Magickal Alignment: The Higher SELF

Posted on August 28, 2017 by themagickalpen

imgres-2

I Will Become

The first two posts of the Magickal Alignment series moved through the energies of the Lower and Middle Selves; each informing and feeding the other and each a vital component in the synthesis of the whole or individualized being. The lines of communication are continually subject to interpretation and as the seeker develops a broader vocabulary of experience and knowing, the dialogue becomes deeper and more satisfying in exchange, which makes it ultimately more effective in supporting a pattern of growth that is of spiritual substance.

This work of establishing effective communication is the work of a lifetime (s). The command of the Great Work to Know Thyself is the work of bringing all the bits and pieces of ourselves into collaboration with one another. As we approach the third piece of this synthesis there is the paradoxical dialogue that may now occur between three streams of input. This third side shifts and changes in accord with the demands of consciousness required and it is this trinity of dexterity that creates equal, yet very disparate partners in the aspiration towards the Higher SELF….

The Higher SELF
I Will Become

The Higher or Mental SELF acts as the super (Higher) consciousness within the individual. It knows the results of the subconscious desire working upon the conscious mind and has now moved beyond this point of awareness having transcended to a place of “knowing it will be”. This Higher Self has developed a state of “awareness” that is in accord with the Universal Laws and flow of energy and from that awareness evolves the Higher Will. It is not the will of baser ego, but instead the Will to create, to manifest to exist. This is the part of Self that is not confined by the bounds of linear time and space. This is the aspect of ourselves that we open up to more fully as we develop and shape our Magickal/Spiritual Self.

Although, we might think of this Higher SELF as being the seat of conscience and ethical judgement, that is not its function. Primarily, because this higher resonance of consciousness has no need for those barometers of action are the byproducts of an ego that has not fully actualized. Ego, in and of itself is neither bad nor good and in spiritual pursuits, it has largely gotten a bad rap as being a detriment to spiritual progress. Ego, that is based in Lower Self needs and tied to the laws and bounds of physical world gratification can hinder movement towards a broader and more inclusive perspective. Ego in this state is me-oriented and as such in its most invasive form presents as arrogance and tyranny.

However, if we allow ego to evolve as we open to greater understanding, that ego is precisely what is needed to bring us to the realization that we are indeed vessels of the Divine. That we are part of a collective sea of creation and that we are also co-creators in this process. The sea is not the sea without each and every single drop of water that forms it. This is Ego that knows its true place in the unfolding of that which is greater than the singularity of itself; yet dependent upon that singularity to Become. It is through this transformation of ego and the personality that is attached to that ego, that we are able to open the bridge of communication to all levels of being.

When we are in communion with our Higher SELF, we are connecting to the potential of creation. The Middle Self was the holder of our emotions and the feeling center. These feelings have become the fuel of desire to know the deeper mysteries of all that comprises our space of awareness. It is from the refining and opening to these waters through the work of the Middle Self that the seed of thought – the first spark of Life – may implant its idea as it animates the consciousness into a state of creative outpouring.

The anchoring of this spark of potential lay in the work of the Lower Self. The Lower Self focused on what we acquire and how that acquisition is attained. This primal need to have was drawn into the container of the Middle self and takes on new light as desire becomes informed by the process of the input of the Higher/Mental self that sorts and filters. As each is drawn into the other, what emerges is the product of the Middle self in the form of aspirations, hopes, dreams and the promise of potential that has been realized in the liminal space of Higher Mind.

The Higher SELF is typified by:

  • Personality has dropped away and Ego becomes the realization of Divinity held within
  • Experience informed by Higher Mind and Higher Heart interfaced with the Limitless All
  • Increased perception and heightened awareness/sensitivity
  • Greater depth of expression of all facets of experience- As above, So below!

It is…

The Illuminated Self that is imagined as the body of light that vibrates and resonates with a consciousness that has Will-full-y created it. We continually move through varying states of consciousness as we act in our mundane and spiritual worlds.

The Higher SELF Accesses the Five Alchemical Parts of SELF to Communicate:

Earth – The physical form becomes the vehicle of manifestation
Air – The word brings into being the product of our desire
Fire – The Divine spark enlivens and maintains life
Water – The Higher Heart develops which gives way to greater intuitive nature

Spirit – The primal urge to return to the source of our being- the primal drive that sets us upon a spiritual path of seeking deeper understanding and knowledge- NOW with the capacity to envision what and how the Spirit interacts and impacts all experience.

The Energetic Directive of the Higher SELF and The Chakras:
Throat – Third Eye – Crown – Transpersonal

The Higher SELF uses as its vehicles of communication the subtle bodies and the energy vortices, inclusive of the chakras. In particular the three higher chakras act to provide a light rail (Transpersonal) leading to the landing pad (Crown) for Divine Communion. Once the passenger has arrived, he/she expresses the details of the journey, the anticipated final destination and more (Throat) to all who interact with this individual.

The Higher SELF holds the potential for Creation and the memory of all that was, is and will be as it draws from the gnosis of cosmic consciousness. We call to the Higher SELF to inform our actions that they may be in accord with the best outcome for all. We open to the Higher SELF to serve as liaison between what is human and what is Divine. We invoke our Higher SELF as the ideal of our spiritual and magickal practice. And, we acknowledge the Higher SELF as the co-creator in fulfilling the Great Work of attuning to our highest potential.

From this perspective The Great Work is that of acting in reciprocity as Integration of the Lower and Middle Selves occurs and the pathways of deeper communication are made readily available in acknowledgment of the spark of the Divine held within.

An Exercise of Realizing the Higher SELF

For this post’s experience I have chosen a pathworking. This may seem on the surface to be an exploration of the Shadow, but if you heed what has presented thus far, you will see that there are many keys and paths used to unlock the mysteries of the Light aspect of your Being. The Shadow is both Light and dark, as are all aspects of our psycho-spiritual blueprint. The Higher SELF/Body of Light also contains darkness- for without knowledge of that darkness, how can we know its polarity of light? The MIddle Self is the conduit and conductor of expression for both of these paradoxical natures. And, when we engage all three, in varying and fluctuating degrees we reach the point of union of Spirit and Matter.

Now with those seeds of concept planted within your consciousness, breathe deeply and begin your….

The Journey of the Shadow

Next Post:
The Spiritual SELF
The Divine Spark
I AM

Posted in Awareness, Magickal Alignment, Pathworking | 2 Comments

Catching Up!

Posted on December 26, 2015 by themagickalpen

51-465x620

I am behind in my posts and I wanted to let you all know why. In the past several months, I have been busy in the process of hiving and birthing a new coven – Coven of the Mystic Path.

This coven came into being at the Winter Solstice!

Read more about this auspicious energy here…

Temple of the Cosmic Spheres: All Systems, Go!

My thanks to you all for being patient during this process and please check back on January 1.2016 as we continue this adventure together exploring our Sacred Vessel.

Blessings…. Robin

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Journey of the Shadow: A Magickal Alignment

Posted on August 28, 2015 by themagickalpen

145627-147724This pathworking accompanies the Magickal Alignment Series…

The Journey of the Shadow

Turn your focus and attention to your breath. Allow your consciousness to move with the rise and fall of your chest and the filling and release of the lungs. Continue in this manner for several breaths; allowing each to become softer, smoother and slower. With each breath your physical body appears to lighten and your center of consciousness floats upwards towards the inner eye. You find yourself enveloped by the mist of transition between the Physical and Astral. And as this veil thins, you see before you an opening in the fabric of the space around you.

A mist of Lavender surrounds this enclosure as you pass through the darkness. As you move through this space, feelings of foreboding and a sense of being out of place in a time that is neither here nor there and in a place that is both upwards and down simultaneously flood your emotions. You are disoriented and are aware of the depths of sadness and loneliness that is felt in this space. Your only thoughts are the hopes that you will pass quickly and easily through this space. Quite the contrary, time seems to slow and the angst seems to become greater. And, just as you are about to scream out in sheer frustration, you remember the lesson of surrender. You remember the call to walk in perfect love and perfect trust; despite that you are completely engulfed in shadow. Glimpses of light are hidden beneath what appear to be shadowy figures and although you do not feel threatened, you know this is a place of great power and well deserving of care and respect as you pass through.

There is no flooring under you and you have a sense of weightlessness and somehow being suspended in space. Although there are no definitive boundaries, the impression is one of being enclosed tightly in a very confining space. You take a deep, cleansing breath and you allow yourself to simply be open, receptive and non-resistant to lesson of this place of shadow. You take another deep breath in and ready yourself to move forward and explore this place. As soon as the sigh of exhale has passed, feelings of sadness begin to well up within you. You are fearful and now wish you had decided against entering this space. Your former resolve of being receptive and open is weakening steadily as you begin to feel that you are sinking even deeper into this space of darkness.

You take another deep breath, hoping to restore your composure and as you exhale your awareness that you are alone in this space heightens. You strain to hear any sound that might point you in the direction of moving towards something; even the faintest sound of another human or animal would give you comfort. But, there is nothing, absolute and pure nothingness in this space. Your breath comes in short bursts now and the combination of sheer and utter loneliness, silence and disorientation keeps this rapid pace going.

You are just about ready to let out a cry of desperation when you notice a shadowy figure in what appears to be a corner of this space. A faint light glows down from what appears to be an opening very far above and you can now make out the silhouette more clearly as the figure approaches you. You feel the power of its energy as you step closer to one another and have a sense of familiarity even though you are unable to clearly see its face. You step closer still and take a deep breath in summoning all of your courage to come face to face with whoever this shadow may be.

You become aware that more light seems to be filtering through with each of your steps and as you come to rest just arms’ length away you see a shadowed face peering back at you. It is as though this being is covered in a grey misty veiling. You instinctively reach out and the figure reaches towards you in response. You breathe in deeply and are surprised to see the resemblance between the two of you. It is as though you are standing facing yourself cloaked in shadow and veil. You move closer still and can see the reflection of your image in the other’s eyes that are deep pools and shades darker than your own. You know that this is your shadow self and the fear you thought you would have is replaced by a sense of deep insight into its workings and the need for this twin aspect of yourself. As these thoughts move through you, you feel yourself in resonance with the energy of this other. You feel the fear and doubts that it has. You feel the power of the darkness it has dwelled within and the yearning it has had to know the light aspect of itself.

You step forward and embrace this being; knowing that it has strengths and weaknesses that may be called upon just as your strengths and weaknesses may be used to enliven it. You feel the interweaving and co-mingling of its energy with yours and as you take a deep breath in you and the shadow become one. The light that has dimly lit this space quickens and brightens at the integration of you and your other. You feel stronger and enlivened and the flow and movement of energy through you is purposeful. As your breath slows to an even and steady pace you see that the light is growing brighter and larger and you feel yourself rising towards it. Each breath of inhalation pulls you closer to its light and radiance and the space surrounding you begins to brighten; the darkness and magnetic pull of the intense experience held within it slowly fading in its energy and effect on you with each exhalation.

You continue to rise upwards, coming to rest on a soft surface supportive beneath your feet and completely enveloped in the brilliance of this light emanating from a space directly above you. You look at your hands and take note of a luminescent glow about them and the lower part of your body as you look downwards toward your feet. You breathe in deeply and feel the energy of light and dark within you working together to produce this rarified brilliance of light.

The light begins to dim slightly and you know that there is still more of the journey you must follow in learning the lessons of the shadow self. You take a deep breath in, close your eyes and resolve that you will embrace each step and challenge that is presented to you as you travel your spiritual path. You think on the lesson of this experience, and the birthing of light from what was held in the shadows.

You gently open your eyes and see that the blue veiling of transition through which you entered is just a few steps in front of you. You feel yourself enveloped in this veil of transition between the Physical and Astral world. The veils of transformation and all they contain gently fade from your sight and you begin the descent back into your physical state of being and the room and space in which you began this pathworking. Return to awareness of the rhythm of your breath and the rise and fall of your chest. Become aware of the physicality of where you are sitting or laying; your body pressed against cushion, chair or floor. And when you are ready, gently flutter your eyes open.

imgresReturn to Magickal Alignment: The Higher SELF

Posted in Bonus Posts, Magickal Alignment, Pathworking | 1 Comment

Magickal Alignment: The Middle Self

Posted on April 13, 2015 by themagickalpen

b0562f_0a1ac96f680e40e2993aacae942bf694

I Want (to Become)

As we continue our study of Magickal alignment and the components required to establish a state of balance and co-creation the next steps are to examine the three core aspects of our being. Although each is distinct in its own work, all are co-dependent on the other to maintain our state as a functioning human being. Note that I did not designate between that state of functioning being whole and integrated or splintered and dysfunctional. These are the products of outcome in learning how to get the selves to communicate with one another and how much “sway” one may have over the other two or the two over a singular one.

This work of establishing effective communication is the work of a lifetime (s). The command of the Great Work to Know Thyself is the work of bringing all the bits and pieces of ourselves into collaboration with one another. So, let’s continue with the Middle Self, the place of yearning and the urge to create…..

The Middle Self
I Want (to Become)

The Middle/Emotional self more closely relates to the conscious/subconscious mind. This is the place of dreams and aspirations; of emotions and feelings.  We feel rather than thinking our way through this world.  This is the first place of desire and the catalyst that yearns to become more than we are and can experience in the physical self. The Lower Self says “I have or I possess this” and the subconscious feeds it the necessary fuel of “want and desire” that enlivens and creates connection to what we have acquired.  This is also the space of defining what I Want (to Become). The Middle Self serves as the point of union for the physical and the magickal to filter through, and synthesize what is needed from each to establish open and continual dialogue.

When we are engaging the Middle Self, we are connecting with the emotions that have evolved beyond the pure instinctual nature of the Lower Self and have now expanded into the realm of what could be. How we “feel” about the experience we have in this lifetime is the place of synthesis that is the Middle self.

The Lower Self focused on what we acquire and how that acquisition is attained. This primal need to have is drawn into the container of the Middle self and takes on new light as desire becomes informed by the process of the input of the Higher/Mental self that sorts and filters. As each is drawn into the other, what emerges is the product of the Middle self in the form of aspirations, hopes, dreams and the promise of potential.

If we wish to relate this self to the studies of Carl Jung and his work regarding individuation, archetypes and personality we could consider the Middle Self in these terms:

  • The Self: The self is an archetype that represents the unification of the unconsciousness and consciousness of an individual. The creation of the self occurs through a process known as individuation, in which the various aspects of personality are integrated.
  • The Persona: The persona is how we present ourselves to the world. The word “persona” is derived from a Latin word that literally means “mask.” It is not a literal mask, however. The persona represents all of the different social masks that we wear among different groups and situations. It acts to shield the ego from negative images. According to Jung, the persona may appear in dreams and take a number of different forms.

The Middle Self brings the thinking aspect to the balance of the Lower and Higher Selves. This is also the space of the conscience and responsive mind to that conscience. Often when we consider the definition of conscience we overlook the underlying striving of unification of the unconscious desires and the conscious actions that we choose. Moreover, these states of consciousness then define who we are in the world and the “persona” that we project versus the reality of what our true nature is the arising form the Lower Self of the desires that are instinctual.

 The Middle Self is typified by:

  • Personality and Ego (serves as the point of interaction with others)
  • Experience acted upon by emotion/will and intellect
  • Includes the physical and etheric bodies

It is…..

The Waking Self– Moves in accord with outer and inner stimuli- storing experiences in the subconscious to be accessed in the Dream state or lifted up to the place of Memory

The Dreaming Self- Access to the sub-conscious to extract what will be brought to the state of memory and acted upon as such to make manifest

Part of the Astral that creates from the experiences gained. Sorts and analyzes

 The Middle Self makes full use of the Five Pars of SELF

Earth– The physical form to execute the actions and desire of the informed will

Air- The mind and development of intellect- problem solving- rationale

Fire- The will in discriminating and making decision

Water- The emotions that serve as filter, barrier or container for creative process

Spirit – The primal urge to return to the source of our being- the primal drive that sets us upon a spiritual path of seeking deeper understanding and knowledge and NOW with capacity to envision what and how the Spirit interacts and impacts all experience.

The Middle Self creates…

The Space of Human Experience, Desire and Creation and catalyzes the Sub-conscious as it flows into the Waking Self and becomes one of many points of integration.

From this perspective, the Great Work is that of Integration of the Lower and Middle Selves to be brought into Communication with and recognition of the Higher/Divine Self. These states of self-awareness bleed one into the other, continually informing our actions, thoughts and emotions, so it will appear as though there is conflict or redundancy in attribution. There is! And, it is precisely this redundancy and conflict that provides the irritation that sets into motion a dialogue between these selves towards purposeful action

Temptation, Desire and Will

I want to revisit these thoughts from our discussion of the Lower Self in the last post and complete another step of the equation as this energy arises in the emotional centers of the Middle Self….

What tempts us fuels our desire and from the desire to possess that source of temptation the will to take action is formed.

If we give consideration to the definition of the word – Tempt – we find these:

  1. to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral.
    2. to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite:

The inference is one that this word evokes negativity and thus a temptation is negative and unacceptable. However if we also consider the etymology of the word, we find derivation from the Latin and its use in Middle English.

1175-1225; Middle English < Latin temptāre meaning to probe, feel, test, tempt

Temptation becomes the act of testing, probing and feeling our way through the experience of that object of temptation. Seeking deeper understanding and then engaging what we feel about that understanding are core precepts in spiritual growth and self-knowledge. Testing what we believe the results of that probing to be for their efficacy and use in our parameters is another tool of unlimited use in formulating what works magickally/spiritually and what is illusion and unproductive.

Repeating what I stated previously, now with a broader perspective of what Temptation is, reconsider this statement…

What tempts us fuels our desire and from the desire to possess that source of temptation the will to take action is formed.

Take this thought further and this is one of the keys to navigating the Lower Self, its desires and what tempts it to reveal itself, so that we become more desirous of knowing its true nature and using the gifts of its integration as part of our unified whole! “

An Exercise in Dreaming Our Reality:

Settle into the idea of your perception of yourself as being a creation of the dream of who you wish to be.

What is this dream you aspire towards?

Where and what are its fears?

Where is its place of reconciliation of what it knows of itself and what it wishes itself to be?

If this dream self were to move into the waking space of who you are, would it be different than what you imagine?

Now, allow these perceptions to arise from a place of instinctually knowing who you are.

How does this you differ from your imagined self? How is it similar?

What would this self achieve if informed by the instinctual you and the dreaming self?

What would be possible if both joined collaboratively into a space of being fully present and awake in the experience of who we truly are?

This is the promise of the Middle Self and its yearning to Become as these queries flow through our subconscious and move through the Waking Self.

 

Resources:
Year and a Day on the Wiccan Path: Lesson Seven-The Magickal SELF
Me, Myself and I

Next Post

The Higher SELF
I Will Become

imgres-2

Posted in Awareness, Magickal Alignment | Leave a comment

Magickal Alignment: The Lower Self

Posted on December 31, 2014 by themagickalpen

MarkHenson-Double-Helix-1992

As we continue our study of Magickal alignment and the components required to establish a state of balance and co-creation the next steps are to examine the three core aspects of our being. Although each is distinct in its own work, all are co-dependent on the other to maintain our state as a functioning human being. Note that I did not designate between that state of functioning being whole and integrated oar splintered and dysfunctional. These are the products of outcome in learning how to get the selves to communicate with one another and how much “sway” one may have over the other two or the two over a singular one.

This work of establishing effective communication is the work of a lifetime (s). The command of the Great Work to Know Thyself is the work of bringing all the bits and pieces of ourselves into collaboration with one another. So, let’s continue with the one that we as human beings are the most familiar with…..

Lower/Physical Self
I Have

The Lower Self (Lower Mental) is our primal instinctual nature. This is the physical body we inhabit and the conscious self that responds and reacts to stimuli in the physical world through our senses and tactile abilities. This is our place of foundation and the place from which we concretely and tangibly build the world around ourselves. The Lower or physical self obeys the laws of time and because of its density in energy the laws of space and its place within it as well.

When we are engaging the Lower Self we are focused on what we acquire and how that acquisition is attained. These are the things that ensure our survival and support the life we have created in the physical world. This is the self that demands its due reward. This is not as negative in connotation as it may sound, because this is the foundation that keeps us secure in knowing that effort produces reward and reward catalyzes continued action.

Lower Self: The Animal, Primal and Instinctual self. The Unconscious

We, as humans like to think us ourselves as different from the animal kingdom in our powers of reasoning and “civilized” nature. These are true to some degree, but the animal part of our being still remains strong. Although our needs for survival have changed dramatically from those of our ancient ancestors, how many of us equate need for survival with things that are in reality convenience. We don’t need a phone to survive, but it is a convenience that we are accustomed to. We don’t need a car to get to our destinations, but it is more convenient than walking or taking public transportation.

When we think of the Lower self and it being the place of instinctual need for survival, as we have evolved so have those needs and as such we may not think of them as being part of our lower nature. This is also not to say that those very basic and primal needs are not the underpinnings that we are still accountable to. The need for food still remains strong. The need to protect what is ours even stronger and the need to create still moves through us, whether it be for the survival of the species or the personal satisfaction of creative outpouring.

Those aspects of the Lower Self of which we are unaware reside in the Unconscious. These are what enable the petite Mom to lift a 4,000-pound vehicle to save her child. These are the atypical rage and vengeful action taken when a loved one is abused and we hear the epithet- “and he was such a nice person. Non-violent and passive in everyway.” When we connect with the lower self, the journey may dark, shadowy and uncomfortable because of societal expectations and what we reveal as our desires, needs and baser nature. It is nonetheless, a necessary journey, that if undertaken with care and reverence can reveal the strengths where we saw only weakness and the passion that we did not realize would catalyze us towards a new talent, skill or relationship.

We use the mechanism of the subconscious to begin the journey, treading cautiously and slowly, awaiting what lurks around every bend of the way. It is recognized by therapists that many a happy and peaceful person allows “society’s designated beast” to feed freely in the movies and books of horror and violence this person may enjoy. The phantasy supplies the outlet for what could become reality and actions of horrific consequence. This is one of the reasons why we squeamishly turn away from graphic scenes of violence in movies, although often sneaking a peek through a half-closed eye.

Now, I am not condoning violence, but we have only to look at the natural world to see that what we judge as unacceptable is part of the cycle of life and death and in the case of predator and prey, the fullest expression of their Lower Selves. If we think in these terms than we may more readily embrace this raw and instinctually driven aspect of ourselves that is fully aligned with the natural world, the elements and the cycles and rhythms that occur at every level and plane of existence.

Temptation, Desire and Will

What tempts us fuels our desire and from the desire to possess that source of temptation the will to take action is formed.

If we give consideration to the definition of the word – Tempt – we find these:

1. to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral.
2. to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite:

The inference is one that this word evokes negativity and thus a temptation is negative and unacceptable. However if we also consider the etymology of the word, we find derivation from the Latin and its use in Middle English.

1175-1225; Middle English < Latin temptāre meaning to probe, feel, test, tempt

Temptation becomes the act of testing, probing and feeling our way through the experience of that object of temptation. Seeking deeper understanding and then engaging what we feel about that understanding are core precepts in spiritual growth and self-knowledge. Testing what we believe the results of that probing to be for their efficacy and use in our parameters is another tool of unlimited use in formulating what works magickally/spiritually and what is illusion and unproductive.

Repeating what I stated previously, now with a broader perspective of what Temptation is, reconsider this statement…

What tempts us fuels our desire and from the desire to possess that source of temptation the will to take action is formed.

Take this thought further and this is one of the keys to navigating the Lower Self, its desires and what tempts it to reveal itself, so that we become more desirous of knowing its true nature and using the gifts of its integration as part of our unified whole!

An Exercise in Truth and Dare:

Truth- I fear failure, so I wear the mask of composure and success, especially when I have failed.

Dare- Accepting that failure is the partner of success. At some point and in some time failure will be the winner, and the lesson that emerges from that failure is what will ultimately become the success. I dare you to inspect your feelings about failure and what mask you cloak them in.

Truth- I am at war with my physical nature and needs. So, I ignore what I want and suppress those urges that would remove me from a space of control.

Dare- Structure and order are part of the refining process. So is chaos and abandon. These are the testing grounds of what makes us truly human. I dare you to surrender to a primal impulse and allow the natural flow to loosen the boundaries you limit yourself by.

Resources:
Year and a Day on the Wiccan Path: Lesson Seven-The Magickal SELF
Me, Myself and I

 

Next Post
The Middle Self
I Want (to Become)
b0562f_0a1ac96f680e40e2993aacae942bf694

Posted in Magickal Alignment | Leave a comment

Bonus Post: Esoteric Fiction

Posted on November 21, 2014 by themagickalpen

The mysteries of transition into Sacred Space and the work that can be accomplished in that transformed state are not easily described. The tool of instruction is a viable one, but often lacks the imaginative quality that sets up the state of being able to visualize what is occurring. Fiction is a wonderful venue to explore these mysteries and the imagery that is naturally conjured creates a dynamic imprint from which to draw in your own practice. With this thought in mind, I am posting an excerpt and links to Parts I and II of a writing of a piece of Esoteric fiction entitled- X’anyuae. Enjoy!

Esoteric Fiction as a Key

An important aspect of spiritual training and magickal practice is that of versatility and being able to re-invent the tools you are working with. This applies not only to being adept at adapting to what you physically have at your disposal, but also developing mental agility in how you express yourself creatively (or as an act of creation). So,I’ve decided to step outside of my comfort zone and try something different- esoteric fiction! The art work was my eldest daughter’s gift to me some years ago as a representation of my former lifetime. It has been the source of much inspiration for me, so it seemed appropriate to name her and tell her story. Here goes and hope you enjoy!….

X’anyuae

20130725_135532

Image Credit: Caitlin Fennelly Art

As she lay in her dreamsleep, X’anyuae could hear the gentle voice in her mind saying “It’s time”. She opened her eyes slowly and sat up, allowing the last bit of dream vision to clear. She did not know how long she had been in the dream Temple but she sensed that it had been several days. Today was the final test she must undergo if she was to be initiated as a Vessel. Read More…

X’anyuae – Part II

lankabook9

X’anyuae exhaled a clear and intention-filled “yes!” and she stepped through the archway and into the sacred chamber. As soon as she passed through she felt the first of the changes in her physical form take hold. Heat spread through her like wildfire. It was not in the least unpleasant as she had developed a tolerance for this phase of the transition. It had not always been so and the memory of her first time entering this chamber flashed quickly through her mind’s eye. Read More…

Posted in Awareness, Bonus Posts, Energetic Anatomy | Leave a comment

Bonus Post: Sleeping with the Goddess

Posted on November 19, 2014 by themagickalpen

2e1ax_beez_20wp1_entry_Caitlin-Fennelly----Cait-Fennelly-_-paintings-_-artodyssey-13

Image: Caitlin Fennelly Art

I twist and turn as the Fates
Spin the multicolored threads
That are the web of life.

Strength and beauty grace my path
And Mother’s gaze softens
As she looks upon my weaving.

I awaken joyous and bursting
With life and renewed spirit
Youth my ally and wisdom
Just from hand’s reach
Not ready for the taking.

I sigh into the pain as
New life issues forth
I am caretaker and guardian
Of this sacred living gift.

I close my eyes and slumber finds me
Her beating heart echoes through me
Arms cradling Her child of making
Welcoming me home into her
Womb of creation.

We, as pagans celebrate the duality and polarity of all manner of things as we perform our workings of magick, make offerings to the Deities and weave the rich tapestry of our magickal and mundane lives. Contained within these polarities are the concepts of the masculine and the feminine that transcend gender and sexual dynamics. These are the outpourings of the solar and the lunar, strength and emotion, force and form.

We are the Sacred vessel that holds the power of the feminine and the masculine. We are the Sacred Beings that have come to a place of unity when we seek our return to the Source of our creation.  Read More at:   Womb of Light Blog

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Magickal Alignment: The Parts of self/SELF

Posted on November 5, 2014 by themagickalpen
???????????????????????????????Image: Caitlin Fennelly

There are many ways to cultivate a practice of magickal alignment and balance. Some focus on breathing protocol; physical practice; contemplation and meditative techniques; magickal workings; psycho-spiritual analysis and more. One of the key components that will access a deeper level of understanding and therefore deeper experience of these is the work of coming to know the parts of self. This work is invaluable at both the spiritual and personal levels because it is the basic work of learning more about how you respond and react and where those points of origin emanate from.

I have taught many classes about this topic and the thing that I appreciate the most is that the core concepts remain the same but the personal truths that are revealed with each deeper look at these aspects become richer in meaning and lead to yet another phase of exploratory growth.

As we become aware of the trifold nature of our being, we realize that these aspects are present and have their own particular work of processing in everything we undertake. We become more mindful of our actions as we strive to be informed by the Higher Self for the highest good and best outcome. We learn to use the primal instinct and desires of the Lower self to answer the call to justice and advocacy. And, we learn to glean as above, so below to bring to a state of harmony and synthesis our presence in the physical world.

As an introduction to these concepts…

Please read: Truth or Dare: Testing the Triple Soul

The next posts will look at each of these as singular dynamics and their practical application.

Next Post

The Lower Self
I Have

MarkHenson-Double-Helix-1992

Posted in Awareness, Magickal Alignment | 1 Comment

Magickal Alignment – An Overview of the Series

Posted on October 6, 2014 by themagickalpen

holy_union_by_ap0str03Welcome to the new series on Sacred Vessel entitled…. Magickal Alignment.  In the coming weeks we will be exploring our energetic and subtle bodies, parts of SELF and the varied protocol that is used to awaken, enliven and inform these.

The goal is one of balance and greater dialogue between all parts of SELF and thus continuous dialogue with what we consider as the Divine. We live in an extraordinarily dynamic time where we can access the scientific research as it interfaces with spiritual and evolutionary practices. And, for those who consciously enter into agreement with working with these new found treasures, the potential is great for fully being present as a Divine being living a manifest existence.

With this approach in mind, these are some of the upcoming topics:

  • The Parts of self/SELF
  • Using The Cosmic & Scientific Principles of Energy to affect Personal Alchemy and Transformation
  • The Energetic Anatomy
  • Developing a (W)Holistic Approach to Energy Work
  • Creating a personal astral Temple of Renewal
  • The Healing Modalities

And more…

Next Post
The Parts of self/SELF

???????????????????????????????Painting: Caitlin Fennelly

 

Posted in Awareness, Energetic Anatomy, Magickal Alignment, Overview | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Path

Posted on October 5, 2014 by themagickalpen

maxresdefault
This lengthy poem was inspired after last weekend’s Climbing the Tree ritual. The Climbing the Tree weekend is hosted by the Tradition to which I belong, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. This is a large event requiring much planning, so it is only held every several years (the last being in 2009) and provides the experience of walking the lightning flash of the Qabalisic Tree of Life as an experiential grouping of 10 mini-rituals.

The Tree is laid out on the grounds of Seelie Court and participants move through the Tree, walking the paths and having a ritual experience in each of the spheres in accord with that sphere’s energy. I have had the honor of taking on the role of as one of the spheres for the past 3 runs, but never had the opportunity to actually walk the Tree in its entirety as a participant. This year, I had the good fortune to be able to experience the full Tree!

I wanted to share this writing as a source of inspiration for seeing the potential that is held in being a participant in your own spiritual journey. The lessons of the Qabalistic Tree are ones that are relatable to everyone’s mundane and spiritual experiences and the goal of study is one of self-knowledge and growth.

I invite you to walk with me on the Path of my experience of the Tree.  The beauty is that you do not have to know anything about Qabalah to appreciate what this writing has to relate. You have but to set your foot upon the Path and be open to where that path may lead…….

I step upon the Path
And Earth’s energy
Stands as fertile ground.

Water flows from
Deeply hidden wells
Fire streams from
Sun’s quickened light
Air breathes life into
Earth that rises and shifts
Urging me onward.

The tool of my re-making
In heart –body –mind
And will is found.

I move along the path
Into the night sky temple
Of the moon where star
And dreamscape weave
A tapestry that tells of
Cycles of knowing and
Illusion’s sacrificial release.

The path is lit from celestial sky
And all clears with each step
Forward into clarity of mind
That holds creation’s intent
Breathed into life from
Library’s inspired great halls.

I move now with mind
Seeking the victory of
Beauty’s face and come
To pause in awe of Mother
Nature’s surrounding gifts.

Their power and wild beauty
Held within my own physical
Form now awakened and verdant
Mantle claimed as Gaia’s own.

I walk with tears of gnosis
Streaming from gates long
Needing the power of heart’s
Release and step out into the
Vast potential of the unknown.

Into Sun’s great downpour
Harmonious center of
Golden strands that demand
The sacrifice of full light’s scrutiny.

I scream into a breath that offers
Up true release and heat rising
From within empowers my intent
As I leave this place of synthesis
Ablaze with strength newly found.

The sun sets behind me as
Sharpened knife and the
Sword of truth challenge
And give fearsome dare.

Tears now flow freely
Reflected in shimmering
Blade of light and what I
Knew of myself is surrendered
To the pointed test of true worth.

From these fires of tempering
Comes new form that will wield
Its measure of might as warrior
As Goddess and as guardian
Of the sacred Great Work of self.

Courage has been tested
And mercy now awaits
What has been purposefully
Broken down to be birthed anew.

I walk to a place of mercy
I stand crowned as King of
My worldly and spiritual domains
The choice of ruler-ship and weight of
Responsibility now mine to claim.

Like pieces on a chess board
Each move affects the next
Each calculation of mind
Brings reality of heart’s consequence.

There is no winning play as the
Board continually changes and
The pieces transmute as the
Players evolve and grow.

Flexibility and mastery over
What holds me in chains as servant
Rather than ruler over how I would
Construct and command my
Worldly and spiritual domains.

The final realization is one hidden
In plain sight and boldly echoes
The truth of free will’s choice to move
Confidently in changing course and
Not lose sight of drawing to me
What is held dear in those conquests.

I breath deeply taking in all that has
Been learned as the next challenge
Awaits and the choice now at hand
To cross the abyss deep and wide.

I step moving cautiously along a
Path whose end cannot be seen
So great the veiling of light and dark
Faith and a silent promise my only guides
As I stand precariously balanced mid-point
Shedding the last of my mortal identity.

Mother’s voice calls to me gently
Into arms of dark black sea softly
Reminding of all that has been given
And what more remains in hopes
And wishes and dreams.

Time holds no false enchantment
As lifetimes flow as one and every
Pearl of dark sea’s creation has
Potential to be the great manifest one.

Dip deep into the waters
Drink freely from their source
Take one dream as heart’s most cherished
And bring it through the womb of manifest birth.

I breathe into the vision of potential’s hope
The path now one of nebula and galaxy
Of cosmos and starry birth.

I move as witness to the birthing of the Universe
The light of my being scattered as seeds
Of star-filled light moving and flowing
The memory of this potent exchange
Holding the understanding of re-union
And dissolution of what is contained in
Body of light and flesh and bone.

From this eternal cycle of cosmos
An awakening of key held within
Human’s birthing light and deeper
Place of manifesting star’s gift of sight.

I breathe out the light of wisdom
And enter the brilliance of liminal space
That blinds me from the child of the
Limitless All that I am.

What lays hidden in my being
That cries out to be brought
Into the crown of immanence.

I stand in the silence
No words or thoughts
No emotions or action
Can articulate the gnosis
That fills by Spirit and Soul.

All and nothing awaits
The next step upon this
Never ending Path.

The journey begins anew
The possibilities change
And every step has been taken
In all of its many forms.

And as the return of worldly
Affairs and knowledge of my
Place within.

I remain steadfast in my devotion to the Great Work
As the Kingdom of my manifest being
Seeks the Foundation that has been created
By the Glory-filled Victory of my inner Beauty.

Beauty that has been forged by my will to action honed
By the courage of justifiable Might
And cooled in the expansive waters of Mercy.

I have seen the fear of my own reflection in the
Knowledge of all parts of myself claimed by the Great Abyss
And these fears have been soothed by the ebb and flow of
The Dark Mother’s Understanding and my Celestial Father’s
Cosmic Wisdom.

I have experienced this and more in my journey upon the Path
Where the Crown of my Divine Kingship shines in brilliance
For all to see.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment