Glossary: Directions ~ Magic

Directional models are perhaps the most primal forms of physical and spiritual orientation (see Concourse). The most important set of coordinates is that of the Seven Directions of Above, Below, Before, Behind, Right, Left and Centre. Attached to this model is an enormous dossier of correspondences, images and patterns. Indeed it could be said that all our spiritual traditions and practices hinge on this simple primordial “revelation.” The mystery of the Seven Directions is that it is the key to the capacity of the human being to participate in the mediation, modulation and manifestation of spiritual energies in the Three Realms.

The Four Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water ~ primordially resonant with Thunder, Wind, Lightning, Rain) are closely linked to the magical compass of seven directions where they correspond to the horizontal plane of coordinates (North, East, South, West) around a central vertical axis. Thus in sacred lore one finds references to the universal human being who is a synthesis of all the Elements and thus inheriently a living axis or mediator of the subtle energies that underpin physical or consensus reality.

Sacred magic is the art of engaging, mediating and modulating spiritual energy. It involves working with sacred lore and building relationships with Powers and Presences. This form of spiritual work has three core methods: Attunement, Vision and Ritual, of which there are many subdivisions and extensions. Also central to this form of practice is the circle or sphere of work, which is closely allied to the seven directions model.

The Three Enclosures are the primary fields of activity in a sspiritual circle or sphere. These are the central enclosure, the mediating space and the perimeter. There are numerous variations, developments and subdivisions of this basic pattern of fields, but in general terms they relate to the central flame, the altar, and the circle.

Dreamers are generally of two types: There are immortal presences associated in esoteric tradition with certain stellar patterns. Their "dreams" cycle between the OverRealm and UnderRealm and, among other things, shape the primal geographical and hence, to some extent, spiritual forms of the planet. Immortal Dreamers are linked to specific topographies through mortal dreamers (who are bound to the cycles of life and death ~ though they may be corporeal or ghostly).