Weh-Oh-Weh! Lico's Shamanic Approach to His Chaos Magic

My earliest exposure to shamanism was through pop-culture. Back when I was a young warthog, I enjoyed watching the cartoon series Bravestarr where the hero summons the powers of animals in an intergalactic wild west.

In these more recent times, I'm using the shamanic approach to my chaos magic practice. I've had success with divining stones as prescribed by Nick Hall in Chaos and Sorcery. It's the closest I could get to the divining stone traditions of African tribal magic. More than ever, I've been invoking the spiritual essence of animals especially that of the crocodile when I need to get shit done. I'm beginning to believe that I, somewhat, had something to do with the summoning of the recently captured giant crocodile Lolong.

Even more recently was the use of shamanic rattles for invocation and banishing. I got a few ideas from Michael Harner's Way of The Shaman. Basically, I sing improvised songs while dancing and shaking two maracas. It makes a good exercise too. Instead of Taebo, why not Shamanic Cardio? Heck, I could do it to Shakira's Waka Waka

Another throwback to atavistic magick I do is the use of a wooden toy snake for healing. According to Nick Hall's Chaos and Sorcery, live snakes were used as wands for healing the afflicted. Although I'm sure it's a psychosomatic effect but I definitely feel better when I use the wooden snake. I just hope Samuel L. Jackson doesn't find out. He's not so fond of snakes.

So yeah... shamanism. I think it's cool. As for hallucinogenics, I don't think I'd be ingesting peyote. Besides, I'm like I'm high all the time. Herbalism? The only herbs I'd more likely to collect are the ones in KFC's original. Below is a reenactment of an actual shamanic experience caused by the ritualistic consumption of fried chicken.

Operation: Divinity Gauntlet

What is Operation: Divinity Gauntlet?

Operation: Divinity Gauntlet is the codename for my magical operation for The Manifestation of Glory.

What is The Manifestation of Glory?

The Manifestation of Glory (or TMOG for short) is a concept and practice originated from the chaos magic group Domus Kaotica. It is a one-year make-over that involves special physical, mental and spiritual training all at the same time. It is a magical “born again” operation that promotes rejuvenation and self-evolution. It is a way to recreate yourself in your own likeness.

How do you do TMOG?

Methods of TMOG vary in individuals but the core idea is that you must go through a special regimen that enhances your mind, body and soul. For example, on the physical side, you could exercise and practice healthy habits. On the mental side, you could read more books and study foreign languages. On the spiritual side, you could meditate and practice energy work. The point is that within one year there must be significant changes in the individual on the path to TMOG. Some discipline and effort are required to ensure success in TMOG.

What are you up to so far?

So far, I’ve been taking longer walks, restricting my eating habits and practicing acupressure plus longer periods of reiki on myself. At the same time, I’m studying various books (especially religious scriptures and classical novels), taking up watercolor painting and practicing certain metaphysical techniques a bit more often.

Also, I'm posting this unrelated video.

Hoodoo To Do

Before I start discussing, let me differentiate the difference between hoodoo and Voodoo. Voodoo is the religion, hoodoo is a magical tradition. I hope that will clear up the confusion.

So far, hoodoo is doing me some good. There's one thing I observed why this African-American folk magic tradition is working so well for me. I notice that every time I make a mojo bag, I get in a trance-like state chaotes and other occultists call gnosis. Gnosis is one important key in magical practice that can make or break the spell. In my mind, I know that I'm not merely mixing herbs and spices. Luckily, I have no problem getting into a sorcerous mood and convincing myself that I'm working magic. When I make the mojo bags, everything else around me seems to cease to be. It's just me and the hoodoo work.

The same goes for I use novenas and recite the Psalms. Unfortunately, I had to stop due to some strange and awkward experience. Luckily, thanks to my chaos magic practice, I was able to infuse the energies of the Psalms with the energies of my own invocations to my patron god Sobek. So far, things are going well with the Sobekian spells I now recite.

So this is my latest update in my hoodoo practice and experimentation. So far, my specialties are mojo bags and (stopped for now) Psalms magic. The next thing you know, I'd be creating zombies. Mwahahahahaha!!!

I CAN HAS VOODOO DOLL?

The Sobekian Primer

What is Sobekianism?

Sobekianism is a religion dedicated to the worship of the crocodile god Sobek and other gods of Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) origin. It is not a reconstructed Kemetic religion. Sobekianism is a modern belief system with a strong emphasis on eclecticism.


Who is Sobek?

Sobek (also known as Sebek, Suchos and Sobek-Ra) is the Crocodile God, Lord of The Waters and the supreme patron god in Sobekianism. Sobek is the benevolent god of crocodiles, water, power and fertility. He also represents the primordial forces in nature that shape the world.

Which other deities are honored in Sobekianism?

Although all deities can be worshipped in Sobekianism, gods and goddesses connected to Sobek are most honored. The following deities are quite notable in Sobekianism:

- Hathor: wife of Sobek, cow goddess of joy, love, fertility and fun.
- Khonsu: son of Sobek and Hathor, god of the moon, traveling and youth. Together with Sobek and Hathor, they form the Sobekian Triad.
- Nit: mother of Sobek and the wisest of the Kemetic gods. She is a warrior goddess and a matron of craftsmen.
- Amun: the past incarnation of Sobek. He was a very powerful god who mysteriously disappeared after the creation of the universe.
- Ra: father-in-law of Sobek and father of Hathor. He is the sun god in Kemetic religion. His name is of great importance in Sobekian rituals. Also known as Re.
- Horus: warrior god, god of vengeance and friend of Sobek. Also known as Heru.
- Isis: goddess of magic, mother of Heru. Sobek assisted in the birth of Heru. Also known as Aset.
- Osiris: god of the underworld, husband of Isis, father of Horus. Sobek assisted in his resurrection after being murdered by the dark god Seth. Also known as Asar.
- Renenunet: second wife of Sobek, cobra goddess of magical names and fertility. She is a powerful sorceress who’s very cunning yet very benevolent.
- Tawaret: third wife of Sobek, hippopotamus goddess of protection, pregnancy and restraining evil forces. She is a strong warrior goddess who adores mothers and children.
- The Petsuchos – They are the sacred crocodiles that serve Sobek. Worshipped in Ancient Egypt, now they have a special place in the Sobekian afterlife as guardians of the dead.



What are the basic tenets of Sobekianism?

To, at least, grasp the greatness of Sobek is to emulate the positive qualities of the crocodile. The crocodile is an ancient beast, a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs. It is even considered as a living dinosaur. The crocodile is a symbol of power, primal forces, ancient knowledge, fertility and survival. Its ferocity and cunningness are qualities worth developing if used correctly. Sobek represents the crocodile in its most divine incarnation.

In Ancient Egypt, sacred crocodiles were kept in private lakes. They were adorned with jewelry and fed with cakes, bread and roasted meat. Sobek teaches that we should enjoy good food, nice things to wear and other fine things in life. In other words, eat, drink and be merry! The ideal Sobekian is a noble savage, an atavistic mage and a warrior hedonist all rolled into one.


What is the afterlife like for Sobekians?

One great thing about Sobekianism is that its concept of the afterlife is radically different from the typical afterlife of the Kemetists. Instead of going through elaborate funerary rituals and facing numerous perils in the afterlife before reaching Amenti (the Egyptian heaven), worthy Sobekians are protected by the sacred crocodiles Petsuchos and led to a marvelous version of the Nile River called the Heavenly Nile.

On the shores of the Heavenly Nile, a huge and endless celebration is being held. All sorts of delicious food are being served, everyone is wearing fantastic jewelry and beautiful women (plus men) are everywhere. Music, games and dancing fill the whole riverside. Lording over everything is the crocodile god Sobek. Along with his favorite wife Hathor, he makes sure that everyone is having a great time. That is a true paradise for followers of Sobek.


What is the punishment for unworthy people in the Sobekian afterlife?

If that person is deemed too unrepentantly evil to enter the Heavenly Nile, Sobek will devour that person. To avoid this terrible fate, the ever universal Golden Rule must be followed: Do to others what you’d like them to do to you. In other words, don’t be an asshole. Follow the Golden Rule and you might be worthy enough to enter the Heavenly Nile.



What are the rituals in Sobekianism?

Party of the beauty of Sobekianism is its strong advocacy on eclecticism inspired by chaos magic. Sobekians are encouraged to create their own prayers and rituals to honor the Crocodile God. If they wish to, they can even make their own Sobekian spells to attract special needs. However, the most basic and fundamental practice that all Sobekians must perform daily is the chanting of the holy name SOBEK-RA. Sobek-Ra is Sobek’s most powerful form especially when empowered by the power of the sun. Chanting SOBEK-RA invokes the power of the Crocodile God and attracts his blessings. The holy name must be chanted at least three times. At the end of every prayer, the holy name must be chanted three times to further empower the prayer. Chanting SOBEK-RA is a must for the faithful Sobekian.



Is there a church or temple Sobekians can worship in?

As of now, there are no temples. However, Sobekians are encouraged to meet up, worship and discuss anything related to the Crocodile God. In dire circumstances, Sobekians must band together for survival just like the ancient reptilian beasts.


Is there a priesthood in Sobekianism?

Sobekians are their own priests. They are their own pharaohs. Sobekians have no need for such antiquated authority figures to govern them. Sobekians govern themselves. However, in certain circumstances, leaders (in a more secular sense) are made to make things easier. Mentors may also be assigned to guide newer Sobekians in the ways of the croc.



Why become a Sobekian?

Imagine yourself as Conan the Barbarian and Sobek is your Crom. One reason that makes Conan a great warrior and leader is his devotion to his god Crom. Sobek is like Crom but more fun and with a lot of style. You too can unlock your inner crocodile and become more awesome than ever. If you have an affinity for reptiles and Egyptian gods, Sobekianism is for you. If you immensely enjoy good food and nice clothing, Sobekianism is for you. If you’re looking for a religion fit for warriors and leaders, Sobekianism is for you. However, if you don’t feel that it’s for you, do not fret. Sobek loves you anyway. Who knows? He might even invite you to the eternal party in the Heavenly Nile.


In brightest day and blackest night,
No evil shall escape my bite.
Let all enemies be filled with fright.
Beware my power – Sobekian might!

The Hoodoo I Do

Last week, while browsing through amazon.com, I came across The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook by Denise Alvarado. As a harmonica player who kept on encountering references to Hoodoo in blues songs, I've decided to give it a go. After all, I'm a chaote and it's about time I experiment with something new. Frater UD mentioned in High Magic II that the African and Caribbean magical traditions have a reputation of being very potent.

Last Saturday, I borrowed a copy of the aforementioned book from a friend. For a good start, I've decided to work with a Catholic house blessing prayer and a portion of the Psalms. I know that some of you think I have sold out and turn Catholic again but listen to me. Hoodoo has been heavily influenced by Catholicism when the white masters forced it upon the African slaves to quell their ancient spiritual practices. The forced conversion failed to yield the result the slavemasters were aiming for. Instead, Catholic beliefs has been syncretized with African spiritual concepts thus born the religion Voodoo and its magical trad Hoodoo. In Hoodoo, God is the ultimate magician and the Bible is a mighty spellbook/talisman hence I'm not using Christian beliefs as a Catholic. I'm using Christian beliefs as a Hoodooist. If I can't make hoodoo work just because it has smacks of Christianity then I fail as a chaos magician.

So anyway, a few hours after I recited the house prayer and the Psalm for bringing fortune into the home, I found a dying cockroach on top of my altar. It was rare for me to see a dying cockroach in my ancestral house. The next morning upon waking up, I saw another dying roach near my altar. From that moment, I knew it was no mere coincidence. Even up to now, I'm experimenting with Hoodoo more often. I prayed to the Seven African Powers and even made my first mojo bags. Lets see what happens in the next few weeks. Lets just hope that Papa Legba isn't trolling me.

Glossary:

Hoodoo: African-American folk magic tradition

Voodoo: A syncretic religion involving Catholicism and African concepts and practices

mojo bag: a talisman in Hoodoo described as a "spell in a bag".

Papa Legba: A loa or Voodoo spirit who guards the gateway between the normal world and the world of Voodoo spirits.

magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic magick magic

WHAT MANNER OF TOMFOOLERY IS THIS!!??

The links in my adspace don't show occult stuff anymore and now they only show religio-christian ads. Well guess what? I'm not gonna have of that so to counteract this theocratic offensive attack of the pop media kind on my blog, I'm going to spam this post with random words related to my preferred fields. Ready... GO!

cryptozoology Darth Vader Captain Barbell Barbell theocracy sucks Fifty-Peso Ninja Fake Vampire Colby Slimies Sorcerer Cartoonist psychic powers extrasensory perception ESP telekinesis mind over matter pagan paganism food comics again Sobek Hathor Khonsu tarot cards tarot reading Dragon Age Monty Python magic magick majik aliens UFO psychosomatic I'm the Firestarter boobs sexy girls food food food Street Fighter comics comics comics magick magick magick chaos chaos chaos magick books comics spells enchantment dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme magick books comics spells enchantment dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme Hathor internet meme Khonsu yippee kay yeah motherfucker MacGyver A-Team Oblivion Elder Scrolls Saturday morning cartoons X-Men Avengers Pugad Baboy Ninja Turtles comics Superman Batman Green Lantern Captain American Ironman Plasticman Darna Wonder Woman Lastikman cryptids cryptozoology Darth Vader Captain Barbell

magick books comics spells enchantment dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme Hathor internet meme Khonsu yippee kay yeah motherfucker MacGyver A-Team I choose you Pikachu Saturday morning cartoons X-Men Avengers Pugad Baboy Ninja Turtles comics Superman Batman Green Lantern Captain American Ironman Plasticman Darna Wonder Woman I'm not dead yet Lastikman cryptids cryptozoology Darth Vader Captain Barbell theocracy sucks Fifty-Peso Ninja Fake Vampire Colby Slimies Sorcerer Cartoonist psychic powers extrasensory perception ESP telekinesis mind over matter pagan paganism food comics again Sobek Hathor Khonsu tarot cards tarot reading Monty Python magic magick majik aliens UFO psychosomatic I'm the Firestarter boobs sexy girls food food food comics comics comics magick magick magick chaos chaos chaos magick books comics spells enchantment telekinesis mind over matter pagan paganism food comics again Sobek Hathor Khonsu tarot cards tarot reading Monty Python magic magick majik aliens UFO psychosomatic I'm the Firestarter boobs sexy girls food food food comics comics comics magick magick magick chaos chaos chaos magick books comics spells enchantment dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme Hathor internet meme Khonsu yippee kay yeah motherfucker MacGyver A-Team Saturday morning cartoons X-Men Avengers Pugad Baboy Ninja Turtles comics Superman Batman Green Lantern Captain American Ironman Plasticman Darna Wonder Woman goh.deviantart.com Lastikman cryptids cryptozoology Darth Vader Captain Barbell Barbell theocracy sucks Fifty-Peso Ninja Fake Vampire Colby Slimies Sorcerer Cartoonist psychic powers extrasensory perception ESP telekinesis mind over matter pagan paganism food comics again Sobek Hathor Khonsu tarot cards tarot reading Monty Python magic magick It's just a flesh wound majik aliens UFO psychosomatic I'm the Firestarter boobs sexy girls food food food comics comics comics magick magick magick chaos chaos chaos magick books comics spells enchantment dragon age sigil hypersigil Mysterium Philippines Hellboy Ghostbusters Sobek internet meme

TO THE ESTABLISHMENT, I DEFY YOU! I DEFY YOU! I DEFY YOU!!!

I feel better. Problem?

A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales

One of the manga I often read online is Nurarihyon no Mago, a supernatural comic authored by Shiibashi Hiroshi. It's a manga about youkai, supernatural beings and creatures of Japan. One thing that really caught my attention is the Hundred Tales Clan story arc. In the manga, the Hundred Tales Clan is a group of youkai that creates new youkai through the parlour game Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai or A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales .

Our main focus for discussion is the Hundred Ghost Tales game. The games was originally played by the samurai to test their courage. However, the game became popular with the townsfolk. One hundred people are needed to play this game in a dark room. There is one lit candle in front of each player. Each player tells a ghost story and extinguishes a candle thus making the room gradually darker. It is said that after the final candle is blown, a supernatural entity appears. This parlour game is also a form of evocation. I've never played this game but I expect a lot of squeals and screams when it is played. After all, who knows what lurks in the dark after the telling of a hundred spooky tales.

Did someone say candles? I got some candles here...

The Unfortunate Tale of Dr. John Dee

I was watching the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age and I was pleased to see that the English court magician Dr. John Dee was featured in the film. In real life, the man was remarkable. He was a scientist, an astrologer, occultist, navigator and even a spy (his codename was 007 thus making him a prototype for James Bond) for Queen Elizabeth I back in the Renaissance Age. He was the founder of Enochian Magic. He was a man who was ahead of his time.

Well, that is until religious bigotry stepped in and ruined his life. When Queen Elizabeth I died, troubles started piling up for poor John. His library and laboratory was ransacked by vandals and thieves. He was made Warden of Christ's College in Manchester but there he was hated and even cheated. When he returned to London, Elizabeth I died and the new ruler James I refused to help Dee due to his supernatural reputation. Dee spent the rest of his life in poverty.

Despite his unfortunate tale, John Dee's legacy lives on among the modern magicians. If the real world has a Merlin, Dr. Dee was the closest.

Sigil Onslaught!

BOOM! BAM! POW! KA-POWEE!

On Trolls and Troll Magick

Note: This is a repost of an older article from my tumblr account.






Among the fairies, my favorite is the troll. I could never relate with the more wholesome fairies like gnomes and sylphs but I feel myself very connected with the seemingly brutish and intimidating trolls. It's true that most trolls are not so pleasant when it comes to looks and their minds aren't that sharp. Some trolls are actually smart (though it's more of street-smart cunning than academic intelligence) and trollish women tend to be gorgeous. In fact, there has been legends of human men marrying trollish women as accounted below.

THE grandfather of Reor, who dwelt at Fuglekärr (i.e. Bird-marsh), in the parish of Svartsborg (Black-castle), lived close to a hill, and one time, in the broad daylight, be saw sitting there on a stone a comely maiden. He wished to intercept her, and for this purpose he threw steel between her and the hill; whereupon her father laughed within the hill, and opening the hill-door asked him if he would have his daughter. He replied in the affirmative and as she was stark naked he took some of his own clothes and covered her with them, and he afterwards had her christened.

As he was going away, her father said. to him, "When you are going to have your wedding (bröllup) you must provide twelve barrels of beer and bake a heap of bread and the flesh of four oxen, and drive to the barrow or hill where I keep, and when the bridal gifts are to be bestowed, depend on it I will give mine."

This also came to pass; for when others were giving he raised the cover of the cart and cast into it so large a bag of money that the body of it nearly broke, saying at the same time:--" This is my gift!" He said, moreover, "When you want to have your wife's portion (hemmagifta),[a] you must drive to the hill with four horses, and get your share. When he came there afterwards at his desire he got copper-pots, the one larger than the other till the largest pot of all was filled with the smaller ones. He also gave him other things, [b] which were helmets, of that colour and fashion which are large and thick, and which are still remaining in the country, being preserved at the parsonage of Tanum.

This man Reor's father surnamed I Foglekärsten, had a number of children by this wife of his, whom he fetched out of the hill, among whom was the aforesaid Reor. Olaf Stenson also in Stora Rijk, who died last year, was Reor's sister's son.

- The Fairy Mythology by Thomas Keightly, 1870

Source

Despite their ill reputation of being thieving troublemakers, trolls possess impressive magical powers just like any other members of the fae. Here are their powers as described by Thomas Keightly in The Fairy Mythology:

These beings have some very extraordinary and useful properties; they can, for instance, go about invisibly, [g] or turn themselves into any shape; they can foresee future events; they can confer prosperity, or the contrary, on a family; they can bestow bodily strength on any one; and, in short, perform numerous feats beyond the power of man.

Source

Since I have an affinity with trolls, I've been experimenting with what I call "troll magick". Basically, I invoke the power of the trolls. I read no books on fairy magick so, as a chaos magician, it's all up to me to create my own rendition of troll magick. Expect more articles on trolls and troll magick soon.

Inkwork Sorcerer QnA (religious parents, influences and the third eye)

Hi guys! It's been a while since I've updated. Guess what? A few people have been inquiring me about certain things in the occult world.

Dear Inkwork Sorcerer, I want to learn to open my third eye and practice magick but my parents are very religious and they don't like anything New Age or occult. What should I do?

- Simon

Simon, since you're still a minor and (I assume) still living with your parents, it's probably not best to let them know about your esoteric interests. However, I advise that you practice your magick in secret until you're old enough to move out and live independently. There's still a chance that they'd know about your magick but if you're really serious about it, you have to stand up to them and defend your right to practice magick. For now, just practice in secret until you're old enough to come out.

Dear Inkwork Sorcery, who influences you the most in your magickal path?

- unknown

There are many figures in magick who inspire me like Franz Bardon, Apollonius of Tyana, Grant Morisson but the most influential for me is Austin Osman Spare the Grandaddy of Chaos Magic. Spare is an awesome artist and an excellent mage who uses his artworks for magical workings. Naturally, I have an affinity to him since I'm also an artist.

Dear Inkwork Sorcerer, how do I open my third eye?

- Curious George

Oh gosh this is the most commonly asked question by non-practitioners in the Philippines. It's alright, I'd still answer it. First and foremost, everybody has a third eye. It's just that everyone's third eye are open in varying degrees. The simplest way to DEVELOP your third eye is meditation. If you want to develop your third eye in a more systematic way, contact Mysterium Philippines.



Well, that's all for now. If you have any questions, post them in this post's comments or email me at gohlico@yahoo.com

Brujo Fantastico

Back in the last night of the UP Fair 2011, I came across some people selling old books along the sidewalk in the campus. To my delight, I've found a copy of Carlos Castaneda's The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge (1974 edition) among the books and it only costs 100 pesos. It's an account of the anthropologist Carlos Castaneda time as an apprentice under the Yaqui Indian brujo (sorcerer) Don Juan way back in the early 1960's. After a harrowing experience, Castaneda ceased his training, wrote a book about it and went back to continue his apprenticeship under Don Juan. It is a tale of sorcery, shamanic journeys and peyote.

I said "peyote". You know, the hallucinogenic plant.

Yeah sure it was heavily debated whether Carlos made the whole thing up or not but that book started the shamanism craze back in the 60's. In fact, anything mystical was a huge thing back in the 60's. Heck, Marvel Comics' Doctor Strange was created in the 60's.

"By the Hoary Hosts of Hallucinogens!"

Whether or not the experiences of Carlos Castaneda were fabricated, it matters not to me. Nothing is true, everything is permitted. If it works for me, yippee-kay yay. However, I don't need the use of hallucinogenic plants thanks to the use of certain trance-inducing techniques. Another thing that intrigued me was the use of lizards for information-gathering. The parts about sewing up their eyes and mouths sounds very iffy though.

"P-pardon me?"

I could just create a lizard-based servitor just for that purpose. Another thing that interests me is Carlos' transformation into a crow. In astral form of course.

For the last time I'm not Heath Ledger.

The Teachings of Don Juan may be very controversial and hardly useful in magical instructions but it inspires me. The Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book of the same name said "What is essential is invisible to the naked eye." The Teachings of Don Juan may be hardly of use to many but I see the essential in it.

How Liko become Kaotiko

"Kuya Lico, how did you get into chaos magic?" asked the ever inquisitive imaginary children around me.

"Alright fine you brats. Just leave me alone after I tell you this tale of mine" said I.

It was a long, long time ago perhaps back in 1998, I was surfing the internet for more information on magick. Then, I came across information about chaos magic. The first website was dedicated to the use of the Lovecraftian mythos in chaos magic. Unfortunately, I was such a friggin' noob back then and I mistook chaos magic as the invocation of dark deities and unholy forces. Derp derp derp. I sticked to psychism and Bardon Hermetics, totally avoiding the "soul-sucking evil" that is chaos magic.

Behold the horrifying visage of Cthulhu!

Several years later in 2005, I yearned to do something different. My magic got stagnant and I wanted to create my own rituals. The esoteric dogma of the White Brotherhood became unsatisfactory for me.

No, not that White Brotherhood.

... close enough

I researched on chaos magic and this time I looked deeper. In Occultforums.org, I became a regular poster in the Chaos Magic section while at the same time studied Phil Hine's Oven-Ready Chaos. Wow, it was not what I thought it was. Chaos magic is freestyle sorcery! Nothing is real and anything is permitted! Anything can be magic as long as it works for you. TYPING IN ALL CAPS MAKES IT TRUE!!! Anyway, I gave it a go and created my first servitor for attracting money.

Fo shizzle mah pizzle!

Surprise, surprise, the Occultforumers enjoyed my creation and swore it worked for them. I created another one. This time for healing.

Winmay the Nurse Pixie

Again, I got positive feedback. It turns out that I have a knack for servitor creation. I wasn't so surprised because I'm a comic book creator. I'm used to creating characters for my comics and creating servitors comes naturally for me. Thus, I realized that I am a capable chaos mage.

And that's where babies come from uh I mean that's how I got into chaos magic. Happy? Entertained? Great now go away.

Less of A Chaote, More of A Sorcerer

These days, I feel more like a Sorcerer than a Chaote. I could've used the term "wizard" but it's a broad term for anyone with a high degree of proficiency in uncommon skills. example: Johnny is a wizard at flash animation. Besides, "sorcerer" brings up images of the type of magicians you see in roleplaying games and tales of high fantasy. Also, it's fun to say the word "sorcerer" in a manner like we're in Middle-Earth. Come on, say it with me. Sorcerer.

They call me... Tim.

What's that you ask? Chaote? It's a short term for "chaos magician". It's rather difficult to define what chaos magic is. You could say that chaos magic is a tradition that is not a tradition. It is a system yet it's not a system. To describe chaos magic makes it less like chaos magic. However, a lot of chaotes can (or could) agree that it's an approach that is extremely practical and pragmatic. Whatever that works, stick to it. Chaotes have no use for namby-pamby dogma (unless dogma is part of the chaote's chosen paradigm) and ancient rituals too complex or too tedious to perform. Chaos magic is anything-goes-magic as long as it works.


Now why did I say that I'm becoming less of a Chaote and more of a sorcerer? You see, chaotes, especially the more hardcore ones, often shift paradigms depending on the situation. For a chaote, belief is a tool. Belief can either make you or break you. Unless it's part of the chaote's paradigm of the day, dogma is a no-no. Dogma can be an ugly thing for a chaote. A really hardcore chaote would go "like, ew! gross!" at the very mention of the word "dogma" as if it's a dirty word. However, I'm beginning to see the value in the use of dogma. I'm not talking about the dogma religious institutions often spout. I'm not talking about archaic doctrines that set us back thousands of years and hinder progress in society. No, I'm talking about what I would like to term constructive dogma. I realized that dogma, when used right, can be productive. You could say that the use of constructive dogma is part of my current paradigm.

Another is reason why I'm becoming less of a Chaote is because I don't shift paradigms often like back then. Too much hassle and it's becoming cumbersome. I'll just stick to my own concept of my personal universe with me as its center. Whatever works, I'll accept it and put it into my personal cosmology. Animal-headed deities from a civilization of long ago? I can accept them. Hot-blooded anime characters? Alrighty then. Magical flying pig from another world? As long as the winged oinker brings me cash, sure why not? Jejemons? No thank you. See? This is constructive dogma at work. To ensure the growth and survivability of my magic, I have to be dogmatic to some degree in order to filter out stuff I feel that I don't need.

Row row row fight the boobies!

In some way, yes I'm still a Chaote but not the hardcore kind. I'm just applying constructive dogma to sort out myself and my sorcery. In fact, I've already chosen a patron deity to add some "order" and He's okay with me invoking other gods even outside His mythos. I'm an extremely eclectic sorcerer with a hint of order. That ain't so bad.

Also, chimichanga!

The Lord of The Waters

Here's my latest rendition of the Crocodile God Sobek. Sobek (or Sebek) is an ancient Egyptian god of fertility, power, abundance and water. He's one of my all-time favorite ancient gods and a patron of mine. Don't let His reptilian appearance intimidate you. As far as I can see, Sobek is a benevolent god. I often invoke Sobek for power, guidance and protection. He hardly lets me down. Also, Sobek is the husband of Hathor the love goddess and Khonsu the moon god known for His healing miracles back in the day. That tells you something.

I wish I could tell you more about He who makes the herbage green but for now look at my latest artwork and read Wikipedia's entry on Him.

Hathor's Blessings on Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day and to celebrate it, I invoke the Egyptian cow goddess of love and beauty Hathor. Here's a bit of information from the all-knowing sage Wikipedius:

Hathor (ḥwt-ḥr, Egyptian for Horus's enclosure),^[1] was an Ancient Egyptian goddess who personified the principles of love, beauty, music, motherhood and joy.^[2] She was one of the most important and popular deities throughout the history of Ancient Egypt. Hathor was worshiped by Royalty and common people alike in whose tombs she is depicted as "Mistress of the West" welcoming the dead into the next life.^[3] In other roles she was a goddess of music, dance, foreign lands and fertility who helped women in childbirth,^[3] as well as the patron goddess of miners.^[4]

According to the Book of The Heavenly Cow, the people of Lower Egypt rebelled against the sun god Re who was in human form at that time. Ra knew that the people planned to assassinate Him and so He told His daughter Hathor. Hathor became so angry She became the war goddess Sekhmet and proceeded to slaughter the people. Sekhmet became bloodthirsty and refused to stop massacring when Ra told Her to stop. When Ra tricked Her into drinking wine (disguised as blood), Sekhmet got drunk and transformed back into the gentle Hathor.

It is speculated the the golden calf worshiped by the Hebrews and ordered by the legendary magician Moses to be destroyed was an image of Hathor although it could be a different cow/bull deity from other ancient Middle-eastern cultures. The Ancient Greeks who came to Egypt adore Her and identified Her with their love goddess Aphrodite. Depending on which temple, Hathor is either a consort to Horus the Elder or the wise and knowledgeable Thoth. In the temple Kom-Ombo, Hathor is the wife of the crocodile Sobek and the mother of the moon god Khonsu thus forming what I call the Sobekian Triad.

How they ended up together, I may never know.

So, by the power of Lady Hathor, I send you blessings on this Valentine's Day. Now go and eat your chocolates.

My Start in Magic

Austin Osman Spare, a talented artist and a pioneer in magic

Magic is the use of a certain ritual action to bring about the intervention of a supernatural force, either in human affairs or in the natural environment, for a specific purpose. At least that's according to Geddes and Grosset's Dictionary of The Occult. Depending on the tradition and approach, magic (or magick as spelled by the Master Therion Aleister Crowley) have many definitions but hey whatever floats your boat. Magic has existed since ancient times. It varies in form from the primeval rites of the shamans to the elaborate ceremonies of high mages. However, this article is not about the general infortmation of magic. If you want to know more about magic, just Google or Wiki it. In the mean time, I'll tell you how I became a practitioner.



When I was a pre-adolescent lad, I've always been a paranormal geek. My main interests at that time were UFOs and psychism. The first thing that came to my mind when it comes to magic is cartoonish hags brewing weird concoctions in cauldrons.

In fact, I concluded that magic is for weirdos so I avoided it. Fast forward to college, I was studying in a Catholic university (I'll keep the name classified) and I still possessed huge interest in the paranormal. I checked out the school's library and to my surprise (remember, it was a Catholic school), I found a copy of Franz Bardon's Initiation Into Hermetics. I read the book and I was surprised to find that most of the techniques in that Bardon book were ones I was already practicing at that time. A few hours of research later, I realized that there are different kinds of magical traditions and some of them don't call for bizarre eye of newt wing of bat recipes. In Bardon's Hermetics, most of the techniques are energy work. Ever since that time, I've become a weirdo uh I mean adept.

A magic triangle, a wand and a pocket-sized scrying mirror which I affectionately call a "scry-pod"

Years later, I've come across chaos magic but that's another story for another time.

Questions for An Occult-Artist

Questions and Answers regarding my art

1. Why do you like to draw in monochrome?

I like to draw in pure black and white because two of my major influences in art are Arnold Arre and Stan Sakai. Despite the lack of colors and gray tones in their works, they look stunning. I especially like Stan Sakai’s art because it’s simple yet elegant to look at. I want to develop an art style like that. Although the artwork is important, I believe that the story is much more important when it comes to comics. I honestly believe that good content always beats outward design.


2. What are your inspirations as an artist?

I have many influences but the artists and writers who influenced me the most are Stan Sakai, Pol Medina Jr, Arnold Arre, HP Lovecraft, Austin Osman Spare, Shotaro Ishinomori, Matt Wagner, Steve Ditko, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Alan Moore, Leiji Matsumoto and Mike Mignola. They inspire me. Things that inspire me are magic, the paranormal, martial arts, absurdist humor, surrealism, the counter culture, mythology, legends and folklore. Every now and then, I’d meet an interesting person who could be a new character and experience an interesting that could be a new storyline. I’d like to think that life is a comic book and we are the authors of our own lives. It’s up to us to decide how it goes and how it ends. That’s why I think life is the most powerful source of inspiration of all. Well, either that or love. Take your pick.


3. What is the message you’re trying to relay to the world through your work?

The message? Anything that has meaning possesses magic. Art, especially good ones, create an effect on people in a deep level. Art and magic has always been inseparable for eons. Despite what the artsy-fartsy types say, comics is a form of art. Comics and magicks are one. When I draw an inkwork or create a comic, it’s like I’m calling forth worlds and characters from worlds beyond ours. Even if my works don’t create the effect I desire, the ideas get imprinted in people’s consciousness. I want to spread the message and the message is this: Everything is magic. I think it’s about time that people use their kind of magic (even if it’s something mundane such as house gardening or construction working) to add importance to their lives. They become authors of their own fates. Let your bliss guide you.