CONCERNING
THE SEVEN CHAKRAS
Issued by the
Thelemic Order and Temple
of the Golden Dawn
May, 1991 e.v.
In Association with
New Falcon Publications and
the Israel Regardie Foundation, Inc.
By Sir David Cherubim
and John M. Demmitt III
of the Novus Ordo Aureae Aurora
Copyright (C) 1991 e.v.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
In the Art and Science of Yoga there is an internal initiatory
system that is recognized through the awakening and development
of the subtle energies of certain nerve centers known as the
Chakras (or Cakkrams). Although there is literally a chakra
(cakkra) for every nerve in the body, the particular chakras that
the Yogi (or practitioner of Yoga) is most concerned with are the
Seven Chakras. These are seven Wheels of subtile force which the
Yogi endeavors to initiate into whirling motion, to awaken their
subtle energies and vitalize his consciousness with their occult
currents of force. This is accomplished by way of awakening the
Primary Nerve Current known as the Kundalini or Serpent Power. In
the Royal Art of Magick this Kundalini is termed the Astral Light
and is also represented by a Serpent. It is the Azoth of the
Sages, a subjective, electro-magnetic current in man. To
sublimate, control and direct the occult influences of this
Astral Light is the fundamental operation of the Art of Magick.
This Serpent (Kundalini) is a phallic symbol, representing the
creative force of reproduction or sexual energy. The Kundalini is
sexual energy, also called Shakti (Power) in the Sanskrit tongue.
The Chakras, which are also called Padmas (or Lotuses), are the
occult centers of cosmic energy in the human body. They are not
really a part of the human body, but rather correspond to certain
parts of it, thus we call them occult (secret). The Chakras are
secret centers which generate Prana and are a part of what is
termed the Subtile Body. As lotuses they exist upside down until
the Kundalini passes over them which makes them right side up. It
is an essential object of the training of the Magician of the New
Order of the Golden Dawn to arouse the Serpent Power, and thereby
energize and develop the subtle energies of the interior Chakras.
Any proper system of initiation must necessarily awaken the
conscious experience of these secret centers at some level, as
they represent the true initiation of the Yogi or Magician which
is actually an internal operation of self-initiation.
There are seven steps to this internal initiatory operation.
These seven steps correspond with many magical principles, for
the number seven is a most powerful and divine number, embracing
many significant philosophical ideas. There are seven Steps of
Initiation in the New Order of the Golden Dawn (Novus Ordo Aureae
Aurora); seven sacred Astrological Planets; seven Alkhemical
Metals; seven Gods or Elohim; Seven letters in the Names of
Therion and Babalon; and seven letters in the names of the
Alkhemical Principles of Vitriol, Mercury, and Sulphur. The
symbol of the Golden Dawn is a Cross (4) and a Triangle (3),
hinting at the number seven. Also in the mundane world the number
seven appears constantly: seven Days of the Week, seven principal
Colors, and seven Musical Tones. Also Netzach, the Seventh
Sephira on the Tree of Life, represents the Devotion of the
Magician to perform the Great Work and is attributed to Venus
which is the Planet of Love; and Love is the supreme object of
the Great Work of the initiation of a Yogi or Magician. Yet this
is not "the love of a romance made in heaven;" it is not
necessarily the love between two lovers, though such a condition
indeed indicates the essence of the matter. It is rather the love
symbolized by the uniting of all opposites in the Universe,
represented by such ancient symbols as the Hexagram, the Rosy
Cross, the Crux Ansata (Ankh), or the symbol of Venus itself.
Also Netzach is the Sphere of the Occult Intelligence, and it
indicates that special Victory that results from consecrating or
dedicating the physical senses to the Supreme Operation of the
Great Work.
The Chakras are further called the seven Inner Senses which the
Magician energizes by means of awakening, refining and exalting
the Kundalini (Sexual Force). They are further called the seven
Interior Stars, and as such they are centers of the seven primary
forces or essences of the Universe. These essences are the Elohim
(Gods) or principal Forces of Nature which created all things by
the One Power of Lux (Light). These seven Gods are represented by
the seven Double Letters of the Hebrew or Angelic Alphabet and
therefore correspond with the particular Atus of Thoth which
these letters are attributed to. Man can make genuine contact
with the Elohim of Nature by arousing the Power of the Kundalini
and energizing his Inner Senses (Chakras) by way of meditating on
the particular Atus of Thoth (Tarot Cards) which correspond with
the seven Chakras. These seven Chakras (Inner Senses) are, in
fact, the Abodes of the Gods in man.
On each of the seven Chakras there is said to be a Sanskrit
syllable which represents one or several of mystick sounds, the
vibration of which activates the occult energies of the Chakra.
In the centre of the Chakra is a Sanskrit letter which represents
the root (bija) of a Mantra which is inscribed on the petals of
the Chakra. Each letter of the Mantra inscribed in the petals
indicates the subtle energies which rule the Chakra. The letters
on the petals are symbols of the breathing of the Kundalini, and
for this reason we can use those letters by way of Mantra to
awaken the Serpent Power.
Of the seven Chakras, it may be stated that only six are really
visible to the inner eye of the Yogi or Magician. Sahasrara, the
seventh Chakra, is an invisible and ineffable center of cosmic
energy and cannot really be classified as a Chakra per se. Yet it
is with this Invisible Chakra that the Yogi or Magician seeks to
unite his consciousness, that he may be one with the most divine
essence of which that Invisible Chakra is a symbol. This seventh
Chakra represents the True Self of the Yogi or Magician, his
Silent Self which is a Selfless Self, eternally beyond all
identification, and yet is it the actual living essence of all
things celestial and terrestrial.
The seven Chakras of Yoga are: the Muladhara (Root Chakra), the
Svadhistthana (Navel Chakra), the Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra),
the Anahata (Heart Chakra), the Visuddhi (Throat Chakra), the
Ajna (Pineal Chakra), and the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra). By way of
analogy, these seven Chakras correspond with the seven principal
forms of Yoga proper. These are: Muladhara (Hatha Yoga),
Svadhistthana (Karma Yoga), Manipura (Bhakti Yoga), Anahata
(Gnana Yoga), Visuddhi (Mantra Yoga), Ajna (Laya Yoga) and
Sahasrara (Raja Yoga). Hatha concerns the yoga of the body; Karma
concerns the yoga of action; Bhakti concerns the yoga of
devotion; Gnana concerns the yoga of the mind; Mantra concerns
the yoga of sound; Laya concerns the yoga of the Chakras; and
Raja concerns the yoga of the Will.
Let the student be warned that the Chakras themselves should
never be concentrated or meditated upon as individual centers,
unless this be done by one who is already balanced and poised in
his True Self (Atman). Otherwise the student may cause an
imbalance to his nervous system and hinder his own spiritual
development. It is better to develop the subtle energies of the
seven Chakras by way of mantra, symbol or ceremony. The
Initiation Ceremonies of the Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn
are designed in such sense to develop these subtle energies to
their fullest in an effective and harmonious manner.
The Atus of Thoth (Tarot Cards), which correspond with the seven
Chakras, are appropriate magical symbols by which the Magician
can individually concentrate and meditate upon the Chakras
without creating an imbalance to his nervous system. These Atus
of Thoth are doors to the subtle pranic energies which the
Chakras generate; they are magical links to the cosmic energies
which constitute the universe in man. They are literally
Talismans of the Gods, magical links to unite the Magician with
the Powers of Nature by which he may partake their Ageless Wisdom
and experience that Wisdom made flesh. The Atus of Thoth which
correspond with the seven Chakras are listed below. They are a
part of the Major Arcana (Major Secrets) of Tarot (Tarot Cards
numbered 0-21).
Let us now study the seven Chakras individually. In each section
there is given various correspondences for each Chakra, to assist
us in the development of our knowledge and understanding
concerning the subtle energies which generate from each Chakra.
We shall begin with the Muladhara Chakra and end with the
Sahasrara Chakra, in the Crown of the Infinite which represents
the attainment of the Great Work.
The First Chakra, called the Muladhara, is located between the
anus and the penis, at the base of the spine. It is the pranic
center that contains the Mystick Energy of the Kundalini (Serpent
Force). It is said that the Kundalini is wrapped three and one
half times around a central Lingam, a phallic energy source
contained in the Muladhara Chakra. The energizing of this Chakra
is the first real step of initiation, and then the process of
awakening and controlling the Kundalini begins. It is the
application and control of this Serpent Power that allows the
Magician to explore and understand the Nature and Powers of his
own being. The only way to properly control this energy is
through the development of the understanding and power of one's
true nature. The Muladhara Chakra (Lotus of 4 Petals) corresponds
with the Planet Saturn, the Element of Earth (Prithivi Tattwa),
Alkhemical Lead, and the Atu of Thoth called "The Universe" (or
"The World"). Its special symbol is the Square; its Hindu Deity
(God) is Brahma; its Shakti (Goddess) is Dakini; and its Sanskrit
root letter is LAM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic
Order of the Golden Dawn, the Muladhara Chakra pertains to the
Grade of Zelator (Also called Magician). It is in the Ceremony of
the Zelator that the subtle energy of this Chakra is awakened and
then refined by the initiate.
The Second Chakra is called the Svadhistthana, and is located on
the spine directly behind the area about one inch below the
navel. It is the Center that controls the sensations. It is
necessary for the Magician to learn to master these sensations so
that physical distractions do not interfere with his Will. He
must also refine these sensations so that he can heighten his
perception of the Universe. This is also the Center where the
Magician learns the Force of Will that overcomes all conflicts
and leads to all progress. It is the Center of Action. The
Svadhistthana Chakra (Lotus of 6 Petals) corresponds with the
Planet Mars, the Element of Water (Apas Tattwa), Alkhemical Iron,
and the Atu of Thoth called "The Tower." Its special symbol is
the Crescent Moon; its Hindu Deity is Vishnu (Hari); its Shakti
is Rakini; and its Sanskrit root letter is VAM. In the Initiation
System of the Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, the
Svadhistthana Chakra pertains to the Grade of Adeptus Major (Also
called Master Magician). It is in the Ceremony of the Major Adept
that the subtle energy of this Chakra is awakened and refined by
the initiate.
The Third Chakra is called the Manipura, and is located on the
spine at the height of the solar plexus. It is the Center from
which the Will of the Magician is transformed by Love to become
one with the Will of the Whole Universe. The Magician must do the
Great Work with love under will, as a sacrament to all, so that
all may partake the force of his essence, that he may assist all
in the essential task of cosmic evolution. This is also the
center where the Magician cultivates complete harmony between his
soul, mind and body. The Manipura Chakra (Lotus of 10 Petals)
corresponds with the Planet Jupiter, the Element of Fire (Tejas
or Agni Tattwa), Alkhemical Tin, and the Atu of Thoth called
"Fortune" (or "The Wheel of Fortune"). Its special symbol is the
Triangle; its Hindu Deity is Rudra; its Shakti is Lakini; its
Sanskrit root letter is RAM. In the Initiation System of the
Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Manipura Chakra pertains
to the Grade of Adeptus Exemptus (Perfect Magician). It is in the
Ceremony of the Adeptus Exemptus that the subtle energy of this
Chakra is awakened and refined by the initiate.
The Fourth Chakra is called the Anahata, and is located on the
spine at the height of the heart. It is the Center of all
Centers, and is the place where the Magician is first able to
have direct communication with his True Self (or Atman). It is
the symbolic center of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy
Guardian Angel and marks the true beginnings of Adepthood. The
Anahata Chakra (Lotus of 12 Petals) corresponds with the Sun, the
Element of Air (Vayu Tattwa), Alkhemical Gold, and the Atu of
Thoth called "The Sun.". Its special symbol is the Circle; its
Hindu Deity is Isha; its Shakti is Kakini; its Sanskrit Root
letter is YAM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Anahata Chakra pertains to the Grade of
Adeptus Minor (Also called Adept Magician). It is in the Ceremony
of the Adeptus Minor that the subtle energy of this Chakra is
awakened and refined by the initiate.
The Fifth Chakra is called the Visuddhi (or Visuddha), and is
located on the spine at the height of the throat. This is the
Center of the Spiritual Consciousness, of the awareness of that
which is beyond and greater than the mind. It is the sphere of
the Magician's essential Understanding of the Universe as a
Cosmic Play (Lila) of the Gods, that is, a direct subtle
manifestation of the Cosmic Forces of the Infinite Universe. The
Visuddhi Chakra (Lotus of 16 Petals) corresponds with the Planet
Venus, the Element of Spirit (Akasha Tattwa), Alkhemical Copper,
and the Atu of Thoth called "The Empress". Its special symbol is
the Egg; its Hindu Deity is Sada-shiva; its Shakti is Shakini;
its Sanskrit root letter is HAM. In the Initiation System of the
Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, Visuddhi pertains to the Grade
of Magister Templi, who is the Master of the Law of Sorrow
(Dukkha) and of the Mystery of Joy (Ananda).
The Sixth Chakra is called the Ajna, and is located behind the
area between the eyebrows, in the pineal center of the brain.
This is the Third Eye that is often talked about in reference to
psychic and occult perception. It is, in one sense, the Center of
the Astral Consciousness. It is in this center that the Magician
is finally able to completely master the various elements of his
nature, for now he has obtained the Wisdom of Ages. He sees in
the light of truth all the internal subtleties of the various
currents which are affecting him and his environment and he is
able to direct those currents in such manner necessary for him to
create change in accordance with his True Will. It is the center
by which the True Will of the Magician is able to become
completely manifest, and the Magician is able to exert the Force
of his True Will to create that environment which is so necessary
for the execution of that One Will. The Ajna Chakra (Lotus of 2
Petals) corresponds with the Moon, Alkhemical Silver, and the Atu
of Thoth called "The Priestess." Its special symbol is the Eye;
its Hindu Deity is Shiva; its Shakti is Hakini; its Sanskrit root
letter is OM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Ajna Chakra pertains to the Grade of Magus,
who is the Master of the Law of Change (Anicca).
The Seventh and final Chakra is the Sahasrara, or Brahmarandhra.
It is symbolically located above the head. This transcendent
sphere represents the continuation of the Force of Kundalini
beyond that of the physical being. It is the sphere of the Cosmic
Consciousness in which the Magician dissolves in the eternal
essence of the Infinite Light. It is called the supreme dwelling-
place of Shiva, "whiter than the full moon". In this highest
Chakra there is said to exist a great Triangle of Mystery, in the
center of which there is said to be "a great void" (Shunya), the
symbol of the Formless Light of the Eternal which is beyond all
form; it is the Qabalistic Ain Soph.
Little else can be said concerning the transcendent nature of the
Sahasrara Chakra, as the exalted essence of this sphere is beyond
all reason and above the comprehension of those who have not
directly experienced its transcendent force. The Sahasrara Chakra
(Lotus of 1,000 or 1,001 Petals) corresponds with the Planet
Mercury, Alkhemical Quicksilver, and the Atu of Thoth called "The
Magician." Its special symbol is the Crown; its Hindu Deity is
Parabrahma. The fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, from A to
La, go round and round its so-called thousand petals twenty
times. It is important to understand that the Sahasrara is not
really a Chakra; it is a metaphorical, ineffable center of the
infinite all. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Sahasrara Chakra pertains to the Grade of
Ipsissimus, who is the Master of the Law of Unsubstantiality
(Anatta) which concerns the Mystery of Selflessness, called also
the Mystery of Pan (Mystery of All).
The six Chakras, from Muladhara to Ajna, produce 50 petals in
all. These fifty petals correspond with the 50 Gates of
Understanding which the Magician must enter and pass up through
to attain Ain Soph or the Infinite. These are the 50 Gates of
Intelligence mentioned in the Sepher Yetzirah (or Book of
Formation) which is an ancient text of Qabalistic science.
Tradition states that the Sepher Yetzirah was written down in
Hebrew by a man named Akibha ben Joseph, who was a Rabbi of the
first century and who founded the first Qabalistic School.
However, we need proclaim, that the Sepher Yetzirah did not
really originate in the mind of a man. The Sepher Yetzirah is as
eternal as the Ageless Wisdom which was never born and will never
die. The 50 Gates of Understanding which the Sepher Yetzirah
communicates are eternal portals to the Infinite which the
Magicians of all ages have had to pass through to attain the
infinite heights of Ain Soph.
The number 50 is the value of the Hebrew letter Nun which
corresponds with the Atu of Thoth called "Death". This
correspondence indicates that to attain Ain Soph is an operation
of death or dissolution. No man can behold the Infinite; he must
first be completely dissolved in the starry essence of his soul;
he must die to himself and awaken in a Selfless Self beyond all
identification. Now 50 (Petals) + 6 (Chakras) = 56. This is the
special number of NU (Nuit), Our Lady of the Stars. (Read Liber
Legis I: 24.) Nuit is Ain Soph or the Infinite. This indicates
that the 50 Gates (Petals) of Understanding, which make up the
Six Chakras, are the occult portals which the Magician need enter
and pass up through to attain union with Nuit, that is, to attain
union with Infinite Space and the Infinite Stars thereof.
Now there are certain Centers of Prana called Nadis. Nadis are
subtle nerve channels of cosmic energy. The various petals of the
seven Chakras are said to be Nadis of a special kind. Prana is
the vital energy which maintains all life and it is the subtle
link between the visible and the invisible. The Nadis are a
network of tubes and may be defined as the luminous arteries. The
word Nadis is derived from the Sanskrit "nad" which means
movement. There are said to exist innumerable Nadis all over the
Subtile Body of man. Prana circulates in the Nadis, governed by
the currents of the Sun and Moon and other invisible powers in
the Subtile Body. Purification of the Nadis is one of the most
fundamental exercises of Yoga proper. It is accomplished by the
practices of Asana (Posture) and Pranayama (Regulation of
Breath). Such purification is called Sadhana (Discipline).
There are three principal Nadis: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Sushumna is situated in the inside of the cerebro-spinal axis,
the Merudanda, and may be said to be next to the spinal marrow.
It begins from the lowest center of the human body, the First
Chakra called Muladhara (5 cm. above the anus and 5 cm. behind
the penis). It then passes through the next five Chakras, and
then leads to the Sahasrara Chakra. The Chakras are said to be on
the vertebral column in Sushumna. Sushumna sparkles like a string
of jewels. Through it passes the Kundalini, the Power of
Liberation (Mukti).
Within the Sushumna is a subtle Nadi, the Vajrini, and within it
a still subtler one, the Citrini. The interior of the Citrini is
called the Brahma Nadi. It is not a separate Nadi in the usual
sense, but only a vivara, a hollow passage. The opening of this
Citrini Nadi is the door through which the Kundalini enters the
Royal Road, Kula Marga, on its way to the Crown Above and it is
known as Brahma-Dvara.
It is said that the Kundalini sleeps until awakened in the
Muladhara Chakra, closing with its mouth the entrance to the
Sushumna. When the Kundalini (Shakti) is awakened, by way of
proper initiation, She enters the Royal Way in the central Nadi
(Sushumna) to embrace her Lord Shiva above in the Brahmarandhra
(Sahasrara Chakra). By this sacramental embrace and union of
cosmic forces above and below, Shakti and Shiva are said to make
"floods of nectar flow."
The Kundalini is called the Supreme Shakti (Parashakti), or
Supreme Goddess, dwelling in man. Shiva is the Supreme God, the
masculine idea of Godhead, whereas the Kundalini is the feminine
idea of Godhead. To unite Shiva and Shakti is the Supreme
Operation of the Great Work (Magnum Opus) in the Art and Science
of Yoga proper. This is accomplished by controlling the sexual
energy which should retain its subtile form and ascend upward
with the ascending Prana instead of descending under the form of
seminal liquid. Kundalini then rises through the Sushumna and
pierces each petal of the seven Chakras which then rise up erect,
blossoming into full Lotuses.
Ida and Pingala, like Sushumna, start in the Muladhara Chakra and
rise towards the Chakra in the forehead (Ajna), but with an
inverse, serpentine movement which causes them to pass from left
to right and inversely, surrounding each Chakra without passing
through it like the Sushumna. Ida is to the left; it is lunar and
feminine. Pingala is to the right; it is solar and masculine. Ida
and Pingala meet at the Muladhara Chakra and again at the Ajna
where they form a plaited knot -- and enter the Central Nadi
(Sushumna). Thereafter they separate and flow separately.
Ida and Pingala are to be annihilated in the process of awakening
the Kundalini Power. That is, they are to be emptied of their
Prana, so that the Prana can be forced to pass through the
Sushumna. This is the method of the Great Work itself, to unite
the two equal opposites and thereby annihilate their individual
modes of being to be reborn in a third principle which partakes
of the essences of both opposites, yet abiding independently of
them in the center of its own universe. From a Thelemic point of
view, it is the uniting of the two infinities called Nuit and
Hadit for the birth of their child Ra-Hoor-Khuit, a Unity which
includes and heads all things. It is the death of division -- the
dissolution of all opposites -- for which sake there is creation.
As it is written in our Most Holy Book of the New Aeon, "For I am
divided for love's sake, for the chance of union. This is the
creation of the world, that the pain of division is as nothing,
and the joy of dissolution all." (Read Liber Legis, The Book of
the Law, I: 29-30.)
The Chakras themselves, after a manner of speaking, are slain by
the Yogi or Magician as he raises his Kundalini Power below to
unite his particular consciousness with the infinite
consciousness above. In other words, he becomes the master of the
various subtle energies which generate from the Chakras. He
stands above them as the Sun stands above the clouds. He is no
more below to be deceived by clouds of illusion so that he cannot
see the Light of the Cosmic Self; but he stands above all clouds
of illusion in the Celestial Light itself. He is crowned with the
Wisdom of Ages; he is a knower of the One Object of all Knowledge
and Initiation called L.V.X., Lux, the Light of the Cross.
Concerning the magical system of the Golden Dawn, Dr. Israel
Regardie had this to say, "If one idea more than any other is
persistently stressed from the beginning of one's initiation into
this magical system, that idea is in the word Light ... For it
is by that Light that the golden banner of the inner life may be
exalted; it is in Light where lies healing, and the power of
growth."
Through the proper scientific application of the initiatory
process as represented by the awakening of the Kundalini Power
and the consequent activation and development of the subtle
energies of the seven Chakras, the Magician can partake the
sublime Mysteries of the Eternal Light, to be nourished in his
soul with the Celestial Glory of the Stars, and to attain the
Cosmic Consciousness which is the Life which abides in Light.
Thus shall he be united with his True Self in the Infinite. And
so shall he duly accomplish the Great Work. In nomine Novus Ordo
Aureae Aurora, Sic sit vobis!
Love is the law, love under will.
THE SEVEN CHAKRAS
Issued by the
Thelemic Order and Temple
of the Golden Dawn
May, 1991 e.v.
In Association with
New Falcon Publications and
the Israel Regardie Foundation, Inc.
By Sir David Cherubim
and John M. Demmitt III
of the Novus Ordo Aureae Aurora
Copyright (C) 1991 e.v.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
In the Art and Science of Yoga there is an internal initiatory
system that is recognized through the awakening and development
of the subtle energies of certain nerve centers known as the
Chakras (or Cakkrams). Although there is literally a chakra
(cakkra) for every nerve in the body, the particular chakras that
the Yogi (or practitioner of Yoga) is most concerned with are the
Seven Chakras. These are seven Wheels of subtile force which the
Yogi endeavors to initiate into whirling motion, to awaken their
subtle energies and vitalize his consciousness with their occult
currents of force. This is accomplished by way of awakening the
Primary Nerve Current known as the Kundalini or Serpent Power. In
the Royal Art of Magick this Kundalini is termed the Astral Light
and is also represented by a Serpent. It is the Azoth of the
Sages, a subjective, electro-magnetic current in man. To
sublimate, control and direct the occult influences of this
Astral Light is the fundamental operation of the Art of Magick.
This Serpent (Kundalini) is a phallic symbol, representing the
creative force of reproduction or sexual energy. The Kundalini is
sexual energy, also called Shakti (Power) in the Sanskrit tongue.
The Chakras, which are also called Padmas (or Lotuses), are the
occult centers of cosmic energy in the human body. They are not
really a part of the human body, but rather correspond to certain
parts of it, thus we call them occult (secret). The Chakras are
secret centers which generate Prana and are a part of what is
termed the Subtile Body. As lotuses they exist upside down until
the Kundalini passes over them which makes them right side up. It
is an essential object of the training of the Magician of the New
Order of the Golden Dawn to arouse the Serpent Power, and thereby
energize and develop the subtle energies of the interior Chakras.
Any proper system of initiation must necessarily awaken the
conscious experience of these secret centers at some level, as
they represent the true initiation of the Yogi or Magician which
is actually an internal operation of self-initiation.
There are seven steps to this internal initiatory operation.
These seven steps correspond with many magical principles, for
the number seven is a most powerful and divine number, embracing
many significant philosophical ideas. There are seven Steps of
Initiation in the New Order of the Golden Dawn (Novus Ordo Aureae
Aurora); seven sacred Astrological Planets; seven Alkhemical
Metals; seven Gods or Elohim; Seven letters in the Names of
Therion and Babalon; and seven letters in the names of the
Alkhemical Principles of Vitriol, Mercury, and Sulphur. The
symbol of the Golden Dawn is a Cross (4) and a Triangle (3),
hinting at the number seven. Also in the mundane world the number
seven appears constantly: seven Days of the Week, seven principal
Colors, and seven Musical Tones. Also Netzach, the Seventh
Sephira on the Tree of Life, represents the Devotion of the
Magician to perform the Great Work and is attributed to Venus
which is the Planet of Love; and Love is the supreme object of
the Great Work of the initiation of a Yogi or Magician. Yet this
is not "the love of a romance made in heaven;" it is not
necessarily the love between two lovers, though such a condition
indeed indicates the essence of the matter. It is rather the love
symbolized by the uniting of all opposites in the Universe,
represented by such ancient symbols as the Hexagram, the Rosy
Cross, the Crux Ansata (Ankh), or the symbol of Venus itself.
Also Netzach is the Sphere of the Occult Intelligence, and it
indicates that special Victory that results from consecrating or
dedicating the physical senses to the Supreme Operation of the
Great Work.
The Chakras are further called the seven Inner Senses which the
Magician energizes by means of awakening, refining and exalting
the Kundalini (Sexual Force). They are further called the seven
Interior Stars, and as such they are centers of the seven primary
forces or essences of the Universe. These essences are the Elohim
(Gods) or principal Forces of Nature which created all things by
the One Power of Lux (Light). These seven Gods are represented by
the seven Double Letters of the Hebrew or Angelic Alphabet and
therefore correspond with the particular Atus of Thoth which
these letters are attributed to. Man can make genuine contact
with the Elohim of Nature by arousing the Power of the Kundalini
and energizing his Inner Senses (Chakras) by way of meditating on
the particular Atus of Thoth (Tarot Cards) which correspond with
the seven Chakras. These seven Chakras (Inner Senses) are, in
fact, the Abodes of the Gods in man.
On each of the seven Chakras there is said to be a Sanskrit
syllable which represents one or several of mystick sounds, the
vibration of which activates the occult energies of the Chakra.
In the centre of the Chakra is a Sanskrit letter which represents
the root (bija) of a Mantra which is inscribed on the petals of
the Chakra. Each letter of the Mantra inscribed in the petals
indicates the subtle energies which rule the Chakra. The letters
on the petals are symbols of the breathing of the Kundalini, and
for this reason we can use those letters by way of Mantra to
awaken the Serpent Power.
Of the seven Chakras, it may be stated that only six are really
visible to the inner eye of the Yogi or Magician. Sahasrara, the
seventh Chakra, is an invisible and ineffable center of cosmic
energy and cannot really be classified as a Chakra per se. Yet it
is with this Invisible Chakra that the Yogi or Magician seeks to
unite his consciousness, that he may be one with the most divine
essence of which that Invisible Chakra is a symbol. This seventh
Chakra represents the True Self of the Yogi or Magician, his
Silent Self which is a Selfless Self, eternally beyond all
identification, and yet is it the actual living essence of all
things celestial and terrestrial.
The seven Chakras of Yoga are: the Muladhara (Root Chakra), the
Svadhistthana (Navel Chakra), the Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra),
the Anahata (Heart Chakra), the Visuddhi (Throat Chakra), the
Ajna (Pineal Chakra), and the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra). By way of
analogy, these seven Chakras correspond with the seven principal
forms of Yoga proper. These are: Muladhara (Hatha Yoga),
Svadhistthana (Karma Yoga), Manipura (Bhakti Yoga), Anahata
(Gnana Yoga), Visuddhi (Mantra Yoga), Ajna (Laya Yoga) and
Sahasrara (Raja Yoga). Hatha concerns the yoga of the body; Karma
concerns the yoga of action; Bhakti concerns the yoga of
devotion; Gnana concerns the yoga of the mind; Mantra concerns
the yoga of sound; Laya concerns the yoga of the Chakras; and
Raja concerns the yoga of the Will.
Let the student be warned that the Chakras themselves should
never be concentrated or meditated upon as individual centers,
unless this be done by one who is already balanced and poised in
his True Self (Atman). Otherwise the student may cause an
imbalance to his nervous system and hinder his own spiritual
development. It is better to develop the subtle energies of the
seven Chakras by way of mantra, symbol or ceremony. The
Initiation Ceremonies of the Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn
are designed in such sense to develop these subtle energies to
their fullest in an effective and harmonious manner.
The Atus of Thoth (Tarot Cards), which correspond with the seven
Chakras, are appropriate magical symbols by which the Magician
can individually concentrate and meditate upon the Chakras
without creating an imbalance to his nervous system. These Atus
of Thoth are doors to the subtle pranic energies which the
Chakras generate; they are magical links to the cosmic energies
which constitute the universe in man. They are literally
Talismans of the Gods, magical links to unite the Magician with
the Powers of Nature by which he may partake their Ageless Wisdom
and experience that Wisdom made flesh. The Atus of Thoth which
correspond with the seven Chakras are listed below. They are a
part of the Major Arcana (Major Secrets) of Tarot (Tarot Cards
numbered 0-21).
Let us now study the seven Chakras individually. In each section
there is given various correspondences for each Chakra, to assist
us in the development of our knowledge and understanding
concerning the subtle energies which generate from each Chakra.
We shall begin with the Muladhara Chakra and end with the
Sahasrara Chakra, in the Crown of the Infinite which represents
the attainment of the Great Work.
The First Chakra, called the Muladhara, is located between the
anus and the penis, at the base of the spine. It is the pranic
center that contains the Mystick Energy of the Kundalini (Serpent
Force). It is said that the Kundalini is wrapped three and one
half times around a central Lingam, a phallic energy source
contained in the Muladhara Chakra. The energizing of this Chakra
is the first real step of initiation, and then the process of
awakening and controlling the Kundalini begins. It is the
application and control of this Serpent Power that allows the
Magician to explore and understand the Nature and Powers of his
own being. The only way to properly control this energy is
through the development of the understanding and power of one's
true nature. The Muladhara Chakra (Lotus of 4 Petals) corresponds
with the Planet Saturn, the Element of Earth (Prithivi Tattwa),
Alkhemical Lead, and the Atu of Thoth called "The Universe" (or
"The World"). Its special symbol is the Square; its Hindu Deity
(God) is Brahma; its Shakti (Goddess) is Dakini; and its Sanskrit
root letter is LAM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic
Order of the Golden Dawn, the Muladhara Chakra pertains to the
Grade of Zelator (Also called Magician). It is in the Ceremony of
the Zelator that the subtle energy of this Chakra is awakened and
then refined by the initiate.
The Second Chakra is called the Svadhistthana, and is located on
the spine directly behind the area about one inch below the
navel. It is the Center that controls the sensations. It is
necessary for the Magician to learn to master these sensations so
that physical distractions do not interfere with his Will. He
must also refine these sensations so that he can heighten his
perception of the Universe. This is also the Center where the
Magician learns the Force of Will that overcomes all conflicts
and leads to all progress. It is the Center of Action. The
Svadhistthana Chakra (Lotus of 6 Petals) corresponds with the
Planet Mars, the Element of Water (Apas Tattwa), Alkhemical Iron,
and the Atu of Thoth called "The Tower." Its special symbol is
the Crescent Moon; its Hindu Deity is Vishnu (Hari); its Shakti
is Rakini; and its Sanskrit root letter is VAM. In the Initiation
System of the Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, the
Svadhistthana Chakra pertains to the Grade of Adeptus Major (Also
called Master Magician). It is in the Ceremony of the Major Adept
that the subtle energy of this Chakra is awakened and refined by
the initiate.
The Third Chakra is called the Manipura, and is located on the
spine at the height of the solar plexus. It is the Center from
which the Will of the Magician is transformed by Love to become
one with the Will of the Whole Universe. The Magician must do the
Great Work with love under will, as a sacrament to all, so that
all may partake the force of his essence, that he may assist all
in the essential task of cosmic evolution. This is also the
center where the Magician cultivates complete harmony between his
soul, mind and body. The Manipura Chakra (Lotus of 10 Petals)
corresponds with the Planet Jupiter, the Element of Fire (Tejas
or Agni Tattwa), Alkhemical Tin, and the Atu of Thoth called
"Fortune" (or "The Wheel of Fortune"). Its special symbol is the
Triangle; its Hindu Deity is Rudra; its Shakti is Lakini; its
Sanskrit root letter is RAM. In the Initiation System of the
Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Manipura Chakra pertains
to the Grade of Adeptus Exemptus (Perfect Magician). It is in the
Ceremony of the Adeptus Exemptus that the subtle energy of this
Chakra is awakened and refined by the initiate.
The Fourth Chakra is called the Anahata, and is located on the
spine at the height of the heart. It is the Center of all
Centers, and is the place where the Magician is first able to
have direct communication with his True Self (or Atman). It is
the symbolic center of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy
Guardian Angel and marks the true beginnings of Adepthood. The
Anahata Chakra (Lotus of 12 Petals) corresponds with the Sun, the
Element of Air (Vayu Tattwa), Alkhemical Gold, and the Atu of
Thoth called "The Sun.". Its special symbol is the Circle; its
Hindu Deity is Isha; its Shakti is Kakini; its Sanskrit Root
letter is YAM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Anahata Chakra pertains to the Grade of
Adeptus Minor (Also called Adept Magician). It is in the Ceremony
of the Adeptus Minor that the subtle energy of this Chakra is
awakened and refined by the initiate.
The Fifth Chakra is called the Visuddhi (or Visuddha), and is
located on the spine at the height of the throat. This is the
Center of the Spiritual Consciousness, of the awareness of that
which is beyond and greater than the mind. It is the sphere of
the Magician's essential Understanding of the Universe as a
Cosmic Play (Lila) of the Gods, that is, a direct subtle
manifestation of the Cosmic Forces of the Infinite Universe. The
Visuddhi Chakra (Lotus of 16 Petals) corresponds with the Planet
Venus, the Element of Spirit (Akasha Tattwa), Alkhemical Copper,
and the Atu of Thoth called "The Empress". Its special symbol is
the Egg; its Hindu Deity is Sada-shiva; its Shakti is Shakini;
its Sanskrit root letter is HAM. In the Initiation System of the
Thelemic Order of the Golden Dawn, Visuddhi pertains to the Grade
of Magister Templi, who is the Master of the Law of Sorrow
(Dukkha) and of the Mystery of Joy (Ananda).
The Sixth Chakra is called the Ajna, and is located behind the
area between the eyebrows, in the pineal center of the brain.
This is the Third Eye that is often talked about in reference to
psychic and occult perception. It is, in one sense, the Center of
the Astral Consciousness. It is in this center that the Magician
is finally able to completely master the various elements of his
nature, for now he has obtained the Wisdom of Ages. He sees in
the light of truth all the internal subtleties of the various
currents which are affecting him and his environment and he is
able to direct those currents in such manner necessary for him to
create change in accordance with his True Will. It is the center
by which the True Will of the Magician is able to become
completely manifest, and the Magician is able to exert the Force
of his True Will to create that environment which is so necessary
for the execution of that One Will. The Ajna Chakra (Lotus of 2
Petals) corresponds with the Moon, Alkhemical Silver, and the Atu
of Thoth called "The Priestess." Its special symbol is the Eye;
its Hindu Deity is Shiva; its Shakti is Hakini; its Sanskrit root
letter is OM. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Ajna Chakra pertains to the Grade of Magus,
who is the Master of the Law of Change (Anicca).
The Seventh and final Chakra is the Sahasrara, or Brahmarandhra.
It is symbolically located above the head. This transcendent
sphere represents the continuation of the Force of Kundalini
beyond that of the physical being. It is the sphere of the Cosmic
Consciousness in which the Magician dissolves in the eternal
essence of the Infinite Light. It is called the supreme dwelling-
place of Shiva, "whiter than the full moon". In this highest
Chakra there is said to exist a great Triangle of Mystery, in the
center of which there is said to be "a great void" (Shunya), the
symbol of the Formless Light of the Eternal which is beyond all
form; it is the Qabalistic Ain Soph.
Little else can be said concerning the transcendent nature of the
Sahasrara Chakra, as the exalted essence of this sphere is beyond
all reason and above the comprehension of those who have not
directly experienced its transcendent force. The Sahasrara Chakra
(Lotus of 1,000 or 1,001 Petals) corresponds with the Planet
Mercury, Alkhemical Quicksilver, and the Atu of Thoth called "The
Magician." Its special symbol is the Crown; its Hindu Deity is
Parabrahma. The fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, from A to
La, go round and round its so-called thousand petals twenty
times. It is important to understand that the Sahasrara is not
really a Chakra; it is a metaphorical, ineffable center of the
infinite all. In the Initiation System of the Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Sahasrara Chakra pertains to the Grade of
Ipsissimus, who is the Master of the Law of Unsubstantiality
(Anatta) which concerns the Mystery of Selflessness, called also
the Mystery of Pan (Mystery of All).
The six Chakras, from Muladhara to Ajna, produce 50 petals in
all. These fifty petals correspond with the 50 Gates of
Understanding which the Magician must enter and pass up through
to attain Ain Soph or the Infinite. These are the 50 Gates of
Intelligence mentioned in the Sepher Yetzirah (or Book of
Formation) which is an ancient text of Qabalistic science.
Tradition states that the Sepher Yetzirah was written down in
Hebrew by a man named Akibha ben Joseph, who was a Rabbi of the
first century and who founded the first Qabalistic School.
However, we need proclaim, that the Sepher Yetzirah did not
really originate in the mind of a man. The Sepher Yetzirah is as
eternal as the Ageless Wisdom which was never born and will never
die. The 50 Gates of Understanding which the Sepher Yetzirah
communicates are eternal portals to the Infinite which the
Magicians of all ages have had to pass through to attain the
infinite heights of Ain Soph.
The number 50 is the value of the Hebrew letter Nun which
corresponds with the Atu of Thoth called "Death". This
correspondence indicates that to attain Ain Soph is an operation
of death or dissolution. No man can behold the Infinite; he must
first be completely dissolved in the starry essence of his soul;
he must die to himself and awaken in a Selfless Self beyond all
identification. Now 50 (Petals) + 6 (Chakras) = 56. This is the
special number of NU (Nuit), Our Lady of the Stars. (Read Liber
Legis I: 24.) Nuit is Ain Soph or the Infinite. This indicates
that the 50 Gates (Petals) of Understanding, which make up the
Six Chakras, are the occult portals which the Magician need enter
and pass up through to attain union with Nuit, that is, to attain
union with Infinite Space and the Infinite Stars thereof.
Now there are certain Centers of Prana called Nadis. Nadis are
subtle nerve channels of cosmic energy. The various petals of the
seven Chakras are said to be Nadis of a special kind. Prana is
the vital energy which maintains all life and it is the subtle
link between the visible and the invisible. The Nadis are a
network of tubes and may be defined as the luminous arteries. The
word Nadis is derived from the Sanskrit "nad" which means
movement. There are said to exist innumerable Nadis all over the
Subtile Body of man. Prana circulates in the Nadis, governed by
the currents of the Sun and Moon and other invisible powers in
the Subtile Body. Purification of the Nadis is one of the most
fundamental exercises of Yoga proper. It is accomplished by the
practices of Asana (Posture) and Pranayama (Regulation of
Breath). Such purification is called Sadhana (Discipline).
There are three principal Nadis: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Sushumna is situated in the inside of the cerebro-spinal axis,
the Merudanda, and may be said to be next to the spinal marrow.
It begins from the lowest center of the human body, the First
Chakra called Muladhara (5 cm. above the anus and 5 cm. behind
the penis). It then passes through the next five Chakras, and
then leads to the Sahasrara Chakra. The Chakras are said to be on
the vertebral column in Sushumna. Sushumna sparkles like a string
of jewels. Through it passes the Kundalini, the Power of
Liberation (Mukti).
Within the Sushumna is a subtle Nadi, the Vajrini, and within it
a still subtler one, the Citrini. The interior of the Citrini is
called the Brahma Nadi. It is not a separate Nadi in the usual
sense, but only a vivara, a hollow passage. The opening of this
Citrini Nadi is the door through which the Kundalini enters the
Royal Road, Kula Marga, on its way to the Crown Above and it is
known as Brahma-Dvara.
It is said that the Kundalini sleeps until awakened in the
Muladhara Chakra, closing with its mouth the entrance to the
Sushumna. When the Kundalini (Shakti) is awakened, by way of
proper initiation, She enters the Royal Way in the central Nadi
(Sushumna) to embrace her Lord Shiva above in the Brahmarandhra
(Sahasrara Chakra). By this sacramental embrace and union of
cosmic forces above and below, Shakti and Shiva are said to make
"floods of nectar flow."
The Kundalini is called the Supreme Shakti (Parashakti), or
Supreme Goddess, dwelling in man. Shiva is the Supreme God, the
masculine idea of Godhead, whereas the Kundalini is the feminine
idea of Godhead. To unite Shiva and Shakti is the Supreme
Operation of the Great Work (Magnum Opus) in the Art and Science
of Yoga proper. This is accomplished by controlling the sexual
energy which should retain its subtile form and ascend upward
with the ascending Prana instead of descending under the form of
seminal liquid. Kundalini then rises through the Sushumna and
pierces each petal of the seven Chakras which then rise up erect,
blossoming into full Lotuses.
Ida and Pingala, like Sushumna, start in the Muladhara Chakra and
rise towards the Chakra in the forehead (Ajna), but with an
inverse, serpentine movement which causes them to pass from left
to right and inversely, surrounding each Chakra without passing
through it like the Sushumna. Ida is to the left; it is lunar and
feminine. Pingala is to the right; it is solar and masculine. Ida
and Pingala meet at the Muladhara Chakra and again at the Ajna
where they form a plaited knot -- and enter the Central Nadi
(Sushumna). Thereafter they separate and flow separately.
Ida and Pingala are to be annihilated in the process of awakening
the Kundalini Power. That is, they are to be emptied of their
Prana, so that the Prana can be forced to pass through the
Sushumna. This is the method of the Great Work itself, to unite
the two equal opposites and thereby annihilate their individual
modes of being to be reborn in a third principle which partakes
of the essences of both opposites, yet abiding independently of
them in the center of its own universe. From a Thelemic point of
view, it is the uniting of the two infinities called Nuit and
Hadit for the birth of their child Ra-Hoor-Khuit, a Unity which
includes and heads all things. It is the death of division -- the
dissolution of all opposites -- for which sake there is creation.
As it is written in our Most Holy Book of the New Aeon, "For I am
divided for love's sake, for the chance of union. This is the
creation of the world, that the pain of division is as nothing,
and the joy of dissolution all." (Read Liber Legis, The Book of
the Law, I: 29-30.)
The Chakras themselves, after a manner of speaking, are slain by
the Yogi or Magician as he raises his Kundalini Power below to
unite his particular consciousness with the infinite
consciousness above. In other words, he becomes the master of the
various subtle energies which generate from the Chakras. He
stands above them as the Sun stands above the clouds. He is no
more below to be deceived by clouds of illusion so that he cannot
see the Light of the Cosmic Self; but he stands above all clouds
of illusion in the Celestial Light itself. He is crowned with the
Wisdom of Ages; he is a knower of the One Object of all Knowledge
and Initiation called L.V.X., Lux, the Light of the Cross.
Concerning the magical system of the Golden Dawn, Dr. Israel
Regardie had this to say, "If one idea more than any other is
persistently stressed from the beginning of one's initiation into
this magical system, that idea is in the word Light ... For it
is by that Light that the golden banner of the inner life may be
exalted; it is in Light where lies healing, and the power of
growth."
Through the proper scientific application of the initiatory
process as represented by the awakening of the Kundalini Power
and the consequent activation and development of the subtle
energies of the seven Chakras, the Magician can partake the
sublime Mysteries of the Eternal Light, to be nourished in his
soul with the Celestial Glory of the Stars, and to attain the
Cosmic Consciousness which is the Life which abides in Light.
Thus shall he be united with his True Self in the Infinite. And
so shall he duly accomplish the Great Work. In nomine Novus Ordo
Aureae Aurora, Sic sit vobis!
Love is the law, love under will.