To Michael Winn – Taoist Sorcery, Magic and Talismans

Nei dan,

I can’t speak to the Taoist perspective on this, but I suspect it is similar to the following Western perspective.

In the Western Magickal tradition, there comes a point where one takes the oath of obligation. It’s somewhat like a very serious bodhisatta vow, in which you commit to completing the ‘Great Work’ and acting ONLY for the benefit of beings. Usually the vow entails phrases like ‘should I transgress this oath should all of my magickal weapons turn against me, etc.’ It’s a strong statement and brings up a good point. There are some very powerful tools out there. In a healthy tradition, someone guiding you didn’t give you the powertools until you had proved yourself and committed to positive action. Unfortunately there is a tendency for tradtions to degrade and for folks to begin conteything and when you start using strong magickal techniques, they REALLY start affecting everything. Thus, to use Western terms, actions are either in service to all or in service of ‘demonic self’ (one acting selfishly out of ignorance.) In defining magick, you could describe it as ANY act of will, which then leads to the statement “May all of my actions be to benefit all beings.’ Then one goes about deepening wisdom to understand what is actually ‘real’, who is ‘willing’ and what is truly beneficial to all beings, and how to go about doing that. This is what the Western folks call the Great Work or the process of enlightenment: awakening completely and being of service through broader means. That being said, there are loads of instances in the Western tradition (and maybe most traditions) of people perverting the techniques meant to enlighten and serve all into methods for strengthening and serving a ‘demonic self.’ In the end though, the stronger the magickal methods that the black magicians use it seems the stronger the blow back is and eventually they get the message through suffering. It can take awhile and can cause trouble for all involved. I’ve seen it a few times.

So, I suspect that in the many different strains of Taoism, there are some that are more alchemical and oriented to awakening and service, and there are some that have denegrated into other motives. As you look through the different strains of Taoism, listen to your own inner discernment for what resonates as true and right for you. You don’t have to take ALL of Taoism, all of the different schools as truth. If your innards are telling you that black sorcery isn’t for you, that’s a good thing. Keep cultivating your true inner earth.

Hope that helps,

Pema

– recently recommended by Max. In this book a lineage taoist master heals a village of cholera by means of a sigil, and does various other ‘magics’. I have also mentioned my favourite writer on western magic, Draja Mickaharic, and his healing practices and so forth. I myself have have done entity work and will do so again I expect. The objections to it are the same as the objections to martial arts as an accompaniment to the spiritual; mistaken. All these things are tools. Great power brings great responsibility. You can handle it or you can’t, yadda yadda yadda.

Of course if you don’t *want* to do something, don’t do it!

NN

>>My ideas of a demons comes from my childhood teachings of Catholicism.<<

Well with due respect that may be the problem!

Alot of the things called demons are simply things religions have no use for. That does not mean they are 'evil'.

I think instead of recommending more books and blah di blah, I would just say follow your heart and your conscience and your bliss, and don't worry what other people do. Having said that, Franz Bardon's 'The Practice of Magical Evocation' might interest you if you don't know it. You could also look the word 'demon' up in ancient Greek…

NN

The question here is one of intent (i.e. will). The alchemical practices are focused on restoring old patterns or creating new patterns in the personal and collective chi field of unity (yuan) ,balance (yin-yang), and harmony (five phases). I personally do not practice formal magic, and even in doing healing work keep to the alchemical model and attempt to activate the alchemical process in the client rather than invoking elemental forces that will come in and do the job.

The tools a magician use employ exactly the same principles, only they are directed at a particular end. If the end is selfish (in the negative sense) and harms others, the effects are mirrored back to the magician – but others meanwhile may have suffered.

A lot of what is called magic in the Taoist magical traditions is simply what medicine or politics is trying to do – restore health and create abundance. But there are famous “demon busters” who work with the dark side and can turn it towards “good” ends. This is a legitimate part of learning to harmonize the dark and light sides, rather than merely exploiting the dark side for personal power. And of course China is filled with tales of black magicians who abuse that power, or attempt to.

As N says, just focus on fulfilling your destiny and cultivating your essence, and the issue will not become a problem. Certainly I wouldn’t let it slow me down from diving in deeper.

michael

Nei dan,

This quote from Michael summarizes my basic point:

The tools a magician use employ exactly the same principles, only they are directed at a particular end. If the end is selfish (in the negative sense) and harms others, the effects are mirrored back to the magician – but others meanwhile may have suffered.

I am relatively young on the path, but I have seen tools employed from a scewed intention bounce back ferociously. The basic cultivation practices may seen boring or less flashy than some of the ‘power tools’ or high invocations, but they lay an excellent foundation that is necessary. Continuity of daily practice is useful. In my opinion its worth the effort of harmonizing and integrating yourself at a basic level and gradually increasing your scope of activity. You can go to Barnes and Noble and get a ‘how to book’ that teaches some ‘inner order’ stuff that is pretty heavy, but those unintegrated parts may be unknowingly steering the show (which can lead to some wonky effects). You can also invoke more energy than you can integrate. This can lead to physical health problems (seen it a lot) or to mental splits. It can be a high stakes game. I agree with the other two, that focusing on cultivation is a good way: the other stuff WILL open in time. For a smoother ride, don’t generate more than you can integrate. Some folks like the roller coaster ride, but I think its a good idea to know what your getting into. Glad your so interested in the path 🙂

Pema