ONA - Dark Pathworkings Dark Pathworkings
ONA


 
    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.