Lecture on the Evolution of Magic and Austin Osman Spare

Introduction

• Magic has undergone significant changes and innovations throughout history.
• Various theories of magic exist, often mutually exclusive.
• Examples include:
  • Naturalistic theory (Al-Kindy's concept of stellar rays)
  • Solomonic tradition
  • Mystical ascent of Enochian magic

19th and 20th Century Shifts

• Magic intersected with psychology, psychoanalysis, and philosophy.
• Key figures: Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman Spare.
  • Spare's theory of sigil magic influenced chaos magic.

Collaboration

• This episode is in collaboration with Dr. Angela Puka, focusing on magic, esotericism, witchcraft, paganism.
• Check out her content for more academic studies on the occult.

Austin Osman Spare

• Background: Son of a London policeman, artist, and occultist.
• Influence on surrealism and symbolic writing.
• Work focused on theoretical and practical aspects of magic.
• Writing style: Opaque and prophetic.

Spare's Philosophy

• Key concepts: Kia and Zos.
  • Kia: Primal energetic vortex of reality, akin to Hindu Brahman or Dao.
  • Zos: Human organism, embodiment of sentience.
• Alienation of Zos from Kia is central to Spare’s philosophy.
• Overcoming alienation unlocks divine genius and power.

Sigil Magic

• Sigils as condensed symbols of will implanted into the subconscious.
• Aim: Access the power of Kia by bypassing ego defenses.
• Techniques for sigil implantation:
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Orgasm
  • Despair and disappointment
  • "Death posture"

Influence and Innovations

• Fusion of Western occultism with Eastern philosophies (Hindu and Taoist thought).
• Contrast with traditional Western magic (e.g., Cornelius Agrippa’s sigils).
• Sigils in Spare’s philosophy:
  • Not about manipulating occult sympathies.
  • Overcoming alienation between Kia and Zos.
• Centrality of will and subconscious in modern philosophy of mind.

Critiques and Comparisons

• Spare critiqued Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis.
• Criticized ceremonial magicians, including Crowley.
• Advocated for transcending alienation through personal will, not traditional magic or psychoanalysis.

Legacy and Impact

• Influenced chaos magic and contemporary esoteric practices.
• Spare lived in poverty, underappreciated in his time.
• His work was later popularized, foundational for chaos magic.
• Recommended study: Baker’s "Austin Osman Spare: The Occult Life of London’s Legendary Artist."

Conclusion

• Spare’s unique approach remains significant in individualized, subject-oriented occult practices today.
• Encouragement to explore further academic content on esotericism and magic.

Note: These notes provide an overview of the lecture content on the history of magic and the contributions of Austin Osman Spare. They are structured to aid in understanding the main points and themes discussed in the lecture.