The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Will

WILL, a central theme in Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophy and a driving force in human existence, is perceived as a divine motive or intention reflecting the higher self. WILL is often seen as the concentrated and disciplined application of thought and willpower in magical practices, aiming to enhance the strength and purity of one’s intentions. This concept underscores that an individual's will must be strong, pure, and free from earthly contaminations, embodying a strong form of individualism driven by practical and beneficial actions.

In Schopenhauer’s philosophical framework, WILL is portrayed as the tireless cause of manifestation, symbolizing the force or power that energizes the creative portion of the mind. It is integral to directing actions and decisions, significantly impacting the development and maintenance of the vital body. WILL is not only associated with the mental faculty enabling individuals to make decisions and exert control over their actions and moods but also as a fundamental aspect of the ego’s power to direct actions and enhance mental states.

In the context of magical practices, WILL plays a essential part as the active force behind the formation of the magnetic chain, granting practitioners the ability to manipulate reality and wield omnipotence, including feats such as invisibility. According to Hermetic principles, WILL acts as the power of the mind to exert influence over both one's own thoughts and actions, as well as those of others. The will directs attention, thereby changing mental states, aligning with practices that aim to cultivate mental clarity and focus.

Overall, WILL encompasses a manifold yet unified concept, serving as both a philosophical pursuit and a practical tool for enhancing one's mental and physical capabilities. The will of a wise man who can command and achieve wonders through it

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Mental AlchemyConcept

Mental Alchemy is practiced by Hermetic Masters using their Will to transform and control their mental states and the minds of others The Will is a key aspect of practicing Mental Alchemy, as it is used to exert influence over one's own thoughts and actions in accordance with the Hermetic principles

Self-masteryConcept

Self-Mastery is the practice of using the Will to achieve mental poise and control, as demonstrated by Hermetic Masters The Will is a key aspect of Self-Mastery, enabling the individual to exert control over their own mental states and actions

Mental Gender involves the use of the Will to stimulate and energize the mind's creative powers.

SelfConcept

The Self and the Will of the Masculine Principle are interdependent entities crucial for mental operations and creative endeavors. The Self, representing the individual's inner world and mental processes, relies on the active assistance of the Will to give birth to mental offspring—symbols of creative thoughts and ideas. The Will, embodying the dynamic and expressive aspect of the Masculine Principle, plays a vital role by initiating and supporting the creative processes started by the Self. Together, these two entities—The Self and the Will—function in a cooperative manner, with each requiring the other's active contribution to achieve mental and intellectual growth. The Will, operating in diverse phases, consistently supports the mental creations and expressions initiated by the Self, emphasizing their inseparable and dynamic relationship. This harmonious interplay highlights the essential collaboration between the internal Self and the external Will in the generation and realization of mental concepts and ideas. The Will is an essential aspect of the Self, providing the active power required for mental creation

SuggestionConcept

Suggestion is a form of influence that relies on the Will (Male Principle) to implant thoughts in another's mind.

Two Principles Of MindConcept

The Will, represented by the Male Principle, is the force that enables the generation of original thoughts.

Hermetic MastersLineage

Hermetic Masters have mastered the use of the Will, using it to control their own mental states and influence others

Faith→Concept

Faith and will are interlinked processes that work in tandem to form a cohesive chain, both in the context of belief systems and in the spiritual or collective realm. This chain not only solidifies a chain of belief and commitment but also serves to draw souls together into a united and interconnected group. In the creation and sustained growth of faith, it is the willing souls that come together through a circle of manifestation, contributing to the formation and strengthening of this interconnected chain. Faith and will are two key elements in the formation of a chain of belief and commitment

Hermetic FormulasSubstance

The Will is the power used in conjunction with Hermetic formulas to exert influence over one's mind and the minds of others, in accordance with the Hermetic principles

ThaumaturgeConcept

The will of a thaumaturge is the foundation of their practice as it allows them to command and perform miracles

Arthur SchopenhauerPerson

ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER, a renowned German philosopher, is primarily recognized for his focus on the concept of the will in his philosophical works. This central theme in his philosophy posits that the will is the tireless cause of manifestation and underlies every aspect of nature. Schopenhauer's ideas center around the notion that the will is the driving force behind all phenomena, making it a crucial facet of his comprehensive philosophical system. Thus, in Schopenhauser’s worldview, the will manifests in various forms across the natural world, underscoring its pervasive role in existence.

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

Bewitchment relies on the will as a primary tool to exert harm or benefit

Magnetic AtmosphereConcept

The magnetic atmosphere is equilibrated and drawn by the faculties of persons, which are regulated by the will.

ClairvoyantsPerson

Clairvoyants develop their spiritual vision through the strength of their will, acting independently from external influences.

InvisibilityConcept

The Will is a concept used to achieve invisibility, a magical state where individuals can avoid being seen

The Will and Tetragram both represent the creative power behind magical transformations, with Tetragram being the term expressing this power explicitly

Will To KnowConcept

The will drives the brain to produce a concept known as the will to know, a product of the will to live.

Sabbath DanceRitual

The Sabbath dance, as a ritual, serves to strengthen the will of those who participate

St. Elizabeth Of HungaryPerson

Like the Will of a Magus, St. Elizabeth's actions demonstrate magical thinking in her acts of charity and real presence

Papus→Person

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

ChildrenLineage

Children form a magic chain through their games, which strengthen their willingness to play together

Mental TransmutationRitual

Using Will and Attention, one can change one's mental state or vibration through Mental Transmutation.

CircleConcept

The circle, as a symbol, is tied to the will of individuals who form a chain

W.Person

Waite explicitly states that the Magician signifies the divine motive in man.

MagikancierConcept

The Magician embodies the will, connecting man with the higher divine motivation.

WitConcept

Wit is the active will of the I, responsible for directing mental creation and providing the energy needed for generation

PositivismConcept

Comte's positivism represents a reaction against the dominance of the will in Schopenhauer's philosophy, emphasizing instead the empirical study of natural laws and the rejection of traditional metaphysical thought.

PunConcept

Puns can affect the will and create unexpected realizations

Master→Person

The will of a master is strong enough to overcome the swings of the mental pendulum, allowing them to remain in control of their moods and emotions.

Truth→Concept

The will, as a concept in the Axiomata Hermetica, operates under the truth

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

WillthroughAstral LightilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Will & Astral Light

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

II. Astral Light & Paracelsus

Paracelsus was aware of the circulation of astral currents and its potential for magical practices

WillthroughAstral LightilluminatesKabalah →
I. Will & Astral Light

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

II. Astral Light & Kabalah

Kabalah provides the fundamental dogma for true astrology, which influences the Astral Light

WillthroughMental AlchemyilluminatesAstrology →
I. Will & Mental Alchemy

Mental Alchemy is practiced by Hermetic Masters using their Will to transform and control their mental states and the minds of others The Will is a key aspect of practicing Mental Alchemy, as it is used to exert influence over one's own thoughts and actions in accordance with the Hermetic principles

II. Mental Alchemy & Astrology

ASTROLOGY and MENTAL ALCHEMY are two interconnected forms of Hermetic knowledge, each focusing on the hidden, spiritual aspects of natural phenomena. These practices aim to understand and influence the nature of the universe through the study of signs and symbols, seeking to reveal deeper meanings and potentials within the natural world. Both disciplines utilize symbolic languages and astrological insights to explore the sympathy of all things, blending empirical observations with metaphysical principles to achieve their goals.

WillthroughSelfilluminatesPhilosophy →
I. Will & Self

The Self and the Will of the Masculine Principle are interdependent entities crucial for mental operations and creative endeavors. The Self, representing the individual's inner world and mental processes, relies on the active assistance of the Will to give birth to mental offspring—symbols of creative thoughts and ideas. The Will, embodying the dynamic and expressive aspect of the Masculine Principle, plays a vital role by initiating and supporting the creative processes started by the Self. Together, these two entities—The Self and the Will—function in a cooperative manner, with each requiring the other's active contribution to achieve mental and intellectual growth. The Will, operating in diverse phases, consistently supports the mental creations and expressions initiated by the Self, emphasizing their inseparable and dynamic relationship. This harmonious interplay highlights the essential collaboration between the internal Self and the external Will in the generation and realization of mental concepts and ideas. The Will is an essential aspect of the Self, providing the active power required for mental creation

II. Self & Philosophy

Philosophy reveals the true self, the immortal core of human beings

WillthroughAstral LightilluminatesPentagram →
I. Will & Astral Light

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

II. Astral Light & Pentagram

Through the Pentagram, spirits representing the Astral Light can be made available for observation

WillthroughAstral LightilluminatesEvocation →
I. Will & Astral Light

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

II. Astral Light & Evocation

Evocation rituals take place within the Astral Light

WillthroughAstral LightilluminatesMagic →
I. Will & Astral Light

The Astral Light is subordinate to will and intelligence, subject to imagination and dependent on will.

II. Astral Light & Magic

The Astral Light is manipulated through magic, as described in the text

WillthroughFaithilluminatesWater →
I. Will & Faith

Faith and will are interlinked processes that work in tandem to form a cohesive chain, both in the context of belief systems and in the spiritual or collective realm. This chain not only solidifies a chain of belief and commitment but also serves to draw souls together into a united and interconnected group. In the creation and sustained growth of faith, it is the willing souls that come together through a circle of manifestation, contributing to the formation and strengthening of this interconnected chain. Faith and will are two key elements in the formation of a chain of belief and commitment

II. Faith & Water

Water can be endowed with virtue through faith in the thaumaturge's practice

WillthroughSelf-masteryilluminatesMatter →
I. Will & Self-mastery

Self-Mastery is the practice of using the Will to achieve mental poise and control, as demonstrated by Hermetic Masters The Will is a key aspect of Self-Mastery, enabling the individual to exert control over their own mental states and actions

II. Self-mastery & Matter

Matter, like Energy, can be affected by the principles of Self-Mastery, reflecting the potential for controlling and transforming physical states

WillthroughThaumaturgeilluminatesAngels →
I. Will & Thaumaturge

The will of a thaumaturge is the foundation of their practice as it allows them to command and perform miracles

II. Thaumaturge & Angels

Angels can perform thaumaturgic miracles on earth as they are instruments of divine action