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- LIBER CONJUNCTUS / Liber Two
-
- Being an Essay on Sex and Sex Magick by Fr. Nigris
-
- --------------------
- SEX
-
- Sex begins and ends at Conception. For those loving people who
- have chosen to so Conceive, the lustful Penetration, the willing
- Acceptance has its finale when Sperma conjuncts Ovum. The Fruit
- of this Union transforms the relationship that an individual has
- with hirself. This is not meant to imply that Conception is the
- OBJECT of Sex. While this may be true in a limited sense, it is
- also overly simplistic. Conception is no more the Goal of Sex
- than Death is the Goal of Life. While both are transformative
- events, and, given enough time and opportunity will surely occur,
- it is a mistake to think that either is the only goal of the
- activity so performed.
-
- There are exceptions, however. Suicidal and procreative people
- do, in fact, exist (we call them 'Breeders'), and it is their
- passion which drives the social machine of our day. Martyrdom and
- Puritanism are often looked at as the ideal. Such personally
- empowering mechanisms as egotism and Sex Magick are anathemas to
- all but a few of the general population.
-
- Yet the exceptions do not make the rule, and in no circumstance do
- those whose Goal IS solely conception engage in what is described
- here as 'Sex'. Theirs is a mechanical function, played out amidst
- repugnance at their intimate comingling and the horrid perceptions
- of their forms. To call this 'Sex' is like calling lying comatose
- in a hospital bed 'Life'. It may be functionally true, but the
- experience is certainly not related.
-
- When speaking of Sex, it is assumed to be FOUNDED on intimacy and,
- between people, begins at the first glimpse, smell, sound or
- touch. Our perceptual sphere comes into contact with a body,
- which, we tend to assume, is not ours. We develop some
- relationship between ourselves and the other. The experience of
- that relationship and the subjective results of it are included in
- the broadest personal understanding of the term 'Sex'.
-
- The Sexual Act takes place from the first encounter to the
- concluding resolution. It is only the formal dance of conjugation
- which the unevolved take as its entirety. Since we often identify
- with our form, it is no surprise that those who have not learned
- to see beyond it take Sex for less than it truly is.
-
- There is Sex in everything from the crisp salute to the angry
- brawl; from the gentle caress to the enraged gunshot; from the
- casual handshake to mutual masturbation. From the impersonal
- exchange of goods to the ecstatic orgasm, sex is made of human
- relations and the experience of these.
-
- It is also the translation of boundaries - psychological and
- physical. To the extent that we are unaware or unconcerned about
- our relations, so also is Sex no longer meaningful to us. While
- we may be hip deep in the throes of coitus, our insensitivity
- makes this Unification a necrophilic exercise, whether or not our
- partner understands our Thanatic state.
-
- Intent determines Sexual meaning, both to those with whom we
- engage and to ourselves. When I am open, attracted and sincere, I
- have the most to give and to receive. Indeed, the most
- potentially moving experience within Sexuality derives from a
- willingness to interact honestly.
-
-
- MAGICK
-
- This, Will, is the connection between Sex and Magick and
- determines how the latter Tool may be used to affect our
- Sexuality. Their product, Love, is no different than Will in
- essence. It is only the form or expression which distinguishes
- One from the Other.
-
- Magick takes many forms, though its essence remains consistent.
- Crowley's definition of it leaves little to be added. "The
- Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with
- Will" is vague enough to be inclusive and specific enough to be
- meaningful, but how does it relate to Sexuality?
-
- The responses to this question are numerous. Opinions,
- perspectives, vary tremendously and most of them contain some
- truth. The challenge is really to find some way to meaningfully
- associate the two without over- generalizing; to discover useful
- expressions that include their complexity while limiting their
- signification. To do this it seems best to approach the subject
- within the Realms of Sexuality and to examine how the Tool of
- Magick may be used in context.
-
- Alternatively one could examine the qualities of the Tool itself
- in order to discover its potential, though this seems overzealous.
- One does not go around hitting things with a hammer in order to
- learn Carpentry. One holds one's tools in reserve, and, when the
- task of connecting two boards with a nail appears necessary, one
- selects the appropriate Tool for the Job. Over time the effective
- tools for each Task become known.
-
- This is also the case for Magick, which involves the selected use
- of intent. Enough has been written about Magick that we may
- undertake an examination of the Sexual Realms in which it may be
- applied.
-
-
- SEX MAGICK
-
- Sex Magick is an intimatic Tool. It must be practiced in order to
- be mastered. The details of its form and function can be studied
- and memorized. Yet if they are not applied they will never be
- comprehended. It is comparable to learning ABOUT bowling without
- ever trying it. Putting techniques into practice is really the
- object of the study, and refraining from this is the height of
- Folly, given means and opportunity.
-
-
- The Realm of Casual Interaction
-
- We begin at casual interaction. Those who work with objects, such
- as mechanics, construction workers and service technicians are
- included within this realm. Strangers, business acquaintances,
- official contacts and professional services are examples of social
- relationships which are also included here. In many ways this is
- the practical, formal aspect of Sexuality. Magick applied at this
- level becomes an agent of politics; a means of securing some
- desired end, a direct Current, linking intent with activity.
-
- When one functions as a cause of change in the realm of objects
- and social systems there is a high degree of visibility which
- accompanies this role. The one who handles the ball most often in
- a game (i.e. the pitcher) is more likely to be the focus of
- notoriety. The delivery person whom one sees on a daily basis
- establishes the tangible relationship between the company and you,
- the Customer.
-
- Magick in the Realm of Casual Interaction is thus more often
- lauded by the social group which serves as its witness. This has
- its difficulties in that the role itself often becomes
- highlighted, set in stark contrast to the context in which it
- takes place. Those who accept such a position take the risk of
- identifying themselves AS the role; of losing themselves in the
- character of the Cause, rather than remaining as the instrument of
- Cause Itself. This may lead to disempowerment and disillusion,
- which has the unfortunate repercussion of disappointing the
- Customer and the added distinction of being dismissed from the Job
- (in terms of service).
-
- What IS Magick within this Realm? As we shall see, Magick is both
- an inner and outer skill set. With regard to objects and social
- systems, Magick is the ability to communicate effectively and in a
- timely fashion what one desires. It is also the ability to
- respond to fluctuating environments, while acting as Authority.
-
- Some important elements of Magick in this Realm include listening
- carefully, knowing how and when to express oneself (some call this
- 'tact'), understanding the nature of social systems, and being
- physically fit.
-
- The most important element of Sex Magick, however, is not the rite
- or vehicle that one uses to achieve the Goal, but awareness - of
- oneself and others. This cannot be overstated, and applies to all
- Realms of Sexuality. Awareness is really the intersection of the
- two. It is the substratum from which both Sex and Magick derive
- value.
-
- In social systems one uses one's awareness not only to determine
- the nature of the system and the best means of interacting with
- it, but also to distinguish the best approach toward each
- individual with whom one has dealings.
-
- Regarding the manipulation of objects and the facilitation of
- social services, awareness of oneself is the key. Both of body
- and character, self-awareness allows one to foresee obstacles
- which would forestall the ignorant. If nothing else, awareness
- highlights one's limitations and brings to awareness our need for
- aid in order to achieve success.
-
-
- The Realm of Personal Relationships
-
- We proceed to the Realm of Personal Relationships. Common
- interests and mutual respect bring people together over an
- extended time period. Whether this be in the workplace, at home,
- or in the Lodge, the Realm of Personal Relationships encompasses
- those contacts which have duration and some depth, be it mild or
- extended.
-
- At this level, Magick becomes a Tool for resolving conflict and
- discovering inspired cooperation. Those who first attempt this
- practice face the same difficulty as those in the World of Social
- Systems, in the Casual Interaction Realm. One faces the danger of
- confusing people's ideas about one's role (i.e. Mother, Worker,
- Friend, etc.) with oneself.
-
- This relates to how roles have become associated with classes of
- people. Women have traditionally cared for home and children, and
- it is often assumed that women ARE Caretakers, 'Housewives'.
- Immigrants moved into lower-paid positions in the economies of
- their new home, and it is often assumed that such people ARE
- Servants and Cleaners, 'Blue Collar Workers', and 'Field Hands'.
-
- Among family and friends this occurs more subtlely. One hosts a
- series of parties and it is assumed that one IS a Social-Hub, a
- Caterer, a Hostess. One listens to the complaints of others and
- it becomes assumed that one IS a Sounding Board.
-
- This is a natural process of association which serves Society
- well, yet carries with it a number of pitfalls for the unwary
- individual. Besides identifying with the role oneself, one may be
- encouraged to over-extend oneself unhealthily. To others one
- BECOMES the role of The Source, rather than a person who has
- limited resources with which to serve. While the person lasts it
- may be a very painful path.
-
- A dynamic of expectation may arise in which failure to perform the
- prescribed role may result in social pressure and, in extremity,
- ostracization. Personal Relationships are a Dark Sword of
- Sharpness, moving in such subtlety as to barely be noticed. They
- have the capacity to both fulfill our desires and keep us seeking
- fulfillment through our relationships.
-
- Magick is both the ability to perform one's roles without assuming
- that they are a lasting element of one's Inner Character, and the
- ability to shift roles - to move from one role to another in both
- time and environment.
-
- Examples: During the day, the working woman may play the Dynamic
- Corporate Executive, who is strong, assertive and demanding, while
- at night she is comforting, supportive and accepting of her
- children as she shifts to the role of the Attentive Mother. The
- ability to shift roles in regular or irregular periods of time is
- Magick.
-
- The aspiring fast-food employee may have played the servile,
- obedient Checker for years. Suddenly he finds that it is his turn
- to play the forceful Supervisor, inspiring conformity to company
- standards. The ability to shift positions of psychic character,
- based on social roles, cultural and geographic environments, is
- also Magick.
-
- What does this have to do with 'Sex Magick'? Well, remember that
- every nuance of a personal relationship is loaded with
- significance. One is generally unaware of most aspects of
- communication. Both the scope of Sexuality and the symbols of
- which Magick makes use involve a vast continuum of collective
- communications. This continuum may be compared to Jung's
- 'collective unconscious', within which one may find Adeptship
- quite valuable.
-
- In that Sex is much more than penetration, so is Sex Magick much
- more than a bodily-oriented rite. It extends, both symbolically
- and experientially, to include all of our social exchanges,
- ranging from the powerfully practical to the sublimely symbolic.
-
- Some important elements of Magick in the Realm of Personal
- Relationships include being carefully observant (in order to
- perceive subtle communication cues), knowing how another's
- position feels and relates to one's own, understanding the nature
- of personality, and being emotionally stable.
-
- Again, the most important element is awareness. The dance between
- people - whether strangers or lovers - is most enjoyably
- entertained by those who know themselves and are willing to know
- others.
-
- When speaking of role-shifting, awareness allows one to know the
- value of roles, when one is changing roles, and where oneself ends
- and the role begins. It also helps to more precisely define the
- roles themselves, aiding immeasurably in conflict resolution.
-
-
- The Realm of Intimacy
-
- The third Realm of Sexuality includes, yet is not solely composed
- of, what is commonly associated with the term 'sex'. It is the
- Realm of Intimacy, and can extend to include the previous Realms,
- depending upon one's attitude and lifestyle.
-
- There is no designated time and place for intimacy. Some people
- experience it on a regular basis, some never do. Whether we call
- those with whom we share such experiences 'Lovers', 'Friends',
- 'Family' or simply 'Kin', Intimacy is the Goal toward which our
- awareness propels us.
-
- Magick is the means of extending the Realm of Intimacy to include
- the other two Realms. It is the Tool by which we may become
- intimate with any and all we meet. It is the Unitive Cause of the
- release of boundaries.
-
- This can be a fearful practice at first. Imagine living in one
- place all your life and then releasing your hold on it, setting
- off for an uncharted land. Anything is possible when Intimacy is
- embraced, including getting hurt or lost.
-
- Vulnerability is the key to Intimacy, yet one needn't expose
- oneself unduly to become vulnerable. The process can be a very
- slow and careful one for those with much concern or fear.
-
- The danger here is a release of boundaries before one is ready for
- the experience. One may feel overly exposed and risk great pain.
- One may begin to confuse another's boundaries with one's own and
- therefore lose sight of one's identity.
-
- Magick in the Realm of Intimacy amounts to an ability to open
- oneself to Love. It is the manipulation of personal boundaries so
- as to no longer be conceived by them. This may take the form of
- adopted structure (e.g. role-playing). It may simply be the
- practice of 'letting go', of acting without assumed roles. In
- either case the Goal is the same - freedom from constraints (those
- learned and/or imposed).
-
- Important elements of such Magick include being honest, knowing
- when to yield and approach, understanding the differences between
- social and personal reality, and being intellectually flexible.
-
- Awareness functions in Intimacy as a means of avoiding the
- confusion which often results from shared boundaries. Knowing
- where one stops and another begins is very important when
- individual problems or persistent patterns arise. Isolating such
- factors can lead to a greater understanding of those with whom one
- engages and a more balanced perspective about oneself.
-
-
- The Realm of Identity
-
- There is one more Realm of Sexuality included here. It is not
- often considered Sexual, excepting the occasional Alchemical or
- Tantric reference, though it is certainly Sexual in nature. This
- Realm is called Identity.
-
- We tend to think of ourselves as a unified, coherent whole, when
- in fact we are often no more than a jumble of sensations, emotions
- and thoughts, vying for the attention of an anxious and confused
- Observer.
-
- The social and personal roles, the shifting, impenetrable or
- nonexistent boundaries between ourselves and others, sets up an
- environment in which Identity is impossible to coalesce. Some
- rigidly adhere to a self-concept, while the hope of coming to any
- sort of self-knowledge is constantly shattered for some by an
- inability to maintain a distinction between oneself and all else.
- At the extremes, the former devolve into stagnation, while the
- latter are reduced, through constant exposure, to fragments and
- shadows.
-
- Regardless of whether we see ourselves as a 'Consciousness',
- 'Spirit', 'Soul', 'Lifeforce' or 'Body', the 'I' is a
- psychological Mystery which defies the best analysis of
- psychologists and mystics the world round.
-
- Wherein enter Magick? Magick, at the level of Identity, involves
- the translation OF or absorption IN the boundaries between
- ourselves and others. It essentially consists of becoming able to
- realize the Unity, the Identity of All. In this sense the Realm
- of Sexual Identity may include the previous Realms just as the
- Realm of Sexual Intimacy includes that of Casual Interaction.
- Taken to its greatest extent, Intimacy LEADS to Id entity.
-
- Magick at the level of Identity is a very powerful and therefore
- dangerous undertaking. One is likely to find the failure rate far
- higher here than in the other Realms. Using the example of
- quitting our familiar surroundings, imagine that one begins to be
- unable to distinguish the 'familiar' from the 'unknown'; 'home'
- from 'abroad'. If venturing away from home is frightening, just
- imagine what sort of fear results from having our home vanish
- before our eyes!
-
- Of course it is only the THREAT of this that is troubling. The
- actual analogy is better expressed as the house dissolving and
- Universe becoming our Home. This is a difficult thing to
- contemplate. Ask an agoraphobic to leave their domestic
- protection and see how fast they recoil!
-
- Elements important for Magick in the Realm of Identity include
- being passionate, knowing oneself completely, understanding that
- the difference between success and failure is one we choose in
- openness and ignorance, and, being intuitively skilled.
-
- As always, but especially here, awareness is crucial. It is used
- not only to isolate and absorb fragments of oneself, but also to
- distinguish between real and illusory dangers in the pursuit of
- self-transformation.
-
-
- The Great Work
-
- What IS self-translation and how does it relate to 'Sex-Magick'?
- This is really the most difficult question of all. The event is
- seen in so many ways and from such diverse perspectives that no
- answer can be complete. It is given many names, however, in
- attempts to convey the gravity and character of the experience.
- 'Enlightenment', 'awakening', 'realization', 'perfection', and
- 'liberation' are just a few examples.
-
- It is associated with the mystical processes of all religions and
- therefore with the goals and ideals set forth by these. It is
- perhaps best described here as 'integration', and involves the
- orientation, the coalescence of the individual personality into a
- self-transcendant state of perfect awareness.
-
- Many claim that it is as much Cosmological as Psychological, as
- much Social as Personal. Yet this is difficult to comprehend. It
- is as if all the positives and negatives within some Universal
- Formula suddenly found their places and resolved the Entirety.
-
- It is as much associated with divinity as it is with humanity,
- some asserting that it is the intersection or fusion of these two.
- In occult circles it is often called the Great Work, and this
- phrase carries many meanings.
-
- The integration of the Self may be compared directly to the
- uniting of two or more individuals, physically or psychologically.
- To the extent that a community forms a social whole without
- fragmentary left-overs, so may this comparison become an Identity.
- Such an integration begins within one of more individuals and
- grows, crystalline-like, extending throughout the fabric of
- society.
-
- It is obvious, then, why such an endeavor is considered 'Sex
- Magick'. The individual, swimming through the forces of social
- relations at once penetrates and accepts a re-orientation which
- has such lasting effects as to radiate beyond the event. At once
- a new 'Order' is Conceived and the whole is consumed by a desire
- to manifest the Child of Union.
-
- The fact that an individual becomes a catalyst for such an event
- makes it Magical, and it is exceedingly difficult to know which
- actions, rightly performed, will lead to such a Supreme Goal.
-
- Indeed, it is said that the Goal is either reached in every moment
- or it is never reached at all. Perhaps this relates to one
- meaning of Creation:
-
-
- The continuous copulation of God and Goddess, who are each and
- every pair of opposing forces throughout Universe.
-
-
- The Great Work, Conception, would appear to be the Universal
- Process Itself, catalyzed by the passionate advance and retreat of
- the skilled Mage and fructified by the response of Cosmic Beauty,
- the First Cause.
-
- ===================================================
-
- Invoke me under my star. Love is the law, love under will.
-
-
- Yours fraternally, Fr. Nigris
-
- Completed 9207.07. Seventh Draft. Who knows how many more? :>
-
- [Submitted by Tagi@cup.portal.com]