
Eliphas Levi incorporated many different rituals and practices into his work, and it's possible that he referenced a variety of psalms from the Book of Psalms in his magical hymns. Without further information, it's difficult to say exactly which hymn and psalm he might have been referring to.
However, it's worth noting that the Book of Psalms has a long history of use in various forms of magic and ritual practice. In some traditions, specific psalms are associated with particular goals or intentions, such as protection, healing, or prosperity. Practitioners may recite these psalms as a form of prayer or incantation, with the belief that they have the power to effect change in the world.
If you are interested in exploring the use of psalms in magic and ritual practice, there are many resources available online and in print that can provide more information. Some examples include:
"The Magic of the Psalms" by Ophiel
"The Complete Book of Psalms for Magic" by William Alexander Oribello
"Secrets of the Psalms" by Godfrey Selig
"Hoodoo Bible Magic: Sacred Secrets of Scriptural Sorcery" by Miss Michaele and Professor Charles Porterfield
It's important to note that while the use of psalms in magic and ritual practice is a longstanding tradition, it is not universally accepted or endorsed by all practitioners of magic or esotericism. As with any form of spiritual practice, it's important to approach it with discernment, mindfulness, and respect.
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