Encyclopedia of Occult Scienses vol.VI Second Part (The Magical Sciences) Low Magic
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Encyclopedia of Occult Scienses vol.VI Second Part (The Magical Sciences) Low Magic
Maffeo Poinsot's "Encyclopedia of Occult Sciences Vol. VI, Second Part" offers a disciplined, if somewhat dense, examination of what the author terms "Low Magic." The core concept of the aura as a visible record of one's history, "inscribed in this radiance in the shape of pictures," is particularly compelling and presented with an almost scientific rigor, albeit within an esoteric framework. Poinsot's insistence on empirical testing, even if only alluded to ("tested hundreds of times"), lends an unusual gravity to his claims. However, the text's primary limitation is its accessibility; the language is highly specialized, and without prior immersion in Poinsot's system or similar esoteric philosophies, readers may find themselves lost in the jargon. The original blurb’s focus on the aura as a verifiable phenomenon is a strong point, but the sheer density of the material requires significant reader effort. It is a serious academic treatment of occult principles, not a casual introduction.
📝 Description
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Maffeo Poinsot's 2015 volume, "The Magical Sciences: Low Magic," details practical occult applications.
This book is the sixth volume in Poinsot's series on esoteric knowledge, specifically focusing on the practical aspects of occultism. Unlike purely theoretical texts, it aims to equip readers with a system for engaging with subtle energies and unseen forces. The work assumes a reader already familiar with basic metaphysical ideas and is ready to apply magical principles. It discusses phenomena often outside conventional scientific understanding, including the nature of consciousness and energy fields, and their effects on the material world.
The author presents the concept of an invisible "radiance" or aura that surrounds all things, including people. This aura is not just an emission but a record of thoughts and actions. The book explains how a trained mind can perceive and interpret this inscribed history within the aura, providing a method for self knowledge and potential influence.
Published in 2015, "The Magical Sciences: Low Magic" draws on centuries of occult traditions. It connects concepts like the aura and invisible histories to earlier movements such as 19th-century Spiritualism and other occult revivals. Poinsot's work attempts to synthesize these historical threads into a coherent system for practicing hidden arts, bridging the gap between the visible and the unseen.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the concept of the 'aura' as described by Poinsot, learning how it's presented as an inscribed history of one's thoughts and actions, a core tenet explored in the text. • Gain insight into the "Magical Sciences" as distinct from purely theoretical occultism, focusing on practical applications as detailed in this second part of Volume VI. • Explore the idea that "every thing may carry around it an invisibly written history," a foundational concept that challenges conventional perceptions of reality and memory.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Encyclopedia of Occult Sciences Vol. VI, Second Part?
This volume, subtitled 'The Magical Sciences: Low Magic,' concentrates on the practical application of occult principles, examining how invisible forces and energetic fields, like the aura, can be understood and potentially influenced.
Who is Maffeo Poinsot and when was this book first published?
Maffeo Poinsot is the author of the 'Encyclopedia of Occult Sciences' series. This specific volume, Vol. VI, Part II, was first published on October 7, 2015.
What is the concept of the 'aura' as explained in the book?
The book describes the aura as an invisible radiance surrounding every individual, perceptible to a trained mind. It is presented as a record containing 'pictures' of the most important results of one's thoughts and actions.
Does the book offer practical exercises for low magic?
While the book focuses on the principles and understanding of low magic, its practical application is implied through the detailed explanation of concepts like the aura and its inscribed history, suggesting a basis for further practice.
Is this book suitable for beginners in occult studies?
This volume is more suited for intermediate to advanced students of esoteric subjects, as it assumes a foundational knowledge of metaphysical concepts and delves into specialized aspects of magical sciences.
What distinguishes 'Low Magic' in Poinsot's work?
In Poinsot's framework, 'Low Magic' refers to the practical, applied aspects of occult sciences that directly engage with the subtle energies and invisible histories that influence material reality, as opposed to purely theoretical or high ceremonial magic.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Aura as an Inscribed History
The central thesis posits that every entity, particularly humans, emanates an aura. This invisible radiance is not static but functions as a living chronicle, visually recording the cumulative effects of thoughts and deeds. This concept moves beyond mere energy fields to suggest a form of personal energetic biography, accessible through dedicated perception and study within the framework of magical sciences.
Practical Application of Magical Sciences
This volume emphasizes the 'doing' within the occult. It moves beyond theoretical constructs to detail the mechanics of how esoteric principles manifest and can be interacted with. The focus on 'Low Magic' suggests an engagement with the immediate, tangible (though invisible) forces that shape everyday reality, offering methods for understanding and potentially influencing personal circumstances.
Perception of Invisible Phenomena
A significant theme is the cultivation of the 'trained mind' capable of perceiving subtle realities. The book addresses the nature of this enhanced perception, suggesting it is a skill that can be developed. It challenges the reader to accept the existence of phenomena beyond ordinary sensory input, framing them as integral components of the natural, albeit esoteric, world.
The Nature of Esoteric Knowledge
Poinsot’s work positions itself within a lineage of occult scholarship, aiming to codify and present complex esoteric concepts systematically. The 'Encyclopedia' format suggests an ambition to create a comprehensive reference. This volume contributes to the understanding of how magical traditions can be analyzed and applied with a degree of rigor, bridging ancient wisdom with modern esoteric inquiry.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“every thing may carry around it an invisibly written history.”
— This statement suggests that objects and beings retain energetic imprints or records of their past experiences, which can be accessed by those with developed esoteric faculties.
“Every one of us carries around him a radiance invisible to the human eye, but perceptible to the trained mind.”
— This highlights the concept of the aura as a personal energetic field that extends beyond physical sight, requiring a heightened or specialized form of perception to apprehend.
“Inscribed in this radiance in the shape of pictures are the most important results of our thoughts and our actions.”
— This explains the content of the aura, presenting it not just as energy but as a visual, pictorial record of one's life experiences and their consequences.
“According to Tradition this radiance is termed the aura, and there is an aura for every principle.”
— This grounds the concept of the aura within established esoteric traditions and extends its application beyond individuals to encompass broader fundamental principles of existence.
“The same thing applies to the human being.”
— This comparative statement links the preceding idea (that things carry invisible histories) directly to humanity, emphasizing the universal application of the concept of energetic imprints and records.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work aligns with the Western Esoteric Tradition, particularly Hermeticism and Theosophy, which posit the existence of subtle planes of reality and energetic bodies surrounding physical matter. It builds upon earlier explorations of the aura, a concept found in various forms across spiritualist and occult literature from the 19th century onwards. Poinsot's contribution lies in attempting to systematize these ideas within a structured 'encyclopedia' format.
Symbolism
The primary symbol is the 'aura' itself, representing not just an energy field but a dynamic, inscribed record of existence. The 'pictures' inscribed within the aura symbolize the direct correspondence between inner states (thoughts, actions) and their energetic manifestations. The concept of an 'invisibly written history' symbolizes the idea that reality holds layers of information accessible through esoteric perception.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practices in energy healing, aura reading, and certain forms of psychological esotericism often echo the principles discussed by Poinsot. Thinkers and practitioners exploring consciousness studies, quantum mysticism, and the energetic basis of well-being may find Poinsot's systematic approach to the aura and its implications for personal history a valuable, albeit challenging, reference.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
['• Advanced students of Hermeticism and Theosophy seeking to deepen their understanding of energetic anatomy and the concept of personal energetic history.', "• Practitioners of esoteric arts interested in the theoretical underpinnings of 'low magic' and the perception of subtle phenomena.", '• Researchers of occult history and comparative religion looking for systematic treatments of concepts like the aura within modern esoteric literature.']
📜 Historical Context
Maffeo Poinsot's "Encyclopedia of Occult Sciences" series, with Vol. VI Part II published in 2015, emerges within a contemporary landscape where interest in esoteric traditions has seen a resurgence. While this specific publication date is recent, the concepts explored—particularly concerning the aura and practical magic—draw heavily from 19th and early 20th-century occultism. Thinkers like Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society were instrumental in popularizing concepts of subtle bodies and auras, while figures associated with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and later ceremonial magicians like Aleister Crowley focused on codifying magical practices. Poinsot's work can be seen as an attempt to synthesize and present these often disparate strands of thought within a coherent system. The emphasis on 'low magic' suggests an engagement with practical, immanent forces, potentially contrasting with the more transcendent or ritualistic approaches favored by some contemporaries. The reception of such works often falls within dedicated esoteric communities, rather than mainstream academic or critical circles.
📔 Journal Prompts
The aura as an inscribed history: What 'pictures' might your current aura contain based on your recent thoughts and actions?
Reflecting on the trained mind: How might developing perception of the 'radiance' alter your understanding of yourself and others?
The manifestation of principles: Consider an abstract principle (e.g., justice, love) and how it might have its own distinct aura.
The invisible written history: If an object could speak its history, what would a cherished item in your home reveal?
Distinguishing low magic: How does the concept of an 'invisibly written history' differentiate practical magic from theoretical philosophy?
🗂️ Glossary
Aura
An invisible radiance or energetic field surrounding a person or object, described as containing inscribed 'pictures' of their thoughts and actions, perceptible to a trained mind.
Low Magic
The practical application of occult sciences focused on engaging with and influencing the subtle energies and invisible forces that directly impact material reality and personal experience.
Invisibly Written History
The concept that all things, especially beings, carry an energetic record or chronicle of their past experiences, thoughts, and actions within their surrounding aura.
Trained Mind
An intellect or consciousness that has undergone specific development or training to perceive subtle, invisible phenomena beyond the scope of ordinary human senses.
Radiance
A term used interchangeably with aura, referring to the luminous, invisible emanation surrounding an individual or object that holds energetic information.
Principles
Fundamental laws, truths, or concepts that govern existence, each of which, according to the text, possesses its own distinct aura.
Magical Sciences
The systematic study and application of occult principles and forces, encompassing both theoretical understanding and practical manipulation of esoteric energies.
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