The Beasts of Power

By Frater 414

1° = 10▫ A^ A^

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. 

What follows is a series of notes penned at the commencement of the Probationary Period of Frater 414. While some information may be non-congruent, the notes will be revised and assembled into coherent work. 93 93/93

The cross of the elements. Each for elements (earth, air, fire, water) are the four posts of the cross, and the center is the equilibrated state of these elements. Therefore, the cross that is worn is both representative of the tree of life, as well as the elements. In Liber Librae, it is stated that one should establish Thyself firmly in the Equilibrium of forces, in the center of the cross of elements.

Spiritual experience= super normal consciousness that transcends Vanity of thought and Vanity of life.

Consummation of these experiences will reflect into spheres of intellect, and action, thereby producing a Genius. Through training, one becomes a Master (Templi).

In Jung-ian philosophy and psychology, there are four "Functions of Consciousness", which govern the psyche of the individual. These four are Thinking and Feeling, and Sensation and Intuition. Two duads are formed which can be associated with the Four Elements of Hermetic thought.  Consciousness under ordinary circumstances is governed by one primary function, with another from the alternate duad as co-pilot. The first duad, that of Thinking and Feeling, is the element of the psyche that judges impressions that are received. The second duad, that of Sensation and Intuition, is the collector of those so-called facts we received from the Universe. An imbalance of these four elements can create an unhealthy psychic state and the equilibrium of the Four Functions is spoken of as "Centering yourself in the Cross of the Elements" in the Work.

An alternate view would be to assume Yesod as the "Ego" within the outer triad. Indeed, the Moon serves as the center of consciousness until the aspirant reaches Tiphareth, and the consciousness blooms into full human realization. From that perspective, Malkuth would be the Sphere of Sensation, with the other associations remaining as they are. This is a valid stance when considering that Malkuth is the sphere of the senses and the Nephesch. It is somewhat of a disagreement among occultists whether Malkuth or Yesod is the true home of the Nephesch. Nevertheless, to harmonize these two contrasting viewpoints, we can concede that Malkuth and Yesod make up the Nephesch consciousness, as we remember that the impressions received from the sphere of Malkuth are not perceived, or even existent!... until they reach Yesod.

This brings about the Four Powers of the Sphinx and their practical applicability in the work of the magician. The elements are not absolutely established, indeed such establishment is not possible. All perception coming by way of the Second Duad is imperfect, though the Intuition taps into the storehouse of the unconscious mind, or even the Aspiration and Binah,  thus blending the elements together in our attempt to separate them for individual exploration. This exploration can be done via astral experiments using Elemental evocations, or by the vigilant and critical analysis of the earthly manifestations of the nature of one's Being. The point is that different psychic processes and components can be described using any one of the four elements at any given time, as anything manifest is by nature and necessity a combination of the elements, usually in a state of admixture.

In our work of exploring these Beast of Power, we attempt to separate Sensation from Intuition, and Feeling from Thought. For instance, if our primary function of comprehension is Thinking, and the medium of these Thoughts is Sensation, then we would be inherently, read Persona-ly, interpreting each preceivance of the Universe (Earth and the Bull) as an intellectual conundrum, or a conflict in Hod (Air and the Human) needed to be resolved.  The exact relation can be experienced between Feeling (Fire and the Lion) and Intuition (Water and the Dragon). But note that the nature and function of these Beasts of Power are not constrained to one single plane, rather, they are manifest on progressive planes and vary in levels of generalities and particulars. Thusly can we associate each Beast to a Sephiroth, each Corner Stone of Thelema, to each of the Four Elements,  as well as to each function of the physical vehicle the Star inhabits, such as Sight, Smell, Taste and Touch. The unifying note is that these are but One, even one could say None, and they cannot be bound to any particular by the Intellect, they are dynamic and communicate energy to and from one another. We must strive to understand the nature of each Beast in our relationship with the Universe, including our "selves".

With a satisfactory understanding of the function of each Power, the ideas shall re-coagulate into the Sphinx, whereby the complete functioning Being can be studied as a whole in it's relationship to the Universe. As we remember that all perception is received as a conglomerate of elements, the functioning of the Sphinx is also exercised as a conglomerate of the Four Beasts, and it's practical applicability and performance in life can only be studied by direct experience with the universe, even with the abundance of insight an Elemental Spirit would be willing to offer to the Magician. Each Beast must grow and mature into great strength, all the while striving to establish the equilibrium within the psyche as discussed above, and expertly detailed by Carl Jung.

Bull- Will/ Energy “Force of the Arm”. Vau - Hierophant, 6. The Sun. Malkuth. Taurus the Bull/ Earth. Force and Substance. Power of Works. This is the power of the being, and the Will to do the chosen task. Intuition. Earth. Its associated word is LIFE.

Lion- Courage “Lust of Archer”. Teth - Lust, uniting change with stability. Netzach. This is the guts of the being, the courage to attempt the chosen task- the love and the lust for the task. Feeling. Associated word is LIGHT.

Human- Intelligence “Control of Eye”. Tzaddi -  , adaptation. This is the human element of the mind and brain. This gives the being the necessary skill to do the task. The skill to plan and to execute with intelligence. Hod. Thinking. Air. Associated word is LIBERTY.

Dragon- Silence “Bow and Arrow”. This is the beings tool that is used during the task. Yesod. Sensing. Associated word is LOVE.

Firstly, one must be a Bull, with the power and force of the Bull. This is associated with LIFE because it is the LIFE (FORCE), which is in essence the energy to move. Further, one must be a Lion, with the courage to attempt something that will inevitably be difficult. This is the meaning of “Lust of the Archer”. It is the lust of the being towards His task. The LIGHT here is directing the being in the proper course which illumines the LIFE. The Lust in this instance should not be confused with the "Lust of Result", which is not something to be desired, but rather the Passion towards the work at hand. Thirdly, one must be a Human, with Man’s intelligent mind; He can judge the necessary actions and use the necessary skill to carry out His task, and adapt his action to his environment. This is the Control of the Eye. It is Man’s higher ability to control his body and mind, and to also learn the necessary skills for the task. Here the word LIBERTY is the freedom to bind one’s self to the task, and the freedom to learn the skills, to control certain parts of himself, and to re-direct other parts of himself, all for the good of the task. The LIBERTY is a result of the illumination of the will. Last but not least, one must be a Dragon, carrying out His task in Silence, with the love of His instrument. Hence, the Dragon is the Bow and Arrow. It is the external tool that is used for the task. The word LOVE here is meant to be the love for the instrument. In every task there is an instrument, and one must love that instrument and take care of it, and keep it in excellent condition to ensure optimum use. The result is LOVE, the intimate interaction with the Universe.

A couple brief examples: 

Mastering the Art of Percussion.

Bull= Will and energy to move limbs while playing and the persistence to practice even when feeling 'lazy'.

Lion= persistence even through failure. Withstanding negative criticism.

Man= learning the skills to play, reading music, making choices.

Dragon=  The consummation, in Love, of the entire experience.

One must develop his body to be fit and powerful enough to endure the constant playing and practicing. Also, he must have the courage to persist day after day with practice and learning, even if it seems repetitive and unfruitful. One must also have the knowledge of the drums and the skill to control the muscles, coordination, and ability to read music. Lastly, one must have the drums, or at least the drum-sticks, in order to master percussion. Once must take good care of the instrument to ensure premium sound and play-ability.

Mastery of Art of Yoga

Bull= Will and energy to move muscles. The willpower to persist.

Lion= courage to sit in painful Asanas and practice other limbs of Yoga. To Exceed!

Man= knowledge of proper positions, breathing, concentration, etc.

Dragon= the body and mind of the Yogi 

Here the Yogi must have the power and dexterity in his muscles to practice the Yoga, and also the courage to sit in the painful asanas, to practice difficult breathing exercises, and to attempt very trying concentration exercises. One must also have the intelligence to learn the proper poses and breathing. Intelligence is also required to persevere in the concentration of Yoga. The body is the Yogi’s instrument, in that He must use it in various ways, thus is the essence of Yoga, to obtain control over body and mind, so as to experience That which is higher.  Same goes for the mind, it is also the Yogi’s instrument, in that he must take good care of it, keep it sharp and polished so that it may work at it’s highest level. This is the essence of the nature of the Sphinx. This is the key to each and every task that one may undertake. In a particular task that one should attempt, think of these four powers, and be sure that all are equal with each other.

Scientific Illuminism is the Method of Research, Investigation and Experimentation and is employed by the A^A^ to teach Aspirants the proper course of action to learn the Nature and Powers Of their Being, as well as the control and perfection of that Being. There are methods for discovering one’s True Will, and the ways to go about fulfilling that Will, also the A^A^ teaches courage through the Ordeals and by certain agonizing methods. The knowledge required is readily available to the Aspirant if one but learn to Listen. The instrument of the Aspirant (body, mind, and All of Phenomena) is developed throughout the successive grades of the Order. The Magical Sphinx is said to be composed of  four beings: a Bull, a Lion, a Human, and an Eagle or Dragon. The natural powers of these four aspects of the Sphinx will lead the Aspirant to full attainment. As a Neophyte, the Aspirant must pass four tests that are set in regards to the Four Powers of the Sphinx. Taken in the context already given, these four tests come by way of an Ordeal, that of the Nephesch, whereby these powers are used to conquer over the depression and sorrow that are reflected upon Malkuth from Binah, and also are used to solve practical problems in the Work.

The Bull, or the Will/Energy, is the higher desire to become initiated. It is the force of the aspirant, the inertia and the driving force to attainment of Yesod. The Bull is the persistent pursuance of the Work, the application of the self to understand the Tasks at hand. The Lion then would correspond in initiation to the courage and daring actions of ceasing the sorrow, by way of controlling the animal and nourishing the higher aspiration. Also the taking of chances, the courage to devoting much time to the Work, in spite of the enormous degree of opposition the Aspirant will face. This also conjoins with the Dare to pursue personally unknown Methods, as recommended by the Tasks of the Outer Grades. (CF. Liber 185) The Human aspect of the Sphinx relates to the conscious, intelligent choice of methods to pursue, and also the knowledge of these methods and the skill to perform them in an efficient, economical, and scientific manner. The Dragon, the Silence, is the tool used to perform the work of the Grade. The Love, being a two-sided coin, is the tools used in the Methods of Divination, required to be familiar to the Aspirant, the Astral realm the Aspirant will explore, and the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the Aspirant which compose the Magick Pantacle.

 The overcoming of the Ordeal is done via rituals, meditation, and ‘right’ speech and action and right thought. The Tools used, the Instruments are the Mind and the Body of Light, as well as the physical body, which one is instructed to Fortify. The test of WILL (BULL) is to have the Will to follow through with any course of action, the force that will keep the Aspirant to the Task, fueling the persistence, day to day, which will lead to advancement. Another Test is that of Courage. The Secret Chiefs are test the Courage (Lion) with the the Work involved in the Initiation? Specifically, one must to dare to experiment with new rituals, to contemplate the Holy Books, and to maintain control of the Animal Self. But those are not all very specific situations, rather, they relate only to the "Magical Workings", and leave alone the practical basis on which these tests are based. The practical side is that functioning of the Sphinx in the day-to-day life of the Aspirant. In the workplace, in the family life, in the social settings, in the inner struggles of the Aspirant are where the essential tests are formed. One can be the most vigilant practitioner of Liber Resh, for instance, without faltering, but cannot Dare to voice an opinion at the place of employment. The Courage is to chose the path of the wise over the Nephesch when life seems so dark and dangerous. So by proceeding with my initiation, the traveling inwards and the knowledge of Self, one is risking losing all mundane pleasures (seemingly of course, as we know that existence is pure joy). One must dare to make sacrifices for the Work.

 Hence the cornerstones of Thelema are LIGHT LIFE LOVE and LIBERTY. With the perfection of these four powers of the Sphinx, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. Scientific Illuminism is the perfection of Will, Courage, Intelligence, and Instrument, in order to apprehend universal truths regarding existence and being, and to attain Super Normal Consciousness. The Knowledge and Conversation Thine Holy Guardian Angel is the first landmark of the A^A^. It resembles the gaining of an all-powerful and all knowing master, who can guide you through the path to perfection.

The Four Powers of the Sphinx having been thus explained, we now come to the ultimate conundrum. What is it that drives these powers? What force binds them together, synthesizes them into a functioning being? Aleister Crowley, late in His magical career, added a fifth power to the nature of the Sphinx. This power was to GO, and is associated with the Spirit, and the Law. The four elemental powers are the functions of a single being, and, as we know, there is a fifth component of all beings. This fifth component, or Power, is the inmost center of the Being, HADIT. In old aeonic thinking, the four powers would be enough to consider the being complete, though 'evil' in that it is of the Earth, it is "Animal". Horus has a different view, the Four shall be controlled by the Fifth. The Supernal Triad maintains the integrity of the Being. To contrast, the Eastern schools of Tradition maintain that Fire serves as Spirit as well, and this can be acknowledged with the Power to Dare, though it seems insufficient to conclude that this function of the Sphinx is enough to unify and synthesize the Whole. There seems to be something underlying the basic four elements, something unseen and unknown. This invisible force, indeed, is the power to GO, the Spirit. Carl Jung has the Ego as the center of this Cross of Conscious Functions, or Elements. In the Astral Triad this is mostly the case, and deeply involved in the Work is fine-tuning the Ego to carry out the control and will-power as directed from the Aspiration. The Ego then would be the Magician centered at the intersection of the paths of Samekh and Peh on the Tree of Life during the ritual of the Star Ruby. This can be easily seen in the diagram presented above. Note that the Ancients would regard the human soul as a Spark of God, of the Eternal Flame, which sounds of truth, but denies the existence (or Non-Existence) of a principal of unification, or of something that is higher than the elements, something that fuels these elements. Just as the four elements themselves fuel and compose the body, so indeed does the Spirit fuel the Elements.

 Crowley also considered the Adept to be The Sphinx, in that the four powers have been mastered and the individual is in complete control of its being. If we look at the Tree of Life and the grade system of the Outer College of the A^A^, which is based purely on the Four Elements, we can see why this is such.

 Love is the law, love under will.