Celtic Workshop #13


                              The "Charm of Making"
This Workshop was presented and hosted by Searles O'Dubhain. We covered some
concepts touching upon the beginings of all things. We also covered how symbols
are used to describe reality and Magick. We discussed the necessity for
*belief* in performing Magick. I led a discussion about a ritual that was
centered around the Charm of "Making". The arch[e]types and the Quarters used
in Celtic Magickal systems were also discussed. Some preliminary socializing
soon gave way to the formal presentation and discussion:

Opening Remarks

Tonight I attempt to tie together the beliefs of the Celts in Cosmologies and
Magick or Drai'ocht to what we know of the world and reality through the study
of modern science and more recent Magickal systems and their resulting
Cosmological models. It is my hope that all of this discussion will clarify the
history of the Celts and the workings of the Druids. The highest form of
Drai'ocht was the Charm of "Making". This is the essence of creation by the use
of the Will. It is into the Cauldron of Primodial Creation that I plunge
tonight as a Midwife to Magick. Drai'ocht shall live again! The Dragon will
once again be reborn!

Chaos

In many mythologies and some philosophies, Chaos is the void that existed in
the begining of all things before even time existed and from which all things
have arisen.

"The notion that creation came from nothing (creatio ex nihilo) appears in
several accounts of creation. The biblical story of creation contained in the
Book of GENESIS begins with a formless, watery chaos that God shapes into the
ordered world. The hymn of creation from India's epic Rig Veda (see VEDAS)
describes the primordial situation as one of neither existence nor nonexistence
and further states that no one, not even the gods, knows who produced the
universe. In marked contrast is an Egyptian myth attributing creation to the
deity khepri. In this myth Khepri states that when he came into being, being
itself came into being; all other beings were then produced from his actions and 
his body; but before him there was only nonbeing. Among the Polynesians, 
creation myths emphasize the dimensions of void space and the qualities of 
darkness as the primordial structures of creation. In these myths, the initial 
state of darkness and void in which the deity dwells is later transformed and 
the forms of the universe then emerge. Creation is thus predicated on a void or 
a nothingness--a reality totally different from any form or substance of the
created order. In addition, the deities who create from nothing or emerge from
this void are given a new and special kind of power; for though creators of the
world, they remain distinct from it in their originative form."

.......quoted from The Online Edition of GROLIER'S ACADEMIC AMERICAN
Encyclopedia, Copyright (c) 1993, Grolier Electronic Publishing.

Magick is the ability to cross the void of Chaos and to create order in the
universe that surrounds us. The primary way in which this creation occurs is
through the focus of our own Wills.

The Void was without Form

"Chaos theory, a modern development in mathematics and science, provides a
framework for understanding irregular or erratic fluctuations in nature.
Chaotic systems are found in many fields of science and engineering. The study
of their dynamics is an essential part of the burgeoning science of
complexity--the effort to understand the principles of order that underlie the
patterns of all real systems, from ecosystems to social systems to the universe
as a whole."

..quoted from The Online Edition of GROLIER'S ACADEMIC AMERICAN Encyclopedia,
Copyright (c) 1993, Grolier Electronic Publishing.

The BIG BANG theory of the creation of the universe is widely accepted by
astronomers. "It holds that the universe began with the explosive expansion of
a single, extremely condensed state of matter. A further development of this
model, known as INFLATIONARY THEORY, describes the original condensed matter as
arising from virtually empty space. Whether the universe will expand forever,
slow to a halt, or contract again and continue to oscillate indefinitely from
one big bang to the next is the subject of ongoing speculation....."

Charles Long .......quoted from The Online Edition of GROLIER'S ACADEMIC
AMERICAN Encyclopedia, Copyright (c) 1993, Grolier Electronic Publishing.

Order Out of Nothingness was Reality formed. The diversity of Reality is due to
the two great forces of separation: projection and reception (the male and the
femine aspects of Power). From this duality of all things, the rest of Creation
is manifested. This manifestation can be described and modeled in many ways. I
have chosen to limit myself briefly to two such descriptions during tonight's
workshop. The first such model or description is the science of "quantum
mechanics". According to this area of science, everything is composed of waves
and the interaction between wavefronts. With two primary and distinctly
different sources of waveforms, we get interference patterns. These lines of
intersection have their own "nature" and give rise to other "quantum effects"
in their own localized area of the space/time continuum. This ongoing process
of interaction and manifestation can create Infinite Combination in Infinite
Diversity (IDIC). I will discuss this concept later.

The other way in which two differing states can create their own "reality" is
through the laws of Boolean Logic and Algebra. In digital design and simulation
techniques, this fact is well known. I work in such areas and can reduce any
system to a series of "min" and "max" terms of inputs and "truth tables". This
Boolean discipline of using "min and max terms" has given birth to the
CyberSpace that we currently inhabit. I suggest that our present existence is
no more than a "real-time" simulation in a greater system and that our
creative/destructive interactions are constantly birthing new realities and new
creations. We are each a "star" as some Magickal systems teach.

All Physical and Magickal systems have hidden controls that operate from
outside the program flow (another word for this flow might be called "life").
This outside intervention might be what appears in the form of "Magick" to an
internal observer of that system. The operating system for the host platform,
such as DOS, determines the form of the relationships between all programs,
files and other processes. A magickal way of stating this might be, "As Above,
So Below". Tonight, I have discussed only two ways that some realities are
postulated and created. In the wide variety of the Infinite Cosmos, Diversity
is carried to the extremes. Anything CAN and DOES happen!

Symbols

One way man has attempted to understand and quantify his universe is through
the use of symbols. The most often used symbols are numbers, letters and
sigils. The Jewish Kabbala, the Celtic Oghams and the other Magickal alphabets
are good examples of the use of such symbols to order and understand most
physical, spiritual and Magickal relationships. I have talked about Oghams and
Fionn's Wheel/Ladder in previous workshops. I have also talked about the Celtic
Cosmology. Tonight I will briefly touch on numbers and math. Please refer to
the previous Celtic Workshops #1, 2, 3, 5 and the Online Wicca Kabbala Threads
for more information in those areas. Another kind of symbol that can describe
our reality is a relatively new form of mathematics called Fractals.

Fractals

"A modern mathematical theory that radically departs from traditional EUCLIDEAN
GEOMETRY, fractal geometry describes objects that are self-similar, or scale
symmetric. This means that when such objects are magnified, their parts are
seen to bear an exact resemblance to the whole, the likeness continuing with
the parts of the parts and so on to infinity. Fractals, as these shapes are
called, also must be devoid of translational symmetry--that is, the smoothness
associated with Euclidean lines, planes, and spheres. Instead a rough, jagged
quality is maintained at every scale at which an object can be examined. The
nature of fractals is reflected in the word itself, coined by mathematician
Benoit B. Mandelbrot from the Latin verb frangere, "to break," and the related
adjective fractus, "irregular and fragmented."

The science of fractals has been found to exist within many natural formations
. Fractals are found everywhere we look, from the shape of coastlines to the
geometry found in cellular divisions. Most dynamical systems that change their
behavior over time become CHAOTIC in nature and can also be described using
fractals. The reason I mention fractals tonight is twofold. First, fractals
show us mathematically how reality and life are manifested. As I said earlier,
fractal geometry and mathematics are a fairly recent discovery. One important 
type of Fractal that is found in nature is called a Mandelbrot set. This 
particular set of fractals becomes inheritly unstable as one looks closer at 
it's component fractals. What is so interesting about this fact and study is 
that FRACTALS in the FORM OF MANDELBROT SETS have been appearing as CROP CIRCLES 
on the Salisbury Plains. This is the same area that is located close by both 
Stonehenge and Avebury. What is the source of these symbols? Where is this 
information coming from? Are these crop circles some sort of Magickal alphabet 
or symbols? Are they communicated to us across time and space from other 
Magicians or other Entities? If they are such symbols, has this phenomena 
occurred before in the past? Did the Druids observe, record and understand this 
type of information during their times?

My second pointis that our knowledge of Magick is itself like a fractal. With
each piece of information we receive from our searches into the nature of
Magick, we discover more and more questions. This gives rise to more and more
associations and consequently more questions and disorder. Our attempts to
totally understand Magick by close inspection consequently results in chaotic
thinking. We see fractals everywhere when we look at the world. This world
seems to be a fractal. Everything from shorelines, earthquakes, cell structure
to computer graphics have been found to obey the laws of fractals. Perhaps
Magick and the heavenly cosmologies are fractals of the Higher Will? Perhaps
our True Will is a fractal? Maybe fractals are the new Ogham, the new Wheel of
Fionn?

Transformations

If an idea can be reduced to mathematical or Magickal symbols, then it can also
be manipulated or transformed. These relation-ships are called "veils" or
"pathworkings" in Magickal works. In mathematics, such transformations occur
frequently. What is complex in one domain is simple in another. Engineers use
such techniques as vector and tensor analysis to handle complex systems all the
time. Magicians use the principle, "As Above , So Below" to aid their Magickal
Workings. Sometimes this Magickal work is also done while using symbollic logic
to aid in the act of manifesting or "making" a new creation. We will next
discuss how some of these Magickal transformations are done.

Vibratory States

The addition of external energy to a molecule or the introduction of additional
molecules into a solution causes its electron configuartion to change. The
electron "jumps" across an energy barrier to obtain a different orbit or
geometry. The Molecule changes its behavior, sometimes with amazing results.
This change in electrons through levels or states of energy is directly
analogous to the levels or states of vibration that a Magician goes through to
"resonate" with other spiritual forces. These principles of resonance and
vibration are the keys to the techniques of OOBE and energy transfer in
Magickal systems. To discover how we as Magickal/Spiritual entities can go
through these types of transformed states, I looked at my own experiences, once
again.

Personal Experiences

The keys to working Magick are BELIEF, DISCIPLINE and FOCUS. Focus is a matter
of personal ability and is sharpened through practice and effort. Discipline is
inherit to our very natures. Belief is absolutely necessary to any Magickal 
Work. I have had three types of personal experiences that are the foundation of 
my BELIEF in MAGICK.

The All from the None

This experience I have discussed before. It is the first veil that must be
passed to obtain BELIEF in Magick and the resulting Powers. Briefly stated, I
was able to detach from the ordinary (while conscious) and encounter Spirit and
Magickal Beings. These experiences have reinforced my ability to work Astrally
and Magickally. The secrets to this experience are meditation, inner quietness
and the increased vibrational level of the spirit or "ecstasy".

By going into the "void" of Nothingness, I was touched by the Power of the
Akasha! Anyone can do this, if they are willing to put in the time and effort
to meditate to achieve inner "quietness". The "Void" is the place where the
Will can focus to create and produce all Magick!

The None From the All

These are experiences I have had from "lucid dreaming". I have basically been
able to go anywhere and do anything in my dreams. I have had many revelations
and Super Normal experiences in these dreams. I guess the most outrageous
experience was experiencing "death". Some deaths were just an abrupt end to one
existence while manifesting into another body and another existence. One
particular "death" was at the center of an exploding sun or bomb. I was
literally blown into Nothingness and Non-Existence. I "floated" there in
endless time without thought or being. I just was. Only my Will still existed
and through the exertion of my Will I was able to awaken into my body once
more. This was not and ordinary dream. In fact, I'm not really sure this is the
Reality I started out in!  A Powerful incentive to learn more about Magick (to
prevent such a thing from ever happening again)!!!!!

IDIC

IDIC is borrowed from the Vulcan, Mr. Spock. It stands for Infinite Diversity
in Infinite Combinations. This basically means the Universe is filled with
possibilities and that anything can (and will) happen. This is all those
strange events that can be dismissed if taken one at a time but will stagger
you if you keep a log of them. This includes such things in my life as: Flying
or "floating" in the air by myself, reading minds, seeing the future, seeing
creatures that are in another plane, hearing the music of the Sidhe and
incredible feats of strength and speed (that could not possible have happened).
All these many events taken together point to a variety of techniques that
people can do. The secret is in remembering how we did it!!! Or maybe in
finding a really excellent teacher. I am the worst of students but I am very
persistent!

The Charm of Making

The following is the merest sketch of an outline for performming the Charm of
Making, the very same chant that Merlin was heard to use in the movie
"Excalibur". Much of this ritual comes from the following works:

"The 21 Lessons of Merlin", "Celtic Magic', "Witta", "The Irish Celtic Magical
Tradition" and the "Sacred Cauldon". Some of it is changed to suit my personal
(*Irish*) preferences!

Circles of Drai'ocht

Druids' Circles are very similar to other Magickal Circles. Each direction
should have a candle and color associated with it. (I use Red for East, White
for South, Grey or Blue for West and Black for North). I also have candles for
the God and the Goddess. these are usually Green and Red respectively. I light
the candles as the Spirits are invoked.

The Guardians

Air

The Guardian of the East Quarter is Esras associated with the Power of Air. The
sacred city of this Spiritual realm is Gorias. The Celtic Deities usually
associated with this Quarter are Nuada and Scathach. The sacred treasure or
weapon is the invincible sword. The Magickal Deity for the elemental Powers or
the wind singers and sprites is Paraldas, ruler of the Sylphs, Zyphyrs and the
Winged Sprites. This direction is most often associated with ideas, thoughts,
inspiration and psychic powers. Ritual work for this direction is associated
with dawn, sunrise, Spring, harmony, travel and freedom. A suitable invocation
of the Guardians might be:

"Tugaim cuireadh do Garda de Soir!
Tugaim cuireadh do Duile de Gaoth!
Tugaim cuireadh do Esras de Gorias!"

Translation:

"I give invitation to the Guardian of the East!
I give invitation to the Element of the Winds!
I invite Esras, Master of Inspiration!"

Pronunciation:

"TUG-im KIR-oo gu GAAR-du gu SKULL!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu DOO-li gu GWA!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu ES-rah gu GOR-ah!

Fire

The Guardian of the South Quarter is Uscias associated with the Power of Fire.
The sacred city of this Spiritual realm is Findias. The Celtic Deities usually
associated with this Quarter are Lugh and Bridgit. The sacred treasure or
weapon is the flaming spear. The Magickal Deity for its elemental Powers or
Salamandes and Firedrakes is Djinas, ruler of the Consciousness and flames.
This direction is most often associated with Action, Passion and Change. Ritual
work for this direction is associated with Summer, noon, sexuality and
purification. A suitable invocation of the Guardians might be:

"Tugaim cuireadh do Garda de O'Dheas!
Tugaim cuireadh do Duile de Tine!
Tugaim cuireadh do Uscias de Findias!"

Translation:

"I give invitation to the Guardian of the South!
I give invitation to the Elements of the Fire!
I invite Uscias, Master of Conscious Action"

Pronunciation:

"TUG-im KIR-oo gu GAAR-du gu OWE-yass!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu DOO-li gu CHIN-e!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu ISH-kah gu FIN-jah!"

Water

The Guardian of the West Quarter is Semias associated with the Power of Water
or the Sea. The sacred city of this Spiritual realm is Murias. The Celtic
Deities usually associated with this Quarter are Mannanan and the Cailleach.
The sacred treasure or weapon is the cauldron. The Magickal Deity for its
elemental Powers or Nymphs and Undines is Niksas, ruler of the depths of the
Sea and the spirits of the waters. This direction is most often associated with
Emotions, healing and Marriage. Ritual work for this direction is associated
with Fall, sunset, plants, the subconscious mind and dreams. A suitable
invocation of the Guardians might be:

"Tugaim cuireadh do Garda de Siar!
Tugaim cuireadh do Duile de Muir!
Tugaim cuireadh do Semias de Murias!"


Translation:

"I give invitation to the Guardian of the West!
I give invitation to the Elements of the Mystical Sea!
I invite Semias, Master of the Mind's Deep Waters!"

Pronunciation:

"TUG-im KIR-oo gu GAAR-du gu SHEER!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu DOO-li gu MWIRR!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu SEM-ahs gu MUR-ahs!"

Earth

The Guardian of the North Quarter is Morfessa, associated with the Power of
Earth. The sacred city of this Spiritual realm is Falias. The Celtic Deities
usually associated with this Quarter are the Morrigan and the Dagdha. The
sacred treasure or weapon is the Stone of Fal. The Magickal Deity for the
elemental Powers or Gnomes and Dwarfs is Ghobas,ruler of the inhabitants of the
Earth and a crystal spirits. This direction is most often associated with
Destiny, Prosperity and Fate as well as Magick. Ritual work for this direction
is associated with Winter, night, midnight, self will and treasures. A suitable
invocation of the Guardians might be:

"Tugaim cuireadh do Garda de O'Thuaigh!
Tugaim cuireadh do Duile de Talamh is Cloch!
Tugaim cuireadh do Morfessa de Falias!"

Translation:

"I give invitation to the Guardian of the North!
I give invitation to the Elements of Stone and Earth!
I invite Morfessa, Master of Destiny and Magick!"

Pronunciation:

"TUG-im KIR-oo gu GAAR-du gu owe HOO-ee!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu DOO-li gu TA-loo is KLOKH!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu MOR-fes-ah gu FAL-ah!

Spirit

The Center of the Circle is protected by the Power of the God and the Goddess
and the balance and diversity that They each manifest and control. This is the
province of the Goddess of Sovereignty, Macha, and the Horned God or the
Hunter, Samhan. The center is protected by the combined Powers of the Quarters
and their Masters. A suitable invocation of the Spirit might be:

"Tugaim cuireadh do Ana'l Fein!
Tugaim cuireadh do Duile de Anam!
Tugaim cuireadh do Grian agus Geala!
Beannachtai' DE' agus mBANDE' again!"

Translation:

"I give invitation to the Souls of our Ancestors!
I give invitation to the Element of All Spirits!
I give invitation to the Sun and the Moon!
The Blessings of the God and Goddess be upon us!"

Pronunciation:

"TUG-im KIR-oo gu GAAR-du gu AN-aal FINN!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu DOO-li gu AN-um!
TUG-im KIR-oo gu GREE-un AG-us GYAL-a!
BAN-uck-ta JAY AG-us BAN-jay UG-een!"

The Words of Power

After the Guardians have been called, then the Words of Power Are Spoken and
the Rite or Sign of Three Rays is performed for each of the Quarters.

IAO

This is the name of the God/dess of All and is intoned three times while making
the appropriate hand gestures,

"EEEEE-Ahhhhhh-OOOOO".
"EEEEE-Ahhhhhh-OOOOO".
"EEEEE-Ahhhhhh-OOOOO".
Threshold Experiences

If a portal to another plane or place is to be opened then the following Charm
of Making is to be said three times (this Charm uses the Power of Sea and
Stone):

"A ELFNTODD DWYR SINDDYN DUW
CERRIG YR FFERLLURUG NWYN;
OS SYRIAETH ECH SAFFAER TU
FEWR ECHLYN MOR, NECROMBOR LLUN"

Dragon's Breath

If something is to be caused to happen or prevented then the following Charm of
Making is intoned three times (this charm invokes the Powers of Fire and Air):

"ANAIL NATHROCK
UTHVASS BETHUDD
DOCHIEL DIENVE"

At this point the Power has been raised. The Will of the Draoi' should be
directed and stated forcefully in the direction of greatest Power using the
sign for that Quarter. Once the work, is completed, the God/desses and
Guardians should be thanked and the Power Earthed by lowering both hands to the
ground while kneeling. The Circle is opened in the reverse of its creation and
the bounty of the Land and Tuatha should be enjoined and enjoyed by all.

This is the end of the prepared presentation on the Charm of "Making". This and
"Pathworking" are the two most powerful abilities of a Druid.