Are these topics related? Absolutely.
In fact they, like most aspects of magical practice, are strongly interconnected.
By no means are these the only things I'll be posting about, but if I want readers I need a content plan and these will be my initial four corners. These areas of study mean a great deal to me personally and can be woven together to form a strong base for new magicians.
For more experienced practitioners I will provide some unconventional insights and things I've picked up along the less travelled side trails from the magical path. I will strive to include both beginner-friendly and initiate-grade material throughout the content that here follows.
Quick Unpack of the Four Corners in this Title
Here is a synopsis of each of the areas of study mentioned in the title. They are not ranked in an order of importance nor difficulty, but are listed in a reasonable progression of experience, as indicated per each subheading.
The Five Elements
The four elements of magical doctrine are fundamental and foundational energies from which all of manifest reality arises. These four elements are within all things and are the key for understanding and altering the world around and within you. The four qualities reside within and flow through everything and are an inherent part of all magical work.
The fifth element is the subtle substance called spirit, ether, or void that creates, animates, and converts the other four elements. It is their source, their soul, and their destination. Knowledge of the fifth element translates to knowledge of magic as a whole, self-understanding, and the beginnings of true wisdom.
The Astral Plane
The astral realm is a non-physical space that is connected to the material world through the ether, which in turn is a dynamic, vital substance that carries the life force and purpose of all things. Whereas the ether is an energetic mirror of the physical, the astral is the matrix of energy that underpins, or acts as the blueprint for the etheric reflection (which may actually be formed before the physical occurrence it is said to reflect).
If the astral is the blueprint, the etheric plane is the scaffolding put in place for construction work and of course the physical realm is the final product. Magic done properly affects the astral plane, changing or enhancing the blueprint which then dictates the construction and manifestation of reality.
The Five Planes Paradigm is one example of where the five elements and the subtle planes - including the astral - are brought together to enhance creativity and efficacy in magical work. Work of projection or soul travel becomes more accessible when using the elements as conceptual aids. Frameworks like the elemental ladder - similar to what Pagans call the "creative cycle" are practical hands-on methods for using the elemental qualities and astral vision or projection to improve and empower magical manifestation.
This should make it pretty obvious why we study astral projection and related techniques. In doing so we strengthen our connection to the formative substance and become proficient at directing the motions of creation.
Planetary Magic
If elements are the energy of magical work, planets are the power source. They are the spheres of influence that command the elements in specific, personified ways.
For example Aries and Sagittarius are fire-centric powers but they each wield fire in their own unique ways. Each planet can be used to deploy any elemental energy but each sphere also has a special resonance with one or two elements.
Planets represent divine providence and spirit in nature. In astrology planets govern various aspects of the human being from personality to unconscious mind and instinctive behavior or even higher spiritual expressions. The planets have the same influence over the rest of the world as well, from communities to weather patterns.
Planetary magic is the practice of directing power into your magical work. It allows you to specify and clarify what you want and add the correct power source to an operation so you end up with the right results.
Understanding the dynamics and mechanics of astral operations will enhance planetary work tremendously and vice versa. The two doctrines or areas of study are linked intrinsically and to progress in one area is to naturally advance in the other as well.
Gem Stone and Crystal Magic
It's more than just New Age hippie fluff. Stones and crystals hold raw power of the planets and conduct elemental energy.
They just need a human mind and energy field to do amazing things. Small objects you can carry in your pocket or a drawstring bag, these little minerals provide any energy or influence you can think of for magical work and when used properly they get amazing results.
Crystals are the perfect focal point for bringing the other three areas of study together in an actionable form. You'll get information on crystal and stone magic here you won't find elsewhere.
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