The news item was supposed to contain a link to Sirius Limited Esoterica (where you'll also find a more detailed description of the book, table of contents etc).
I am just getting into Bertiaux. I read Cosmic Meditation years ago which is very useful, and collected the first two years in hardcopy of his 7 Rays Monastery Papers, plus Voudon Gnostic Workbook, and Ontological Graffiti.
So I am finally digging into Ontological Graffiti as my second read of his, and it's really something else. Some of the spiritualism aspects I don't know how I feel about due to Crowley's warnings and my personal experiences with spirits, but in general it really opens up new vistas of thought. I suppose if Bertiaux was doing proper banishings and safety protocols, as well as testing the spirits then the channeling wouldn't be 'so bad.' Do you have any thoughts on that?
His artwork is very interesting and unique and I do indeed feel the 'force' or presence of the entity behind the paintings.
He also has me interested in radionics and I forget the term, but magical 'circuit' diagrams on paper that function as machines.
I suspect is noting that the linked page lacks order information.
I would like to note that I read that listing and wanted further information ... but could find no link to "more." Now I do have some vision problems, but all things Tiger/Shiva concerned, the link must have some sort of "Invisible Light" or a "cloaking device," because if it happens to two relatively sane people, it becomes a fact.
There is no real order information it just says to 'email soandso@gmail.com to order'
Yes. This is not the RTC promotional protocol. It is more like a communications puzzle, or a relay event. It seems this must be an [gasp] "occult" book.
Here are the physical plane HooDoos that lived next door to my private property retreat up there on the Continental Divide (which i sold a few years back) ...
It is more like a communications puzzle, or a relay event
The contact for Sirius Limited Esoterica is Edgar Kerval (publisher) who may be reached at the email address provided on the link (kerval111@gmail.com). Although I am also listed at my own email on the pre-order flyer, I would direct interested parties to Edgar who can take payment, discuss shipping (he cannot mail to certain countries until September 1st due to shipping restrictions around Covid-19) etc. I'm not sure how he is handling the shipping costs but in terms of the 2 editions, the cost of the standard edition is 55 USD and the Deluxe is 150.
Edgar utilizes social media (i.e. Facebook) to promote much of his material. His blog serves as something of a website for his books with pics, descriptions and contact info.
I hope this is helpful info to anyone interested in procuring a copy. And I'm happy to answer any questions about the book here, as well.
What do you think about spiritualism? Bertiaux in this Voudon Hoodoo context got a lot of his information from spirits during seances.
Chris-I spent many years of occult study with groups and magicians who warned against the dangers of mediumship and spiritualism, emphasizing the strengthening of Will as opposed to passivity of the mind. To a large measure, Michael Bertiaux's writing has broken down this prejudice in my own mind and practice. Spiritualism is a term which needs some definition and clarity. We know it has been associated with many frauds over time and it is an area of exploration with great danger for self-deception, obsession etc. Despite this, it can be a very rich source of energy, information and inspiration.
I would suggest that Spiritualism is an engagement and communion with aspects of the seeming multiplicity of Consciousness on levels beyond physical sensory input. I'd also suggest that it is a type of mystical-magical athletics the (meta)physics of which require both practice and development of the subtle vehicles. One has to LEARN how to communicate with “The Spirits.” For some, it is an easy matter-as if a return to a skill mastered in a previous lifetime. For others, it may be remarkably difficult to stretch the mind out of its present mold. You'll find in Bertiaux's writing a variety of approaches meant to help the handicapped (such as using dice as an intermediary for spirit communication).
“I suppose if Bertiaux was doing proper banishings and safety protocols, as well as testing the spirits then the channeling wouldn't be 'so bad.' Do you have any thoughts on that?”
I'm not sure what you mean by “so bad.” Do you mean there is some content in his seances you find wrong or unsatisfactory? You are correct that traditional ceremonial banishings and such are not really a part of Zothyrian Voudon-Gnosticism. This is because the entire philosophical and mystical outlook is different. “Control and Command” is replaced with an upgrade into relationship and mutual benefit on an evolutionary wave. I mean-what does the poor Goetic demon trapped in a triangle get out of the whole shindig? Obeying the behest of some hairless ape and thus escaping a battery of Divine Names shouted into his face for 30 minutes?
Of course, there are hot and dangerous Spirits. The same is true of the humans around us-and THEY are also Spirits. In fact, there is nothing which is not Spirit in some sense (nothing which is not a portion of the Continuum of Consciousness). There is the Luminous Void which is back of it all, yes, but this 0=the 2 of our Universe of Being and Spirit.
If Michael hasn't been “doing proper banishings,” he has navigated the dangers for decade upon decade and is now, in his mid-80's, one of the most astonishingly prolific and creative individuals I know.
I hope you don't read my words as indicating that you should be otherwise.
When I first read One Star in Sight, I was drawn into Thelema. To this day, I think this small work is a masterpiece which contains many subtleties of wisdom.
What do you think about spiritualism? Bertiaux in this Voudon Hoodoo context got a lot of his information from spirits during seances.
I have not read a thing of his, so I have no idea what to think. He is a good friend of Martin Starr, who has sent me pics of the two them dining (couple years ago).
To a large measure, Michael Bertiaux's writing has broken down this prejudice in my own mind and practice. Spiritualism is a term which needs some definition and clarity. We know it has been associated with many frauds over time and it is an area of exploration with great danger for self-deception, obsession etc. Despite this, it can be a very rich source of energy, information and inspiration.
I would suggest that Spiritualism is an engagement and communion with aspects of the seeming multiplicity of Consciousness on levels beyond physical sensory input. I'd also suggest that it is a type of mystical-magical athletics the (meta)physics of which require both practice and development of the subtle vehicles. One has to LEARN how to communicate with “The Spirits.” ...
You are correct that traditional ceremonial banishings and such are not really a part of Zothyrian Voudon-Gnosticism. This is because the entire philosophical and mystical outlook is different. “Control and Command” is replaced with an upgrade into relationship and mutual benefit on an evolutionary wave. I mean- what does the poor goetic demon trapped in a Triangle get out of the whole shindig? ...
If Michael hasn't been “doing proper banishings,” he has navigated the dangers for decade upon decade
I'm not quite clear what methods Michael B does use to banish/ issue a 'license to depart'/ ceremonially close a seance or operation, or indeed if they might vary from time to time (occasion to occasion). Nor is it quite clear what he might do to prevent "obsession" or "possession" during the work itself, and how he demarks the limits of the operation i.e., the method by which he signifies that things are at an end. Possibly the answer lies in his books: I do have his Voudun Gnostic Workbook although have never done much more than flick through. If he eschews the use of a Triangle then does he even accept the archetype/ belief of a magic(al) circle? Maybe (like the chaos magicians) his technique is just to "Banish by Laughter"?
When I first read One Star in Sight, I was drawn into Thelema.
You're a member of the Typhonian Order - do you accept, as Kenneth Grant does, that this (system) can be understood as actually referring to Sirius, "the Sun behind the sun", or somesuch?
I'm not quite clear what methods Michael B does use to banish/ issue a 'license to depart'/ ceremonially close a seance or operation, or indeed if they might vary from time to time (occasion to occasion).
There are methods for conducting your own Spirit Contact and Seances in that VGW you've yet to dive into. Why not give them a try?
Michael doesn't “banish by laughter” ala Peter Carroll and Chaos Company. Nor is Zothyrian Voudon-Gnosticism (as wild, creative and eclectic as it can be) to be confused with “Chaos Magic.”
I'd suggest reading the VGW if your questions express more than a passing curiosity. There are many ways in which one may mark the opening and closing of an operation without employing the Power/Control dynamics (and mentality) of “Banishing.” Michael often opens seances with the simple words “We are here.” Candles are sometimes lit in ritual sequence and you'll find clapping the hands to serve as a closure in Lucky Hoodoo. But these things aren't dogmatic. I personally prefer use of a resounding bell (which I first experienced in Buddhist practice). It's a wonderful element in the ritual, marks space and has nothing at all to do with ideas of “Banishing.”
One Star in Sight opens with a rousing call to cut through the crust, muck and murk of our befuddled lives and seek the essence of what we truly are. Crowley calls this the True Will. It can go by other names or terms and we understand it on the Tree as Tiphareth. In terms of “The Law is for All,” this is what Crowley is pointing at with his use of the term Star. Getting in touch with-and liberating-this Self-Realization is the critical thing.
The document (OSS) covers the whole initiatory gamut (Abyss, Ipsissimus) but, generally speaking, post KC/HGA stuff requires the Tipharethian Initiation as an essential prerequisite. “Star”=Sirius is not a focal point here. Rather, the human being is understood as an analog to a solar system. Beyond this, there are deeper meanings, interpretations and engagements. But one would hope these are approached from a solid foundation.
“Star”=Sirius is not a focal point here. Rather, the human being is understood as an analog to a solar system.
I wonder however what would be the implications of making a model of the universe/self based upon a solar system alien to us. In the sense that maybe things and ideas doesn't really change in our world because our models remains the same. Has anyone tried to do something like this, in some obscure branch of occultism?
Maybe a good starting point for this would be finding somebody able to have genuine out of body experiences (not mere "astral travel" abilities, but true OBEs), and with the capacity to travel to (for example) Sirius star system and report back his/her experiences. Which is a sort of magical obsession of mine I'm pretty sure I'll never accomplish, for what I leave it here for more adventurous spirits.
There are many ways in which one may mark the opening and closing of an operation without employing the Power/Control dynamics (and mentality) of “Banishing.” ...
Thanks for replying further. I agree, but the Authority of "Power/Control dynamics" may occasionally become a necessary 'tool of last resort' when a recalcitrant manifestation of certain phenomena resists (or maybe is in danger of overwhelming) the willed intention(s) of the magician.
It is curious, the particular importance of properly banishing which is given throughout "classical" magical theory and practice from the Golden Dawn and Crowley onwards, with a failure to do so 'by the book' often accompanied by all sorts of dire prognostications. Indeed Crowley went so far as to recommend a daily regimen of the LBRP (although it is not clear at what particular 'grade of advancement level of attainment' his comments were specifically aimed at, if any). One wonders why such ("dogmatic") emphasis and value has come to be ascribed to them, for many years now, if ultimately they are effectively little more than narrowminded superstitions.
There are methods for conducting your own Spirit Contact and Seances in that VGW you've yet to dive into. Why not give them a try? [...] I'd suggest reading the VGW if your questions express more than a passing curiosity.
If (as you seem to suggest) there are hidden pearls within, I'll take another look into the VGW when I come across it again and probe further (as I'm not sure where it is at present, probably in a box of books).
[...G]enerally speaking, post KC/HGA stuff requires the Tipharethian Initiation as an essential prerequisite. “Star”=Sirius is not a focal point here. Rather, the human being is understood as an analog to a solar system. Beyond this, there are deeper meanings, interpretations and engagements. But one would hope these are approached from a solid foundation.
I see - unless I've got you wrong, you appear to consider this (Grant's) interpretation is only valid from a position above Tiphareth: an interesting speculation which is not normally included in the viewpoint ascribed but an addendum that does carry a certain amount of mileage with it, I'll go so far as to say.
Sirius, the brightest star in our nighttime sky, is an/the external reflection/reminder ... "Behold within, and not above, One Star in Sight."
I have secret information revealing this "inner star" is related to the 9th chakra, but I already posted that, so I won't go on, except to say, "That's it."
you appear to consider this (Grant's) interpretation is only valid from a position above Tiphareth: an interesting speculation which is not normally included in the viewpoint ascribed but an addendum that does carry a certain amount of mileage with it, I'll go so far as to say.
The Transhimalayan White Bro'hood let's it be clearly known that an initiate is notconsidered a member of the planetary hierarchy until he/she receives the 3rd initiation, which in their system is Tiphareth and the Solar Angel, and all that Solar stuff.
This makes sense. The Hierarchy don't want no members 'less they can talk to their Angel. It's called "employment qualifications."
One wonders why such ("dogmatic") emphasis and value has come to be ascribed to them, for many years now, if ultimately they are effectively little more than narrowminded superstitions.
One may ask the same thing about the tenets of those major world religions which have endured for centuries if not millennia, yes? Would you regard duration as an argument for the veracity of such belief systems?
Would you regard duration as an argument for the veracity of such belief systems?
It's funny, but I just addressed that in the now underway Hot Zones ... I take the position that anything lasting longer that 10-12 years is not a Hot Zone of accelerated initiatory activity, but merely a religion, belief system.
One wonders why such ("dogmatic") emphasis and value has come to be ascribed to them, for many years now, if ultimately they are effectively little more than narrowminded superstitions.
One may ask the same thing about the tenets of those major world religions which have endured for centuries if not millennia, yes? Would you regard duration as an argument for the veracity of such belief systems?
I would, in the sense that over long periods of time their "veracity" would come to be demonstrated by the accumulation of what Rupert Sheldrake has described as their "morphic resonance", wherein a pattern or form of events can facilitate subsequent occurrences and also 'inherit' a memory from previous [temporal] occasions and [spatial] systems.
If the practice of some activity is proved to be of no great (evolutionary) worth, it becomes discontinued fairly promptly. On the contrary, if something has been found to be initially successful, repetition can only serve to strengthen the (force of the) connection over time, and in the case of millennia more so than with centuries - i.e., once something positive happens somewhere it has the potential to then encourage and induce the same thing to happen somewhere else (e.g., with banishings, prayer, the "100th monkey effect", etc...)
I would, in the sense that over long periods of time their "veracity" would come to be demonstrated by the accumulation of what Rupert Sheldrake has described as their "morphic resonance", wherein a pattern or form of events can facilitate subsequent occurrences and also 'inherit' a memory from previous [temporal] occasions and [spatial] systems.
Jamie-I get the feeling you might enjoy a debate here. As much as I'd like to oblige, I don't know that we are terribly at odds. Within Michael's writings, we are given powerful means of protection (including the raising up of a Force Field so strong “not even the Masters may break it”). Lucky Hoodoo has the classic “Spell”: “GOOD SPIRITS IN! BAD SPIRITS OUT!” You might say that's an “Invocation” and a “Banishing” in 6 simple words. But “Banishing” in the classic sense is not how the Afro-Atlantean deals with the Spirits. There is less of the model of “Commanding Magician and Subservient Spirit” than the Sorcerer and Shaman who approaches the Powers (the Gods, the Lwa, the Laws) with respect and forges a RELATIONSHIP.
I would never think of “Summoning” or “Banishing” Legbha, for example. That would be arrogance. In Voudon, we make offerings in many forms and these express a respectful calling upon the Powers. We do not try to contain and control but establish a working relationship. Instead of closing such contact with a “Banishing,” we may conclude with an expression of gratitude.
As you wish to acknowledge “duration as proof of evolutionary efficacy” with regards to the major world religions, let's look at them. How many Christians would you say “banish” Jesus Christ after the Lord's Prayer?
But you might point out that the Lord's prayer contains its own Banishing (Lead us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil). Of course, this particular Mantram has been integrated (in part) into the LBRP which is as much a description of the Magical Universe as it is a “Banishing.”
Should you read the later “Stateshifter” Chapters in Hoodoo Pilot, you'll pick up on the influence of Neville Goddard as a Blakean Prophet.
In JERUSALEM, Blake wrote:
“We who dwell on Earth can do nothing of ourselves, everything is conducted by Spirits, no less Digestion or Sleep.”
When I first read those words, as a teenager, they were cryptic and weird, indeed! It took a long time for me to get my head around this.
You neither summon nor banish those Spirits (Intelligences) which govern your digestion. If anything, you may work in harmony with them for the benefit of all involved (or, if Quantum and Buddhist, “for the benefit of all beings everywhere”).
The Vision of Spiritism will lead to a Vision of a World of Spirit, where all things are Spirit and have their place in the “Anatomy of the Body of God.” This is the Continuity of Consciousness.
You mention Spirits or Factors which are hostile to us-and I do not at all deny that these exist. But I think the word we might choose when addressing them is “Adjustment” (Justice in the Thoth Tarot-and Ma'at). To adjust is to employ Physics-and Occult Physics.
Heard about this book only yesterday, read on this thread that almost half of the standard edition had already sold about a week ago, and immediately e-mailed Edgar to see if I could secure a copy. I'd hate to have missed this one, as I really like Kyle's artwork. Edgar got back to me quickly and I was thrilled that there was at least one book left. In any case, be sure to email sooner rather than later.
-This has been a bibliomaniac service announcement. The End. 🙃
Within Michael's writings, we are given powerful means of protection (including the raising up of a Force Field so strong “not even the Masters may break it”).
But only if you "believe it" surely? Why is it he's sure that that not even Masters may break it (how would he know this for sure)?
There is less of the model of “Commanding Magician and Subservient Spirit” than the Sorcerer and Shaman who approaches the Powers (the Gods, the Lwa, the Laws) with respect and forges a RELATIONSHIP.
You clearly don't think it's possible to have a dominant-submissive (= commanding-subservient) type relationship carried out with mutual respect? Carrying this further, does this now mean there is no vertical interface possible, that one may not be more experienced on the path than another?
I would never think of “Summoning” or “Banishing” Legbha, for example. That would be arrogance.
It might be arrogance, but surely not if not done with that intention in mind. By wishing to establish a respectful, working relationship with him though you would naturally wish him to be present and therefore would need to attract or 'summon' him to presence, in some way. The same as at conclusion, there would have to be some way of both parties (the banisher and banshee banishee?) knowing things were at an end.
In Voudon, we make offerings in many forms and these express a respectful calling upon the Powers. We do not try to contain and control but establish a working relationship. Instead of closing such contact with a “Banishing,” we may conclude with an expression of gratitude.
This would work in a wider ('universal') context, providing found mutually acceptable by both parties.
As you wish to acknowledge “duration as proof of evolutionary efficacy” with regards to the major world religions
I'm not sure I exactly said that: just because some of the major religions are old, doesn't mean to say they're "(evolutionarily) efficient", just that a lot of people have "believed" in them (for right or wrong).
When I first read those words [from Blake's JERUSALEM], as a teenager, they were cryptic and weird, indeed! It took a long time for me to get my head around this
Yes a lot of Blake can be like this, particularly with the idea that Olde London Towne was the site of mystic Jerusalem...
You neither summon nor banish those Spirits (Intelligences) which govern your digestion. If anything, you may work in harmony with them for the benefit of all involved (or, if Quantum and Buddhist, “for the benefit of all beings everywhere”).
Digestion is automatic like breathing, and if there are Intelligences attributed they shouldn't interfere with normal day-to-day running but only in case of for example malfunction, perhaps with asthma or IBS...
The Vision of Spiritism will lead to a Vision of a World of Spirit, where all things are Spirit and have their place in the “Anatomy of the Body of God.” This is the Continuity of Consciousness.
You mention Spirits or Factors which are hostile to us-and I do not at all deny that these exist. But I think the word we might choose when addressing them is “Adjustment” (Justice in the Thoth Tarot-and Ma'at). To adjust is to employ Physics-and Occult Physics.
I precisely agree. This Adjustment is exactly how I view the (ritual) act of cursing as employed in the 3rd chapter of Liber [A]L, for example (and with the whole idea of "Vengeance" there in a wider sense)
But “Banishing” in the classic sense is not how the Afro-Atlantean deals with the Spirits.
What is 'Afro-Atlantean', please? Is it like Afro-American, but a bit more centralised/ mid-ocean?.
I might be wrong but it's something of the OTOA, though it may be somewhat inspired in the AA? One if the possible meanings for the AA name (though the less commonly referred), as proposed by writer L. Sprange de Camp, is "Atlantean Adepts", to what "Afro Atlanteans" has striking resemblances.
Might be a casino or a glimpse of the zone seized by the ocean submerged in the depths and brought into view by Plato and Athanasius Kircher and others; not axiomatically centralized or stationed mid-ocean.
hoping to get permission to post a photo of the book as well as page 3
Absolutely. It sounds like your copy arrived, then? I just picked my own from the post office a couple days ago and was very happy with the job Sirius Limited did. Truly hoping you enjoy! 🙂
Obviously left with Edwin Arthwaite, the head of the local Black Lodge Deep State Machine. You may be deep in serious doo-doo.
Look, it's after midnight in our same time zone, and you haven't come back to say the true story. Friday night. Drumming? Drinking Beer? Delving (into new books)?
It turns out there is a wee leprechaun in the mail box, so the postal service wasn't lying after all.
Seeing as the book ships from Colombia, land of milk and funny, the messieurs of the USPS saw fit to open and inspect my parcel with knives but luckily the cover wasn't too damaged. Au demain
the USPS saw fit to open and inspect my parcel with knives
Nah. The folks with sharp implements are the Customs agents. Since your book came from Colombia (!), land of coca and grass buds, it (the book) had a 60% chance of being hollowed out and FILLED with contrabandish things.
Anyway, if Arthwaite wasn't involved, you may feel lucky.
Actually, if it was sent book rate (now "media mail"), there is a good chance US Postal Inspectors opened it to make sure it really contained media, and not someone mailing other things and scamming on the cheap media mail postage rate. They do this pretty often. Ask me how i know.
It came in a mangled cardboard box wrap with slits big enough to see into it, that there was a book inside and invisible forces swimming in and out of its banausic guise .
As one opens the book and feels the presence and its magical charge pulling; an affirmation is presented.
I dedicate myself to the service of the spirits. I offer myself to the service of the Great King of The Dead. Now and forever.
Unearthly sights, doorways into gnostic spaces, magical perspectives, different levels of being, transcendent regions, reverberant echoes upwell and envelop . One is hurled through and exposed to Esoteric Masonry, Abbe Joseph-Antoine Boulan, Huysmans La Bas, William Blake, Michael Bertiaux, OTOA-LCN, Monastery of the Seven Rays, Kenneth Grant, The Draconian Current, Typhonian Gnosis, Maat, The Sublime Feminine Mystery, The Word that gives expression to the gate. and The Nodensphere charged with surging intensity and otherworldly power.
It cuts into the somnambulistic patterns, surface undulations and lays bare an understanding of what lies behind superficial assumptions and the mechanisms of the projecting agent. And full of serpentine orgasmic dynamic art !
@Shiva Yes in deed. However before reading the book i was a little familiar with the territory.
The dangerous dominion. The mirage and its melee of influences and dependencies ; its contact with apparent forms, and its generation and liberation, into the realm beyond.
