Deity and Archetypes is another subject I have discussed on before on QuickSilvers Magic and Witchcraft page. But in this Book of Magic I will discuss the use of such things in a magical context. As I described before I don't believe that deities actually exist. I believe that they are simply manifestations of the subconscious or the collective consciousness of mankind. One example I like to use to explain this is that of the Mother Goddess'. In my mind Isis, Quan Yin and the Virgin Mary are all one in the same they are all a deity that serves a purpose in the human mind. A matriarchal, all loving, caring, nurturing being. Whom we all feel an affinity with regardless of our gender.

Deities from left to right:  Atlas, Khepera, Quan Yin and Apollo.

It is also my belief that everything in existence has a vibration. This vibrational energy is present in everything we see, do, hear and touch. It is in plants, food, colours, rocks, herbs and oils. But this vibrational energy is not just limited to physical things. It is present within ourselves it is also present without.

When magicians conduct ritual most often they invoke a deity or entity of some kind that helps them with their magical endeavour. They may invoke Aphrodite as a love deity for example.

Shamans do a very similar thing. When they "Journey" they quite often call upon animal guides or spirits to help them heal or help in a situation. For example they may ask a Bear for its medicine or its help. The symbolism of the bear is invoked and used for healing purposes.

This is no different from a Witch invoking a deity that helps or heals. Alternatively what some people do is within meditation they focus or concentrate on a particular deity which can help them with whatever issue they have at the time.

So therefore invoking deity for magic and ritual is tapping into the collective unconscious and using that vibrational energy created by archetypes which are present within all human beings to draw upon that energy required to heal or to manifest a want or desire.

For e.g. 
Recently during a meditative state, which incidentally inspired me to update this page, I had a profound thought. One of my favourite deities is Set or Seth and up until recently I was using Set as the centrepiece of my permanent altar. During the time many strange events, and mishaps were occurring in my life none of them life threatening but nevertheless disturbing. I realised during this state that Set was the god of chaos, desert storms, and general natural disasters. No wonder my life was going haywire. I have since replaced Set with a less destructive deity. Things seem to have quietened down. 

So in fact what was happening was that the vibration of Set was influencing events in my life. I still don't really believe that Set exists but, the energies and vibrations that he stands for definitely do.

How do I use deities in magic then you ask?

What is your desire? Do you wish to be healthier? Do you want to be more loving and therefore be loved? When you answer these questions. Then do a little research you will find thousands of deities out there that are associated with human emotions, desires, states of mind, phase of life and so fourth.

 Choose a deity relevant to your desire. Cast the Magic Circle and invoke this deity into your ritual by saying something like "I invoke thee Horus god of protection, may you bless myself and my loved ones by enveloping us with your shielding energy."

 If you have a statue or a picture of the deity this may help you to focus. If not try to conjure the image of the deity in your mind and tap into the energies that, that deity represents.

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Murray Byfield © 2000-2002