Q–1 One particular line in your charge for the Heptameron reads, ".completely fulfill my words of Charge given here within the space of thirty days."

Why thirty days? Is that so the spirits have plenty of time to carry out the request? What would happen if I were to shorten that length of time to 15 days?

A–1 In theory, you can shorten the time to a ‘fortnight’ (2 weeks) if you wish, but I would not advise it. Your generation—coming over from New Age fad magic—must simply learn to remove your insistence for instant gratification and the quick fix, and allow the process which is Evocation to Physical Manifestation to occur. But beyond your overcoming this “I want it now” attitude, there are other, more realistic reasons for your adhering to the recommended time requirement.

In several grimoires, you will find the span of 30 days as the length of time the spirit should be given in order for it to fulfill your Command. Why this length of time? Because as I stated above, this Ceremonial act is a process. That is, it is a natural process that is marked by gradual changes. For during this time—when the spirit will be working to manifest your desire—there will be a continuous interaction between you and it. At times that interaction will be conscious. That is, you will feel an inner excitement or a state of anxious, profoundly fearful apprehension; as if something external were drawing enormous amounts of nervous energy from you. What is worse, you will also feel that you cannot control these states of fearful apprehension. Or you may have a powerful feeling of your being attracted to some thing ‘out there’ or that ‘something’ is being attracted to you. At other times this interaction will be unconscious. That is, you will receive conscious glimpses that something which you ‘cannot put your finger on’ is happening around or within you, or you will find yourself all out of sorts for some unknown reason. Or you will become extremely irritable in an unusual way: a way to which you are not accustomed. You may also have panicked feelings that things are just ‘not right somehow,’ and the anxiety generated by these nagging feelings will send your apprehensiveness to heights you never previously experienced. But worst of all, will be that deep, inner sense of some unknown, unnamed terror; a terror that is within or (literally) ‘behind’ you at all times during the 30 day period.

All of these conscious and unconscious states mark the gradual changes that are occurring in your external world as the object of your desire is either being brought to you or is being created for you by the entity you charged with the task. Since this desire is part of your psychic nature, and since the psyche is that Interior Realm in which the Magic is actually performed, you will thus feel the stages of the desire’s manifestation within you.

In reality then, the 30 day requirement is not given out of consideration for the spirit: the Fathers of the Grimoires established it out of consideration for the Magician. In short, it was given out of consideration for you, since you will be on an emotional roller coaster ride—one you cannot possibly understand at this point—until your desire is made fully manifest.

And don’t take the attitude, “I don’t need that long! I can handle it no matter what this guy says here!” Because the fact is, you can’t! How do I know this? Because until and unless you experience the real thing: Evocation to Physical Manifestation by adhering to the strict requirements of the ancient grimoire you are working from; until you attain that manifestation of the demon, and struggle through the Control of the process wherein you are flooded with such a Divine Bliss that you don’t know if you are conscious or not; until you face a reality that you only dream (or fantasize!) about now, you cannot possibly know the extent and magnitude of the changes that this process produces. You will need every second of that 30 days—if not longer.

As I have stated so many times: Evocation to Physical Manifestation—the REAL Ceremonial act of Evocation to Physical Manifestation—is an extremely dangerous and unbelievably difficult business, and is one that cannot not—and MUST NOT—be taken lightly. Be warned and guided accordingly.

Q–2 Dear Dr Lisiewski,

I apologize for bothering you with such a simple question, because I know you have far more important ones, but I was wondering what is your opinion about the book The Kybalion, is it useful or just plain crap? Your response will be greatly appreciated.

I also have one more question, Is it possible for me to use the 10 axioms and your principles set out in Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician to enhance my practice in Egyptian Ceremonial Magic, or is this dangerous? As before, your response will be greatly appreciated.

A–2 Yes, the Kybalion, by Three Initiates, is a most useful and insightful book. It has more direct utility in what I refer to as “Higher Mysticism” or “New Thought” than it does in Magic proper. However, the insights gained from it produce unusual states of awareness, these ‘second generation’ states having direct relevance to Old System Magic. It is a most worthwhile treatise on matters Occult, and in my opinion, belongs in the library of every sincere student of the Mysteries.

If you do purchase a copy, please buy the hardcopy version. I say this for two reasons. First, I have seen paperback editions that were abridged or ‘abbreviated.’ That is, they were shortened, obviously to increase the profit of the publisher without any regard whatsoever for the material in the text. This is not true for all paperback versions of course, but “…if in doubt, don’t…” and hence my recommending the hardcopy version: I have yet to see any of its various productions shortened. Second, you will find yourself referring to it many times. And with the absolute shoddy quality of many if not most paperbacks published these days, a sewn hardcopy will last you throughout the years.

As to your second question. The principles of magical operation set down in Ceremonial Magic and the Power of Evocation and in the Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician are most certainly applicable to Hermetic Magic. Please be certain of one thing however. If you practice Hermetic Magic as, for instance, laid down in Dr. Flowers’ masterpiece, Hermetic Magic, practice only that form of Magic. Do not mix systems by applying techniques from Old System Magic or—God forbid!—those generalities and nonsensical ways of New Age Magic to your work.

Oh. And by the way. If you are using Dr. Flowers’ book, please be certain to use the ‘Hermetic’ Glyph of the Tree of Life—the Pagan version—he discusses therein. Do NOT mix it with the Western version of the Glyph that is so popular today. There are different Path geometries or Sephiroth-Path configurations in the Hermetic Glyph, and it is absolutely imperative that you use those configurations—and only those configurations—for your work in Hermetic Magic.

In conclusion, stick with your current practices, expand them by using the principles I have given in my two books you cited above, and go your own way quietly, and in peace.

Q–3 Dr. Lisiewski,

I found "Twelve Steps to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Dr. Regardie in the hardback 1969 original version. It was in a book store in England. I only paid $100.00 bucks for it and I have it now. The Adorations are very nice. In fact I have been using the Adoration at Dawn contained in this book for almost one year now. I found this in another book by Regardie or Crowley and liked it so I incorporated it into my morning ritual. I have not been doing adorations at the other three divisions of the day because I did not like the Four Adorations offered by the Golden Dawn and I could not find any adorations that I liked. The adorations given in this book will do nicely. They seem to flow off my tongue better than any others I have found. That alone makes it worth the price of the book.

A–3 In many ways, Regardie’s book, Twelve Steps to Spiritual Enlightenment, is a treasure trove for the aspiring magician. The Adorations are just one of the gems in that hidden treasure as you have discovered for yourself. These Adorations will, in time, become singular devotions in themselves; devotions that will gradually enable your spiritual nature to unfold in a safe, sane, and balanced way, thus preparing you in an ideal way for the practice of Old System Magic.

There are also a number of the Steps in this book that—when coordinated in a certain way which I teach to my private students—will prepare the individual in a rigorous manner for the practice of Old System Magic. However, this book cannot—in my opinion—be used as a complete, ‘stand alone’ set of spiritual exercises to aid one’s advancement. That is, not without bringing the individual to his spiritual and emotional knees; a condition that does not have to be experienced. Regardie himself agreed with me on this point when he told me that if he had time he would “…redo it completely, Joe. I now see too many things in it that could be changed…”

But as I said, if certain of the Steps are coordinated in a specific manner, the student can and will most certainly extract the gold from them, and do so in a relatively easy way.

Q–4 Before I serendipitously ran into your books I wasted my time on a lot of New Age nonsense that either gave no resolution on a few problems I had or caused a lot of problems themselves. I had then decided that all this feel good airy, fairy, occult junk food was depleting my resources including my pocketbook.

The answer I was always given by these books or by others who practiced this New Age junk was 1 of 2 things:

1. You're weren't meant to use magic because of past karma
   
2. Magic is not a science - you can't control, cause or affect change in the "world" simply because magic is unpredictable.
   

Kudos and thanks for the great work!

A–4 There are many such as you. So please don’t feel you are alone, or that there is something wrong with you for trying your damnedest and not getting anywhere due to the New Age hype. Many are the sincere people, looking for a way out—not for a free lunch or for a free ride—who turn to Magic in particular and the Occult in general because the ways of the world simply have not worked for them. Like you, they find they cannot deal with life on its terms, and so seek another avenue by which they can manifest their Will in the world; and in the process, make their own world a more productive, happy, and prosperous place in which to live and grow. To be sure, there are more than enough ‘spiritual freeloaders’ out there, but you are not one of them. And certainly, neither are those who read these columns every week. You and they are the workers; those who are ready and able to give all that they have in order to get all that they want: no attitude could be more fair than this.

I thank you for your compliments, and assure you that I will continue to do all I can to help you and those like you make of your lives what you will.

As to my upcoming works. My first two Horror novels, Geometries of the Mind and The Altar Path, will be reissued in April of next year by a new, well respected publisher. They have been reedited and are the publishing house now as I write. The third novel—and the one I consider to be the most horrifying and yet informative in the Occult sense—NightShadow, will also be released in April of next year by this same publisher.

A number of you have asked why the name, “Norman Erik Keller” appears as the author on the covers of Geometries of the Mind and The Altar Path. This was the “pseudonym” or “Pen Name” that I used in the early days of my fiction writing. Why did I do this? Frankly, I am not certain. It just seemed like the thing to do at the time, and so I did it. The new, second edition of these two books, as well as the first edition of NightShadow, will be bear my legal name as do my current three books in Magic. As the release dates for these novels draws near, further announcement of their availability will be made on this website.

The books on Alchemy are also in progress. Israel Regardie and the Philosopher’s Stone — the Alchemic Art brought Down to Earth will be made available sometime next year, as will be the first of the three volume set on Practical Laboratory Alchemy. Again, further information of the release dates of these books will be posted on this website as soon as they become available.

As to the CD’s. There will be no CD’s for the programs in magical instruction. Rather, hardcopy publications covering the material will be made available through this website only. Due to my other commitments and the amount of writing I now have to contend with however, I cannot comment on the date of availability of these courses.

Q–5 Dear Sir,

I hope this finds you well. On behalf of all those who are waiting with eager expectation for your new CD's, I ask that you PLEASE kindly consider writing those three books (if they are written at all) that will each deal with a separate grammar of magic of major importance (by incorporating much of your teachings of the Oral Tradition in light of your works and showing us how to carry each step in the grimoires in great detail). This would of course be very important information to put in your upcoming CD's as well. I simply cannot wait!

Next, I was wondering if it was possible to put up some manner of timeline or chart for your upcoming works respectively (so that we know approximately when to expect them and how much perhaps your CD's will cost)? I have an idea of a book or CD being written in the "future" (such as your alchemical CD's that you are considering) but how far along into it? Though I will not yet be a practicing magician, I will certainly be expanding my young mind into understanding the depths of the magical world.

This may have been asked before, but I tried to order two of your horror books from www.amazon.com but both The Altar Path and Geometries of the Mind were written by a different author (by Norman Erik Keller). Is there a reason to this or are they both the same books offered in your website but under the name of another author?

And lastly, this may seem like an out-of-place question, but do you ever sign your books? I thought it might be brilliant to own a book signed by a person I hold in very high esteem as many do.

P.S.

-Your uncompromising teachings and writings have inspired the hope of something good and right within us all--to finally put aside the guise of false hope encouraged by the New Age. At long last!

A–5 As to your questions regarding my novels and forthcoming books in Magic and Alchemy, please see A–4 above. I wish I could be more productive in getting these writings out sooner, but writing is a process that takes time—if it is to be done correctly. The research of fine points alone takes more time than many people realize. Yet that research is crucial, since other more general points will be found to pivot around those finer considerations.

Additionally, my scientific work is consuming a great deal of time these days—more so than usual. The reason for this is that I am not only involved in my own private research, but am also involved in contract work for three other outside scientific bodies. As you can see, taken together, these responsibilities make for a very long day—day after day, week after week, year after year.

And finally, the process of writing is such that it is all to easy for a writer to become ‘saturated.’ That is, just plain, ‘written out.’ I have learned to handle this phenomenon in a fairly holistic way. But yet, at times I just can’t “…write anymore…” Nevertheless, when all is said and done, I think I have a fairly good track record as far as turn-around time is concerned in getting the work out. In short then, you can expect to see my upcoming writings appear in a very reasonable length of time.

As to my signing my books? I have signed a good many, but they were under special circumstances, e.g., a few workshops, lectures, private group and lodge meetings and the like. But until I can make arrangements to sign these books through my website, I am afraid I cannot help you at this time. I do have one idea as to how to do this, but it will have to be fleshed out to see if it is feasible or not. Thank you for your questions.

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of October 23 - 29, 2006.

Q–1 I have noticed that some people, including my family, react very strangely when I give them a hint of my magical pursuits. Some react with cold hostility, others tease or make fun of me and yet others think I am some kind of nut or weirdo. I have since learned to keep my mouth shut to anyone who is not initiated in the ways and ideas of magic, but all in all I am very disappointed and let down by these reactions. Why do people react this way? Why are they so afraid? I have my own ideas and theories about this but when it is all said and done I am still completely baffled by this sort of behavior.

For most of my life I have wondered, "what is the nature of man, what is the nature of reality, what is the nature of man's relationship to reality?" I have always felt that there is something more beyond what human beings can perceive and I have come to realize that many people do not share these same curiosities. They are not even slightly curious. When you were first starting out were you subjected to harsh or negative reactions from people who thought you were crazy or weird for pursuing magic? How did you deal with it?

A–1 You have to realize and eventually accept the fact that most people, including your family and friends, could care less about matters of the Spirit. They are locked into judgment by appearances, and so seek the ways of the world in an effort to change those appearances. They are actually operating in the World of Effects, without considering, learning of, and mastering the Realm of Spirit: the Realm of Cause itself. They call their maneuverings as being savvy to the ways of the world, and seek such devices as relationship strategy courses in order to ‘get ahead’ so they can get on with their ‘real lives’—or so they say.

You see, anything that poses a threat to their slothful nature—and I specifically mean their state of moral degradation or their rejection of anything spiritual—requires them to outright dismiss it and the one bringing it to their attention. So they laugh, poke fun at you, and try to dissuade you from your course. All in all they give you a bad time, hoping you will come to your senses. If you do not, I assure you, in time they will ostracize you completely.

Why such harsh treatment of someone who sees things differently and simply wants to share his enthusiasm and the discoveries he makes from probing into the occult? Because each of us is a mirror. We reflect back to others who they are, and who they are not; what they are, and what they are not. And when the reflection from your mirror shows them to be the lazy, ignorant, materialistic fools they are, they must either do all they can to dissuade you from your work or else eliminate you from their lives, lest they see their reflection all the more clearly in your mirror. This is why you are being treated as you are, as all of us have been at one time or another, and as all of those who will follow us will be treated.

For myself? I was born in 1949. My early years of occult and magical discovery began in 1962 and continued unabated since then. I ran into very little resistance from my family and friends for two reasons. First, even at the early age of 13 when I began my work, I saw that all of those Sunday churchgoers were hypocrites of the worst kind. Sunday Mass served to show off their latest apparel, gave them an opportunity to see what others were wearing, and was a means of collecting further information so they could spread more rumors, strengthen their hate of others, and deepen their envy. I well remember some of them falling asleep in the pews during the sermon, or looking anxiously at their wrist watches, counting the minutes until ‘…this thing is over and I can go home.’ The effect of all of this—and more!—was that I kept my studies to myself and went about my own business. I had two—and only two—friends who shared my interest in Magic. Together, we had many magical adventures, all of which only served to fuel my own spiritual fire. Beyond this, both others of my own age group as well as the adults, knew nothing of what I was up to.

Second, people in that small coal mining town in Pennsylvania in which I was raised were much too busy trying to make a living from the earth. They had no time for anything but the pick and shovel during the weekdays, and the local bars on the weekend. Even though I said nothing to anyone but my two comrades, they nevertheless saw me as just a weird kid whom they left completely alone. The New Age with all of its rampant insanity did not yet exist and so, the occult activities of a young kid attracted very little attention. “He’ll grow out of it” they used to say; that is, the very few members of my ‘family’ when they would take notice of what I was up to. Looks like they were completely wrong (at least) on this one point.

So you are in an unenvious position: get use to it, because that is where you will remain for your entire life, if you continue to pursue this line of inquiry. In your aloneness, always try remember the magical admonition: “To Know, to Will, to Dare, to Keep Silent,” and in time, you will become adjusted to your solitary life. It’s all part of the price we pay for gaining that knowledge and other-worldly experience that society in general—and the religious organizations in particular—have and will continue to try to stop us from acquiring.

Q–2 Dear Sir,

I thank you so very much for having answered my question concerning the circle. If ever a place should open up in your consultation service it would be more than brilliant if you were able to take me as your student. I have taken everything you have said to heart and in many ways am a follower of yourself. Very well let's keep it short, then. I too was born and raised by devout Roman Catholics and am still trying to form a magical subjective synthesis in alignment with my upbringing. This is certainly not easy. In fact, I approached a Catholic priest not so long ago who received his PhD in Physics from Notre Dame. I tried to explain to him the deep science of evocation and told me that the Church has never had the magical rites of magic as part of their liturgy. He further explained and actually took out the Catechism of the Catholic Church and showed me all the places therein that pointed directly to the magical arts as being sacrilegious, sinful, and completely against Mother Church. He told me blatantly that the two could never shake hands so long as the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost (if you'd like) guided the Church through time.

He also said that attempting to rationalize your current belief system with one that is completely contrary to the other was absurd especially if you break away from the former. He further expressed his disgust with priests who would ever have anything to do with or engage in the occult world by saying, "Priests go bad and they can always end up in hell." As soon as I walked out of his office, you could probably imagine the confusion I felt. Since I am only eighteen years old I imagine I still have some time to continue working harder in understanding the true nature of the Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. In many ways I feel discouraged because the priest led me to believe that I would not attain salvation (since these acts consisted of mortal sins supposedly).

I am certain that I am not the only one undergoing this hardship and it would be most helpful if, like a loving father, you would guide us all (most especially the one who read your Questions of the Week) to understanding the meaning of such things.

A–2 You might as well ask the Devil himself why you should not do all of the evil that you possibly can do in this life. Try to remember that you are dealing with an orthodoxy that has stylized and formalized rituals and ceremonial performances, all of which have been constructed, synthesized, and approved by a ‘clergy’ that has caused more pain, anguish, misery and death, than has any other single activity of Man, save for that of open, declared (and honest!) warfare. Additionally—and of course, in keeping with its need for the ‘faithful’ to remain ignorant—this same ‘august’ body has ranted, raved, and perpetuated the idea that “…in knowledge there is much suffering…” while they go on to become educated and schooled in the care of such faithful. You have only to study the details of the Spanish Inquisition and the records of the 6,000,000 old men, women, and children who were tortured and then murdered at the hands of the “Holy Roman Inquisition.” Or, if you are of the more contemporary mindset, you no doubt recall the numerous cases of child molestation, rape, and even murder perpetrated by numerous priests. Such crimes against their own loyal spiritual charges were discovered and prosecuted by courts across this country only a few short years ago, and these investigations are continuing.

And yet these same ‘bastions of the Light’ condemn, reject, and downcast all those—even their own brethren, the Fathers of the Grimoires—who produced the books from which we study and work. They assure us that unless we knuckle under and become part of that intellectually mindless, spiritually dead herd of “believers” they term their flock, we will be damned, and suffer the torments of Hell for all eternity. If this is true, I wonder how many of their own ranks we will be in Hell with? Certainly, considering what I pointed out in this answer, it’s going to be one crowded eternity of suffering!

And then you are worried what one Jesuit Ph.D. in Physics from Notre Dame told you? Even as a physicist, he should have known better; as did Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the Jesuit Anthropologist who wrote so many inspiring, religiously balanced works on Science and Religion. His most notable, The Phenomenon of Man, drives my points home quite clearly. The man you talked to is no more than one of the guardians of his particular form of religious mania, and in my opinion, is to be dismissed as completely as one would dismiss a hallelujah-hailing, tent-raising, soul-saving Baptist, who produces an equal amount of verbal venom and emotional excitement, and all—as usual—without result.

If you are serious about discovering or ‘rediscovering’ your Catholic Faith, I have several recommendations for you to consider. First, The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary, by Karl Von Eckartshausen et. al (ISBN 0892540842) available from Amazon. Here you will learn of the Church behind the church, and the Altar behind the altar. Eckartshausen explains that for "those capable of light" that there is still a "Community of Light", or a wisdom school, where the sacred mysteries are kept.

The Candle of Vision by A.E. (George William Russell) is a 1919 publication available from Health Research. At first it may not seem to be directly related to your question. But I think that with some thought, you will find some unique ways of viewing yourself, life, and the universe—and hence Creation in its myriad parts. Eventually, you may come to see that all religious conventions are just that: placations for the average mind that neither cares nor tries to understand God and Its Works. The book discusses such matters as why we are indeed most miserable when we dream we have no power over circumstance, and I account it the highest wisdom to know this of the living universe that there is no destiny in it other than that we make for ourselves. Some of the Contents: Retrospect; The Earth Breath; Slave of the Lamp; Meditation; Many-Colored Land; Analytic; Mingling of Natures; Memory of Earth; Imagination; Dreams; Intuition; Power; Earth, etc.

The writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin are, as I have stated above, not to be ignored. They must be carefully studied and meditated upon.

Finally, there is a simple little book that may prove to be of more value to you than you may know at this moment. Christ in You (ISBN 0875165060) available from Amazon, is a remarkable anonymous work which will prove to be of great help to many. In the end, it is always the same: your link with that part of God within you can only be forged by yourself. No man, no institution, no organization, no occult group, no magical fraternity, and certainly, no church of stone and mortar can make it for you. Nor can they assist you in making this link, or energizing the vibrant, living connection it becomes, or in the further development of this connection; no more than did the Sanhedrin or the doctrines of Judaism assist in making that Link within Christ to His Father which is in Heaven. Your Salvation will come from one and only one source: from the connection that you make with the Christ Consciousness that lies at the center of your very being.

Go your own way, do your own work, and listen to your own heart. Temper your insights with your reason, sanctify your work through private devotion, and remain true to those Eternal Verities you already know lie above and beyond the dogmas and man-made doctrines of any man made religious institution, the Roman Catholic Church included. If you do these things, Christ in you will guide you every step of the way. All of the rest is prologue.

Q–3 Can you refer me to a source which will help me to correctly pronounce the names of god from the prayers and conjurations of the Heptameron?

A–3 I recommend Godwin's Cabalistic Encyclopedia: A Complete Guide to Cabalistic Magic by David Godwin, ISBN 1-56718-324-7 It has about all anyone needs. If studied carefully, the pronunciations will become quite apparent. It is much better than anything else I have seen to date. You can find it at:

http://www.llewellyn.com/bookstore

Q–4 As circumstance would have it I will have to perform the Heptameron outside somewhere in the woods or in the desert. What is your advice in regards to items I may have to take with me that are not related to the actual grimoire but are helpful in dealing with environmental conditions? For example, portable light sources such as lanterns or flashlights, steaks to pin down the circle of art, brooms for sweeping debris, etc. Could the spirit use these items against me in a dangerous manner? Is it safe to have a portable light source within the circle? I am particularly concerned about the sharp steaks I am thinking of using to pin down the circle of art.

A–4 This is a very good question which I am treating at some length in the Magical Thought for the Week column. I suggest you go to that column for a discussion of this matter.

Q–5 Dear Dr. Lisiewski,

I am in great need of your guidance in a situation. I have practice magic for a long time(a majority of it has been New Age unfortunately) and after all the time, effort, sweat, tears, confusion, etc... I still haven't experienced anything magical or really mystical in the profound sense, I am only 24 years old, so I still know I have a long way to go, but I have reached my wits end, I feel so lost. Anyway my question is this, should I attempt the Abramelin Operation to gain the K&C of HGA, because I know without doubt that once I have my Visitation I will no longer be so confused. I was also wondering if its possible to do the Abramelin Operation first and then start practicing magic. Your answer will be very helpful.

A–5 Under no circumstances, should you attempt this exalted Operation! If you have not succeeded to any perceptible extent with more minor practices (Evocation to Physical Manifestation being considered one of those ‘minor practices’ here) what makes you think you are ready to attempt this most difficult and dangerous (from a number of perspectives) Work? The Attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (Attainment of the K&C of the HGA) is a working that lies at the summit of the Magical or Mystical Mountain. And as with climbing any mountain, you have to make your way slowly, cautiously, carefully, taking one step at a time. You must insure that your subconscious state of Subjective Synthesis has been properly built and polished; you must be extremely familiar with your own Interior nature, and with the psychic mechanisms by which you project that magical force, i.e., that force that is either called down or summoned up from within your being and projected into the world of form: that is, into Malkuth. Your psychic faculties must be opened and developed, and you must be able to tap into them—and control them—at will. Additionally, you must understand your physical body, and have conscious knowledge of the many sensations and processes that are going on within it. And you must be seasoned in the experience of your own mind: both the depths to which it can plummet, and the heights to which it can attain. And finally, you must be adept at controlling that Interior point within yourself at which your Spirit, Mind, and body, meet.

No, you are not ready for the Abramelin Operation. If you attempt it, it is my opinion that one of two eventualities will befall you: you will receive no result whatsoever, even if—and it is an extremely doubtful “if”—you were able to take it to completion (owing to what it does to your entire being.) Or you would tax your physical and mental constitution so greatly, that you would wind up with some type of a severe and serious breakdown. Be warned! This Operation is nothing to fool with, and is never—and I repeat, NEVER!—to be taken lightly!

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of October 16 - 22, 2006.

An Extended Note to Our Readers: Many things have happened the past few weeks owing to Dr. Lisiewski moving his scientific research center and private residence. We realize that these activities have been hard on our readers who expect him to post answers to reader questions and give a new Magical Thought for the Week, each and every week. Please understand, this recent time has been inordinately difficult for him, this past week being the most difficult of all. However, while he cannot post answers to reader questions or give a new Magical Thought again for this week, we want to let our loyal readers know that this will be the final week that such postings will not be made. All is in place that will now allow him to continue his work. And this means that the postings to both Author's Response to Readers' Questions and the Magical Thought of the Week will resume and continue on a weekly basis, beginning October 23^rd.

We also want to thank all of you for the enormous number of emails we received, thanking him for writing these weekly columns and for the help these columns have given to so many. We were not aware that so many people were coming to our website each and every week to learn from these two columns, and that the absence of their weekly postings affected so many. Rest assured that these columns will continue, so that as many can be helped as want to be helped, and each in his own way.

We would like all of you to also know the following, since so many have inquired about these matters:

1. Dr. Lisiewski’s Sci-Fi Horror novel, Geometries of the Mind, will be reissued in a second edition by a well known and respected publisher in April of next year. Likewise, his Occult Horror novel, The Altar Path will also be reissued by the same publisher in April as well. Finally, his latest Occult Horror novel—the one he believes to be the most horrific and terrifying of them all—NightShadow, will be released in a first edition in May of next year by the same publisher who is releasing the other two. All arrangements have been made, with the publishing dates given above being the ones we have received.

   
   

2. While his fourth Occult book for New Falcon Publications, Israel Regardie and the Philosopher’s Stone—the Alchemic Art brought Down to Earth, has suffered setbacks due to the move (and other events of this hectic year) the book is being finished and will be submitted to the publisher in due time. It is anticipated that it will be available next year.

   
   

3. The three following books on Alchemy are also being worked on. The first will deal with the Vegetable (Herbal) Kingdom of Nature, the second with the Animal Kingdom, and the third, with the Mineral Kingdom. Each will contain full instructions and explanations for all alchemical processes that Dr. Lisiewski was taught by Frater Albertus in the mid 1970’s, as well as including his own work done in this esoteric field. For example, he will give complete details on his own experimental work on the generation of a strange type of ‘animal’ according to the Golden Chain of Homer, as well as his dark work on the creation and development of the Homunculus. These books will appear in a timely fashion, each one submitted to the publisher as they are completed.

   
   

4. The Magical Study Courses that so many of you have asked for are also now in preparation. While a great deal of work remains to be done on them, the first course will be available next year. Rather than use a CD format, the manual will be made available in hardcopy, being approximately 125 pages in length. It will coordinate the use of several other books—in the same way the Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician coordinated several books—in addition to the courses giving extensive private instructions, explanations, and discussions relative to the material being studied. In this way, the individual student will be able to not only work Old System Magic effectively, but he will even be able to obtain dramatic results when using the more contemporary forms of Magic as well. They will be very simply bound, but will contain all any genuine aspirant will need to produce the results in Malkuth that they so desire.

As you can see, a great deal has been done this year, with even more being accomplished at the present time; all of which is geared to helping those who want to help themselves create the type of life they desire. This is no joke: we are here to do something that has not been done before in the field of Magic in recent history. And we are and will continue to do all in our power to see to it that the sincere aspirant receives all needed to effect those very real-world changes one so desperately wants—and needs—to make in one’s life. We continue to welcome your questions and feedback, and once again, thank you for your understanding during this very busy time. — Webmaster

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To Our Readers:

The final part of Dr. Lisiewski's move of his research facility and private residence that began in August has finally been completed this past week. However, due to this and his having to make a publication deadline for a research paper, there will be no Author's Response to Readers' Questions this week. This column will resume next week as usual. We thank you for your patience and understanding. - Webmaster

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of October 2 - 8, 2006.

Q–1 Greetings Dr. Lisiewski,

I have a question regarding a book listed in your "Recommended Publishers List." You have listed three books by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine, unfortunately I can find no information elsewhere about the existence of the third volume in their series of magical source works. I have e-mailed the publishing site to no avail. I was curious to know if this book has been published yet. My interpretation of their website seems to suggest the book in question has a projected publishing date in September, but the wording is unclear. If you can share some information about the book (I don't even have the title) I would truly appreciate it. Thank you for your efforts.

A–1 You are speaking of the Goetia of Dr. Rudd. I called my contact at Redwheel Weiser, and she informed me that the book is scheduled for distribution in mid November. You might try contacting Weiser at that time and order a copy. Like all of Skinner’s and Rankine’s work, this promises to be a valuable source of much needed data. All of us can look forward to its distribution here.

The URL for Redwheel Weiser is: http://www.redwheelweiser.com

Q–2 – A Hi , I just ordered your book 'Kabbalistic Handbook' . It hasn't arrived yet so pardon if my question is already answered there.

But my question is about Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy ...

Seeing as you seem to feel ritual has to be done by the book how do you feel about Agrippa's comments on astrological magic ... i.e. that planets should be in their sign of rulership , term etc. . basically that electional astrology should be used to determine the proper time of ritual .

How far can one go with that ? I find it almost impossible to find the right timing where for example Jupiter is essentially dignified and has no bad aspects and the moon is not void of course and the midheaven is well aspected and it goes on and on . One rotten bad apple in the chart makes me have serious doubts about the ritual and that is not a good thing .

Do you feel planetary days and hours are good enough ? I used to do OK with just that but now the more I read the more confused I get . I think I am basically wanting a way out ... i.e. a good rational reason NOT to use electional astrology in a Kabbalistic planetary ritual . Can you give it to me ?

Q–2–B Yes I am sorry . I just read chapter XXXIV of Agrippa in which he says you can use only one , or both , of the systems ( planetary hours/days or electional astrology ) ..

So you can disregard my question . Thanks

A–1 & 2— I chose not to disregard your question because I think it is based in several interesting considerations.

First, The Three Books are notoriously difficult to read. As a result, it is easy to see how you became confused, and jumped the gun before finding what you needed. This is a cautionary note the reader must be aware of when studying the Three Books in a serious and linear fashion.

If you want to study these books properly and see the connection between different parts of them, be sure to have a notebook with you as you read. Take notes. Not only on what is interesting and obvious, but write down those ideas that are unclear to you, in addition to those questions that arise in your mind. After reading a section or chapter close the text, review your notes, try to draw tentative conclusions, and connect features that are both clear and unclear to you at the moment. Continue this process as you study, always referring back to your earlier notes of preceding chapters. In this way, you will be able to see into the many different aspects of Agrippa, and gain an understanding of this major work of Old System Magic that very few possess.

Second, yes, as Agrippa states, you can use either system. But please remain faithful to the one you choose. That is, don’t slide from one to the other: consistent results are almost impossible to obtain if you do so.

And third, if you consult my book, Kabbalistic Cycles and the Mastery of Life, I am sure you will find a synthesis that will give you a system that is even more dependable and reproducible than either of the two ‘straight’ systems Agrippa discusses. You can apply the Cycles system to anything in life, including your Occult practices, and be better off for doing so.

Q–3 Dear Dr. Lisiewski,

Please forgive me if I sound judgmental in this letter, but there is something I'm not understanding.

You have exhorted the student in one of your books to follow the commandments of God as if his life depended on it. It's hard for me to see why this is important when it is well known that Crowley was a drug addict, adulterer, and "the most evil man in the world." And in spite of this, he was able to experience true spiritual unfoldment.

What then is the standard we use to determine what God's commandments truly are? Is there a divine, universal moral code by which mankind is to live by and if so, how can it be known? Any insight into this question is appreciated, as morality and distinguishing between right and wrong is something I am struggling greatly with at this time. I want to "follow the commandments of God" as you say, but I don't want to fall into meaningless dogmatic and Puritanical posturing. Thank you very much.

A–3 What we label “good” or “bad” are purely societal conventions that are accepted en masse at any given point in human history. For instance, it was not only acceptable to own slaves in ancient Rome, but it was considered ‘good’ to have them, for these captive people were indicators of status and rank in the Roman world. Today of course, we cannot even comprehend such a thing, let alone think of bringing it back into ‘vogue.’ This is only one very obvious example. If you think it through, there are countless others.

Then there are variations on these themes of ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ For instance: the taking of one’s own life is not only considered to be against the Law of God, but it is also decreed as being against the law of man as well. That is, it is a crime under the legal statutes of most ‘civilized’ countries. Yet, there is ‘physician assisted death’ along with a “Living Will” that allows you to terminate your own life under certain conditions. And what are those conditions? Those that this society—at the moment—feels are ‘acceptable.’ So to say that Crowley was such and such and draw the conclusion that he was ‘evil,’ is a completely moot point. If anything, he upset the status quo so greatly, that he was called “The Wickedest Man in the World.” And yet this same man who was hated by so many, remains misunderstood by most, and who despised people in general, yet wrote some of the most meaningful, haunting, and beautiful poetry I have ever read. For me, one of his two most beautiful poems, “Jean,” captured the transiency of human existence, the grandeur of Creation, and the inevitably of man’s fate. It ended so appropriately: “…for the end of science and the end of art, is just…my ear, against your heart.” And this, from “The Wickedest Man in the World?” Don’t be so quick to take up the judgments that radiate so easily from the mouths of others.

Make no mistake about this: Spirit—the Life of God as it manifests Itself in Man—takes no notice of the ever-shifting conventions of man’s definitions of ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ It is there for the ‘sinner’ as well as for the ‘saint.’ After all, didn’t Christ Himself say, “I will go into any house where I am welcome,” and “All are welcome at my Father’s Table, whether they be Jew, Gentile, Pagan, or Roman.” And wasn’t it He who sat with sinners, saved prostitutes from being stoned by the ‘righteous’ crowd, and walked with the dregs of the society of the times, all to the chagrin of the Sanhedrin? It is all too easy and convenient to become so enmeshed in the conveniences, contrivances, and reigning mores of the times, such that you can label one individual as ‘bad’ and another as ‘good.’ All such designations are relative in the history of mankind, and are inconsequential to Spirit. But we humans need some type of moral referent system if for no other reason than to have something which enables us to maintain a personal mental, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium amidst the ever-changing mores of the times.

The “Divine, Universal Moral Code” to which you refer is what I call the “Eternal Verities” that exist in all people. They are those instinctual, yet spiritually-motivated humanistic attitudes which are the “Mark of God in Man” as I term them, and which constitute those precepts that all religions try to lay claim to as their own but which—in fact—predate all such man-made organizations. They consist of the need and desire to care for each other; the feeling of compassion; the feeling of empathy; the need to help; the desire to share; even that impulse to lay down one's own life for another: another, who may be a total stranger to the one giving up his own life for that stranger. There are more to be sure, but these few listed here are suggestive of those others that fall under this “Mark.”

As to the Ten Commandments? They are vitally important as I stated in my books. Why? Because they are about as complete and reasonable a set of well-established and thoroughly tested written-down values as can be found anywhere, although the essence of their contents are far from Judeo-Christian in creation: earlier Babylonian, Syrian, Persian, and Egyptian sources contain very similar exhortations of humane behavior in abundance.

The choice of which moral code to consciously follow is a matter that is strictly up to the individual. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers here, nor are there any canned solutions (although for those of us reared in Western society, I do recommend the Ten Commandments as I stated.) As in all things in life, the choice—and the responsibility for making that choice—is an individual one. For myself, I choose to follow the Ten Commandments, seeking to understand their meaning as they apply to my own life and affairs. At the same time, I try to follow the Teachings of Christ and understand them in a way that is both meaningful and useful to me. I do this by studying such works as the Manresa, different versions of “Ta Biblia”—The Bible (both Old and New Testaments)—and the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Additionally, I have found the Psalms to be a veritable font not only of inspiration but of practical advice, as well as a source of power for use in magical rituals and ceremonial work. At the same time, I make no judgment on the choice of the moral systems followed by others. As I have said so often in my writings, “One size does not fit all,” and that is certainly the case here.

For those interested in this very difficult problem of ‘good’ and ‘evil,’ I recommend the following books—which of course are hard to find. Nevertheless, they deal with the issue in an interesting and unique way, and were instrumental in forming my own personal moral system. I am referring to books:

1. The Christos, or the Problem of Good and Evil by Vitvan (School of Natural Order, Baker, Nevada, 1951)
2. Lessons in Truth, by Emilie Cady (Unity, Kansas, 1939)

1. The Loves & Fishes, by Heward Carrington (Scribers, New York, 1935) and
2. The Perrenial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley (Harper, New York, 1944)

Q–4 From looking at the results of your Kabbalistic cycle program, it looks like your using the day/night method. This conflicts with all older writings (Talmud, Chaldean, Egyptian, etc.) that says that the cycle is night day. I know this may sound silly but if the night comes after the day in these systems, then the night is the 'next' day. i.e. Monday begins at sundown Sunday night and from sundown till sundown is Monday which is divided into the night and day and then into the 12 parts per half.

I'll be blunt and say I'd rather not buy a book using the day/night system as I feel (based on religion and history) that it's wrong but I had to ask first. Thanks.

A–4 Now I’ll be blunt. The idea of which came first: the day or the night, is equivalent to your saying that the chicken came before the egg or the egg before the chicken. Obviously, we are looking at the same phenomenon, but from a different viewpoint.

As to Egyptian, Chaldean, and Egyptian systems? You are not living in a culture versed in those systems and therefore cannot work them fully. This, owing to their substantive content having been lost to the ages. Yes, there are bits and pieces here and there. And certainly, there is no end of modern-day books spouting ‘secret’ knowledge of these systems. However, only for Egyptian—actually Graeco-Egyptian writings—do we have dependable scholarly sources from which modern treatments have been culled or adapted. Dr. Stephen Edred Flowers’ vitally important contribution, Hermetic Magic is such a work, having as its reference the scholarly writings of Professor Hans Dieter Betz. Further, trying to ‘adapt’ elements of those systems—a kindness for your actually ‘mixing’ systems’—by blending them with some form of Western Magic, will result in your receiving partial results—or no results—from your magical work, at best. This is not to mention the very real probability—not simply, ‘possibility’—of your experiencing no small measure of the Slingshot Effect.

Also, I sense you have not worked the Kabbalistic Cycles System that I proposed, and therefore you cannot comment on its effectiveness from your own experience, anymore than you can comment on any of the ancient systems you named (Graeco-Egyptian, excepted.) ‘Right’ and ‘wrong,’ ‘good’ and ‘bad,’ ‘good’ and ‘evil;’ such words and their attendant concepts are relativities as I discussed in Question 3 above. What you are really saying, is that you feel more comfortable with a night system, for whatever reason you claim. But—as in all things—the choice is yours. My suggestion: Go with what you think is best for you, and be prepared to shoulder the consequences—whatever they may be.

Q–5 I have read in the web site that Dr. Lisiewski intends possibly to create CDs which delineate a whole course in Magic.

In the "The Kabalistic Handbook" it is recommended to buy Mr. Griffin's "The Ritual Magic Manual" in order to make the Golden Dawn system work. But, at the same time, the CDs intend to be a whole course in itself. So, does it make unnecessary to buy Mr. Griffin's book?

A–5 First of all, Mr. Griffin’s manual is a must, and for the reasons I gave in my third book that you mention above. It is invaluable and most necessary. Period. And you can safely disregard the negative book reviews Griffin’s work received on Amazon. Those armchair ‘magicians’ are always trying to stir the pot with their theoretical mumbo jumbo, itself based upon a system of magic which just DOES–NOT–WORK as they well know from their own prevailing, pathetic life conditions. (And no, I do not know Mr. Griffin, nor have I had any contact with him. His work speaks for itself, and for the man—THAT is all I need to know.)

Second, the courses in Magic will be detailed guides only: much like a roadmap that takes you from where you are to where you want to go. Without that map, you can wind up going in circles and never arrive at your destination. But even with it, you will have to read signs and think along the way. And those ‘signs’ you will have to read with this ‘roadmap’ (the courses) are the books that must be studied—not to mention the practices that must be done—if you are to arrive at your final destination. These courses however, will not simply coordinate such readings: they will contain additional explanations and will reveal even more of the power different ritual performances and ceremonial actions contain. Thus, just as the Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician coordinated several books while giving new material to the student, these courses are being designed to do the same thing in the same way.

Also it is quite obvious that I cannot extract entire sections from the books that will be recommended and reproduce them in the courses. That would not only be unfair to the writers of those books, it would be downright illegal, and virtually impossible to do. The courses will be 100 – 150 pages in length each, (may) be on a ‘data’ CD’s only (not audio) and will be expensive ($25.00–35.00 each.) Don’t forget, they are the result of 43+ years of my own work in Magic, and such knowledge and guidance has a price: just as does everything in life which is of value.

The courses will also contain unique material, e.g., discussions of salient ideas and details, as well as ritual and ceremonial practices not found anywhere else; things I have discovered from my private efforts in Experimental Magic throughout the years.

• There is also something else you may want to know. Rather than release these courses in CD format, they may very well end up as hardcopy documents. As paper-publications, they would have simple covers and certainly no fancy bindings: probably just heavy-duty staples securing the pages to the inside of the covers. We are considering this due to the large number of requests we received for such, as opposed to our releasing them in CD format. Regardless of the type of release—whether CD or paper document—the courses will be unique to say the least. They will certainly be worth the effort of those who are serious about Magic, and about using it to improve themselves and their lives to the extent they desire.

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of September 25 - October 1, 2006.

To My Readers: It is such a pleasure to be here with you once again, doing all I can to help as many as possible in what has become an actual ‘Magical Movement;’ a Movement back to the only form of Magic and Occultism that truly works and which brings immediate results—that of Old System Magic.

We are now established in our new house (although far from fully functional) with construction on the new research facility beginning next month. So with these changes behind us, you and I can resume our studies and work in this utterly fascinating field which has captured our hearts and minds so long ago.

I will try to answer more than the usual number of questions this week, in order to express my gratitude to all of you for your understanding the recent delay in these postings which our move necessitated. I trust you will find the questions and answers below to be of value to you.

Q–1 Your work is certainly admirable and serious and exposing the terrible new age stupidity is a refreshing oasis. However, your system seems more or less to equate progress and success in magic with reaching a state of mystical saintliness as the only way to control the powers and intelligences in magic. Perhaps you are right, but most people drawn to magic are people handicapped psychologically and tormented in life in general. A person who is born in a right family and environment and is raised in a psychoanalytical correct way becomes a real human person-as opposed to a dehumanized non-person or "alien"- with a huge set of abilities(solid self-image, true and intact self, free from inner collision, ability to love, connected with his body as opposed to asomatics, etc) that allow him-especially in our age-to achieve almost everything without needing any magic( perhaps because he is lucky to have the magic of an Unconscious that works for him). My question is whether magic is an eclectic system only for those who are already lucky in life from the beginning because otherwise I cannot see persons "prisoners of childhood" to really have the necessary inner structure and tendency to respect cosmic law and thus avoid tears from mistakes in magic. I do not mean that the lucky ones do not do any work but it is only work in a correct and comfortable current after having been "selected" by life. Even Crowley, as important and competent as he was, I know from sources other than books that in the end his body completely disintegrated and rotted and pieces fell off, a tragic end in life that I know about another real magician and Satanist in Greece.

So magic exists ok but for who? Psychoanalysts have a saying that "if you are fed with excrements once you are born and as a child, no matter what happens in-between, you will end up in excrements eventually". Is that true about magic too, not in theory, but the way it usually happens?

A–1 Your question is a good one. What is more, is it is a completely fair one. ALL of us are "handicapped psychologically" in one way or another. The idealized individual you describe above does not exist and never has. That imaginary person is, instead, a ‘theoretical model’ that so-called modern day “Psychoanalysists” have invented as a justification for that which they cannot justify nor prove: their own ‘theories’—actually conjectures—about the human psyche.

The "saintliness" you speak of for controlling magical power occurs at points along the way. And yes, it does allow us to control that power. But at NO time do we become so 'holier than thou' that we dispense blessings upon those that others may see as 'less fortunate' than ourselves. The Mystical States of Attainment are the END of Magic: not the BEGINNING of it. And certainly very few of us sought Magic in the beginning to attain such states. Make no mistake about it: almost all of us initially sought Magic because we were incapable of dealing with life on its terms. It was only after we began the Path and continued, regardless of the personal inner obstacles and external impediments, that we saw ‘something else.’ A ‘something’ which lies over our personal horizons of self-gratification and indulgence. Then—and truthfully, only after having attained to some satisfactory level of personal gratification and indulgence—did that ‘something’ else beckon to us, and lead us in the ultimate Path to which Magic serves as the Gateway.

We—all of us who have struggled, clawed, and crawled our way along the magical path—are intensely REAL, HARD WORKING individuals in the extreme. We have come from—what is now referred to in oh, such a politically correct, sociably responsible way—"dysfunctional families," having been bombarded to the extreme by so-called "psychologically impaired" parental and social influences. But—and this is the quality that makes us different from those who have used such negative influences as excuses for laziness, dependence, and to commit crime—we persisted, uncovered what we found to be the Truth, and continued until we found the Light at the end of the tunnel.

Make no mistake about it. That “Light” is just that: a Divine Light wherein all of the pain and anguish does not simply melt away as so many of the contemporaries and their psychology-spouting cronies would have you believe. But rather, those negativities are TRANSFORMED by this Light into something of such beauty, that our lives are fulfilled in ALL ways—and that includes the material. And by the way, this is not to mention the deepest emotions we experience from having finally and honestly forgiven ourselves and all those who have wronged us throughout the years. There are no words for this personal purging of hate and anger, and for the depth of love and peace we experience as a result of its dawning upon us. We learned what the phrase, “When hating someone else, dig two graves,” truly means.

Know then, that Magic is for ALL who have the COURAGE to face who and what they are at this moment, take themselves in their own two hands, and determine to tread that Path that has been called, "The most grueling discipline ever conceived of by the mind of man." The Path of Magic.

There are no easy routes to Salvation. And by “Salvation,” I do not mean that emotional sense of ‘righteousness’ that is sold by churches, temples, or synagogues, or by that host of so-called “magical orders” and “secret societies.” I am speaking of an inner spiritual freedom and cleanliness; something so pervasive and complete, that the errors of your past life are actually transformed by an Event that leaves no part of you untouched. You cannot ‘buy’ such by paying your church, Order, or synagogue dues, attending their religious rituals, or being members of their inner societies that give begrudged alms to the community, while holding back the bounty for their own extravagances and comforts. No. It is a matter of each of us becoming accountable for our own spiritual progress, and doing something about it. Something for which we take the “blame or the fame” as the saying goes. Be guided accordingly.

As to the outcome for the INDIVIDUAL? As in all things in life, this depends EXCLUSIVELY on the individual; on the lengths he will take, the devotion he will give, and upon the links he makes with his own Divinity within as he treads the Path. All in all, one cannot ask for more in life: to be able to write one's own ticket, and then use it to get to where one wants to go.

Oh. As to your concern with Psychoanalysists, their ‘sayings,’ so-called theories and conjectures? Based upon those whom I met and knew throughout my life, and from the writings of such that I have studied for well nigh 35 of my 43+ years in Magic, I will attempt to answer your question regarding them in two parts.

First: why is it that for the simplest so-called ‘psychic disturbance’ or psychological phenomenon, any randomly chosen 12 different ‘Schools of Psychological Thought’ —oh yes, there are a plethora of them—will those 12 produce as many different answers? Can you imagine if, say, gravity had as many explanations that determined ‘how’ it worked? And why? You couldn’t even get out of bed in the morning without worrying if you would float off into space or be pulled down through the earth and crushed. In short, these people have no science that can define anything with predictability, repeatability, and which is capable of independent verification. Their theories (conjectures) are based upon the most convenient statistically-manipulated data that can be further bent to their own way of thinking, and which cannot be treated by other more advanced mathematical procedures. It is if they read the books, How to Lie with Statistics and The Statistical Treatment of Experimental Data, combined the two in some bizarre way in order to produce an amalgam that suits their purpose, and then based their ‘science’ upon it. This is my opinion of these moderns. And with the exception of a single, formally licensed Analysist, all of those I have met are completely nihilistic. How do I use this term? By it, I mean that such individuals hold to the view that traditional human values and beliefs are unfounded, and that existence itself is senseless and useless. Consequently, such also espouse the view that any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths is useless and unfounded. And then you are going to worry about such kind, their opinions and ‘science?!’

Second: In order to shore up their own negative views they reduce human existence to a purely mechanical, chemical phenomena, including the complexity of the brain itself. Yet those same ‘intellectuals’ cannot explain the workings of the brain with any more clarity and certainty than if they advanced the idea that the skull was filled with cotton wadding! Yes, there are those Psychoanalysists of another era that I admire, and whose work are (at the very least) inspiring, as they encourage us to look within to study our own nature and complexity; that nature and its inherent complexity that the mechanistic Psychologists and Psychoanalysists of today have reduced to a handful of interacting chemicals: the works of Roberto Assagioli, William James, and to some extent, even select writings of Carl Jung, to name those I am thinking of. Particularly, the writings of Assagioli and James have great value here.

Listen to no nay sayer. Be your own man (or woman), chart your own course, make the inevitable errors, continue to learn, and hold no one accountable but yourself for where you are in life at this moment, where you want to go, and for your finally getting there—or not. This is how the man or woman of Honour lives and dies: not according to the prevailing whims of an insane society that is slowly but surely killing itself with every passing day. These are not some high-sounding words, meant to produce some useless, temporary state of exaltation in you. Nor is this an attempt to impart to you a trite emotional state that will fade as a mist in the morning sun. These are hard core words of Truth; the only Truth that can truly—and once and for all permanently—set you free.

The choice is yours: let your center lie within your own being, not in some hateful pseudo-intellectual’s ramblings.

Q–2 I am the reader who submitted Q-2 the week of June 26-July 2 concerning the Sword of Art. Thank you for answering that question. Thank you for answering all of our questions!

This next one has to do with the altar. In your article "The Magical Chamber" you mention that the altar is "that basic design taken from The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage. In The Book... it says "the altar, which should be made of wood, ought to be hollow within after the manner of a cupboard, wherein you shall keep all the necessary things." That is helpful but still a bit vague. Before I read this, at first I pictured something similar to a small podium that you would sit at on the floor; but now I am thinking it may be something you stand at.

Since I am considering having one custom made I was wondering if I could ask you for the precise dimensions of the ideal altar so that way I have an idea of what information to give to the designer. Again thank you for all of your help.

A–2 Imagine if you will, two cubes, each made of ¾” thick plywood, and having 18” finished sides. Imagine these two cubes stacked one atop the other, and secured in place by 4, 4”x ¾” bolts (the bolts are placed inside the two cabinets, such that the bottom of the upper cabinet is secured to the top of the bottom cabinet.) Now imagine a burnished solid brass handle on the front face of each cabinet, and a 12” brass hinge securing the front face of each cabinet to one of the sides, such that each cabinet can be opened and closed easily (a simple brass latch with eyehook keeps the face of each cabinet closed until access to the interior is needed.) Finally, add 4, 2” diameter coaster-wheels to the bottom cabinet, such that the entire assembly can be moved above the Magical Chamber with a single push of one hand. This is my interpretation of the cabinet Abramelin described, and which is simple to make. It is also an Altar you can stand in front of.

Be warned, however, that such a unit, made of ¾ plywood, is enough to bust a gut if you try to lift it: hence the casters. Such a cabinet-assembly offers plenty of surface for a work area, and certainly more than enough room inside for storing the Impedimenta needed for this or any magical operation.

One thing: NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER, have anyone build this or any critical magical structure or Impedimenta for you! (The only exception to this rule, which many grimoires allow, applies to the Sword. It can be purchased or forged. If the latter, it must be done by you.) Such is your job, as is its design. If the Abramelin Operation demands the most intense effort from you over an extended period of time—as does all Old System Magic—what makes you think the components of this (or any) Operation require anything less as well? Dispense with your New Age attitudes, roll up your sleeves, and get to work! Only them can you expect to succeed in what you will to do. As I have said so many times: there is simply no other way. Enter your Interior World, seek the council you desire there—in the silence of that world—and carry it through to completion. In this way you will learn. And in time, you will succeed to the extent you desire.

Q–3 When I have decided which room I want as my temple is there a ritual I must perform to "make it official"?

A–3 There is a ritual procedure I use in such cases that may be of help to you. It is simple and straightforward, but has proven extremely effective. It assumes you have a ritual or ceremonial vestment of the type described below, an Altar erected in the center of the room, and a candle snuffer. The rest of the material is easily obtainable.

Purchase 9 white, unscented candles, 9 new candle holders, a new unglazed earthen bowl, a box of new table salt, fresh, clean mountain spring water (a few ounces will do) and a box of new wooden sulfur-less matches.

Enter your new Magical Chamber and don your pure white, ritual linen vestment. Place one of the white candles in each quarter of the universe, and one in each sub-quarter in such a way that the positions of the candles outline a Circle 9 feet in diameter. Place the 9th candle at the center of your Altar. Light the candles in the following order: rotating clockwise, first light those in the quarters. Begin in the East, continue through the North, and then move back to the East. Next, light the candles in the sub-quarters, beginning with that in the SE, moving to the SW, then to the NW, on to the NE, and conclude by returning to the East. Move clockwise within the circle of candles to the West of the Altar, facing East, and light the 9th candle there.

While facing East, add some water to the bowl. To this, add ½ - 1 oz. of table salt. From your position behind your Altar (still facing East) dip your right hand into the saltwater, remove it along with a quantity of the liquid, and asperge toward the East, turning clockwise through the directions of the compass until you are facing East once more. While you are asperging, say the following:

“Thou shalt purge me with Hyssop, Oh, Lord, and I shall be clean! Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!”

Make the Sign of the Cross (equal-armed to indicate the equilibration of the four Elements) in the air, in each quarter and sub-quarter. Begin doing this from your position behind your Altar, again facing East (make the Sign of the Cross in the quarters and sub-quarters in this one circumambulation.) As you make this Sign, recite some Prayer of Dedication you feel is appropriate to your purpose. This prayer must be composed by you and no one else, i.e., it must not be taken from any book of any kind. Be highly focused on the words you speak, and on their meaning.

Extinguish the candles in the quarters first, beginning in the East and finishing in the North. Return to the East, move to the SE and extinguish the candle in that sub-quarter first. Then extinguish those in the remaining sub-quarters, always moving desoil.

Remove your ritual or ceremonial vestment, take each of the white candles and their holders, and destroy them: make certain they can never be used again by anyone. Take the saltwater outdoors and while facing East —not South as so many would have you believe—pour the mixture on the ground, reverently. Finally, destroy the bowl totally. Your Magical Chamber has now been asperged , and is properly consecrated to Magic.

Q–4 You state that the sword must be made or bought in the same hour that it is to be consecrated and inscribed with the names of power. This question probably reveals my ignorance of smithing, but won't it take an hour or longer just to make the sword?

A–4 I knew this question would come up. Why? Because I became lazy when answering it initially, and failed to explain this one point. So here we are again.

No, your interpretation of what I actually stated is not quite accurate. Nevertheless, you have the general idea. What must be observed here however, is the following: as long as the sword is purchased or its production (by you) begun during the ruling planetary hour in question, another, separate hour which has the same planetary ruler can be used to inscribe the characters and consecrate it. Maybe an example will help.

Let us say I am going to work from the Clavicula Salomonis. The sword is to be (in this case) purchased during a Mercury day, Mercury hour. As long as the grimoire does not lay down any particular lunar requirements, I would purchase the sword on a Wednesday during a Mercury hour, the Moon waxing to full, and the inscribe and consecrate it during another, following Mercury hour of the same day. In most instances, the Moon will be in the same Sign under which the sword was purchased, and will be in the same waxing phase, albeit somewhat more along in its waxing. Using these guidelines (and any other specifics of the grimoire I was working from) I have never failed to produce a sword which did what it was supposed to do.

If you want to forge the sword yourself (you must not have it forged for you!) begin the process by purchasing the raw metal during a Mercury day, Mercury hour. Then, begin the actual forging during another mercurial hour of the same day if possible. If not, wait until the following week, and while under the same lunar phase, begin its forging. You will be working under a different Moon Sign in this case, but unless the grimoire has some special lunar requirement as I said, you will be alright. What is important is that the processes of production of this Instrument begin during a Mercury day and hour, the Moon waxing to full.

Q–5 Is there any ritual or practice that you have found that will increase a person intelligence or learning ability, so that the person could comprehend written and verbal information better? If not anything to improve memory? Would you recommend any Sephiroth for doing either of these in conjunction with Regardie's Art of True Healing technique? Thank you for your time.

A–5 Most certainly, you could and should create and ‘charge’ a Talisman of Mercury for these purposes. Mercury rules all matters of communication—including those matters of our internal communication with ourselves—intelligence in particular (both general and specific, e.g., the increase of one’s general intelligence, as well as the improvement of one’s verbal and written skills.) Mercury takes the correspondence of the Sephirah, Hod, and its color is orange. You should of course, learn all you can about this planet’s Kabbalistic nature, and incorporate these ideas and the specifics of your intentions into the talismanic design.

I take it your reference to The Art of True Healing was made because you intend to charge the device by the Middle Pillar Ritual. In that case, you would use the properties of Mercury as Regardie gives in that little treatise, turn your aura orange (at the end of the formulation of the ovoid of white light surrounding you) and vibrate the Divine Name assigned to the planet/Sephirah. As the mercurial forces of the universe converge upon your (now) orange auric ovoid, you would direct those forces into the Talisman, while concentrating on the specifics you wish to bring about within yourself from the talismanic influence.

Be certain to place the charged Talisman in a piece of asperged and consecrated white linen—not silk. The linen does not have to be dyed orange: you will find that a pure white linen is best in all magical matters, and hence my recommending such here.

Q–6 I'm reading two of your books at the moment. They are a great help to me in understanding "Abramelin the Mage". My wife, who is originally from Poland and Catholic, thinks I've lost my mind. I explained to her that you are a scientist which has eased her fears somewhat. I'm glad to know that there is a rational and positive side to Jack Parsons. I am not a scientist, but work with many scientists in my field of work.

Anyway, my question is simple. I'm looking for "pepperwort" for a Friday evocation and can't find it anywhere. I've checked all of your recommended suppliers. Could you send me the name of a company that carries pepperwort?

A–6 No, you didn’t lose your mind, and your wife is quite understandably justified in worrying about you. After all, you apparently crossed some sort of Interior bridge, and so have introduced a certain alienation that has her wondering. Relax. It will pass: usually does. Just remember the ancient Magical Axiom that lies at the heart of all Magic: “To Know, to Will, to Dare, to Keep Silent.” Say nothing of what you in Magic do to anyone, ever. This is the only certain way to success in this art and science.

Now, as to your search for “pepperwort.” I know you stated you tried all of the sources I list here on my website, but I called my long time friend, Harry Roth, the owner of Alchemy Works, and discussed the matter with him. In fact, today, Sept. 20, Harry and I spoke again, and he assures me he has what you need. I suggest you give him a call at his business number (also posted on his web site) which is: 607. 737. 9250

Please know something about Harry and Alchemy Works. Harry and I go back more than a few years, and he is the only source of herbs and oils that I recommend for those who are serious about Magic and Alchemy. He is actually a scholar who turned to Magic and Alchemy many years ago. He uses his refined research ability to track down the finest suppliers of those materials we typically use in the art and science of Magic and Alchemy, and has spent countless hours studying manuscripts and insuring that the products he sells are as faithful to the original requirements as anyone can produce. He is as honest as the day is long, and puts himself into his work, 110%. We have done business together throughout the years; and as I said, I consider no one else when looking for those herbs, oils, and formulations needed in my own work. Please table a look at his website also. The URL for the site is:

http://www.alchemy-works.com/

By the way. I do not receive any commission for recommending Harry and his products as vigorously as I do. But knowing the man and his products, I can do no less. He is as devoted to seeing that Old System Magic—and genuine Alchemy—are not lost amidst the trash that litters the field of Magic and Alchemy today, as are Mark Stavish, Director, Hermetic Institute, and I. Hence my recommendations. If you buy elsewhere and get burned, don’t say you were not warned. I trust these words will be of help to you and all my other readers.

Q–7 In your book Ceremonial Magic you mention in axiom 6 that the magician should not wish for wealth. I take this to mean that in the line of your charge that reads "I therefore charge thee to bring unto me (name your desire here)..." I should not install the word "wealth" or the phrase "great wealth" at the end of this line. On the one hand you say this would be too general and on the other hand I certainly do not wish to be as specific as the friend you mention, so what if I were to install the phrase "x (x as in unknown, meaning I am not mentioning the amount as I type this) amount of dollars" or to make an effort to close loopholes "x amount of American dollars in denominations of (such and such)." Would this kind of wording get the results I am looking for?

A–7 I am not sure of your question due to the wording: you seem to be making several statements at the same time that appear contradictory to me. Nevertheless, if I understand your general query, the charge to be given would be something on the order of:

“And thou shalt insure the delivery unto me of material, worldly wealth in such abundance that shall delight me and be made use of by me as I so see fit to use, and in whatsoever way I desire to use it. Further, thou shall always see to it that regardless of the material wealth needed by for an issue that I choose to undertake, that wealth shall come into my possession in any and all ways that hurt neither man nor beast, nor violate the lands in any way nor cause any grievances onto any thing.”

You should consider the above as a template and adjust it to your own particular requirements. It works as you will find out if you use it. Be warned though, that unless you are very skilled in Evocation to Physical Manifestation, you will not escape the Slingshot Effect. Yes, the more experience you have and consequently the more complete the physical manifestation of the demon, the greater your control and command, the less the Slingshot Effect will be. But it will still be, and that is the important point to remember. You cannot escape Cause–Effect no matter how hard you try. Remember, as I have said so often before, “Something for nothing does not exist in this business.” You will pay for what you get. The only question is “How much will you pay?”

Q–8 Hi , I just ordered your book 'Kabbalistic Handbook' . It hasn't arrived yet so pardon if my question is already answered there .

But my question is about Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy ...

Seeing as you seem to feel ritual has to be done by the book how do you feel about Agrippa's comments on astrological magic ... i.e. that planets should be in their sign of rulership , term etc. . basically that electional astrology should be used to determine the proper time of ritual .

How far can one go with that ? I find it almost possible to find the right timing where for example Jupiter is essentially dignified and has no bad aspects and the moon is not void of course and the midheaven is well aspected and it goes on and on . One rotten bad apple in the chart makes me have serious doubts about the ritual and that is not a good thing .

Do you feel planetary days and hours are good enough ? I used to do OK with just that but now the more I read the more confused I get . I think I am basically wanting a way out ... i.e. a good rational reason NOT to use electional astrology in a Kabbalistic planetary ritual . Can you give it to me ?

A–8 You are way ahead of yourself. From the sound of it you do not need the Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician: at least not now. You might consider returning it for a refund. At any rate, what you do need is Ceremonial Magic and the Power of Evocation, and Kabbalistic Cycles and the Mastery of Life. The first will explain the relevance of Agrippa’s works in relation to Old System Magic—you have an incorrect view of it as you expressed it here. The second book will give you a method of using Kabbalistic Cycles—which incorporate astrological influences—that will work 100% of the time: if you use this system I uncovered over a 35+ year period, as described. It not only deals with the planetary attributions and Sephirotic influences, but with what I call “Flow” up and down the Tree, while taking into account the Path influences for every day of the week. These are vitally important in all of life, and the matters you discuss are no exception.

If you choose to use the Cycles book, you will not even have to make the simple—although extensive—daily calculations the book requires you to make daily. You can come to this website of mine everyday if you choose, and use the Kabbalistic Cycles Calculator I have had placed on it, for free. You can then print out the results for any day and carry that single piece of paper with you so you can use the system effectively in charting your course through the day.

We all want ‘guarantees’ in everything we do in life. This is perfectly understandable. The two books I mentioned above—particularly the Kabbalistic Cycles and the Mastery of Life—will give you just that—as much as is humanly possible. Later, the Kabbalistic Handbook for the Practicing Magician will give you greater insight into Old System Magic and even into the magic of the Golden Dawn. But from the sound of your letter, the latter book will be of no help to you at this moment.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best in doing it. You are not ‘talking’ as so many do: you are working, and that is what Magic and Alchemy are all about.

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To Our Readers:

While Dr. Lisiewski's move is not yet complete, the bulk of it has been accomplished. This now frees him up to resume both the Author's Response to Readers' Questions and the Magical Thought of the Week columns. Hence, these columns will resume Monday September 25, 2006.

Dr. Lisiewski and all of us at ^8th Matrix Press wish to sincerely thank our readers for their patience and understanding in this matter. With what is to follow we feel all of you will be delighted with the new material to be presented. Thank you.

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Dr. Lisiewski’s appearance on the national radio talk show, Coast to Coast, has been moved from Wednesday, October 18th to April of next year, at his request. This will better enable him to talk about his new books in Occult Horror that will be coming out at that time, as well as discuss his latest book on Alchemy which is slated to appear next year as well. In addition, he will be in a better position to discuss his other magical writings that will then be emerging, including his magical courses of instruction.

We will leave this page up until April of 2007, and provide detailed information as to the exact date of his appearance, as soon as that date is set. Thank you. — Webmaster

Dr. Lisiewski will be the invited guest on the nationwide Radio Talk Show program, “Coast to Coast AM” on October 18, 2006, from 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM Eastern time. He will discuss his magical and horror books, personal philosophy underlying his magic, and answer questions posed to him by callers. For those of you interested in listening to this interview, please see the details below provided by the office of the program director.

"Coast to Coast AM" is the largest overnight talk radio show in the U.S., airing nationwide on 500 affiliates including WABC, New York; WLS, Chicago; and KFI am 640, Los Angeles. The show is the number one rated show in most markets with overwhelming market share. We air live from 10pm to 2am Pacific time and feature interviews up to three hours long.

For more information about the show, please visit the website at www.coasttocoastam.com_ (http://www.coasttocoastam.com/)

To locate your local "Coast to Coast AM" station in the USA and Canada click here and click on the appropriate state or Canadian link.

If you live outside the USA and Canada, you can purchase "Streamlink" and listen to the show. Click here for more information.

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of August 21 - ?, 2006.

To Our Readers: Dr. Lisiewski is presently in the process of moving his family residence and research center to a new location with much larger facilities. This will allow him not only to continue his scientific work in the new Physics of Time Travel and Experimental Magic, but to expand on those activities greatly. As a result, readers of his books and these columns will benefit enormously from what is to follow.

The move however takes time. In fact, packing has been going on since early June, with the move itself taking place over the next 2–3 weeks. Owing to the size of the move, Dr. Lisiewski has no choice but to temporarily discontinue this column until further notice. We apologize for this extended inconvenience, but there is simply too much to do owing to amount of personal property and equipment that must be transferred to the new location. We ask our readers to please use this time to re-read the previous entries of this column, and especially those archived entries that they may now see in a new light, and thus gain from even more.

Thank you from all of us here at ^8^th Matrix Press. Your understanding and kindness are greatly appreciated.

Webmaster

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of August 14 - August 20, 2006.

Announcement — Due to the ever growing number of reader questions, developments regarding the effectiveness of my efforts in trying to answer as many questions as possible each week, and reader requests for a private consultation service, the number of questions answered from now on will be significantly limited. My answers—of necessity—will also be much more concise than they have been to date. Please click here for a complete explanation of this evolving situation. Thank you.

Q–1 I am sorry to bother you, but I wrote you a question last week, and your answer brought about a few more questions. I asked you about the boundaries within the offices of the spirits. My question now is what determines exactly what asking for “too much” is? Since money is at the top of most peoples list we’ll use it as an example. Say someone Evokes a Spirit to physical manifestation with the desire to ask for money, how much would be too much? I wonder at what point would the threat of the slingshot effects rise. Is there that much difference between asking for a few thousand dollars verses a few million? I can understand if someone wanted to surpass Bill Gate’s wealth that it would be considered sheer greed, but at what point would the line be drawn? With the many multimillion dollar lotteries out nowadays, it is not unreasonable to be able to win millions at a time, if the operator so desires, and somebody’s got to win it. Really performing an evocation with the desire for money is no more greedy than say buying the ticket in the first place, it’s all the same intent. So how would the operator know how much is too much to ask for? And would their personal reasons for asking for something determine the slingshot effects? And I’m not speaking just of money here, but in general. If the operator asked for something that truly was important to help them get to where they want to be in life, would that reduce the slingshot effects? The intent would be a lot different than if they commanded something that was just some “flippant want”.

My last question has to do with the slingshot effect. Would it be possible to add into the “charge” to not cause any negative effects? Wouldn’t the spirits be bound by the charge if the operator were to add that little clause in there?

Once again, I am sorry to bombard you with so many questions. And thank you so much for answering my previous questions, I greatly appreciate it.

A–1 I will answer your second question first, as that is the important one here. No, it is not possible to “add into the charge…” anything that would somehow eliminate any “negative effects” as you term them. Why? First of all, in even thinking about adding such a condition to your charge you are sending a clear cut message to your subconscious mind that you are afraid you will fail in the Evocation to Physical Manifestation proper, and as such, want to escape the responsibility for your failure. Your fear of failure may be due to your inexperience, your lack of preparation, or knowing that you willfully took shortcuts in preparing both the implements of the rite and yourself. Your unconscious mind will most certainly communicate this to the demonic entity involved, and you can be sure it will happily—and effectively—play upon that, such that your fear reaction will cause you to fulfill the ancient admonition, “As your belief, so be it unto you.”

Second, you can no more expect to escape the effects of a badly performed or aborted Evocation to Physical Manifestation than you can expect to escape the consequences of using the law of gravity and escape its effects, depending upon how you use this physical law. You can ask, plead, reason, demand and so on all you like: gravity will have its way, and the demon will have its, no matter what you do. The key is to build and polish your subconscious state of Subjective Synthesis as carefully and as completely as possible, so that these needless fears of the lesser self are not factored into the actual Operation.

Yes, you will be nervous and frightened during your first few evocations. But such fears of the unknown are understandable and your unconscious mind knows this and will (generally) guard against these biologically-based fears being communicated to the demon. It will NOT, however, shield you from those fears arising from guilt; that guilt that secretly arises from knowing that you are not ready to do such work, have taken shortcuts, etc., and yet you proceed to do it anyway.

Now as to your first question. You will not like this answer but it must be stated. Wondering about the “boundaries within the Offices of spirits” and “how much” is “too much” to ask for tells me you are indulging in mind games with yourself (or others who are equally ‘musing’ over such matters) instead of WORKING. These may be valid questions from your point of view, but they are also the questions of a theorist who has not engaged in any practical magical work whatsoever; because if you did, you would understand the depth and breadth of these issues from a philosophical and pragmatic point of view, and would have an inner understanding that will lead you to the answers: those answers that are valid for you and you alone.

“What’s this? Answers for me will differ from those for another?” you say? Of course! Your subconscious state is a totality of consciousness that embraces not only your subconscious state of Subjective Synthesis, but a constellation of other thoughts and ideas about an equal number of infinite issues and things, all of which interact with each other to make you unique in terms of who you are! So what applies to you does NOT automatically apply to me or anyone else. MY suggestion to you here is to use your time productively, and begin a magical regimen that will lead you where you (may) desire to go, and WORK at it. Then and only then will the answers to your (then former) theoretical conjectures—that are unique to you—appear on your mental horizon in the twinkling of an eye.

Q–2 Sir,

I note with great anticipation your announcement that you have decided to produce the CDs of guidance into what I feel may be the greatest insight into the true nature of reality.

I am very thankful to you for your work and will in producing these programs and anticipate someday reaching a state of being to where I will successfully complete both of these miraculous milestones.

I have been acquiring the other books you mention on your site that aid a beginner in developing the correct framework and refinement in pursuit of all these more advanced workings. So the sure and steady journey has begun!

However I noticed something that surprised me regarding the order of the last two programs. I see that you have as reward for those who *successfully* complete the "Advanced Program of Magical Attainment" a bonus program for "Attaining to the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel". I had the impression from my seeking along these lines that it was advised that one reach K&C of the HGA before ever attempting Evocation to Physical Manifestation of a lesser/infernal entity. And your comments elsewhere of the merging of the Divine with the Operator during the evocation being quite the key to it all had me connecting this with the HGA.

I admit I have not finished reading your book on Ceremonial Magic yet, having only just received it the other day. So if this is covered in your book, I do apologize. I still can use this email as an opportunity to thank you as I have been moved to do after reading all you have shared on your web site.

A–2 As you well know, I have divorced myself from the New Age stream long ago. As such, I have separated myself completely from their “advice” as to what has to be done first, second, last, etc. For all of their “advice” and insistences, I have never met one who has attained the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (Attained to the K&C of the HGA) in any genuine way: save for some psychological ‘phenomenon’ produced through some New Age ‘technique(s)’ that they read as having been the Knowledge and Conversation of their Holy Guardian Angel: one has only to look at their lives and life circumstances to determine if indeed they have Attained to this Mystical Height. The long and the short of it is those who can’t, Preach and advise. Those who can, do and Teach. In fact, the Evocation to Physical Manifestation of an entire assortment of demons is—in my experience—a prime requisite to attempting the Abramelin Operation. If one cannot gird his mind and soul by achieving the Divine Bliss—by momentarily uniting with God—in an evocation, how can such a one possibly endure the State beyond the Divine Bliss that accompanies the Vision of the Holy Guardian Angel? Of course, one can’t. No. Disregard the New Age nonsense of all those “Chiefs,” and “Order Heads” who strut around showing their badges of ‘authority’ while living in poverty and who are beneath the contempt of even the lowest, and do what you must do. EVOCATION TO PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION IS PREPARATORY TO ATTAINING TO THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONVERSATION OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL: it is not ancillary to it! And you will find that when you subdue the Princes of Evil of the World who will parade before you during the Three Days of the Attainment, you will no longer need to engage in such vanities as Evocation to Physical Manifestation any longer. You may do so if you choose, but I am willing to wager you will find the Truth and the Power that lies (then) within you to be more than sufficient to deal with any condition, and will no longer need such a trifle as Evocation to Physical Manifestation. You will also find that the Word that proceeds from your mouth will be enough.

“Impossible?” you think? Too hi-falut’in and filled with bragadosia and illusionary promises? From a New Age ‘perspective,’ most certainly. But not from the Mystical Height. Oh no, it’s not at all. And if you do your Work, you will find out for yourself if I am right—or not.

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of August 7 - August 13, 2006.

Announcement — Due to the ever growing number of reader questions, developments regarding the effectiveness of my efforts in trying to answer as many questions as possible each week, and reader requests for a private consultation service, the number of questions answered from now on will be significantly limited. My answers—of necessity—will also be much more concise than they have been to date. Please click here for a complete explanation of this evolving situation. Thank you.

Q–1 Your reply about not accepting all of your applicants is no surprise to me to be honest. I sort of picked up on your genuine nature when I decided to purchase your first book. I respect that very much and think you truly are someone who is sincere in his desire to teach as well as learn. I'm sure the few you did accept are very glad to be embarking on a new chapter of their lives with you in the wings.

I think you have an idea now of where I'm at experience-wise now, which is basically at zero. I think that your book based on the Heptameron is probably out of reach for me now, even if I were able to summon a demon I wouldn't be prepared for it mentally.

Maybe you can offer a small bit of advice for someone who isn't in a larger city with avenues that most might have?

I had looked into the book "New Hermetics" and I say this only because you recommended "21st Century Mage" by the same author. Do you think this might be a good way to start, or would you recommend something different for someone new and aspiring? I'm really just looking for a starting path Doctor, if that makes sense? Maybe you can offer something simple to send me on my way as I'm very eager to learn and frustrated by lack of finances (I had to pick saving lives and squirting water as a career, HA HA!) as well as resources in my area (I'd lay odds not one person in my city has ever heard the word "Heptameron")

All in all, thank you so very much for taking the time you have to write to me. It truly means a lot and I hope you know how sincere I am being sir.

A–1 You are a very honest and sincere man in many ways. Such are much needed in Old System Magic and in the world today. I am sending you under separate cover a special document that will get you on your way. There are not many who care to WORK, but you are such a one. Others ask for what I am sending you. All too soon they return with innumerable questions, showing that they have not done what they were instructed to do. Perhaps this document will be what you need. If it is, you are welcome to write back to me, and perhaps I can help you further—but only informally—as I have more on my plate than I can handle every day.

Q–2 I noticed that in the Heptameron there are no instructions on preparing and consecrating some of the materials used, such as the parchment, pen, ink, etc. Now I know I am not supposed to mix grimoires but in this case will it be permissible to use the consecration processes for these equipment given in the Key of Solomon. Because I would really hate to work with unconsecrated items.

Also in your book you hinted that the robe need not be worn by a priest during mass, although if that is possible all the better. So is this a must or no.

A–2 The items you mention can be effectively asperged with holy water and suffumigated by passing them through the smoke of the Dominican Brand incense, which is used generally in the Heptameron Operation as you know (of course, you would also use the Benediction of the Perfumes, Exorcism of the Fire, etc., as given in Ceremonial Magic and the Power of Evocation.) After suffumigating in this way, the particular ink, parchment, and pen (only these three items) used for a given Operation could also be passed through the Perfume of the planet you will be working under.

It is also far better to devise your own words of purification that are in agreement with the nature of the Operation than it is to take such words from a ‘canned’ source such as the Clavicula Salomonis (unless you were working from the latter grimoire, of course.) Consecration of the items will actually occur through their use in the ceremony, so do not worry about that.

As to the robe. For most, it is well nigh impossible to obtain the ‘ideal’ robe such as described in the Heptameron. A good quality, white, LINEN robe is all you need. It too would be asperged with holy water, and suffumigated with Dominican Brand incense. The Oration to be said when the Vesture (robe) is put on would also be used at that time, which dedicates the robe and the act of donning it to the Operation. As such, it is a form of consecration, and a very powerful one indeed.

Q–3 I have the book "The One Year Manual" and I have searched the internet for a reasonably priced original version of "Twelve Steps to Spiritual Enlightenment". I am not keen on the Thelemic based Adorations in the One Year Manual but I can not find the Christian based Adorations. I know you will probably chastise me for not spending the money for the original "Twelve Steps" but if the only difference in the two books by Dr. Regardie is the Adorations, I would like to try to find the Christian Adorations elsewhere before dropping $150 bucks on the original out of print book.

Where could one find the Christian based Adorations to use as a part of their program?

I anxiously await the release of your CD's. Thanks for all your help.

A–3 I compliment you on your good common sense in NOT spending $150.00 on one of the extremely few available copies of the original Twelve Steps. Several unscrupulous used book dealers have been charging this and even higher prices for the book, which is a clear indication of their absolute greed and utter malice. Discard them and their wares as you would an old shoe.

As to the Adorations. Do what I do: either create them yourself—based upon your own inner promptings that come during your meditations—or extrapolate meaningful verse, thoughts, and ideas from one of the following three books, and weld them into an Adoration that exalts your own mind and Spirit. (It is so easy to automatically rely upon others for that gold that lies hidden within us. But it is there, and should be mined by one’s work in the Spirit.)

I have found the three books to be a great help to me, and a constant source of inspiration that aids my own spiritual unfoldment dramatically, safely, and continuously. The books I so highly recommend are: Christ in You, Anonymous, Meditations With Teilhard de Chardin, and 15 Days of Prayer with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

I am sure the three books cited above will lead you on to others, in addition to enabling you to use these three most effectively (see the extremely extensive index in the first book, the References in the second, and the Bibliography in the third for other similar reading material.)

Q–4 I have read all of your practical books and have found much energy and excitement from just reading them. I have also just discovered your website for which I am truly grateful, and especially to your advice on re-studying (I had a horrible foundation before) and building subjunctive synthesis (via Regardie's books and yours).

My question to you is many grimoires speak of controlling fire, levitation, teleportation and control over any of the other elements in a physical sense, by gaining the power from a spirit. In your experience, have you found this to be so, or just another enticement by "New Age" writers?

A–4 Last week in this column, I noted, “Those who can’t, Preach. Those who can, Teach.” By extension, the essence of that argument applies to your question as well. When a grimoire tells you a spirit can cause fire, move a person from one place to another, turn coins of the realm (you live in) into gold, or whatever the case may be, the meaning is neither allegorical nor symbolic: it is factual. Of course, the New Age can’t admit to this, since its adherents are incapable of producing even the most basic and fundamental of material —and certainly never spiritual—results.

This being the case, how can they accept such statements, when their lives are filled with hate, anger, greed, frustration, lust, poverty and failure, all wrapped neatly by a protective blanket of unjustified and undeserved arrogance and that (in)famous, “I know-it-all because my Order Chief said so!” attitude despite their blatant lack of any significant results, as I have mentioned?

The answer of course is, it and they cannot. They must continually ‘interpret’, ‘rephrase’, or ‘translate’ what the Fathers of the Grimoires gave us in pure, direct, and undiluted form, thereby turning the “Grammars” into a decaying miasma meant to ‘justify’ their lives and belief systems, all of which amount to—nothing.

So fear not. Read the grimoires EXACTLY as they are given. DO YOUR WORK, and take their counsel INTO THE CIRCLE where you can test their claims. When you do this; when you achieve experiential knowledge for yourself, then you might drop me another letter, telling me just who is right—the New Age, or me.

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Dr. Lisiewski's responses to readers' questions for the week of July 31 - August 6, 2006.

Announcement — Due to the ever growing number of reader questions, developments regarding the effectiveness of my efforts in trying to answer as many questions as possible each week, and reader requests for a private consultation service, the number of questions answered from now on will be significantly limited. My answers—of necessity—will also be much more concise than they have been to date. Please click here for a complete explanation of this evolving situation. Thank you.

Q–1 Doctor Lisiewski, my first question is on that so called black art, otherwise known as necromancy. Why does this particular branch of magic have such a bad reputation in popular culture, as well as fringe? It would seem that it's disdainful reputation in the minds of men is equal to, if not greater than, evocation to physical manifestation. Even genuine conjurers of infernal spirits look upon it with hands clasped over their eyes. Surely the prospect of summoning a demon is less pleasant than the likes of a human's disembodied spirit? Perhaps it has to do with that orthodox Christian doctrine that Jesus will resurrect the dead during the Second Coming. Or that the souls of men go directly to heaven (or hell) upon physical death? I'll leave the final answer to this question up to you.

My next and final question is this: Which, in your opinion, is the better Tarot deck, the Original Rider-Waite Tarot, or the Universal Rider-Waite tarot? Both decks have the same essential artwork, but I've been hearing bad things about the Original edition of the Rider-Waite Tarot. Such as the images not preserving the minute details of the cards, to the colors being of a less than ideal nature.

P.S. When do you think the forums will be up?

A–1 No doubt, the individuals you speak of who shudder at the thought of Necromancy are thinking of Infernal Necromancy: that practice of raising the spirit of a dead person who was “..hanged, drowned, or otherwise did away with himself…” as given in the book, An Encyclopedia of Occultism (additional book) by Lewis Spence. This latter type of practice requires that the grave of the deceased be dug up, the casket opened, and through the rites of this magical act, the corpse made to stand upright and answer the questions put to it by the magician. Note that it is believed that all Necromancy—that is, ‘standard’ Necromancy as well as Infernal Necromancy—is simply a form of divination and was engaged in—primarily by Medieval magicians—for the purpose of having certain questions answered by the raised spirit. This is not so. For years I wondered why any magician who desired to use divinatory practices would not simply employ the Tarot, Crystal Ball, Magic Mirror, or any of a host of other so-intended methods to find the answers he so earnestly seeks to his pressing questions.

But it was while doing research in Britain and France in the mid 1990’s and in 2005 that I found a number of clues; clues so fantastic, that I have made it the sum and substance of my third Occult Horror novel soon to be released, NightShadow. The entire key is that two people are needed to conduct the Rite: the Operator and an Assistant—and there is a reason for this: one that is absolutely beyond terrifying. At the same time, if this (now) long forgotten and (or