Mondays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. CT
June 2 – 23 (4 classes)
Many people are fascinated with occult magic—many as active practitioners. But what is this magic? How does it differ from sleight-of-hand magic? Does it produce results in the real world? If so, how?
In this four-part class, Richard Smoley will present an engaging and multifaceted introduction to some of the basics of occult magic—whether it works, what it is supposed to do, and the many forms it has taken in the Western esoteric tradition. He will cover subjects including the astral light, thought power, and the doctrine of correspondences.
Course syllabus
Week 1
The magician’s dictum: to know, to will, to dare, to be silent. The principal importance in development of the will in order to accomplish magical work.
Week 2
The astral light. The astral light is a mysterious concept in occult thought. In essence, it is mind-stuff: the equivalent of matter in the world of the psyche. Uses of forming the astral light in accordance with will.
Week 3
Spirits. The world of angels, demons, and countless other spirits. How magicians interact with them to attain certain ends. Uses and dangers of this type of work.
Week 4
The doctrine of correspondences, which is “as above, so below.” Use of physical objects with certain planetary connections, such as plants and minerals, to achieve magical effects.
Registrants will receive on-demand access to recording(s) that can be viewed for two weeks following the conclusion of the program. Late registrants will receive recording links to all missed sessions.
Richard Smoley is editor of Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America. He is the author of fourteen books, including Introduction to the Occult (G&D Media.) He is also creator of the series The Truth about Magic, available in audio and video versions on Vimeo. See also his lecture “Magic and the Occult."
Program Format
This is a live, interactive online program that will also be recorded. Registrants will receive on-demand access to recording(s) that can be viewed for two weeks following the conclusion of the program.
Join online via a Zoom link that will be emailed upon your registration. Please download Zoom for free at zoom.us/download and test your connection at zoom.us/test. For further information, check out www.theosophical.org/FAQ or email webinars@theosophical.org.
