Читать книгу The Magician's Dictionary - Edward E. Rehmus - Страница 10

His disease is diarrhea. His path is that of reversal. Since 11 is the general number for magic and since 11 is also the number of Daäth on the Tree of Life, i.e., the “non-existent” sephirah and the gateway to the “other side,” Amprodias also has The Fool’s number, zero. Zero (the Void) is the number that precedes One (Manifestation).

AMULET — Any unusual object or token whose fascination is intended to fascinate the fascinator and thereby distract the fascinator from wreaking his destruction. It is an occult charm serving as a protection against evil. Quite different from a talisman. Although, one’s own tailored creation is always best, there are a few traditional amulets, such as the kamea, holy inscriptions, idols, garlic, crucifixes, rose madder, etc. In order to provide its protection, the amulet must be worn (and preferably should be clearly visible) or remain in contact with that which is being guarded, such as the animal heads hanging over doorways that the druids and others used.

The value of quartz as an amulet is twofold: it bestows vitality and, as an Antitoxin, routs evil spirits. It is effective because it derives from the detritus of other, possibly malignant, spirits, in dark mineral springs. However, quartz crystal has been so exploited by New Age merchants that it is rapidly losing its meaning and power.

The most popular origin of the word (Arabic hamala, “something carried”) is the least correct. Latin amuletum, which was a little case or receptacle for carrying magical objects (like the Judaic mezuzah), derives from ampla, ama (”bucket” or something with handles, like a jug). The ama was also the bucket used in putting out fires.

ANALOGY — Eliphas Lévi considers analogy to be the root principle of all wisdom, the mainspring of science and the link between “finite and infinite.” At bottom is a fundamental Unity and rising out of that, everything is connected to everything else via analogy. Balance and harmony derive from the analogy of opposites. In the Orient, this same balance is the basis of the martial arts, such as jiu-jitsu.

The modern temperament has made idols of pragmatism and progress, while relegating analogy to the backwaters of fable and poesie. We equate metaphysical depth with children’s stories and make simple-minded mechanics the criterion of mature wisdom.

ANAMNESIS — Curing of Amnesia. “Remembering” both past and future, as well as parallel worlds, it is orthogonal as well as linear. Its most common and least interesting manifestation is the déja vu. In full anamnesis there is an awakening to omniscience and immortality.

ANARCHS OF THE NEW PARADIGM — (Hakim Bey’s term.) The quantum social paradigm, with a decidedly anti-authoritarian flavor. The old “measuring” consensus of objective reality and relativism must now make way for post-modern, “shamanic” quantum mechanics. Chaos expects an alchemical social order, a world accepting of all alternate universes with randomicity at the center, particles moving backwards in time, non-locality throughout, etc.

ANASTASIS —The resurrection of Osiris in the mysteries.

ANCIENT OF DAYS — Supreme Judge, another name for “The Almighty” of conventional and pedestrian religion.

ANGAKOK/ANGAKUT — Amongst the Eskimos there are two Gods, a God of Good and a God of Evil. The good God, Pirksama, is given scant attention, since good takes care of itself, whereas the evil God must be dealt with. His name is Angakok and all witch doctors are named after him. When, therefore, Angakok comes to visit, he frequently meets with criticism, even when he comes to help the community. The Angakok derive their power to heal and restore life from the polar bear.

ANGELS — Purely mental entities acting as messengers between biodes (flesh-entities) and theodes (spirit-entities).

ANIMAL MAGIC — Jakob von Uexküll has shown that animals live in quite separate numinous worlds defined by the nature of their species. The elephant lives in an elephant universe, the butterfly in a butterfly world. They inhabit separate spheres of consciousness. Says Uexküll, “when a dog runs, it moves its legs. When a sea urchin runs, it is moved by its legs.” Uexküll even distinguishes between acts of individual superstition (or “ritual”) — bird pecking at empty pavement, dog licking newly washed dinner bowl — and genuine “species environment” magic that involves entire herds or flocks, performing purely symbolic acts.

ANKH — (Crux Ansata.) The hieroglyph of a sandalstrap or knot, indicating “life.” When the knot is fully undone, life is done. Ankh is the “knot” linking the Uas (a forked stick) and the Djed (Osiris’ spinal column). The uas is the first manifestation of life (fire), as it arises naturally out of the void. The Egyptians made a practice of elaborately ornamenting and gilding this stick to show the inevitable corruption of life. Thus it is transformed from a natural branch into a “wand” or sceptre. To emphasize even more completely the fall of spirit the top was generally carved to resemble an ass’s head. The ankh follows the uas and represents the continuity of life — the sandal used in walking. Finally, at death, comes the dismemberment of the God. Being divine, however, even the dismembered bones of Osiris are immortal. Hence, the djed is the support, or pillar of eternity. When these three are contained by the Nebet, the basket, the four of them become the four elements. The nebet is “earth,” which contains and gives actual form to the elemental potentialities of uas, ankh and djed. When held by Ptah the four together become the tools of creation.