Magick is the art of
altering consciousness.
A loaded term, magic has been associated with trickery,
falsehood, and wishful thinking. The Order of Emergent Magi (OEM) continues the
Western esoteric tradition of spelling magick with a “K” on the end to differentiate
it from the other common definitions. While the difference in spelling may
serve as denotation it does little to help us define what we mean by the term
itself. The term probably means something to you, dear reader, or else you
wouldn’t have picked up this book. But in order to move forward we must have a
consensus as to what it means in the context of Emergent Magick (EMK). While
the definition, “Magick is the art of altering consciousness,” seems succinct
enough; it requires additional explanation and agreeance on the terms within
the definition itself.
The most elusive word in the First Protocol is consciousness. Not surprisingly, since
modern science and philosophy has yet to come to a consensus on what consciousness
is, how it is created, what possesses it, and if it even objectively exists. We
make no claim to ultimate truth, but consciousness in the context of EMK has
certain characteristics.
In EMK, everything a magi can perceive contains
consciousness. Including the magi themselves. However, all things contain differing
levels of consciousness. Levels of consciousness varies among different
instances of the same object, from animal to animal in the same species, and
from person to person. Consciousness also exists in non-corporeal entities and
ideas.
Not surprisingly, this brings Emergent Magick in line with
the first human belief system—animism. In animism all things–rocks, rivers,
animals, etc.–contain their own spirit. In most respects, spirit is synonymous
with consciousness.
Consciousness arises within any complex system. With our
understanding of the sub-atomic, this includes all matter, as it consists of
complex swirling clouds of particles. When consciousness expresses itself in
matter, it forms elements (as in the periodic table, not the classical Greek
system). It can also express itself in energy and other forms imperceptible to
human senses.
“Levels” of consciousness refer to an entity’s ability to
experience the unity of consciousness. As the universe itself, being its own
complex system, has its own consciousness that all other consciousness is a part
of.