Category Archives: Tantra

New Aeon Tantra: Gregory Peters’ Fusion of Eastern and Western Spirituality

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In a world increasingly craving authenticity and deeper connections, the spiritual landscape is evolving in fascinating ways. New Aeon Tantra: Gregory Peters’ Fusion of Eastern and Western Spirituality is a groundbreaking approach crafted by visionary author and teacher Gregory Peters. This innovative fusion of Eastern wisdom and Western philosophy challenges traditional boundaries, inviting seekers to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and holistic harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just curious about what spirituality can offer in today’s fast-paced society, join us as we delve into the heart of New Aeon Tantra. This unique synthesis promises enlightenment and practical tools for everyday living. 

Introduction: New Aeon Tantra: Gregory Peters’ Fusion of Eastern and Western Spirituality

In a world where spirituality often feels fragmented, Gregory Peters emerges as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern practice. His book, New Aeon Tantra, invites readers to explore profound concepts blending Eastern philosophies with Western magical traditions. With roots in Tantra’s rich heritage and Thelema’s rebellious spirit, this work does more than educate; it transforms how we perceive our spiritual journeys. 

Gregory Peters is a renowned scholar and practitioner of Tantra, Thelema, and other esoteric traditions. He has studied and practised these disciplines for over 20 years, and his work reflects a deep understanding of their core principles. Peters is the founder of the Ordo Sunyata Vajra, an esoteric order that seeks to synthesise Eastern and Western spiritual practices.

Peter’s writing style is clear and easy to understand, making complex ideas comprehensible for readers at all levels. His approach to spirituality is practical and adaptable, encouraging individuals to find their unique path rather than conforming to rigid belief systems.

Gregory Peters, a teacher, author, and spiritual guide, inspires many through his books, lectures, workshops, and retreats.

New Aeon Tantra offers a modern interpretation of ancient wisdom traditions and is essential for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment.

 

What is Tantra: Explaining the concept and its origins

Tantra is an ancient spiritual tradition that emerged in India around the 5th century. It intertwines philosophy, ritual, and meditation to foster a deeper connection with the self and the universe.

At its core, Tantra views reality as interconnected. This perspective encourages practitioners to embrace life in all its forms—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rather than shying away from desires or worldly experiences, Tantra invites exploration of them for personal growth.

The roots of Tantra can be traced back to texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. However, it evolved significantly through various schools of thought over centuries. Hinduism and Buddhism both adopted elements of Tantric practice but adapted them according to their unique philosophies.

This rich tapestry has led to diverse interpretations across cultures while maintaining its foundational goal: liberation through conscious awareness. 

Tantra places a strong emphasis on understanding and working with energy. This includes the flow of prana (life force energy) throughout the body, as well as the exchange of energies between individuals and the universe. Through practices such as breathwork, meditation, and mantra chanting, Tantra aims to harness and direct this energy for spiritual growth.

One of the key concepts in Tantra is the union of masculine and feminine energies. This is often depicted symbolically through the image of Shiva (male) and Shakti (female) in a divine dance. Practitioners strive to balance these energies within themselves, acknowledging that both are necessary for wholeness and true enlightenment.

Another important aspect of Tantra is its approach to sexuality. While many people associate Tantra solely with sexual practices, it encompasses much more than that. Tantra sees sexuality as a natural and vital part of the human experience that can be used for spiritual growth when approached with intention, awareness, and unconditional love.

In essence, Tantra is a path towards greater self-awareness and connection with the universe. It offers tools for personal transformation and spiritual evolution while emphasizing embracing all aspects of life with mindfulness and reverence.

 

The New Aeon: Understanding the connection between Tantric and Thelemic traditions

The concept of the New Aeon is a central theme in both Tantric and Thelemic traditions. It refers to a new phase in human evolution and consciousness, which was prophesied by Aleister Crowley and other spiritual leaders. This new era is defined by a shift toward self-discovery, individualism, and the realisation of the divine within oneself.

Tantra, an ancient Indian spiritual tradition, emphasises the union of opposites as a means of achieving enlightenment. This includes uniting the masculine and feminine energies within oneself, as well as merging with the divine energy or consciousness. Tantra also values experimentation and exploration as a way to break free from societal norms and limitations.

On the other hand, Thelema, founded by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, focuses on finding one’s true will or purpose in life. It also promotes self-knowledge and forging a personal connection with divinity through ritual practices.

Gregory Peters’ philosophy of New Aeon Tantra combines elements from both Tantric and Thelemic traditions to create a unique approach to spirituality. His teachings emphasise embracing both light and dark aspects of our being to fully integrate all parts of ourselves.

Peters asserts that this integration is necessary for reaching true enlightenment in this new age. By understanding our duality and working towards unifying it, we can awaken our true potential and purpose in life.

Another significant aspect of New Aeon Tantra is its focus on sexual energy as a powerful force for transformation. This aligns with traditional tantric beliefs about harnessing sexual energy for spiritual growth.

Through various practices such as meditation, ritual magic, creative expression, breathwork, and sacred sexuality rituals; practitioners can access their inner power to manifest their desires and connect with the divine within.

Moreover, New Aeon Tantra embraces technology and modern advancements as tools for spiritual growth. This is in line with the concept of the New Aeon, which is said to be characterised by rapid progress and change.

The fusion of Tantric and Thelemic traditions in New Aeon Tantra offers a unique perspective on spirituality that embraces individualism, self-discovery, and harnessing inner power through integration. It provides a powerful framework for navigating this new age of human consciousness.

 

Gregory Peter’s Unique Perspective: Detailed analysis of how this book differs from other works on Tantra

Gregory Peters offers a fresh lens on Tantra, setting his work apart from traditional texts. While many authors focus solely on the sensual aspects of Tantric practices, Peters delves into its philosophical roots. He interweaves concepts of consciousness and liberation throughout the narrative.

His approach is remarkably integrative. By marrying Eastern philosophies with Western spiritual frameworks, he creates a dialogue between diverse traditions. This fusion invites readers to explore their own beliefs in new ways.

Unlike other works that may gloss over complexities, Peters encourages deep reflection and personal insight. His writing challenges the reader to engage actively with these ideas rather than passively consume them.

Key Themes Explored: Highlighting important ideas and concepts discussed in the book such as liberation, consciousness, and magickal practices

At the heart of New Aeon Tantra lies the theme of liberation. Peters invites readers to shed societal constraints and explore true freedom through Tantric practices. This journey isn’t just physical; it’s an awakening of the spirit.

Consciousness emerges as another vital concept. Gregory emphasizes expanding awareness, allowing individuals to tap into deeper layers of their being. The exploration leads to profound self-discovery and transformation.

Magickal practices make a striking appearance too. Here, Peters intertwines ritualistic elements with spiritual pursuits, showcasing how intention can shape reality. It becomes clear that these rituals are not merely performative but deeply imbued with meaning.

Throughout the book, these themes resonate harmoniously, inviting practitioners to embrace a holistic approach towards spirituality that transcends cultural boundaries and personal limitations.

Eastern and Western Influences: Examining the fusion of Eastern Tantric practices with Western Thelemic principles

The fusion of Eastern Tantric practices with Western Thelemic principles creates a fascinating tapestry of spirituality. In New Aeon Tantra, Gregory Peters delves into this intersection, revealing how these seemingly disparate traditions can harmonise.

Tantra emphasises experiential knowledge and the sacredness of energy within the body. It invites practitioners to explore their consciousness deeply. This approach is complemented by Thelema’s focus on individual will and personal empowerment.

Peters illustrates how rituals from both traditions can coexist, enriching spiritual journeys. For example, visualisation techniques in Tantra align seamlessly with Thelemic magickal practices that harness willpower for manifestation.

This blending encourages openness to various pathways toward enlightenment. As readers engage with these concepts, they discover tools for greater self-awareness and transformation beyond traditional boundaries.

Personal review of ‘New Aeon Tantra’ 

New Aeon Tantra by Gregory Peters, is the book I’ve been searching for a long time. Gregory’s clear and reflective writing style, combined with his extensive knowledge of the Tantric tradition, guides the practices within this unique magical system.

One of the strengths of this book is Peters’ clear and concise writing style. He effectively communicates complex concepts without overwhelming the reader or losing their interest. He avoids using complicated or obscure language. which can be off-putting for some readers.

Furthermore, Peters dives deep into the history and origins of tantra while still making strong connections to contemporary life. He includes personal anecdotes and reflections throughout the book which adds a level of authenticity to his teachings. 

One particular aspect that stood out for me while reading New Aeon Tantra is how Peters emphasises self-discovery rather than blindly following dogmas or rituals. He encourages readers to find their own path towards enlightenment through introspection, mindfulness, and meditation. This approach sets this book apart from others in its genre as it promotes critical thinking instead of blind faith.

New Aeon Tantra had a profound impact on me as a reader. It challenged my preconceived notions about tantra and introduced me to a more inclusive and diverse form of spiritual practice. Peters’ fusion of Eastern and Western spirituality is seamless, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to embark on their own spiritual journey.”

I would highly recommend New Aeon Tantra to anyone interested in exploring the intersection of Eastern and Western spirituality. It is an insightful and thought-provoking read that has the potential to significantly impact the lives of its readers.

Get your copy of New Aeon Tantra here

 

 

Yogini Magic

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Yogini Magic

The Sorcery, Enchantment, And Witchcraft of The Divine Feminine

By Gregory Peters

ISBN: 9781618697257

U.S. Price $24.95

When I heard about the release of Yogini Magic by Gregory Peters, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. As I was already in the process of writing my book Aromagick, I knew that Yogini Magic would provide valuable insights into the Kalas and shed light on the more enigmatic aspect of the Yoginis. My understanding of the Kalas/Yoginis was based on classical texts and Kenneth Grant’s theories on “Lunar Perfume,” as well as my own practical and intuitive experiences through meditation, dreams, and heightened sense of smell. When I finally received a copy of Yogini Magic, I was deeply immersed in my own “Kala Magic” and didn’t want any outside influences to interfere with my experiences. Thus, I decided to postpone reading it until after completing Aromagick. In the meantime, I placed Yogini Magic on my altar alongside my collection of perfumes dedicated to the Kalas I was currently working with. This allowed me to continue writing about my encounters without interruption.

It was only after reaching out to Ugraprabha that I decided to seek Gregory’s thoughts on her. My past encounters with Yoginis have shown that when you are ready, one of them will find a way to connect with you. Nityaklinna, for instance, appeared in my dreams for months before I mustered the courage to engage with her and learn from her wisdom and sorcery. Once I opened the ‘gate’ and reached out to her, other yoginis quickly followed suit (at times, it felt like a flood of them entering through the gate, which can be quite overwhelming…)

Upon meeting Ugra, I was struck by a sense of familiarity. But when I tried to connect with her sister, Ugraprabha, I was disappointed to find that we did not share the same connection. Despite my efforts to gather information about her, I came up empty-handed (perhaps due to searching in the wrong places). At times, it seemed as if she was annoyed with me for reasons unknown and other times, I felt frustrated that there was something right in front of me that I couldn’t see. In light of this, I have decided to turn to Gregory Peters’ Yogini Magic for insights on her.

As I flipped through the book, it was clear that this was a must-read for me as there were countless useful insights within its pages. In the first section, Yogini Magic delves into the origins and development of Yogini worship and lineage. With his simple and approachable writing, Gregory introduces us to The Sahaja Matrikas and explains in easy-to-understand terms the concept of Who are the Yoginis – something I had struggled with for a long time and am still learning. Chapter 4 offers practical meditation techniques and pranayama for daily use, followed by an exploration of sound sorcery in Chapter 5. Then, in Chapter 7, we are introduced to the powerful tools and energies of the Yogini stones and how to utilize them. I was particularly drawn to this concept and have already started collecting some stones myself.

In the second half of the book, we are guided through the practical use of various techniques such as sigils, day magic, and working with dreams. We also learn about opening the Yogini circle and how to approach The Crossroad in our magical practice. Each chapter offers valuable insights and leads us on a personal journey of initiation into the magic of the Yoginis.

Personally, chapter 16 and the author’s depictions of the Yoginis had a profound impact on my understanding and practice. The vivid descriptions and personal gnosis brought about by both left a lasting impression, greatly transforming my relationship with these mystical beings.

Gregory Peters’ portrayal of Ugraprabha provided the final motivation for me to complete Aromagick. In my quest for knowledge on Ugraprabha, I felt as though I was overlooking a crucial element that was right in front of me.

Gregory wrote about her “Sometimes she appears with the head of a fox…” 

For me, an initiate of the Fox Magic cult, this single sentence offers a complex understanding of the intricacies and mysteries surrounding the sorcery of the Fox, Yogini, and Lalita’s never-ending game.

Ugraprabha, an AI image inspired by Gregory Peters’ vision

Ugraprabha, an AI image inspired by Gregory Peters’ vision

Diti J Morgan is the Author of Aromagick: A Scentual Guide to The Kalas And The 8 Colours of Magick  

Aromagick: A Scentual Guide to The Kalas & The 8 Colours of Magick

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Aromagick: Unveiling the Kalas and the 8 Colors of Magick

Aromagick offers genuine insights into the mysteries of the Tantrik “kalas”, something often referenced by other esoteric authors such as the AMOOKOS mages, Kenneth Grant et al. The fruit of a lot of experimentation and personal insight, this ought to be a welcome addition to the library of any mystoi, magician, or yogin, indeed anyone with an interest in the most direct of our senses and how these may be enlisted in the work of deep magick. The author also offers a second scentual sequence explicating the eight-colour system made famous in chaos magick. It is perhaps no surprise that the UK chaos magick scene grew out of, or developed pari passu with an interest in aromatics, real essential oils and incense. We recommend this for all mind explorers, especially those with a good nose for a mystery. 

 

 

In creating Aromagick,  Diti J. Morgan has crafted a beautiful and inspiring book about the use of botanical essences in magic of many kinds. Her deep knowledge and experience of the properties of plants lays brilliantly combined with her equally deep knowledge and experience of Hindu Tantra, Western Esoterics, Mythology, and Folklore, and contemporary Neo-Paganism and Magic. She provides a rich cornucopia of spells and recipes, poetry, imagery, and lore to guide us through the seasons of the year and the many forms of magic that we can attempt at any time. A great deal of research and creativity has gone into this book, and I found much in it to surprise and delight me. I recommend this substantial and remarkable book for deep and enjoyable study and preservation in one’s reference library. 
Peter J Carroll. Stokastikos. Southwest England, 2023.
 

“Aromagick: A Scentual Guide to the Kalas and the Eight Colors of Magic”,  is a tantalizing book which wraps Egyptian and Hindu myth, ritual, and magic around a core of expert aromatherapy and plant magic to create a complete system of magic powered by interpenetrating cycles of time.  Just as the cycles of moon and sun weave together to form a calendar, so does this book twist together many strands of magic to form an eternal braid.  In part one, we learn about the kalas, and ritual baths for every phase of the moon.  With each phase, we deep-dive into a ritual bath.  Deep and loving attention is played to the spirits of the plants on which the baths rely; each is a master class in plant and perfume magic.  In my opinion, just the bath rituals alone would easily be worth the “ticket price” for this book, but there is so much more!  Nearly every chapter is bursting with poetry, essays, and juicy magical tidbits.  

In part two, we expand our circle, now focusing on the eight witch’s sabbats of the wheel of the year and their relationship to the eight colours of chaos magic.  Here too, Diti’s depth of knowledge and joy in practice shine through.  Each sabbat has a ritual bath, as well as additional material that extends, contextualizes, and tantalizes.  I received the manuscript shortly before the autumn equinox, so that is where I started.  The chapter opens with the powerful gnostic poem “Thunder, Perfect Mind” from the Nag Hammadi manuscripts, continues with an invocation of the Egyptian fertility goddess Ipet, moves on to a short essay about the magical virtues of the colour blue, and its relation to the season, and then provides an essay by noted scholar of Egyptian magic (and Diti’s husband) Mogg Morgan about Ma’at, the Egyptian deification of Divine Balance.  The chapter concludes, as each does, with an amazing dreamy bath recipe – this one centred on blue lotus, chamomile, jasmine, frankincense, and bergamot.  Just listing the ingredients is enough to make me swoon at their intoxicating fragrance!  All of that is just one chapter of this fascinating book!  I can’t wait to continue working with it throughout the year. 
Sara L Mastros author of The Sorcery of Solomon: A Guide to The 44 Planetary Pentecals of The Magician King

 

Diti is an Aromatherapist, a magician/witch/priestess/dragon
and none of the above. She is an Artisan Perfumer of the Jitterybug kind. When she has time she hangs out at the Apophis Club and studies at the Fox Magic Mystery School. She also makes great apple cakes.

 

Scroll down for the full interview with Diti J Morgan

Can you introduce yourself and say a little about what you do, your aims and objectives with your writing?

I am Diti J Morgan, an aromatherapist with almost 27 years of experience. I learned that when I blend certain essential oils with a meditative and ritualistic mindset, something special and magical happens. Those who walk the magical path will discover that they have this challenge, to share their vision of the mysteries, instead of accepting what is already given. My challenge is to reveal the scentual path of Aromagik.

If you haven’t already, can you say a little more about your family background, ie past and current – ie are you married, have children, work – people like a little bit of personal stuff if you ok to share.

I feel extremely privileged and blessed to be sharing my life with a very special person. We explore together, which is perhaps one of the secrets of a magical life.

Do you call yourself an aromatherapist/witch/magician? –  if so what does this mean to you? And is it important?

I never liked using titles as I feel they are restrictive.

I go by Diti, which is a nickname for Judith or Yehudit in Hebrew. I was given this name (Diti) when I was a baby of three months. In Jewish culture, and more so in Kabbalah, a person’s name has a lot of meaning and influence. Judith was a lovely Jewish widow, who left the city that was under attack by pretending to join the enemy and predicted to Holofernes that he would be victorious. She entered his tent, where she cut off his head while he was in a drunken slumber and took it in a bag to Bethulia. The Jews then overcame the Assyrians who were leaderless. 

The greater the quality of the name, the more positive its influence is believed to be on the person’s life. According to Kabbalah, the letters that form a name connect the physical and spiritual worlds, not only in how the name is written but also in how it is perceived and recited. As a result, a name acts as a “channel” that transmits energy, whether positive or negative and serves as a bridge between a person’s physical and metaphysical worlds. In Hebrew, the name Yehudit contains within it the letters of God
– י ה ו י

A few years ago, when studying and exploring the path of the Kaula-Naths I was very excited to learn some more about the name Diti. In the excellent book, The Myths and Gods of India, the author Alain Danielou writes a short entry about the legend of the Maruts:

A Legend of the Maruts 

“In the Ramayana (1.46), the Maruts spring forth from an unborn son of Diti, the mother of the antigods. 

The mother of the antigods was in great distress. Vishnu had destroyed her two sons, Golden-Eye (Hiranyaksa) and Golden-Fleece (Hiranya-kasipu). In her desire for revenge, Diti, with womanly patience and cleverness, endeavoured to please her husband Vision (Kasyapa) and obtain from him a son who would destroy Indra, himself a son of Kasyapa.

Vision would not cooperate directly, but he advised Diti to perform the son-giving (pumsavana) penance. As the penance approached its completion, Indra felt anxious. He descended upon the earth and began to serve Diti like a disciple. Should she succumb to pride but for one instant this would give him a chance to frustrate her aim. For a long time, Diti was cautious in her austerities, but one day, at sunset, she fell asleep. Indra took advantage of this. Entering the womb of Diti, he tore the fetus into forty-nine fragments with his thunderbolt. These fragments became the Maruts. Indra made them guardians of the chalice of Soma.”

Judith or Diti, you may call me either, but I know for sure that both of my names are my “paths” that convey energy, good or bad, and connect my material and spiritual realms.

Mandrake has published your book – can you say a little about it?

The book Aromagick merges magical thinking and practice with my love for scents, aromatics, and perfumes. In the opening section, you can explore the fragrances and scents of the lunar journey through the Kalas. 

Kala means part, perhaps also a “lunar perfume or flower”. These mysterious but extremely important principles, derived from esoteric Hinduism, were related to the cosmic tides of the moon, those that ebb and flow during a lunar month. 

Following several years of studying the esoteric cycle of the lunar divinities, the Kalas, I gained a fresh perspective and understanding of these enigmatic deities. Each lunar day is said to have its unique magical quality represented by a Kala and a specific fragrance. In Aromagick, you can explore the lunar-Kala cycle’s two distinct sequences, namely the light and dark cycles, and discover the fragrances and perfumes that correspond to each of them.

In the second part of the book, I deal with the Eight Witches Sabbaths of the Ritual Year and how they resonate with the Eight Magics and the corresponding colours and scented essences.

Is the journey in your book for everyone or only for the expert or indeed aimed at the beginner?

Everyone can benefit from Aromagick. It provides a great introduction to essential oils, the moon cycle, the Kala sequences, and the Eight Sabbaths for beginners. For advanced magicians and witches, Aromagick offers new and deeper insights into familiar subjects. Additionally, advanced Tantrics and Naths can discover a fresh perspective on the Kala system.

 

 

Wolfman Denny Sargent reviews Fox Magic

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Fox Magic – Handbook of Chinese Witchcraft and Alchemy in the Fox Tradition

Jason Read

978-1-914153-07-5 (pbk) 168pp

UK £15.00+p&p Order

USA $22.00+p&p Order

Ebook Order

Special “Altar” edition, jacketed case laminate, colour images

978-1-914153-08-2 (Jacketed cased laminate) 172pp

£30 UK Order

$40 USA Order

Fox Magick is both delightful and unusual in that it covers a fascinating and rarely discussed Fox spirit/deity rooted in China and Japan and which is honoured as both. To clarify the Fox goddess began as an animistic spirit which, in various places and forms was later also worshipped as a goddess. I am pleased to review and recommend this fascinating book because I am particularly interested in this entity because I lived in Japan for four years, studied and then wrote a book about Shinto, and became intimately familiar with the Fox spirit Kitsune and her deity form Inari Sama. 

Kitsune was seen there as Inari’s avatar or familiar but sometimes Inari appeared in the form of the nine-tailed Kitsune fox. I knew that this remarkable divine spirit had originally come from China, but knew nothing much about its origins and was delighted to get this book and learn so much more about her and her ancient origins and connections with the Taoist magick of China.

Jason Read has done an expert job walking the reader through the vast kaleidoscopic myths, legends and magical practices of the ‘Fox Magic’ cults and sorcery as well as the beliefs, myths and practices still alive today in China by a variety of sects and lineages. Spirits and deities do evolve in time and his description of this is well done and fascinating for I am a devotee of such things.

The beginning drops us right into the legends of the fox spirit in China and then offers a related segway into the fox spirit in Japan, showing one of the Inari shrines with fox guardians I know so well. As is common in Asia, such spirits and deities are not all good or all bad, and the dark fox spirits are discussed both thoroughly and in-depth as entities that can possess and manipulate people. Mr Read really dives deeply into the subject of many sorts of legends and continually broadens and organizes what is clearly his vast knowledge of the subject in a clear and interesting manner. He weaves this with his knowledge of Taoism, Chinese magic and much more. As a Tantric, I was surprised to discover that the Fox spirit originated with the Dakini which had never occurred to me! This was a fantastic and important intercultural connection and was riveting. I was also amazed by his explanation of the evolution of the fox spirit as it was elevated to being a deity, the fox goddess Hu Xian (later Hu Li Jing). As such evolution is common in Shinto and other spiritual practices. The stories about the Japanese Kitsune and the kitsunebi were familiar to me, but seeing the interconnections between earlier Chinese beliefs and their spread into Japan was particularly fascinating. Mr Read’s writing style is clear, concise, full of information and also easy to follow as he navigates complex myths, legends, practices and histories. A big plus for me were the rites and spells associated with The Fox spirit/deity in both China and Japan, all were completely new to me! This final section of the book is filled with clear, applicable and fascinating glyphs, sigils, rites and clear instructions and explanations of the various magickal systems for the working with Fox deity. I can not recommend this book highly enough and this book should become part of your library.

I am thankful to be given a chance to read and interview this book! I have recently written books on the animistic wolf spirit and its evolution into wide-ranging cults and magick and will admit that this book delighted me to no end as a fellow devotee of feral spirits and entities

Denny Sargent

www.feralmagick.com

Fire & Water, Oshun & Babalon

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“Babalon, let me tell you about Babalon, I was just looking at my diary from a while back, fire and water, that’s her, like Oshun, Orisha of the rivers and sweet waters. Here’s how she found me. I’ve been invited to take part in a ceremony of a different tribe, they share the same path of the Serpent and the Panther, but the practice is different. My tribe like to dive into the pool of the void, through its darkest tunnels and halls until it turns into light.

The other tribe practice the way in great light and celebration, even at the darkest moments somehow they find a way to celebrate with a beautiful practice. I thought that it is the perfect space to evoke Babalon. I needed to get some answers from her, so I put on my red dress and made a little tobacco offering to the fire. Then I waited for her to give me a sign; when it comes it is like the rhythm of the ayahuasca dream state of mind:

The serpent is awake,

Is coiling in my tummy and heart,

It is moving and winding, its scales are bright red,

It is getting ready to move up toward my neck,

I’m terrified it is going to swallow me,

It changes into a serpent-like flower,

Changing its colour from red to yellow,

More and more serpent-like flowers are popping around me.

I can hear the Oshun song from the distance,

I am singing it,

I can hear Babalon whispering in my ears,

To understand me, go with Oshun.

I get it…

At first, the Scarlet Lady and Oshun look like they have nothing in common. Oshun is the Yellow Lady of the rivers … but to embody the will and the passion to create magic and change, you need to move in a wavelike motion, to be fluid like water.

Babalon rides the flames of the ever-burning fire. If you look closely at the flames, you can see that they have a strange fluidity. Fire, like water, always has to move, expand and never standstill. So both ladies share the same qualities. Oshun is the watery aspect of Babalon, and Babalon is the fiery aspect of Oshun. You cannot create magic from still water that lacks fluidity.

You cannot create magic from still and tamed fire, which will soon burn out and die.

In the morning after the ceremony closed, I stood by the fire talking to the shaman, when something caught my eye. At the side of the fire was a statue of Shiva holding the Trishula 1 trident, and next to it two further Trishula, made from iron. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’d dreamt of that very Trishula the month before!

 

When I asked the shaman what he uses them for, he said what I have always known: at the ceremony the Trishula helps destroy the three worlds that we find so hard to let go of. After the ceremony, we arrived at the here and now, with joy, beauty and bliss in our hearts. Who said that dreams can’t come true??

Om Namaha Shivaya

Viva Oshun

Hail Babalon.”

  • From NakedTantra by Miryamdevi & Minanath

A Sand Book, Poems by Ariana Reines

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Reviewed by Mogg Morgan

 

A Sand Book, Poems

Ariana Reines

ISBN 9780141992693 (2019) 388pp, Penguin UK £12.99 

 

“To you? There are nectars hidden in your body. Suck your own tongue.” (Son of a Jar/Ariana Reines) p.4

I’ve been reading this book for a couple of weeks now, like any collection of poems; it’s quite an intense journey and best accomplished in manageable sections. So the collection is arranged into chapters, which makes that easy, although I still have a few to go, I thought it was time to write something of it now, and then finish it off in my own time. Maybe it’s my imagination but it does read like a continuous narrative, I’m guessing its talented author intended it so. It feels like being a fly on the wall in the author’s magical playroom or reading the record that magicians often keep. I was offered this book to read because the publicist said it covered a number of occult themes, as indeed it does, and they seem to be increasing, as the book progresses. 

One theme that I recognised as it recurred several times looks like what’s become known as tantra. The little couplet with which I opened this review is a good example. Like one of those tight packed sutras, one finds in old Hindu texts from the eponymous sutra period, during which the Yoga and Samkhya sutras were conceived. Each couplet is a distillation of a whole lot of complex, magical ideas. They are like seeds, waiting to germinate in the mind of the reader; which is another common Tantrik metaphor.

Poetry was and indeed is a common form of magical exegesis – so the results of magick are often expressed in bardic speech. That’s the result but the methods also involve the tongue and the mouth. The tongue that intercepts and thereby tastes the elixir, thought to emanate from the brain, dripping down the spinal column. The tongue that tastes the elixir in another’s mouth, usually a lover. And as Tantrik texts always have at least three possible meanings, the elixir can also be that which flows from the so-called “lower mouth” – all very Tantrik. I’m sure I haven’t exhausted all the meanings.

So returning to A Sand Book, which again might also allude to those marks in the sand made by spirits, who cannot speak apart from in signs and symbols, thus are geomantic.

Not all the poems have this same magick, but they do all steadily build up a picture of the poet as she moves from one moment to another in her life, interesting, disturbing, mundane, magical. And, as my partner remarks, the poet is very readable with a knack of painting vivid pictures with her tongue. So, being in the mood, she read the whole poem to me as the valediction to our ritual; and though it is quite long it slips off the tongue. 

The author’s magick is astrological and involves a technique she called “lazy haver eye” which I think might be a kind of dissociative, defocused perception of her world, which is also often ours. She even uses a poem to tell us elegantly about her influences – thus in the title poems of “Arena” she says “Because I had studied the dust bowl, the architecture of Delphi, Judaic and Islamic legends of Moses, Midianite theology, the history of Haiti, Aryan horsemen of ancient Iran, the collapse of Sumerian agriculture, Kundalini yoga, etc etc.” p18

 

The fine title poem of “Gizzard” – is inspired as it is by the destruction of the Yezidi sanctuaries at Sinjar – so she takes modern events and sees the mystic background.

 

“ I’ve seen the iridescence 

On the surface of spilled oil, I’d seen

Rainbows. Until the fan spread

Across my vision I had mistaken

Peacocks for decoration

Were they secretly Quetzalcoatl

The phoenix, guardians at the gates

Of Eden …” p121

 

As I write this review when the sun goes down, it will be Thursday, and today I found another favourite poem in a chapter called Thursday, headed up by what I believe is the veve, or mystical diagram (perhaps yantra) for voodoo Loa (Maman) Brigitte. It begins with an invocation, which I’m am sure I will use again:

 

“Jupiter

Jupiter

Jupiter

Jupiter

 

Bring me my gold

My serpent my rod

Pour hot gold into my teeth

Bind my silver tongue

Soak it in soft white gold

Jupiter

Unbind my tongue Jupiter 

And loose it on the world” p 191

 

Later we learn, in the same long poem, how the author will marry Jupiter. Then someone, perhaps the Mama, says she has the rings. The poet protests that she is already married to Mercury but no difference. In the poem we come full circle to where:

 

“Your tongue is in my mouth

I will suck you through the god in my mouth

 

He lives in the back

I am his student

 

I will suck you through the god in my mouth

Whatever man you say you are .”p 192

 

Which seems as good a place as any to finish this review of a highly recommended collection which I am still analysing and learning from. 

 

Mogg Morgan works in Oxford for innovative ‘new edge’ publisher Mandrake,  described as a ‘respected literary catalyst’, and responsible for the discovery of many new authors, including his friend and one-time mentor Jan Fries.

Mogg regards himself as a practitioner-cum-scholar of all aspects of occultism. He was a Wellcome research student at Oxford, where his teacher was the late Professor B K Matilal, a widely respected expert on South Asian thought. Over the years Mogg has been exploring the connections between the popular magick of ancient Egypt and its continuation/crossover with the living magical traditions of the Middle East, and the Kaula/witchcraft of south Asia and beyond.

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