The Loss of Power
Until now, all our conversations about Power have concerned its acquisition. Yet in the life of the Magus, another phenomenon also occurs: the loss of Power.
Let us consider the possible causes of this loss.
It must be noted that not every decrease in Power is a true loss. Power — the capacity for realization — can diminish through use; in that case the decrease is temporary and leads to further growth, even beyond the initial level, because Power grows through use.
The loss of Power, by contrast, is not use. It manifests either as dissipation or as a Reverse Current of Power.
Most often, the loss of Power is local and tied to imperfect actions — to mistakes made by the Magus. Another form of Power-loss is defeat: the Magus enters a battle and loses it. This can happen in a magical ritual and in other moments of the Magus’ Way, which is, in essence, the sum of battles for Power — battles for one’s Way and one’s self-identity. In all these cases, there is usually a dissipation of Power: its pointless expenditure (in the sense that it does not lead to further growth). In other words, a mind exhausted by battle can temporarily reduce its capacity for realization, because the manifestation of awareness requires a resource in the form of pneuma. This process is usually reversible, though restoring the initial level of Power may require a shorter or longer time. Yet if such dissipation happens often, recovery eventually begins to lag behind the losses. This leads to exhaustion and can even become the cause of the Magus’ death.
Far worse is the Reverse Current of Power. This term denotes the Magus’ sustained loss of Power, usually triggered by a critical mistake or a defeat that forces a destructive restructuring of the mind. This process is extremely difficult to reverse. The outflow of Power tends to accelerate (unlike the Inflow, where each next step is harder than the last) until the Magus is emptied completely. A mind caught in a destructive current can, with immense effort, return to a constructive state. Such an emptying is worse than death in battle, because it reduces the chances of mastering Power in subsequent incarnations — projections of this Monad. In such cases they say, “Power has turned away from the Magus.”
A Magus in this condition often loses self-control. He begins to rush about, trying to preserve the remnants of Power slipping away from him, and he usually commits new mistakes — thereby accelerating the Reverse Current.
The only impeccable way out for a Magus who has fallen into such a situation is a complete suspension of activity, a full redeployment of forces, and maximum strain to stop the outflow. One must not even think of growth in Power. All forces must be spent to hold the line, and only after the Reverse Current has ceased can one attempt to begin the Ascent anew.
Unfortunately, history offers far more examples of the death of Magi abandoned by Power than of those who reversed the Reverse Current. This is exactly how the pagan schools perished under the onslaught of Christianity: Magi who failed to assess the situation made critical mistakes, and Power (the Gods) turned away from them.
To avoid outflows of Power, the Magus must unite action with constant monitoring of his state: regular checks of his Power level and his available sources of energy. Only by joining action with contemplation, control and discipline with fiery activity, does the Magus succeed in his development.
Mother of Fate
Impulses of Power
Power or Energy?
Good Angels
The Atts of the Runes
Arcana and Secrets
Belief in Oneself and Doubt
Village Magic and Witchcraft
In man lies a vast potential of energy that needs to be unlocked, and then Great opportunities will open. There is no need to be afraid of losing power as it does not belong to the mage; he merely holds the keys that open it.
Well done, Roman. By the way, since I stopped being afraid of losing Power and started to relate to it from such a position: it’s okay, we will restore it, it will make me stronger, I have become stronger, and power has started to obey me (instead of me being afraid of losing it).
You shouldn’t ‘fear’ the loss of Power, but rather try to avoid it when possible – that’s not the same thing at all.
It seems to me that in order for losses not to occur, it is necessary to undergo training first. I am sure that there are rules, laws, or recommendations for controlling power. After all, complete loss of power due to the burnout of conduits can lead to complete abandonment of a certain tradition.
Dear Enmerkar! Could you tell us a bit more about what the specific work entails on ‘the complete suspension of activity, the complete relocation of forces and maximal tension to stop the outflow’? And how to determine the moment of stopping the outflow? A few years ago, I fell into this trap (‘being defeated by the Force,’ ‘succumbing to the temptation of Charm,’ etc.) and made all the mistakes you mention. I survived, but there were many losses. And most importantly, much later, after passing through that phase when ‘the flight from the fall is indistinguishable,’ I clearly felt that the fall continued, i.e., the awareness of mistakes and the cessation of senseless floundering did not stop the outflow. Now I feel like I am finally at the bottom and can cautiously start doing something. Specific, albeit brief, recommendations would be accepted with gratitude. It would also be great to attend your seminar in Crimea this summer.
To stop the outflow of Power, one must decisively change their course of action, do something in a completely different direction, even if it is unrelated to the Path. For different people, this means different actions. Some are better off engaging in artistic creativity, others in martial arts or gardening. The idea is to break the chain of events leading from the mistake that caused the outflow of Power to the current moment. That is, to return to a state of tabula rasa, not forgetting their individuality. As for the Seminar – if you wish to participate in it, please send a request to feedback@enmerkar.com
Tell me, Enmerkar, is it possible to fully restore power after loss? Or is the loss of the original potential (completely) factually irrecoverable without losses, i.e., does it only restore partially?
Dear magicians! The outflow of energy is also related to how you use it. God gave you this power to make this world better. I know only a few people who help others properly and wisely. Removing curses, spoilage, and all other negativity should not be transferred to other items, so that later this plague affects other people; it needs to be transformed, purified by passing through oneself. Only then will this be a feat, and truly a miracle. God wishes everyone well, He does not fulfill our whims and desires; He helps us become stronger and wiser. I, Vasily, ask all magicians to adhere to one rule: DO NO HARM!
It would be great to share experiences and observations because without proper attention it is very hard not to harm, even with good or seemingly harmless motivations and intentions…
From my side, I note that calls, like the one you, Vasily, are making to us, which I join, are usually addressed to you yourself, in the first or second place.
Thank you for the guidance!