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Dedication

In memory of Carlos Castaneda

The practice outlined in this text referred to as

Actualisation of The Dreaming Attention

is respectfully dedicated to

The Great Spirit whose Intent sustains and is all things The Toltec Sorcerers Don Juan Matus & Don Genaro Flores

who lived Impeccably

Their apprentices, brave enough to pursue this path and make invaluable information available

Carlos Castaneda, Taisha Abelar & Florinda Donner Grau And finally to all those who Dream

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Contents

Introduction & Acknowledgements

Section 1

Warriors of The New Mood Practices for 1st & 2nd Attention The Dreaming Attention

The Energetic Matrix Poetic Afterword

Section 2

A brief Synopsis of Sorcery

Not Doing – The Not Doing of Damian Sinclair The Four Moods of Stalking

The Four Enemies of a Man / Woman of Knowledge The Recapitulation

Section 3

Sobriety The Nature of Attention Intent Gazing Setting Up Dreaming Attributes of a Warrior

Section 4

Hierarchy of Criteria Self Importance

Appendices

The Way of The Warrior 3

The Manifesto of The Dreaming Cell Synopsis of Texts Practical Applications

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Introduction

Toltec Sorcery

The Toltec tradition presented by Don Juan Matus and his cohorts, and described in the written works of Carlos Castaneda, Florinda Donner Grau and Taisha Abelar, offers a wealth of information, both practical and conceptual, to the readers and inheritors of this tradition. A number of questions arise upon even the briefest perusal of this information :

Are the texts a work of pure fiction?

If the works were to be accepted as factual accounts, what are the implications of the experiences undergone by the authors?

If not works of fiction, how can the information be assimilated and applied practically?

These questions remain academic when the works are examined from a conceptual viewpoint. However, once we have taken the first steps towards applying Sorcery within the context of our everyday world a practical meaning does arise.

In respect of the New Mood of Sorcery, specifically as presented in this current work, the material is to be viewed as a model of perception, applying the filter of Sorcery as its basis will provide practical and astonishing results.

The descriptions of the everyday world and the world of Sorcery present unique challenges, each has its own rules and outcomes. To abandon one for the other whilst having merit, simply fixates us within one description. By embracing both, honouring each, we can begin to loosen the perceptual grip that one description brings about. Living

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between these two worlds is the only sanctuary that a Sorcerer can expect to achieve within their lifetime. The rest is the dramatic exertion required to take the final step, the step into freedom that the abstract flight represents.

It is my belief that the foundation supplied by the Toltec texts is sufficient in granting us the boost of energy required to take our own first steps. Provided this is an act of intent the Great Spirit will guide us.

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A Toltec Witness

The story begins many years ago. Being part of a generation that first saw the Toltec texts come into print. Like many I was profoundly moved by them, entertained and provoked into asking many questions concerning the nature of perception and the world in which we live. The texts became a source of inspiration and yet at the same time I experienced information overload. There was simply too much to assimilate and as a result the concepts became a strand within the tapestry of my intellectual life. Over the years I have read and re-read these works many times, and with each successive reading, a new angle of meaning arose as my own life experiences deepened.

Seven years ago I encountered the model of human experience and excellence known as Neuro Linguistic Programming. In its New Code description specifically I noticed a great many parallels between this and Toltec Sorcery. My observations led me once again to re-read the Toltec texts whilst applying the NLP skill of modelling. This led me to present workshops which coded the Toltec material into practical formulae, specifically NLP and Dreaming. These early days were exciting and I could feel the momentum gathering.

A spontaneous incident took this to another level. Whilst walking in Brompton Cemetery one day, a location of long uninterrupted avenues of trees where I often practised Stopping The World, The Walk of Power and Grace and Active Dreaming, I asked a question of the Great Spirit. This question, in Stalker fashion was asked out loud : ‘was I to be accepted within the Sorcerers world?’ I sought a sign, an answer and through the technique of Active Dreaming, received one.

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This event alone gave rise to the workshop series ‘The Way of The Warrior’ being designed and presented over the next three years. Each presentation of the workshop was followed by returning to the drawing board in order to streamline the structure and material contained within the workshop. This regular reviewing enabled the series to evolve in many ways. Latterly, it is outlined in two of the appendices of this book, namely, ‘The Way of The Warrior – 3’ and ‘The Manifesto of The Dreaming Cell.’ The culmination was in the form of a year long practice designed to fulfil the criteria of both 1st and 2nd Attention. The practice covered the period of March 1997 to March 1998 and became known as ‘The Actualisation of The Dreaming Attention.’ A daily record of observations and the on-going development of practices undertaken was kept. A series of pre-set essays and a number of other tasks also formed a part of this record. This record I called ‘The Witness’ became the foundation and body of this current book ‘A Toltec Witness.’

It is appropriate to bear in mind that the text that follows was and remains a live event. The structure of the text, as was the practice period was split into four, three-month sections. Each section was focussed around a developing set of practices. By the end of each section, an essay that included observations and experiences of the practices had been written. Consequently, each chapter heading represents the foundation essay or essays written at the time. All the headings entitled ‘Comments concerning … …’ are taken from The Witness and represent a chronological journal entry. These are included verbatim in order to supply a sense of the developing practice and some of the experiences undergone.

Being a personal research document, The Witness in its original form contains many quotes from the Toltec texts and my conceptual and practical understanding of them. Regrettably, they are not cited within the present text out of respect for the copyright laws. The material in some of the chapters therefore presupposes a background knowledge of the subject. I trust that your reading and enjoyment of the

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chapters in question is not affected by this and that I have been able to maintain the integrity and cohesion of the text. I would point the reader to ‘Appendix 3 – Synopsis of Toltec Texts’ which provides an ‘at a glance’ overview of the Toltec texts. Time and again , I have personally found referring to the overviews extremely useful and trust that they prove of equal value to you.

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Acknowledgements

As is evident from the dedication I respectfully acknowledge Carlos Castaneda, Florinda Donner Grau and Taisha Abelar for their input through their written works. They are representatives of a tradition that has not ended but is acquiring a New Mood. It is true that the Nagual Apprentice relationship in its original form no longer exists. This was made quite clear to Carlos Castaneda by Don Juan early within their interaction. However it is our duty to develop the information made available to us in order to live by new rationales, to realise the impeccability spoken of and to enter freedom.

Karys Orsini who is my partner in Sorcery in respect of both the workshop series and The ‘Actualisation of The Dreaming Attention.’ Her input into ‘A Toltec Witness’ has proven itself invaluable.

I also acknowledge John Grinder and Judith DeLozier for developing the description of Neuro Linguistic Programming known as New Code which added a piece to the puzzle that supplied a key of profound value.

Finally, I acknowledge those who have travelled with me briefly by attending ‘The Way of The Warrior’ workshop series. Through their participation in the early stages of my journey, I was able to organise the material into a cohesive structure which in turn, assisted me in bringing into being ‘A Toltec Witness.’

I acknowledge you, the reader and wish you well on the journey that unfolds through the pages of this book.

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Section 1

The Energetic Matrix

In The Presence Of Extraordinary Reality Consciousness Takes The Place

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Section 1 March 9 … … June 8 1997

Reading Program : The written works of Castaneda, Abelar & Donner. Exercise Program : Running and light workout. Stalking Practice : Begin Recapitulation

list : Not Doing & the four moods of Stalking. Dreaming Practice : Begin Gazing & Prepare for

Setting Up Dreaming.

Month 1

Read : The Teachings of Don Juan & A Separate Reality. Exercise : 1 circuit + workout. Commence list for Recapitulation [ 1st pass ] + First Mood [ 3 weeks ] – Ruthlessness. Gazing Practice : 30 mins. + Study the structure of the Dreaming practice.

Month 2

Read : Journey to Ixtlan & The Eagle’s Gift. 1 circuit + workout. List for Recapitulation [ 2nd pass ] + The second Mood [ 3 weeks ] – Cunning. Gazing Practice : 30 mins. + Study the selected journey for the Dreaming practice.

Month 3

Read : Tales of Power & The Second Ring of Power. 1 circuit + workout. List for Recapitulation [ 3rd and final pass ] + The third Mood [ 3 weeks ] – Patience. Gazing practice : 30 mins. + Complete preparations for Setting Up Dreaming.

Notes

Review and evaluate this section prior to moving onto section 2. Essays : Not Doings & The 4 Moods of Stalking begin next section.

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Warriors of The New Mood

The Ancient Toltec Tradition has many faces at this time. This is appropriate. Carlos Castaneda and his cohorts, in making information generally available have supplied a description of Sorcery which serves as an unsurpassed blueprint. The New Mood beckons. A short time ago I sought to make a Gesture in the direction of Sorcery itself. As a result a number of things have become known to me.

As a Perceptual Art Sorcery ‘Teaches Itself.’ As Awareness and Personal Power develop and are enhanced by the practices the impersonal force alluded to by Don Juan on several occasions makes itself known. This is a natural consequence of pursuing a path stripped of ‘human inventory.’ All practices within Sorcery have multiple level outcomes. The overt outcome : that which we are led to believe we are doing – very useful for the 1st Attention and the covert outcome : what we are actually doing – very useful for the 2nd Attention. The Doing and the Not doing of Sorcery.

We are not, in the main Yaqui Indians and as such lack the cultural roots that underpin Sorcery. Our Not Doing in this instance is challenged. Unless we are able to address Self Importance, the Erasing of Personal History and effectively Stop The World of western civilisation our endeavours will be at best a hybrid of Sorcery. The time of the Nagual is past. Castaneda, the last of Don Juan’s lineage makes this abundantly clear in Magical Passes [ pages 6 & 7 ]. Sorcery itself is a description of the world and as such there is the possibility that in pursuing its tenets and practices we simply exchange one model of the world for another. In this event having released ourselves from the mask of the everyday world we simply strap another, that of Sorcery to our faces as a replacement. This does not and cannot

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constitute Freedom. To function elegantly within the world of Sorcery it becomes necessary to live ‘between worlds or descriptions.’ This is made plain by Don Juan himself on several occasions. It is useful to be aware of the distinct possibility of institutionalising Sorcery and as a result committing an injustice of profound magnitude.

The basic premise of Sorcery is the acquisition of Personal Power for the primary purpose of its redeployment into Perceptual choices, choices which are Intended towards Freedom. In this instance the Sorcerer becomes a Hunter. Through the process of Recapitulation he or she examines the past in order to access deployed energy contained within those contexts. This is the overt outcome of the Recapitulation. The covert outcome is the rehearsal of the ability to contain energy in present situations by not deploying it within those events and contexts. In this way the Sorcerer enters a mood of profound Recapitulation and Sobriety. Through Setting Up Dreaming multiple descriptions of the world are set up and Perceptual Worlds, actualised and entered wherein a wealth of energy is accessed. It also serves as the methodology for accessing The Double. Through Not Doing the Sorcerer begins to store Personal Power and through Gazing, Sets Up The Dream of this world, an act which effectively loosens the ‘neural grip’ set up by the ‘Agreement’ fulfilled by our connected Ring of Power – that of Reason.

As a primary filter the Four Moods of Stalking, Ruthlessness – Cunning – Patience and Sweetness ensure that the active components of Sorcery, Self Importance and Controlled Folly are appropriately addressed. This is only possible in the light of having Erased Personal History and the inaccessibility it facilitates. And what of Intent? Two Rings of Power are known to exist. All beings possess one, that of Reason. The world and its societies are upheld by Reason and its kindred ‘Thinking and Talking.’ To unhook the Ring of Reason is a Sorcerers primary endeavour to which he or she brings Dramatic Exertion. In some respects this unhooking is a higher logical level procedure of Stopping The World, which

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in itself ‘Sets The Stage’ for the Collapse of the world, or more specifically ‘the collapse of the description of the world.’ The Second Ring of Power is known to Sorcerers, it is The Ring of Intent. Wishing to access this is an undertaking that is all but futile, when looked at through the filter of succeeding. The all consuming ‘Self Importance’ of an individual which is a by product of The Ring of Reason makes this so, and yet it is the duty of a Sorcerer to unravel the mystery of who and what they are. This an excellent example of Controlled Folly. It is in this way that the Sorcerer recognising the ‘equality of all things’ plans a strategic life and acts with deliberation. As a result a Man or Woman of Knowledge becomes so when the Sorcerer within him or her has unhooked the one ring and accessed the other.

My current pursuit of Sorcery takes the form of a process I refer to as ‘Actualisation of The Dreaming Attention.’ A year long process I have designed to facilitate transference of awareness to The Dreaming Attention. This task is accomplished in stages. Primarily, as a Sorcerer I become a Hunter of Personal Power and in applying Cunning effectively Stalk this all but inaccessible part of our natures. The first step, preparation you might say is the Intent of forming an Energetic Matrix which will serve as a template, an activated matrix for the Actualisation itself.

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Practices for 1

st

& 2

nd

Attention

The primary aim of this year long practice is the balanced development of both 1st and 2nd Attentions. Before proceeding it is useful to define what is meant specifically by these terms. 1st Attention : The cognitive mind. The description maker. The world builder. In some respects all we consciously know is via its activity. The processes of thinking and speaking, at least in terms of what we know and can know. ‘The Ring of Reason’ draws its energy from this particular focus in order to reinforce the Map of the World we operate with and through.

2nd Attention : The Other. An almost inaccessible part of our natures. The Silent Witness. The deeper aspect of the System where non differentiation exists as a reality. The realm of The Dreaming Attention. The seat of Intent. The core Identity components of an individual, in the main inaccessible to conscious probing. The realm of Dreaming. The ‘Ring of Intent’ operates here and to those who are able to access it through their Personal Power, the home of the Sorcerer and the harbinger of Freedom.

In designing this the practice I began to notice how certain practices supported and in some instances facilitated each other. This became an essential aspect of my design strategy. Allowing for the Stalking Skills of : Recapitulation supported directly by The Sorcery Passes. Not Doings and the four Moods of Stalking. The Principle of Self Importance and the Role of The Petty Tyrant. We can observe that The Recapitulation Process and The Sorcery Passes work directly in respect of 2nd Attention, whilst the remaining elements interact between both 1st and 2nd Attentions.

Allowing for the Dreamers Art of : Setting Up Dreaming and the attendant practice of Gazing operate almost exclusively within the realm of 2nd Attention. Though each

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has a cognitive aspect in respect of the procedure employed. In the main what has been suggested in respect of the Arts of Stalking and Dreaming applies specifically to practices for the 2nd Attention.

The province of 1st Attention has been facilitated by the cognitive studies which include The Reading Program, designed to capture the attention and facilitate an almost scholastic approach within the practice, this approach serves as a balance to the exercises designed for 2nd Attention. The Essays supply the outlet for this study component and minimal discussion offers another opportunity to evaluate externally some of the processes which are taking place internally. The List for The Recapitulation not only serves as an excellent 1st Attention procedure, as three months examination of ones life can be exacting and very rewarding in itself, but also begins to immerse the Sorcerer into the requisite state for performing the Practice itself. It is true to say that without a list, however that is formulated there is no Practice. To go one step further, if sufficient preparation is undertaken the process itself becomes effortless. The List fulfils this requirement whilst performing as it does a function without equal given the cognitive process of the 1st Attention.

No systematic approach would be complete without attention being brought to bear upon the body itself. To some the Body is the most accessible aspect of the Unconscious, as such to leave it out of the equation is a little like forgetting to take the car on a touring holiday. With respect to this the exercise regime consisting of running, exercises and breathing practices, the latter drawn directly from Sorcery will ensure that all aspects of the System are engaged within the practice. A practice which has a magnificent outcome in mind in respect of both myself specifically and Sorcery generally.

The above briefly outlines the reasoning behind the design of this practice and serves to illustrate the inter-connectedness principle contained within Sorcery.

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The Dreaming Attention

The Stalker and the Dreamer

Stalking has its basis in the behavioural processes of interacting with the world. Through the Art of Stalking, the Stalker stalks him or herself via the world. The Stalker accepts that as Perceptual and Energetic beings, our Fibres are extended into other people and into other times, just as other people extend their fibres into us. The reclaiming of that Energy, with the purpose of redeploying the resultant freed Energy, through the technique of Recapitulation leads to the process, or state which the Warrior calls Impeccability.

The Warrior with a predilection towards Dreaming pursues the technique referred to as Setting Up Dreaming. In doing so, he or she creates a number of fundamental Assemblage Point shifts, entering other worlds directly through the process of Intent. What makes the difference between Lucid Dreaming and Setting Up Dreaming is the element of Intent, Lucid Dreaming engenders a level of Conscious Attention, and the dreamer has an awareness of the dream state, its content, and in some instances the ability to exercise choice. In the instance of Setting Up Dreaming, full Conscious Awareness is carried over into the Dreaming State, enabling the Intent of the dreamer to come into play. It is not simply a matter of being conscious within the dream and appearing to operate choice, but of actually entering those worlds which are accessed through a shift of the Assemblage Point via the process of Dreaming.

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The Wings of Perception

Sorcery in the present context is defined as the Art of amassing personal power sufficient to the task of entering freedom. By freedom we mean freedom from the perceptual bias which enthrals us from our first thinking and experiencing moment until our last.

Stopping the World

We are energetic beings, and as such our energetic nature manifests as awareness. How does perception arise in the first place? Like many components within the human system, it is learned and habituated in ways totally dependent upon our predilections and personal experience. Consider for a moment your entire 'Personal History'- the early days of pre-cognitive learning, acquiring information through direct tactile experience, absorbing the experience of others directly into the nervous system through what are in the main unconscious processes. There is little defence against this happening, barring perhaps the 'shields of protection' which constitute Innocence. We move onward to the development of language and the dawning of self-consciousness - how a cognitive structure arises out of what was previously an amorphous perception of life and the world. The process of assembling a world now enters the realm of conscious awareness. Consider interactions with siblings, parents, friends and others, how information is accessed and stored, quite unconsciously, in the system of who you are becoming. The process of education enters upon the stage, the development

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of expectations, directions, dreams and intentions; the structure of mentation begins to consolidate around a central core, and the concept or beliefs around Identity arise. Relationships arise; those of an intimate nature develop the emotional aspect of our nature, experiences setting a blueprint for what often re-cycles itself along a lineal path of events.

Our role in the world begins to unfold; professions, vocations, and the means of their achievement, become the directions in which we now move, developing skills, formulating beliefs, consolidating around a fixed core or ego structure which we call Identity. All this occurs in fusion and alignment, generating behaviours - some useful, some not - within the place we call the world, our world. In summary: every thought, every experience, dream and aspiration, every perception of past, present and future, the subtle weave of each and every thread, the hues and tones of colour, the texture that arises, the shapes and meanings that are assumed - all constitute our model of the world, our map of reality.

In order to stop the world, it is of importance to recognise and develop a level of flexibility in our systems, as to what we are and what the world is that we inhabit - recognising at all times that it is a matter of perception. From the most limited to the most expansive, it is none the less a description, the only difference being one of degree.

This description constitutes First Attention, the conscious sorting process; this our only friend and at the same time the binding force that holds us in thrall. Stopping the world in one respect accesses directly the Second Attention, which is given a number of descriptions - the dreaming body, the soft body, the other, the unconscious mind, to name but a few. In order to access and release into the greater system the totality of what we can become, it is necessary to access, to develop and to flesh out the dreaming body, whilst recognising that this may only be witnessed and experienced. For any description, including this one currently being presented, is merely a First Attention rendition, necessary

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only for our erstwhile understanding and the opportunity to communicate our thoughts to both ourselves and others. It is from the state of Stopping the World that we have the opportunity to assemble new worlds, to shift the Assemblage Point to new locations, to experience and explore these worlds. This is a process fascinating in itself, and we could if we so chose spend a lifetime exploring these worlds and their denizens - worlds described in many ways through the models of Magick and Sorcery. This exploration is far more in keeping with the ancient Toltec tradition than that of the New Seers, whose primary goal is that of Freedom. For, to open and enter an alternative reality, though profoundly interesting and certainly entertaining in itself, constitutes simply the construction of a new model or map of reality. Our perception of the world is two steps removed from the event itself; that is: There is an event, an experience of the world. This experience is processed through our senses, thereby ensuring that we make sense of sensory experience. This information is then formed into patterns, internally as thought. Words as descriptions, externally. What if the Self were simply the sum total of our 1st Attention rather than it possessing the mystical characteristics we place around it? This would corroborate Don Juan’s description of ‘The Mould of Man.’ Personal development would certainly become ambiguous in the light of this and it also throws much light on the attitude held in Sorcery in respect of Self Importance and its attendant Self Reflection.

Behavioural Not Doing relates directly to Stalkers and Stalking whilst Perceptual Not Doing relates directly to Dreamers and Dreaming.

Acting without Believing ensures inaccessibility and circumnavigates the description called Sorcery.

Multiple Description is the key to Stopping The World and Erasing Personal History.

The 1st Attention is the sum total of the self and the

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Stopping the World is commonly understood to be a state, the means of accessing the system by saturating, distracting and utilising the First Attention are employed and as a result synaesthesias arise. This serves as the means of accessing deeper information from both the internal landscape and the world at large, for in this state there is no distinction. The state attendant to Stopping the World is in the main one of extreme sensory pleasure and should serve as a fundamental way of being in the world. However this state can distract the Sorcerer, who instead of using it for what it is, a gateway and a key, instead takes it to be the destination itself. This is easily understood when considered from the hedonistic viewpoint, which is invariably the human condition. This description of Stopping the World is fundamental to Sorcery and serves as a first step. Physiologically the state is defined as :

1. Enough tension within the body to hold it upright without unnecessary tension.

2. No internal dialogue, talking, forming images, processing sensations or feelings.

3. The opening of peripheral vision.

The second description of Stopping The World represents a great challenge. The pull of the everyday world is compelling and continuous, for we have invested much time and effort in setting it up in the first place. From our earliest years we have groomed ourselves and have been groomed into assuming our place within the world. Realistically, what is the alternative? We build a life, a home, a career, relationships, a family, pastimes, in short we live within the rich tapestry of the world. Yet all this represents components which reinforce the world, and acting as primary filters, become our ways of evaluating and understanding the pursuit of Sorcery itself. All of this defines us as human, the description or mask we have assumed. For this reason Sorcerers maintain that in the main our explorations remain intellectual and in this way we sample both worlds and remain safe. Much is spoken of

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concerning balance, the way of ‘keeping one’s head in the clouds whilst maintaining one’s feet firmly planted upon the ground.’ A laudable approach when viewed from the stand point of Reason, yet reason serves us ill in this respect. This is what is meant by the statement made by Florinder Donner Grau, “that without damaging themselves Sorcerers’ perform the magnificent task of breaking the agreement that has defined reality etc.” And yet the Sorcerers’ world is “a myth and a dream” and the greatest challenge that lies before the apprentice is the assembling of this world as the primary description, if Freedom is to be entered congruently and consciously. It is not to be talked about, thought upon, for these are the methods employed when utilising ‘The Ring of Reason’ rather it is to be witnessed and experienced, the methods utilised when functioning from ‘The Ring of Intent.’

As the path into Freedom consists of losing one’s humanness, let us pause for a moment and consider who in their Right mind would make this choice? Upon consideration only those who no longer have the choice of an alternative. A challenging statement, yet a true one considering the methods employed by Don Juan Matus and his party in their interactions with the apprentice Carlos Castaneda. Consciousness can be understood as a vast continuum, Second Attention out of which crystallises an awareness, First Attention which in its process of consolidation builds an identity, a form and latterly a description of the world, this description arises in accordance with the dictates of sensory experience, beliefs that are held both individually and collectively and by what we notice and delete from the information field at large.

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Sorcery and the world as descriptions

What is the role of Perception? In effect, the assembling of a world complete with its intrinsic components of beliefs and experiences. Invariably this world is held as an alternative perception and experience and kept isolated from the core base of our everyday existence, in this way we are able to carry on an everyday life whilst also engaging in the practice of Sorcery. In maintaining a number of descriptions simultaneously we develop perceptual flexibility, yet it is like having a foot in different worlds, worlds we are not necessarily fully congruent or aligned to. As a result of this approach our activities remain, as Sorcerers describe it, primarily an intellectual pursuit. For the practice of Sorcery to be anything other than this takes a massive redeployment of energy, energy which in the main is consumed by holding the various descriptions separate and intact. In holding these descriptions we are effectively ‘Dreaming’ a number of dreams simultaneously and somnambulist like travelling from one to the other dependant upon where our focus of attention is located at any given time.

In this respect the only difference between the Sorcerer and the common man or woman is the ‘ring of power’ they employ to maintain the world, the common man or woman employs the ‘ring of Reason,’ upheld by Thought and Speech. The Sorcerer employs the ‘ring of Intent’ upheld by Impeccability and Power. This choice is invariably unknown and yet underpins the whole of Sorcery.

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Collapsing The World

A natural development of Stopping the World which is in effect when the description, the mask of human life has been removed. Only then is it possible to even consider what the path of Sorcery actually consists of. Yes we have our beliefs and speculations and all of this is rational and pertains to 1st Attention, a mere description. The process of Collapsing the World occurs when sufficient Personal Power has been removed from the human description and redeployed within the Sorcerers’ description, this is not, nor can be, something set up by anything other than ‘Intent’ which in itself is dependant upon the amount of Personal Power available to the Sorcerer. Collapsing the World of human description is an emergent characteristic that can only occur as a result of the momentum set up by the practices of Sorcery being congruently applied. The challenge to Sorcerers’ of the ‘New Mood’ lies in the recognition that although texts provide insightful tips, they are but that. The process of Collapsing the World is anathema to the human condition yet vital to the path of Sorcery. Whilst choice exists at the outset of the pursuit there comes the time when choice no longer exists, this occurs as a result of the momentum set up and the emergent properties that arise as a result.

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The Formless Warrior

The state of being described as a Formless Warrior can be likened to traversing the abyss of Non Being, what one is and more specifically how one re enters the world, what description is entered and the direction or directions outlined as a result. Traversing this abyss is hardly something undertaken before lunch and completed by tea. Rather it is a process continually in effect and appears to the present writer to be a process consisting of transition followed by brief periods of relative stability [ in worldly terms ] followed in turn by a re entry. The question has always been how does consciousness re-assemble a vehicle appropriate to the task of continuing to survive within the world whilst maintaining connection with the source of its experience.? The Formless Warrior exists ‘Between’ descriptions, yet the early stages of this transitional process consist of many challenges, both of a theoretical and practical nature. The ideal situation is to freely flow into whatever description or vehicle is chosen and for this reason a Sorcerer often employs the manoeuvre of changing identities and manifesting the characteristics of this new identity in the appropriate contexts. This serves to dissolve Personal History at its root. Again this can only be achieved congruently when sufficient Personal Power has been assembled and deployed in the direction of this endeavour, all else is sham, a way of talking to ourselves in the dark. The doorway into Sorcery remains wide open and yet in truth is firmly closed. Perception is the key and that in turn is totally dependant upon Personal Power.

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Intent

The Abstract Flight

We pursue a path, represented as The Mind. Utilising skills developed by The Mind. In pursuit of a destination conceived of by The Mind. And encounter obstacles created by the Mind. Recognising this, it is of little wonder that our pursuit is a little ambiguous, to say the least. We are creatures of reason and meaning, its handmaiden maintains a constant vigilance in order to maintain balance within our system. Yet the path of Sorcery pre-disposes us to put Reason aside, for this reason we can become initially perplexed by much which unfolds within the Sorcerers’ world. For whilst we maintain ‘The Ring of Reason’ our entire experience is rendered a First Attention description and as described earlier remains a dream. What is the alternative? Do we cast Reason aside? If at all possible, that would damage the fine membrane of our consciousness, rendering us as nothing more than a vehicle overwhelmed and rendered inactive by the Second Attention.

In respect of this the Sorcerer occupies the middle ground between descriptions, not necessarily a place of balance, yet one which holds multiple perspectives. This is the key to Sorcery, the trappings, the glamour that attends it are for those simply in quest of distraction and entertainment. This in part is what Sorcerers’ refer to as ‘Sobriety’. For this reason that the Sorcerer recognises that their acts are folly, yet a Sorcerers’ folly transmutes itself into ‘Controlled Folly.’ And for this reason can the Sorcerer truly laugh. We begin and end with Intent. At the beginning it is sufficient to connect to Intent by simply intending to do so. It is an emergent property that arises out of the congruent pursuit of the practices outlined in Sorcery, as such connection is assured by the means of practice.

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The Energetic Matrix

Sorcery is first and foremost a Perceptual Art

And as such totally dependant upon Personal Power. This term is very easily misconstrued as meaning having Power over people, things or circumstances. Within the inventory of a Sorcerer these elements mean little if anything at all.

To live and act Impeccably presupposes using to full advantage the amount of energy available in any given instance. To access the Double or Dreaming Attention requires a consummate effort on the part of the practitioner. To operate in the world of power struggles is an unnecessary drain upon ones resources and as such constitutes an aspect of Sorcery which is degenerate and as such of no interest to the serious practitioner. Accessing and utilising the Dreaming Attention is vast in its implications, both individually and evolutionary. Stopping The World begins this process, a process breathtaking in its range and depth. Erasing Personal History, supported by loss of Self Importance and the application of Not Doing make this improbable task a possibility.

Sorcery as a model of Energetic Awareness presupposes several things :

There is Personal Power in the first instance.

This Personal Power can be deployed into Perceptual choices.

We can only Witness the effects of our practices, for in the main they remain within the realm of the 2nd Attention. And yet we are required to assemble, in awareness our learnings within the realm of the 1st Attention.

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As an Energetic model it can be coded, applied and refined and as a result much of the randomisation that takes place within our thinking and our acting can be eliminated.

What follows is a 1st Attention description of a series of processes that arose through the practice of Gazing. These processes were in no way consciously Intended, as such they are source material, emergent from the energetic presence of the practitioner in question, applying what appears to be a simple procedure. All components within the practice of Sorcery are intricate and multifaceted. There is the overt outcome : what it is you think you are doing. And there is the covert outcome : that which you are actually doing. Expressing this point is far from being original as the original texts of Carlos Castaneda and his cohorts make this abundantly clear on a number of occasions.

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream

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I

Energetic Models

The Energetic configuration of The Face

A series of Sorcery Passes designed to activate the Power Centres of the Face. Specifically the Rings of Power situated within the left and Right eyes.

Intend power into the palms and fingers by rubbing them vigorously together at the location of the navel. Intend power from the navel to enter the palms and fingers.

1. The Forehead : Draw the fingertips across the forehead from the centre outwards and off the face itself.

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2. The Temples : Draw circles just above the surface of the skin. First clockwise and then anti clockwise.

3. The Eyes : Draw circles just above the surface of the skin. First clockwise and then anti clockwise.

4. The Nose and Mouth : Fingertips placed each side of the bridge of the nose. Draw downwards along the sides of the nose. Meet at the lips of the mouth. Turn the palms outwards, fingertips touching. Draw the fingertips apart and move them outwards until they leave the surface of the face.

5. Upon completion : Place the Left palm over the navel. Place the Right palm over the Left. Close the eyes and experience the Energetic Configuration Intended.

The Primary Triangulation

The above is a graphic description of how it all began. During Gazing practice it was noticed how the hands became active. It was almost as if power were being stored

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within them. Not being prepared to ignore this all too obvious direction to pursue, and as a means of focussing the Attention on either the left or right sides, it was elected to place a Power Object in the palm of each hand. The Power Objects themselves were visualised and arose from the system. The Power Objects fulfilled their outcome admirably. Likewise the Spirit Animal became the third point of reference and effectively the first of the Perceptual Worlds to be explored using the methodology of Shamanic Journeying, otherwise known as Shape – Shifting.

After some time and with the beginning of familiarity the next stage suggested itself. I say suggested itself for one very simple reason. Sorcery teaches itself according to the energetic level you are operating from. Following these suggestions, which arise from the system itself is tantamount to true learning, learning that takes place at a systemic level rather than simply being a thought or an idea. This is to be directly experienced in order to understand its implications completely for it does not lie within the realm of reason. With the development of the next stage the Power Objects, having fulfilled their objectives naturally dissolved into the Perceptual Worlds that took their place. The description that follows is the first stage of the development of the Perceptual Worlds and also serves as the primary description of what has evolved into The Energetic Matrix. A method which is now, after much primary exploration, again dissolved into the matrix of Setting Up Dreaming. This is a prime example of how Sorcery teaches itself and how the 2nd Attention communicates its Intentions to us through the reducing valve of reason otherwise known as the 1st Attention.

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Actualisation of The Dreaming Attention

An Example

The Energetic Matrix is an Intended action with the specific outcome of supplying an energetic template upon which the Double or Dreaming Attention can hook on to. It was devised as a Hunters strategy, the quarry in this instance being the context of Dreaming. As can be appreciated, when speaking of Dreaming we are effectively using the 1st Attention to conjecture upon something that has little if anything to do with it. The nature of reason demands that we do this in order to establish a point of reference otherwise known as meaning. Dreaming proper is the province of 2nd Attention, as such it is approached through the methodology of Stalking in this instance through the application of Cunning. In this way the Sorcerer brings to bear the skills of the Hunter and the Stalker in pursuing Dreaming. This is one way The Dreaming Attention is approached. There are of course other ways, other descriptions, however, as indicated by Don Juan Matus on many occasions, ‘there are no rules in respect of Dreaming, only broad guidelines.’ The rest is up to the individual practitioner.

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The Left and Right Sides

The Eyes and Hands

Sorcery often refers to the Left and Right sides of Awareness and their relationship to the 1st and 2nd Attentions. At an earlier stage of my research, approximately 3 years ago I underwent an experiential insight in respect of the use of the eyes. As a result, in undertaking this year long practice I elected to give an emphasis to this element. In conjoining the eyes and the palms of the hands I had effectively a powerful set of anchors in respect of the Left and Right sides. As outlined in the Primary Triangulation this served to associate me into an awareness of the Left and Right sides.

The Left eye relates specifically to the Nagual and is figured as an outward moving spiral not unlike flashes of lightning. The Right eye relates specifically to the Tonal and is figured as an inward moving spiral not unlike the surface of a lake. Combining the eye and palm of the respective side drew the Attention to that side specifically. At the outset this was achieved by placing a Power Object in the palm of the hand. As previously mentioned this Power Object was visualised. Latterly the Power Object dissolved and was replaced by a Perceptual World. One that could be opened, entered and explored.

Latterly the Left and Right side anchor points - the eyes and palms of the hands, began to be referred to as Rings of Power. Though simplistic in theory the foregoing in practice proved to be very useful as it consolidated awareness to the appropriate side accordingly. As a result The Energetic Matrix began, and continues to take on form. It is to be remembered that much within the pursuit of Sorcery occurs as an act of Intent. This is an example.

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The Central Pillar of Convergence

The Gateway of Assemblage and The Energetic Body’s Fibres

Initially, in order to associate to the central pillar a primary set of visualisations was employed. This consisted of : placing a Solar disc upon the forehead. A Lunar disc at the site of the genitals. A point above the head that evolved into the third Perceptual World. The feet themselves and lastly and most importantly The Gateway of Assemblage, situated at a point just below the navel. The central pillar was also activated during internal Gazing, whilst bringing the Attention to the eyes – the Left and then the Right, the Attention finally placed upon the forehead in order to re- align. Likewise in bringing the Attention to the ears – the Left and then the Right, placing the Attention at the base of the skull likewise brought about alignment.

The locations of the forehead and genitals were conceived of as one polarity whilst the locations of above the head and the feet were conceived of as a secondary polarity. The result was to be able to shift Attention not only to the left and Right but also Above and Below. The practices to fulfil this were maintained only long enough to install the polarities sufficient to their task, they were then dissolved into The Matrix as a whole.

The Nexus Point for both the Left and Right sides as well as Above and Below is The Gateway of Assemblage itself. Not only serving as the ingress and egress point but also, latterly serving as the anchor point for The Matrix as a whole. The fibres which the energetic body consists of form a focus point at the Gateway and as such were used to establish a series of Triangulations connecting the respective physical elements of the body to the Perceptual Worlds that equated to them. A sophisticated structure, a Matrix.

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The Rings of Power / Perceptual Worlds

Shamanic Journeying or Shape Shifting

Initially three in number, they formed the Primary Triangulation, as discussed earlier. The Rings of Power situated within the eyes opened each of the worlds relevant to their side. By pulling the Attention across to that side in a very tactile way ensured full association into the process and once focussed upon the matrix formed between the eye, the palm and the Gateway of Assemblage, A Triangulation of Power formed an ingress and egress point into the Perceptual World in question.

By the process of Shape Shifting exploration then took place, sufficient, once again to the outcome of consolidation within that World or Description. Over a sufficient period of time this practice was undertaken, yielding very interesting results. The third point of the Primary Triangulation situated above the head was opened by Intent alone.

It is to be noted that as a result of opening these three worlds the Primary Triangulation consisted of sitting with the palms upturned, an energetic presence within each and above the head a third. Latterly a crystal was placed into the heart of the void which served, through the process of turning its facets and opening, a Gateway proper. This essentially formed the structure of the Dreaming procedure which evolved at the next stage of the exploration.

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The Energetic Triangulations

The Structure of The Energetic Double or Dreaming Attention

Forming what has been described as The Energetic Matrix – 2 it was decided to explore the geometric structure I had effectively Intended into existence. In many traditions the triangle is seen as a structure of primal power for it serves as the first of the three dimensional objects to know existence. In one tradition it is described thus : out of the void of non existence a focus point is created, this point is extended into two dimensions by the formation of a polarity, opposites, which in their existence systemically create a third emergent property. A pressure wave that causes the line to extend itself into the third dimension. The Triangulation arises and as a result is conceived of as a vehicle of manifestation. The above serves as my reasoning for adopting the Triangulation Matrix, forming as it does the foundation of The Energetic Matrix itself. As a model of Energetic Awareness, Sorcery has at its heart the developing awareness of our energetic natures. My research is thus a natural development of what is already presupposed by such a model. To grant this structure objective existence is erroneous as it is the product of Intent itself and the means of supplying a template for the Dreaming Attention to hook on to. To consider it otherwise would not only be indulgence and association to what can only be described as a 1st Attention description but would miss the essential point by a mile. Otherwise belief systems otherwise known as dogmas are formed. When describing the inexplicable on one occasion, Don Juan states It is very comforting to render something understandable. It is preferred to keep incomprehensible things incomprehensible rather than making them part of the inventory of the 1st Attention. Thus the nature of Mystery remains inviolate.

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Active Dreaming

This all important practice is personal to the individual practitioner, for it constitutes an aspect of Dreaming itself, in this instance one ‘dreams with the eyes open.’ As such what follows is a brief description of a series of Perceptual Worlds and how they have been employed. It is to be emphasised that throughout this process I have Intentionally remained within the Human Band of Awareness as it is not my Intent to enter the realm of Inorganic Beings.

An outline of Eight Perceptual Worlds

Perceptual Worlds : 1, 2 & 3 of the preceding diagram represent the Primary Triangulation. Where it all began. They are configured upon the Left Side, the Right Side and Above the head respectively. Each side is focussed by a Ring of Power formed between the Eye and the Palm of the Hand of that side.

1 The World of the ‘Spirit Animal’ wherein nature manifests itself in tooth and claw. A jungle, golden sunlight filtered green by a vast canopy of trees. Moisture drips from foliage causing vapour to rise from the earth, carrying rich perfumes. Arboreal splendour, primeval, untouched. Earth gives way to rock as I travel across boulders ever upwards, through mountains and reach a wide plateau. A setting Sun. A rising Moon, silver darts of light pierce eyes and skin, causing dream.

2 The World of the four elements. A mighty tree, its roots travel deep into the earth. Breeze plays upon hair, now leaves. Clouds which form and dissolve, across a rich blue

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sky. A golden red Sun warms the flesh causing clouds to rise precipitating moisture. Drops descend, crashing over a waterfall, tumbling over pebbles, reflecting within my body shapes and forms unknown. Seeps into the soil and nurtures the roots I cast deep within the earth. A World of Healing, Peace and Silence.

3 The World of Mystery. Opened by Intent alone. A Great Eagle flies across the sky, wings unfurled upon currents unseen, yet felt. Screeches its presence to the worlds and passes on. Opens upon the unknown. The Wings of Perception unfold as does the feathers of The Great Spirit. Herein all is Witnessed, not spoken or thought of.

Perceptual Worlds 4 & 5 support the Left Side and form one part of the Secondary Triangulation. The third point being Perceptual World 1.

4 Mountainous terrain. Snow capped peaks. A vast vista gives rise to a valley, grass covered and awash with the colour of wild flowers. In the foreground a willow sways gently in the breeze beside a murmuring mountain stream. Warm sunshine caresses skin. Air rich with life enters nostrils, electrifying and cleansing.

5 A night of tempest. Waves crash upon boulders and rock. A howling wind draws oceans foam into the air. Ozone and Salt. Black clouds travel across the Moon. Lightning strikes the ocean, Fire meets water. Thunder rolls across the land. Fury unleashed and cast abroad, elemental power in its rawest manifestation.

Perceptual Worlds 6 & 7 support the Right Side and form the other part of the Secondary Triangulation. The third point being Perceptual World 2.

6 A Burning Sun beats down relentlessly upon a desert plain. Waves etched by the wind form low dunes. An endless horizon for 360 degrees. Breeze lifts grains of sand into the air abrading skin, eyes and lungs. Across this

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desertscape a solitary figure walks. One step, then another, ever onwards.

7 A vast cavern deep beneath the earth. Cool and dank. Moisture drips down surfaces of rock. Light dim, illuminated by pools of sulphur. Stalagmites and stalactites formed over countless aeons. Cavern of cathedral like proportions at its heart a lake, ink black and still.

Perceptual World 8 is located at the Gateway of Assemblage itself, forming the anchor point of the Matrix, as well as being the operational commencement point of entry into each of the worlds.

8 ‘Standing poised at the edge of the world.’ Behind : a vast plain, desert scrub, rocks and a few stunted trees. To the left : a path wends its way upwards between vast boulders. To the right : a track winds its way downwards, a precipice beside it. Before : A vast abyss, clouds drift upwards born by currents unseen. In the distance, upon the horizon a Red Golden Sun dissolves, the last of its light sends liquid fire across the sky, blessing eyes, blessing skin. And in the void, suspended, motionless, hangs a single crystal. ‘Twilight at the edge of the world.’

The operating premise of The Energetic Matrix is simple. Each of the eight worlds exerts a pressure wave of equal power and where they meet a nexus point is formed. At this point emerges the ‘The Crack Between The Worlds.’ The application of this methodology has given rise to a number of interesting things.

It is the primary methodology I employ, as a by-product of Gazing, of ‘softening’ the Perceptual grip of ‘this’ world. It forms the template for The Double or Dreaming Attention itself to ‘hook’ on to. It is a unique way to Set Up Dreaming.

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II

Setting Up Dreaming

By Accessing The Third Gate

Employing Components of The Energetic Matrix An Example

1st Level of Practice

1. Preparations – Stage 1

Present Position. Arrive at the Gazing Point.

Standing. Perception of being at the edge of the world – Setting Sun – Twilight etc.

Close eyes. Connect to Breath : Body. Eyes. Ears. Gateway of Assemblage.

Travel to the surface of the skin and to the surface of the energetic skin.

Intend opening the Left Side - Rings of Power within the left eye and palm

Intend opening the Right Side - Rings of Power within the right eye and palm

Complete opening the field by utilising the Power Stance of Intent.

Call forth the Great Spirit – The Silent Witness and Intent.

Call Intent : The Eyes : The Voice : Silence. Open the eyes.

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2. Preparations – Stage 2

Seated. The Thunderbolt.

Close eyes. Hands palms upwards.

Open the 1st Triangulation – Left Side – Right Side and Above the Head - Develop the sense of the Triangulation formed between the palms and above the head.

Place at the centre of the Triangulation a Crystal. Open one facet – A Perceptual World - A solitary figure traverses an endless desert.

Step into and fully associate to this World and the figure within it.

3. The Journey

Consolidate sense of Self. Scan appearance. Focus the senses. Look to the right, left and behind, consolidate the Perceptual World. Sand dunes etched into waves and undulations by the wind. Look Ahead. Look Above. The Sun beats down relentlessly. Turn 360 degrees take in the entire vista.

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4. Completion and Return

At a specified point - A rocky outcrop at the base of which the entrance to a cavern – Turn and return to the point of entrance into the Perceptual World.

Close the eyes. Visualise the Crystal. Enter one facet exiting the Perceptual World.

Re – Associate to the figure seated in the room. Turn the head slowly Left to Right. Right to Left. Left to Right. Look directly ahead.

Stand. Consolidate the view. Turn and return to the physical body. Intend Integration.

Enter natural sleep.

2

nd

Level of Practice

At a specific points along the journey Anchor Sensory Modalities.

3

rd

Level of Practice

Having Set Up Dreaming. Enter the Cavern at the base of the rocky outcrop.

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