If ye have not yet please read Our Order: Mage's Teachings, the precursor to my texts.
* The Mysteries of the Three *
Songs:
* The Mysteries of the Three *
Well, time for another posting for the 'books'! This is an important subject and I am very tired...hope I can do it justice!
We recognize the spirit in everything...each person, animal, thought, star and grain of sand. Whether or not any of these are deified is up to the worshipper and it is not for us or anyone to contradict. For example, Flame by her own right is a Goddess...there have been times I was one of her worshippers! And think not for a moment men of other faiths and 'pillars of the community' are beyond 'Flame worship'...I am amazed at the power she has over men and this can be called nothing less than worship for many of them!
In everything there exists power and in each it has been preordained that they be one of the Three...good, neutral or evil. The One has made this so 'every could be called to any and even their minions be called the same'. This means that in each one of us there is the capacity for actions of any alignment but always a calling of one or the other. This is subject to change, sometimes dramatically, however our one call is usually strong and stays with us a lifetime.
Here I must make a dilineation between the terms 'amoral' and 'neutral'. The One is amoral in that She is an active part of the Universe, being All that the Universe is to begin with! An amoral prescribes to no particular doctrine but recognizes each, its importance and the fact that they all exist as a preordained order.
Neutral, on the other hand, is as the name suggests. This term describes those of the 'gray area', where a balance of the forces of good and evil are is maintained. A neutral entity may recognize the existence of its good and evil brethren but may still seek to call others into its own path, to worship its gods or even to be worshipped as a god!
This is all well but a sad extension of this is an affliction which appears to have infected the majority of those in the western world today: those claiming to worship a good god who spend perhaps all of an hour a week in their 'holy places' not hearing the words presented them then leaving to a mundane life where the needs of society (and so themselves they believe) far outweigh any spiritual pursuits.
And several are evil who worship the same! These are probably the greatest of the evil for there is no evil greater than that which hides behind a mask of good. These are best exemplified by powerful businessmen, including 'ministers', who daily make decisions to increase their own wealth and fame at the expense of others.
Our Order as such is neutral, but above any of the previous connotations. We take this stance so to better serve All and the One...if we claim to be a pillar of virtue would we be of any real good in ministering to the evil there is? And, in claiming virtue are we not opening ourselves to the same evils as those who use the very name of good as a mask?
Therein lays another problem with those of good faiths: the raging debate over who is 'best', the failure to see the truth for being blinded by what is perceived to be 'right' and often a willingness to commit the vilest of acts to further the fantasized or ordained wills of their gods. We care for none of this.
"Monty," some may exclaim at this,"why then do you study the arts of war and encourage others to do so?" Peace was never won by pacifism but all too often lost by a failure to study warfare. I will refer ye here to "The Book of Walther" in our Library...though concieved as a 'fantasy' god he is one who, by one name or another, is worshipped the world over by every warrior there is...rarely as a primary god but worshipped nonetheless!
In the words of our goddess of good Sara, "None shall fall by our swords without just cause but when they fall, THEY WILL FALL!" While I will not debate the decisions of our government...admittedly often they are not 'right' or even sane!...my heart and spirit goes to those warriors whose chosen path it is to protect our freedoms, are sworn to the ideals of democracy and whose very blood is the only reason I am allowed to share these thoughts with ye today!
"Harm none then do as ye will" states the Wiccan oath. This we agree with but only just to the point of surrendering our freedoms, ideals or liberties. We are not ones who would burn others at the stake but will be the last to burn on them!
As such I have touched on the mysteries of the three. Many additions may yet be made but if my words have reached ye well volumes have entered thy minds on the nature of these!
Peace and Love to All Always!
Additional 'Fantastic' Readings: The Book of All
As My Angel Looks Over
I've been so long so lonely though never alone,
So on this continued, days turned to years,
Then one turn I find, so caring and true,
My secrets before thee, ye see my heart's needs,
The way is much lighter, the road beckons on,
For one turn I found, so caring and true,
* Return to Contents *
* The Stage is Set *
So I have finished what needs most be done to start my week (so to speak! I unlike most of you have no clear concept of a week's beginning or end but simply count the time in terms of the tasks before me!) I'll continue some discourses here that are also extensions of my current texts "A Treatise on Magick" and "The (Nearly) Compleat Bard", both of which may be found in our Consortium Library.
Let me start by saying I had long practiced my arts before meeting Mage, usually without even knowing! A great number of gifts of the One have been bestowed me, some I will relate to any but many I will share with none, so as not to dilute the pure nature of magery that is of only me and the One.
I have always known well the powers of bardic magick as a primary skill of mine was being able to learn near any instrument in amazingly brief time. Truly, after first learning bass any instrument with strings I picked up was of my mastery in a matter of days!
This is not to say I could then or even now perform a sonata by ear or a very difficult concert piece. But soon my bardic repetiore grew as I wrote my 'spells' and saw the fruition of such in love ballads which wooed well my heart's desires to rock anthems that could hold crowds in awe and make them feel a part of the whole (and, at times, the One!)...energy flowing from bard to listener in a magic any have shared if they have been true active participants in these events.
An aside...if you think a feeling of power exists in those shows you should be in the attendance of one of our Order Rituals!
At near the same time I began playing and composing music I also became involved in Role-Playing Games (RPG's) at the very fore front with its original fantasy creation of that Master Mage Gary Gygax! Here my young mind ran rampant...a universe of my own merely awaited my putting pencil to paper which I so began with the energy of a zealot! Only a fraction is here to be seen on the net...a time comes soon these may be published and available for readers and gamers alike!
Then came my introduction to fantasy festivals (FanFests) and Live Action RPG's (LARPG's) where I entered first as a 'wandering bard' collecting often extravagant tips for a 'simple song' and stealing the hearts of many a fair maiden as I wandered by in my borrowed tunic and panty hose that were far cheaper than tights!
I soon met 'Tom' at these and stood in awe of his mastery of the blade. At many FanFests any can purchase a 'boffer sword' (ie, an inexpensive foam rubber sword harmless even with 'killing blows'!) and proceed to flail the living hell out of others in either authorized events or in small groups or pairs, often in mimic of the true masters. (Children are so adorable at these but parents, if ye should attend these events please make it clear the difference between pretend and real, boffer and steel!)
Tom took me to tuteledge and soon I too was performing these feats and even adding my personal 'magicks' to the art! My training in dance allowed me at first a ready understanding of the fine choregraphy involved and a grace that eluded many of the experienced swordsmen!
Tom also mentioned the uses of illusion in these shows and my mind was racing far ahead! I soon gained a 'reputation' as a 'battle mage' to be reckoned with as I added several illusions in the Treatise mentioned above!
Mage I saw at several of these events. Little did I know I was already a neophyte to the Order as Tom had for some time been a member! That transition I shall leave for another time but will add this: The REAL magic had yet to begin!
Yesterday I was empowered as I have never before felt in my entire life! In a Ritual Mage and I prepared in moments I became an Order Leader by my own right and now seek my destiny on yet another path of my calling. As our Rite continued a storm came above us as they all too quickly do in our area. I have no doubt from whence it came.
May the Peace and Love of the One be Your Always, in all Ways!
* Rat Race Choir Dreams *
Ever since I was twelve years old I was a long haired rock and roll fan,
I gotta feelin' burnin' in my soul,
I hope you people wanna rock and roll 'cause we're really gonna get down tonight,
* 'Beginner Bardings' *
Hmmm...where to start? There is much I've said in my previous writing and in the library sources...look at my previous post and prepare ye for a little of my varied crafts proposed in my 'Treatise on Magick' and 'The Compleat Bard' above to get a background on what I shall add here.
I fully subscribe to the ideas and ideals of pure magic and universal though very unique inate gifts given by the One. My greatest solitary castings occur with a guitar. Through my music I achieve a meditative trance that allows me several options: astral travel, holistic healing, castings and simply a great and overwhelming peace!
If ye play an instrument try this: just play! I know this is lost to many of technical training (as I am to a degree!) but even these know songs so well they require no thought to play (those tunes in 'motor memory' as it is referred to in ed psych). I suggest repetitive pieces as a start and soon, if ye relax and give yourself to the One, ye shall be where thy greatest magicks lay forthwith!
Upon reaching this place (or 'non-place' as it may seem!) you are ready for casting. Here I will let the mystery remain as such for this is where ye meet the One...you will know what needs be done to move to where next ye wish to go!
I will add near any of your personal 'mundane' gifts will work here. One has told me this state comes to her as she works jigsaw puzzles!
I often use these skills when negative feelings or 'obsessions' occur, whether of internal or external sources. This power then converts to positive energies and any who may have cast against me as such have only strengthened me! I never need turn their powers back upon them for this is a natural occurence, as pure as sunlight as is the way of the One!
Here I know I open a door to the negative uses of these powers and, if ye so choose to misuse the gifts as many do and even grow rich and powerful in so doing so be it...only not in my Order! The Laws of Karma and Three by Three await those on this path!
I described well in 'Bard' the uses of 'musick magick' in public places but I will expound here a bit. The power of music on others can be quite profound! Tempo, rhythms, keys and cadences all play their part as any who have studied the psychology of music will tell you!
A great strength of mine is in love ballads. I have never intentionally cast for love but realize I have at my disposal several songs, most written for former loves after we were together but still containing the power of our union, which will ensure me the attentions of the fairer sex at anytime I so wish it!
This music comes not as castings and not by any act of will on my part. It seems at a time in any relationship I am in, be it even a platonic one, the One comes to me...my Muse simply plays the new creation through me! Of all I have written, a symphony, three ballets and over 200 other 'contrived' pieces (mostly college projects) these simple airs are always most powerful by far!
Song may also rally the masses to whatever means the Master desires. I am sure there are many who know this from concerts ye have attended. I fear for those who follow too closely several of the 'cult artists' which abound in the mainstream today but I and mine have turned away from these abusers, brainwashers and, if I may go so far as to use the term, demonic possessors.
I was called by the all in my fifteenth year to join with two other extraordinary young musicians. We were metal, we were hard edged and we rallied a large gathering in our seven year union. However the songs we wrote were of peace and the dangers of not following a peaceful path. Not all, mind ye, but never did we use our music to promote any negative influences (other than perhaps to party, rock hard and have a grand time!) See this entry in the Library where I shall include some pieces!
So the Art of the Bard is mine, given me freely of the One. If ye think that is all ye be mistaken, I've barely begun!
May the One Illuminate Thy Path Always!
* Arts of Illusion *
Here is a controversial subject and one of great disdain to many 'true' to the Craft...that of illusion. I will say at the onset of this discourse that here truly be a magick that has immediate and profound results, no matter what the arguments to the contrary may be!
I'll try not to repeat too much from my 'Treatise' and 'Bard'. I know those who are reading this have probably read them already anyway!
Still, some key points therein are of great import to this missive, the primary being "magick is in the eyes of the beholder". There is no faster means to show 'power', 'skill' and 'knowledge' than to produce for the perceiver an immediate impression of 'magick', thus creating a believer!
Does this make me a deceiver? Perhaps (and not the greatest of poets either!) but never has there been a spell I've cast with more profound and immediate results than those of simply striking a chord or lighting a fuse!
There is no need to go over the powers of music here as I have already and, as the One wills, may later continue those discourses. I also am at a loss for the arts of the true magician and hope in time these shall join our fellowship and share their knowledge thereof.
I do wish to touch briefly on the simple psychological arts of the illusionist. There are many fine books available on body language, vocal inflections and other means to convey and understand the meanings of what a person is truly imparting (or, for the illusionist, what they wish ye to believe they impart!). This I say for the aspiring illusionist (and any in the performing arts I include here!) is required study and will increase your skills before the public eye!
In martial arts training ye learn early to watch the eyes of your opponent for clues as to his next move and, more importantly, to develop the skill of using your eyes to convince him ye are planning precisely the opposite of what ye indeed have in mind! This with feints and false moves makes the basis for the illusions of the warrior, whether the battle be man to man or nation to nation!
Before my entry to the Order our fellowship of the trio known as McYath knew well the powers of illusion and used them profusely in our act. The opening number we used most, 'Rat Race Choir Dreams' was a well choreographed illusion from start to end.
The song began in darkness, those new never knowing we were already on the stage. The first lights seen were strangely glowing eyes many would later say hypnotized them! This illusion was created with a large sheet backdrop painted heavily except where the eyes were. Here the eyes were dyed red and had a 'blacklight' as a backlight!
Seconds after the entire stage was illuminated as 'the Wizard' and I stood from identical poses and walked to stage front, him to his mic to begin singing the first verse and I to the stage's edge to rally the listeners.
Later, after my induction to the Order, we added our 'goddesses' whose role during this song was to enter on either side of the stage, clad in flimsy white gowns radiating all the colors of our stage lights, who would light candles many would say 'appeared from nowhere' (I'll keep that little illusion under wraps but many already know the 'eye appeal' of a lovely, lightly clad lady is a great diversion!)
These candles, as per the 'prophecy' of the song itself, were chosen to last the duration of the show. Now how's that for 'candle magick'?
My skills as an illusionist increased as 'Darthon SongWeaver' entered the realms of FanFests and trained in the illusions of 'real steel' combat. 'The cloak too heavy for summer months' soon contained an array of pyrotechnics and so Darthon evolved from Bard to Warrior to Mage...an all around 'Battle Bard' if ye will!
A favorite routine of 'Sir Tom's' and mine was for me to begin being bested in a battle of steel then taking a few steps retreat, 'disappearing' in a cloud of smoke then raining 'fireballs' in his general direction! (Spell Ingredients: cloak to hide hands, small lighter, smoke bomb, roman candle and asbestos glove...children, PLEASE don't try this at home!)
Through illusion ye may take the onlooker to realms where this reality fades a time and I assert another is presented. My next topic will be on even further and greater realities...until then...
We Be One!
* Gods' Songs *
Plateus, your faithful now beseech thee,
Take us to a higher place,
If ever evil takes its hold,
The First Prayer of Plateus (God of Good)
Good and Evil the world may be,
Birds above know no good nor bad,
Some white or black is all they see,
'Walking with Carendon' (God of Neutrality)
If its yours and I want it then its mine,
If my field needs sowing get your plow,
If its you in my way then you die,
'Slave Gifts of Drothkar' (Diety of Darkness)
* Creation Theory *
"Who is to say what exists and what does not in this marvelous, mysterious universe of matter, space and dimensions; mind, spirit and imaginations? I say unto thee the macabre worlds of King Stephan live in me in a very real way, as I am sure they live in him."
attributed to the gnomish cleric Carolatus, c. 200 AR
I am Carolatus. I knew him intimately (being him, how could it be otherwise?), knew how he lived, why he lived and how and why he died. I am Darthon and Sara SongWeaver, Excellion HighPriest of Walther and a thousand other players on stages which exist just pages away on our realm of Platea.
I am their god.
King Stephan presents a 'shining' example which will 'carrie' us into the topic of my creation theory and how 'it' affects my overall perceptions of magick.
To loosely quote Mage on this matter I was as the One might have been in the beginning...aware but needful of something more for my experiences were limited and, to put it in very mortal terms, I was bored and was ever in search of intellectual challenges and stimulation.
So I created a world, gave it lesser gods whom I allowed to 'people the planet' and saw that it was neutral. Any others 'born' to this place were spirits who came of their own volition and, as such, became gods in their own rights.
The same effect may be acheived by a good writer on near any topic, particularly one of great interest to the readers of such. They are virtually carried away to where ever the bard may take them and there he may do with them as he pleases to a large extent. I can't tell you the number of times I have found myself lost in the 'worlds' of 'King Stephan' only to find myself lingering (oft with lights on!) in those errie lands long after sitting the book down!
The same holds true for non-fiction as any true scholar will quickly add. Long have I been so emmersed in texts on myriad subjects that time had no meaning...the student had become the study itself!
Even a short piece of prose or poetry can provide the transport to another realm. I have and ever will be a lover of Shakespeare, Byron, Shelly, Keats and a thousand other poets for that simple, subtle, short escape to times gone by or which never truly existed in this reality.
Just as a matter of reference and not debate, for truly the same debate rages within me, is the effect of technology on these alternate realities, seeing their abundance and proliferation on the very screen ye now view. One fact cannot be denied: these are among us and as in all things there be good and bad.
The Union Knights were initially established as the bastions of good in a world going bad while Platea existed only as scribbles on the papers of a room full of teenagers or at fantasy festivals where all battles were won buy swords of rubber and spells of chalk dust. Here there was fellowship, comraderie and any evil in existence was the 'fictional' creations of myself as game master.
My 'coming of age' on the internet was the initial shock of entering a role playing environment where there were self proclaimed gods of others and even those weak enough to follow them! It seemed any hideous, maladjusted soul with barely the intelligence to type the title of an AOL chat room could declare himself master of a domain and dominate any who dared enter.
Little did they know who tread their territory when I made my entrance! Armed already with a rich history and wisdom of a world of my own I began making mockery of theirs and freeing their 'slaves' to go their own way, which was often my fair Platea!
Many of these became the first Union Knights. Our acts changed the very face of AOL's Rhydin as we boldly entered these areas and awaited the dread terms of service violations these mongrel 'gods' were notorious for committing. The 'body count' was soon in the hundreds as we gained the respect and often praise of those there who also wanted it a free gaming realm.
As mine, Union has changed the way of thinking of several young minds. Many have gone on to pursue active military careers largely due to the convictions and discipline they gained as Knights. It is in that spirit our Union was honored by the sponorship of the United States Armed Forces!
Is our Union fantasy? Perhaps, but its very existence has produced profound effects upon this reality!
Returning to live action gaming there is no other 'reality' I would rather be in. All is love and friendship, every maiden a goddess and every man a pinnacle of power in his own right (even if he be lord of the town tramps!). That is, of course, until sides are taken and the maps of war are drawn!
Live action battle must be included among the most intense and 'realistic' ventures into fantastic realms I have ever taken! Yes, if ye pause a moment ye do realize the sword ye hold be rubber and a job ye may hate awaits ye on Monday...but why? Taken by the spirit of the moment and heat of the battle you are in a life and death struggle for queen or country or riches or glory!
Death in fantasy campaigns? Well, in these realities reincarnation is a proven fact, now a barely debatable one in this reality! You get killed, too bad, so sad, maybe even a brief eulogy for ye but haste! Time comes soon when ye must become yet a new entity!
An amazing entry into the early tomes of role-playing was the gaming supplement titled "Dieties and Demigods" by Gary Gygax. It seems most lost the many sublties of this text while lost in their gaming: they were actually learning mythology, theology and philosophy!
A more striking inclusion of this guide was an actual heirarchy of the gods, within and without each pantheon, where the gods very strengths (and weaknesses) were broken down to simple mathematical formulas! (For any of the mind that their god can beat up anyone else's I suggest a check of this reference to see if there is any statistical probability of their claim!)
We each bring our own psyches and 'magics' into every situation we enter and therefore any fantasy role-play becomes largely autobiographical. A simple example of this I can give is for any to visit the many RPG forums on the net. Children find themselves in lands of Pokemon, younger teens in Anime worlds where their fantasies are products of their intellectual, social and moral stages of life. More sophisticated minds find themselves (hopefully!) in realms as Platea, where their daily mundane lives intertwine in a more fantastic one...where one distinct entity exists on two (or more) planes and grows and experiences in both simultaneously, concurrently or largely along a parallel.
Where are they really? I have been on extra-planar voyages that were real but not always as concrete as my visit to 'fantasy lands'.
I must warn all here against 'personality diffusion' and the 'schizophrenia' which may result. There is a simple solution which comes in the form of a test ye must administer yourself with honesty each day...ask of yourself if you are who you should be in the reality in which you are involved at that particular time. If there is ever any doubt please consult a counselor.
It is important to note here the extreme rarity of cases as these associated with role playing games and near anything may trigger personality diffusion in those prone to such mental disorders, including the studies of traditional magery.
Once, in a very low point in my life, I found myself while dreaming in a familiar desert, intimately familiar because it was my own creation. A sand giant approached me and my character at the time should have ran or cowered in fear. I did neither.
He beckoned and I followed, miles upon miles over the desert of my creation. The journey lasted days but time was fleeting and I never tired. The heat of day was intense but I noticed it merely as a matter of course. I knew neither hunger or thirst.
At last we came to a bleak, stone tower which I knew marked the desert's end.
The giant turned and spake to me and I understood, though my character at the time could no more speak sand giant than fly in water.
"You stay here with us in this place now. You have some time left here but soon you will go and pass through the big rock back to your own. Still you made us and we will look over you while you are here."
Shortly after the problems I faced in this reality were over.
The Love of the One is with Ye All,
* The Stage is Set *
* 'Beginner Bardings' *
* Arts of Illusion *
* Creation Theory *
* Portal Passages *
* As My Angel Looks Over *
* For the Three * (off-page)
* Gods' Songs *
* Portal Passages *
* Rat Race Choir Dreams *
Chamber's Post 7/11/01
*monty*
by LS Alexander Montahon to the Angel named Janie
Always the stranger in the place I call home,
Every journey a battle, each way a new war,
In the heat of the combat lose what ye fight for.
And so count the times passing in thousands of tears,
No release from the worries, the hurries and woes,
Still a need for the journey, find where the road goes.
A beautiful Angel appears from the blue,
Amazed, my pain leaves me, my spirits renew,
All by the Angel I discovered in you.
And ever fulfill them by wisdom and deeds,
And where I saw darkness ye now cast a light,
Burning ever so warmly, so calmly, so bright.
The skies seem much brighter at each break of dawn,
The battles still call me as ever they will,
But again with a meaning of a fate to fulfill,
A beautiful Angel appeared from the blue,
Amazed, my pain left me, my spirits renewed,
All by the Angel I discovered in you.
For the Love of the Angel and Spirit of You!
Chamber's Post 7/2/01
*monty*
by the Wizard, Magician and Griffon of McYath c.1992
(our favorite opening number!)
And by the time I was fourteen I was playin' in a rock and roll band,
My hopes and dreams, you know, all it seems I kinda hope it never fades away,
I'm property of a rat race choir and this band's here to stay!
Hell Yeah!
Y'know I gotta lotta meanin' in my rock and roll,
But now I sip on an ice cold beer,
A stogie stick columbo takes me far from here,
And what do I see, Baby, after the show but a foxy little lady justa lookin' at me,
Well just as soon as I can get away from here,
That pretty little looker's gonna get it in gear,
I Know!
A little music comes to soothe our souls, a bottle of Jack to make us feel all right,
And after its over we'll wake to discover we're losing the candle glow,
What once was a real thing, well now its a daydream but lookin' back is was a helluva show,
Rat Race Choir Dreams...Rat Race Choir Dreams...
Chamber's Post 7/5/01
*monty*
Chamber's Post 7/18/01
*monty*
from various Platean Holy Texts
That our ardent prayers would reach thee,
So you might let love abound,
And make the songs of right resound.
To see the glory of your face,
Let each thing we say or do,
Be as noble as asked of you.
Your awesome wrath it will behold,
And fall from loss of gallant fight,
With once again all wrongs made right.
from 'The High Tome of Plateus'
But there be a choice between the Three,
Each day we all must lug our load,
But the litter be lighter on the middle road.
Be it flesh or seed the feed they've had,
All Nature shows each passing day,
The World goes round the center's way.
And such lose sight of how things be,
Both high and low they make us laugh,
As we walk well a balanced path.
from 'Carendon for the Child'
If its yours and I want it then its mine,
If its yours and I want it,
Then its me who's going to flaunt it,
If its yours and I want it then its mine.
If my lumber needs towing get it now,
While my hunger is growing,
I'll be resting well knowing,
You're my beast of burden, ox and cow.
If its you in my way then you die,
If its you in my way,
You'll be dead by end of day,
If its you in my way then you die.
from 'The 278th Required Text of Study'
Chamber's Post 7/21/01
*monty*
