One of the initial tasks along the Sinister Path
is the Magickal technique
known commonly as Pathworking. Essentially this technique is a fundamental
to
the beginnings of Magickal development.
When working with the Sinister Tarot the Initiate
may notice that some
workings are far more intense than others. Combined with this intensity
is the
feeling that the characters and scenery within the image have actually
come to
life themselves. That is, they suddenly have a life of their own, a
life that is
no longer restricted by the consciousness of the individual, but suddenly
becomes distinctive and objective from that consciousness. It is within
these
deeper forms of Pathworking that genuine Initiation begins to take
place, for it
should be noted that the Rite of Initiation does not always bring a
complete
transformation, but rather is only a beginning.
Two forms of Pathworking can generally be distinguished
by the degree of
control that the Sinister Pathworker has over the energies/images.
In a lesser
form of Pathworking the direction of the energies is controlled purely
by the
individuals imagination, that is for example, the Initiate visualises
the Moon
Goddess, imagining that she begins to talk, perhaps in a strange and
deep
ethereal voice, one that is imbued with the acausal nature of the Being
She
symbolises but which many believe to be purely a dead hunk of rock...
The working here is directed purely by ones imagination.
However a deeper
state of Pathworking, one which usually only comes when the Initiate
has been
continually working with the images themselves, is when the Beings
within the
Cards themselves become alive and imbued, not with the energy of the
individuals
imagination, for this is itself only a means to work with the energies,
but
rather, become alive of themselves expressing Their own nature and
energy, that
which is both within and without, that which is the acausal.
Another aspect of this degree of difference between
the objective and
subjective status of the Being with which the Dark Tradition works
is expressed
in the Dark Pathways themselves. These workings further the initial
descent into
the acausal, one which may itself be tentative and misunderstood.
As is stated in other Order mss, it is by practical
experience that the
Sinister Initiate discerns the status of the Dark Gods themselves and
this can
never really be passed on in writings. For it is often believed that
the
writings of others can bring wisdom and enlightenment by themselves,
yet this
also is an illusion of the Abyss. It is quite correct to assume that
the
writings of others may help to guide, but, as has been stated many
times before,
they are only a guide, not a substitute. It is only through direct
personal
Invokation that the Dark Gods can be understood.
During the Dark Pathways the Magickian meditates
upon the corresponding
Tarot image, allowing the energies summoned to manifest as it will
in accordance
with the symbolism. However, if a working is truly successful the imagery
of the
card will serve its purpose by providing a gateway, or perhaps more
accurately a
vehicle through with the specific Dark God may manifest its Being.
Thus working
with Atazoth, the Master card itself is soon lost in the vortical Chaos
that is
emitted from the pictorial representation of the Man of the Abyss.
Atazoth then
fills the Initiates mind, revealing his being to be far more alien
than that of
a mere humanoid.
As an expansion upon the existing Dark Pathways techniques
I suggest the
following working:
Dark Pathways II
Requirements:
Black Robe
Quartz crystal
Sinister Tarot Atu.
Decide upon a mode of dress. Usually this will be
one of three: Black robe,
naked, or dressed in black.
Arriving at the area near or after sunset, prepare
your clothing and set out
the implements.
Chant the respective sphere chant facing East and
holding the crystal at
chest height.
Now vibrate the Sacred Word nine times. If a chant
is required then chant
this instead, but if this is not known then vibrate the name nine times
then
another four times.
Place the crystal in a secure position and begin
the slow dance, the
direction of which you may decide yourself (usually Deosil for lighter
spheres
and Widdershin for darker spheres, i.e. Mars and Jupiter would be Widdershins).
Speed the dance up faster and faster until you fall to the ground.
Now vibrate or shout the name as strongly as possible.
After a moment, visualise the Tarot image, do not
attempt to control or
direct the visions though, let them come and go as they do.
Once the visions pass, stand and then begin a dance
in the opposite
direction to the original dance. Singing/chanting "I am the Power,
I am the
Glory, I am a God."
When satisfied, cease your dance. Then face bow to
the North saying: "It is
completed."
Leave the area of the working.
Additional Notes
Prior to the ritual for seven days meditate upon
the sigil of the Dark God
to be invoked for at least fifteen minutes each night prior to sleep,
quietly
repeating its name. If possible follow the recommended Black Fast.
The location of a suitable area for working is also
essential. An isolated
wood is ideal, though geographical variations may determine alternative
locations.
The addition of the Sphere chant at the beginning
of the Rite seems to open
the Gate to the acausal wider thereby enabling the Dark God/Energy
to manifest
in a far stronger manner.
Try and use the dance to express the sphere/planet
itself. It may be helpful
to consider the astronomical/astrological significances of the planet,
such as
the size, its speed around the Sun and so on. These may give clues
to the
planets energies and thereby by expressed during the dance itself.
Essentially the Dark Pathways should be experienced
by the Initiate him or
herself in order for the individual to devise the technique that works
best for
him/her. However, although the main body of the Ritual should stay
essentially
the same, it is quite natural that the individual will find variations
that work
better for him/her, such as the manner of the dance itself for example.