Glossary: Axis - Convocation

The universal vertical Axis conjoins the realms and simultaneously makes them accessible to consciousness and
being. In esoteric lore the Axis manifests through many images, such as a spindle on which all existence is woven or
unwound, a golden arrow, a celestial ray, a ladder, a staff or pole, a cord or thread, a sacred hill or mountain, spine or
column, but most often as a magical tree.

The hub or pivot of the real, where the realms intersect on the Axis, the Centre is where reality irrupts into the mortal
realm. Like the Axis, the universal Centre is a spiritual state, not a geometric or geographical point, although it
manifests in time and space through various particular centres or nodes. In practical magic, the act of setting a centre
opens the ritual space to the Source or universal flow of powers and presences.

A charter is a grant of power to work with and mediate spiritual influences within a tradition. Some people work with
only one tradition, others are multi-chartered. A charter is only in effect during the work. However, like all magical forms
it will have ramifications for daily life, though of course, never control of it. Spirituality is always independent of specific
charters. Charters are created and activated simply by working in a tradition or current of sacred lore. This constitutes
an agreement or covenant between the magical worker and the powers and presences behind the tradition. Needless
to say the scope of a charter is dependent on the competence and intent of the mediator engaging the tradition.

Every magical worker is part of a unique convocation, or crew of spiritual contacts and co-workers. The Convocation
might include inner teachers, guardians and ancestors, spirits of the land, and even great beings of mediation.
There are generally three streams of contact in the Convocation: ancestral, intitiatic or stream of affinity, and primal
contacts. When people meet in groups they bring their own convocation with them, which means that every collective
attunement, vision or ritual is supported by a unique mix of contacts -- a convocation of convocations, one might say.
This is one reason why the same piece of work can be so different with different groups of people.

The Concourse is the magical pattern or directional model given to or taken by the power flowing into your sphere of
work. It includes patterns of three, five or seven directions as well as more a complex patterns like the Magical Tree,
inner temple, sacred precinct, grove, stone circle, or what ever is used to orient the magical worker in vision and ritual.