Nefastos wrote:You see (or hear) those kinds of things every once in a while... There's a funny/interesting custom to use as the words of power in ceremonial magic words one can't understand. For example, in some grimoires angelic names one should already know from the context are given in simple letter abbreviations, and some think these abbreviations are the actual magic words; or, in magic circles there are sometimes given the compass points where the circle should be directed when constructed, & if these Latin words are not understood they usually end up written in the circle like any other "demon names". &c.
The most interesting thing is, it can actually work that way, rather than hindering the process. I recall MacGregor Mathers voicing an opinion that one can't use in magic words that are left ununderstood, but I disagree strongly. Rather, those misunderstood or garbled words really become as gates, bringing the liminal that much nearer. If there are present correct kind of sounds, as they usually are because of the very context, even the ordinary words can adapt occult meanings, or rather, every word's inner occult meaning can be in this way extracted.
Actually, I completely agree with this. In some ways this is similar to how bind-runes work. One picks a word (or words), isolates the runic letters of said word(s) and then arranges them depending on whether you want them to be interpretable or not. They can either be in a row and obviously understandable, or placed on top of one another to form abstract shapes that represent the word(s), but not obviously so.
Contemporary examples aren't that complex, but modern ones often are. I guess the best example I can think of is the Wardruna logo, which I assume is simply the name of the band, but I ultimately have no idea. Actually, for most of the personal examples I've drawn, I've forgotten the literal meaning (words in languages other than English), so that only the symbol and the broad understanding of what it represents remains.
Sebomai wrote:No controversy here! I've listened to some Jimi Hendrix lately, some Behemoth, a fair bit of Serpent Ascending, but my main musical refuge lately is 100% Right Hand Path and very much in tune with where my studies and practice and writing have been. I am listening to almost non stop Russian Orthodox hymns and chants and it is wonderful. Spiritual and beautiful and uplifting and makes me feel like I am in endless prayer.
Are there particular groups or choirs who perform recitals, as I have no idea how to get into this
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'Oh Krishna, restless and overpowering, this mind is overwhelmingly strong; I think we might as easily gain control over the wind as over this.'
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