Altered States of Consciousness
An altered state is simply an experience of consciousness that’s different from our normal waking mind. These can range from heightened states of fear, for example a swimmer involved in a shark attack or someone engaged in a gun fight, to euphoric drug experiences such as the effects of cannabis and psilocybin.
The focus of this post is of course on more productive states that can be entered deliberately and in a more controlled manner. Think of the artist who loses herself in the act of painting an epic scene, or the shaman who must enter the spirit realm to obtain vital information from the ancestors, which are two example use-cases of productive altered states.
The Mundane Mind May Miss the Mark
I advocate the idea that in order for our conscious and unconscious minds to communicate in a lucid manner and before our unconscious mind can properly connect with and direct subtle energies and magical forces, at least to any meaningful degree, it is necessary that we should enter an altered state of consciousness. Simply put, our everyday waking state of mind and neurological activity are not up to the task of interacting efficaciously with magical energies.*
Think it over. In the mental state you tend to occupy while at work, in traffic, on the phone, shopping, watching a video, conversing with a friend, and so forth would you consider yourself ideally suited to work some magic right then and there?
Excess mentation, or racing thoughts, anxiety, various types of stress, perhaps depression, angst, or even irritation are fairly common experiences throughout any given day as we participate in this shit show we proudly call society. These are less than optimal attributes for the magic circle or even the discreet incantation.
* Exceptions do apply, of course. Some people are naturally prone to a more “meditative” state of being than others and certainly the experienced magician may find themselves more often than not during norma, day-to-day affairs in some sort of a magical state due to the continual exposure to such states through long-term magical practice.
Finding the Favorable Frequency for Facilitating Your Magic
When it comes to conscious states we have a myriad of options available to us. For purposes of this article, let’s agree that conscious states are the product of both our physical natures and our mind’s ability to shift through different levels or dimensions of non-physical activity.
Finer Points
Let’s further concede, again just for this conversation, the following truisms:
- The brain is the physical regulator of chemical and electrical processes that support our mental capacities and activities.
- The mind is the process of experiencing mental states and exploring non-physical realms.
- Both physical and non-physical are distinct aspects of the same phenomenon (or noumenon).
As magicians we need reliable access to an altered state of consciousness that is highly suitable for magical work. This is a simple enough matter but one that may not always be easy to navigate.
Good ol Beta!
For most of us, the standard form mundane consciousness takes is the beta brainwave state. This is a state of mind conducive to problem solving and concentration, that can support most of our emotional range and even process complex experiences like humor.
This “normal” brain activity is a gift we receive from a series of very long and intricate natural processes that have resulted in Homo sapiens. Be grateful for the beta waves that regulate your daily life.
As wonderful as our brain is on any given day the typical problem-solving mind, as mentioned above, is not the best fit for magical interactions. Some would say it is still possible to enact magic in a beta wave condition, just not ideal.
Ways with which We Weave Woo
I travel a bridge beyond this position and suggest the nominal “magic” we can touch from beta is little more than entry-level psychism, or displays of psychic ability. Our innate psychic functions, both sensory/receptive and dynamic/generative can result in experiences or effects some would call magical, yet there are key differences that distinguish psychic activity from magical operation.
Quickly Check these Challenging Concepts
- Psychic feats are produced by physical attributes in tandem with thought or intent. Not merely mentalism as was once believed, psychic activity has both physiological and psychological components, the alignment of which channels subtle frequencies to produce the third factor, i.e. psychic energy.
- Magical acts may rely on psychic input to varying degree, and also involve physical and mental actions, the sum of these three being guided by the intention and willpower of the magician within a specific framework or formula aimed at contacting magical forces and thereafter directing those forces to a specific end. The aforesaid framework is generally a body of specifications including locale, timing (hour, day, week, season, et al) and various other factors such as environmental influences, available sounds, etc. The aforementioned formula typically involves physical items or ingredients ranging from minerals and herbs to animal products, shapes & colors, sounds, and so forth, all of an energetic specification tailored to the nature of the magic being enacted. Together the magician’s unified efforts of mind, body, psychic energy, and willpower are focused through the framework and aligned with the formula to create a channel or vehicle for allowing magical forces to be conjured and moved in a manner specific to certain traditions, individual operations, metaphysical laws, or all of these and more.
To put things in simplistic terms: we require a more expanded and refined consciousness to connect with the extremely subtle currents we call magical forces. These frequencies are even finer or higher than the subtle energy of our aura and the vibratory fields regulated by our chakras.
Through psychic effort alone we can interact with our chakra-aura system, extend our ki or intentional-life-force, and more. However we need more to touch magical forces and especially to command or ask of these forces.
Alpha and Beyond
The state of consciousness wherein magic is readily available, because we can easily connect with subtle energies and magical forces, even spiritual beings, is referred to in the mundane vernacular as alpha brain wave state. Less technical terms you might recognize are flow state and in the zone.
In an interesting paradox our brain waves must be slowed down in order to consciously connect with higher, or faster energetic frequencies. Whereas beta waves range from 14 to 30 Hertz or Hz, alpha brain waves measure 8 – 14 Hz.
Mind and Body as One
In this condition our mind and body tend to function seamlessly. We don’t consider and then perform an action, instead we simply act our intentions out. People sometimes incorrectly assume we don’t think in this state, but the reality is that our mind continues in its function as our internal computer.
It only appears that we aren’t thinking because we aren’t overthinking, scrutinizing, or even concentrating in the accepted sense of that word. Our mind flows unhindered, relaying info and instructions that our body in turn receives so fluidly that we find ourselves moving as we realize what needs to be done. Our body moves in the same instant that our mind processes the relevant information, hence it is said our body and mind are one.
Eastern terms like Mushin (no mind) or Zanshin (remaining mind), along with the Norse Berserkergangr and Apache Diiyin encapsulate the flow state of altered consciousness. In addition to these warrior concepts, other magical states include the Óðr, Awak, and Yuwipi from Norse, Siberian, and Lakota traditions respectively, each describing a trancelike or ecstatic condition utilized for spirit journeys or magical conjurations.
You may call it whatever you like. I refer to this ideal state of mind and body attuned through subtle energy simply “the magical state” in most of my writing. Maybe I’ll coin something catchier someday.
Characteristics of a Magical State
An ideal baseline magical state is a condition of great ease and creativity, wherein you are relaxed yet alert and ready to think, move, listen, or predict without hesitation or consideration. This doesn’t mean you are reckless or hasty, just streamlined and confident.
You will be free from doubt and anxiety, in a high energy state well-described as inspired and expanded. You find yourself open-minded rather than defensive, receptive to new ideas and even criticism. This is space where your primary drive is to excel, meaning simply to give your best in every motion or idea.
Ideas and options will occur to you that seem crystal clear and obvious yet previously these same notions eluded you. Here you are at your best in the context of whatever it is you do, be it draw, sing, garden, drive, build, dance, or any other expressive, constructive work.
Key Takeaways from these Characteristics
Given the traits of the state as covered in the last section, two points should become clear.
- You can enter and improve your ability to enter a magical state by doing things, especially creative activities, that you enjoy.
- The more you treat magical practice like an art, the more easily you can enter and master such altered states.
I said “baseline” to describe the fundamental magical state because more specific states can and should be pursued based on the particular work you are performing. Examples include states for protective magic or healing work, each being of a different tone, prosperity magic, astral projection, various planetary operations, all of which have their own unique tone or ambience. These you can experiment with in time, but first determine that you will master the basic magical state.
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