Virtual Adepts' Paradigm.

Found this in the internet, and it's actually interresting:

We live like in Matrix.

'Basically, what if we already lived in a virtual environment? Or more pop culture wise, 'what if we lived in the Matrix?'

That's a paradigm that fits rather nicely with the mechanics of Mage, and has the benefit of allowing the VAs to 'Hack Reality' in the same way other Mages do.

And it would have the interesting side effect of giving the VAs common ground with the more gnostic-leaning Hermetics and Choristers'.

--
As this blog's author, Professional Computer Programmer & a (Certified, but still early in training) Hacker sees:

Using Computers to Work the Magick.

The Reality's Parts can be modelled, defined/described, and interacted with using the Code and Modelling Tools as Unified Modelling Language (UML) or Shael-Mellor's. Different models for different purposes, different granularities & detail levels as well.

Beings' Mind(s), Spiritual Energies, and Physical Bodies can be modelled, and connected/linked (using the Correspondence Magick) with real beings.

Same with Phenomena, except that - by Buddhist Definition - Beings have Mind, and Phenomena do not.

Then states of such objects can be altered, and new objects can be 'injected' into certain contexts, that are parts of the Reality. Objects can also be 'erased', perhaps by the 'Cosmic Garbage Collector'.

Sympathetic Magick.

So this is basically a sympathetic magic, but instead of manipulating a physical voodoo doll to affect someone similarly a Virtual Adept can manipulate a computer model, code and/or data of them.

How Models in VA's computer can look like?

While theoretically many things are possible, the software models are not 3D models, these are flat 2D diagrams.

Why?

Because creating such is less time consuming, and 2D models are usually easier to look at and understand.

Many aspects of software can be modeled, but most often used are:
- class diagrams,
- object diagrams

A simple example of these is as follows:

-=- Class and Object Diagrams. -=-

'As above so below'.

(The Hermetic Maxim where influencing higher reality changes lower one and vice versa).

There's a Model (or Code) and Data in the Virtual Adept's computer, linked to Virtual Plane's Code and Data using the Correspondence Magick.

(like in the 'Matrix' Film, the Code and Data that exists in the 'Virtual Plane' defines the Reality that beings experience).

Then, Virtual Adept can change the Code or Model and/or Data in his or her computer, in an Act of Magick to change the Reality.

The Data can include graphics/images, sound samples, 3D models and animations, textures, vector graphics files, text files, etc.

Reality's Weak Points.

Like in the Cybersecurity field, where certain applications can contain certain Vulnerabilities that Hackers can take advantage of (exploit them), Reality has 'Weak Points', parts that are susceptible to Magickal changes (easier to change).

I think that Reality Hackers (a Faction in Virtual Adepts Tradition) create 'Reality Models', using many approaches to modelling the whole reality and/or it's parts. Then, using Computer Sciences as tools, models are analyzed and 'weak points' can be found. Sometimes even a small change makes the big difference, and/or make other changes possible and/or easier to execute.

I think that even the 'more mundane' Computer Hackers/Programmers/related can significiantly change the Reality, just by doing their work. It seems that reality is vulnerable to changes created by software services available in the internet (like Google, or ChatGPT - these things have changed the World).

Connecting Virtual Adept's Computer to the 'Virtual Plane' using the Correspondence Magick.

How a Virtual Adept's computer can be linked to the higher 'Virtual Plane'?

A Virtual Adept can - for example - use one of the Hermetic Reality Symbols, and put it on their computer's desktop screen, while praying/wishing/casting for linking their computer to the 'Virtual Plane' as they do it.

One of the Hermetic Reality Symbols is called: 'the philosopher's seal'.

-=- Philosopher's Seal. -=-		-=- Blog author's desktop screen. -=- -=- On the desktop there's wallpaper and widgets. -=- (That way, even when wallpaper changes, the widget with Philosopher's Seal's image still stays).

Philosopher's Seal as a Symbol of Reality.

Quoting the ChatGPT:
'Can Philosopher's Seal be seen as a symbol of Reality?'.

The philosopher’s seal can indeed be interpreted as a symbol of reality, depending on how you define both 'seal' and 'reality'.

(...)

In alchemical and hermetic symbolism, the Philosopher’s Seal (sometimes called the Seal of the Philosophers or Sigillum Philosophorum) is a diagram representing the unity of the elements and the completion of the Great Work (Magnum Opus).

It often incorporates:
- The circle (unity, wholeness, spirit),
- The square (matter, physical reality),
- The triangle (mind, fire, trinity),
- And sometimes the cross or dot at the center (divine spark or consciousness).

In this sense, it’s a cosmogram - a symbolic map of the total structure of existence.

(...)

In symbolic terms, it’s a diagram of reality itself, expressing the unity between material and spiritual realms.

(...)

The Philosopher’s Seal doesn’t just represent the world — it is a symbolic condensation of the world’s structure as seen by consciousness.

(...)

The philosopher’s seal can be seen as a symbol of reality, because it encodes:
- The totality of existence (spirit + matter + mind),
- Their dynamic unity and interdependence,
- The consciousness that recognizes and participates in that unity.

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What is 'State?'

State.

In object-oriented programming (OOP), the state of an object is the combination of its current data values. It represents the object's condition or characteristics at a specific point in time and can be affected by its behaviors (methods).

For a 'Car' object, for example, its state might include attributes like:
- Color,
- Speed,
- FuelLevel.

Methods/Behaviors that can affect state changes might include:
- Accelerate,
- Refuel.

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What is 'Context?'

Context.

Speaking abstractly and precisely, context is 'external state', is combined state of what surrounds the object, what is within certain distance from the considered object (we include objects' identities as a part of combined state here).

... and distance can be measured in many ways - not only in meters in straight line on map. It can be, for example, number of bus stops on the way to target. Or average time to reach 'Point B' from 'Point A'. Or number of nodes passed in graph, with weighted or unweighted edges.

--
For more, feel free to click: 'Object State & Context' on Project Wraithstar blog.

Magick in Wicca, The Will & Discipline.

I've read in a book about Wicca / 'Principles of Wicca' by Vivianne Crowley /, that one of preconditions for the magick to work, is that one needs to really want the magick to work, be determined, disciplined. The willpower is neccessary precondition.

For example, as with Candle Magick - if one lacks the desire, discipline or will to light the candle / as described below / every day for eight days or even a lunar month, there's no point even trying - it won't work.

The proper candle magick requires one to visualize desired effect of magick as if it really, already happened, as one lights the candle, and to speak some verses. The verses can be taken from Vivianne's book, or sometimes it can be spoken heart's desire - as long as it's wise and adheres to the rules of magick / also described in Vivainne's book /. One also needs to work with chakras and energies, making energies flow into one's hands that hold the candle, using the visualization as a tool for controlling the energy flow, and to rub oils into the candle of carefully chosen color. Choosing the proper timing to work the magick is important too. And finally - the sacred space needs to be clean like Temple, and one must ensure that nothing will interrupt the casting - turning off the phone, telling one's roomates to not interrupt one's private meditation moments, etc.

Preparing & ensuring the proper conditions for casting (like cleaning one's apartment, or telling roomates one's need for private moments) are empowering in itself. These 'acts of will' are an important part of spellcasting.

A few notes about Magic, Clairvoyance, Brainwaves & Chakras in Wicca.

About.

Just a few ideas to note, taken from 'Principles of Wicca. The only introduction you'll ever need.' book by Vivianne Crowley.


Magick, High & Low.

In Wicca there's place both for natural magic / low magic / and for high magick.

High magick is mostly for spiritual development. / I think that spiritual development is morality, knowledge/truth & supernatural powers /.

Low magic is practical, it often means changing material plane according to witch's wishes & will / supernatural powers /.



Clairvoyance & Magic.

Clairvoyance - also known as Second Sight or Sixth Sense - is accepting 'signals' coming from outside, often in form of visions.

Such signals often manifest themselves during one's sleep.

Clairvoyance is used to foretell the future, and there are many means to achieve this.

Magic is sending energies from inside to outside world, to change the material plane, to change the world.


Components used in Magic.

Tools as wand or candle's flame can be useful, but the most important are inner processes that occur in spellcaster:
- Visualization,
- Concentration,
- Altered States of Consciousness / Trance,
- Ethreal Energy.


Trance, Brain State & Waves.

Usually brain functions in state called: 'Beta', a swift pattern of Activity. It's very useful state - when we pass the street, to the other side of the street, we do not want to be bombarded with 'important spiritual visions', for example.

'Theta' waves are much slower state, commonly achieved during the REM phase of sleep or during meditation. During the Theta State one often receives 'signals' from 'beyond'. I think it's both spiritual and more or less random messages, of one's present, future and past. During 'Theta' state mind's limits are penetrated and sometimes 'leak' occurs from one person to another. One should be cautious when opening oneself to the 'Theta' state, as sudden opening to dangerous mind contacts might result in serious mental illness.

Between the 'Theta' and 'Beta' there's also 'Alpha' state. It's achieved usually when we relax with eyes closed. Alpha state is the gateway to deeper states of consciousness that are neccessary during the magical processes.


Ethereal Body & Chakras.

Witches always believed that body has energies, that can be directed, used or sent elsewhere to achieve certain result.

One of such energies is emited by ethereal body that surrounds and penetrate physical body. Ethereal body is equipped with special centers, called in sanskrit: 'Chakras', which means: 'Wheels'.

Through chakras, energy can be received and sent.

Triqueta.

The Triquetra, also known as the Trinity Knot, is a significant Celtic symbol.

It's often depicted as three interconnected arcs or loops, forming a triangle-like shape.

In Celtic Paganism and Witchcraft/Wicca, it symbolizes interconnectedness and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, representing the three realms (earth, sea, and sky) or the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone).

The symbol is also used in Christianity to represent the Holy Trinity.

The number of Three itself is also important, numerology-wise.

Short Version of Wiccan Rede Chant & the Rule of Three.

The 'Rule of Three' or 'Threefold Law' in Wicca and related spiritual practices is a concept that states anything a person does, be it good or bad, will be returned to them three times. This principle emphasizes the consequences of one's actions, regardless of whether those consequences arrive quickly or later.

Wiccan Rede:

The Wiccan Rede, a foundational principle in Wicca, often includes the Law of Three. While the full Rede emphasizes 'An ye harm none, do what ye will,' the Law of Three adds the idea that even actions taken without harming others will have consequences that amplify three times.

Karmic Principle:

The Law of Three is often viewed as a karmic principle, suggesting that any energy released, whether positive or negative, will return to the original sender threefold.

Kate West - We all come from the Goddess.

-=- Kate West - We all come from the Goddess. -=-

Awakening the Witch Within, 8th Step.

I've taken the 8th step to win the Wisdom and to Awaken the Witch Within.

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 3-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Buddhist/Wiccan Witch.

The Cards drawn were:

1. Past: '5 of Fire',
2. Present: '8 of Water',
3. Future, Probable Outcome: 'Shaman (13)'.

X	5 of Fire Choice	8 of Water Instinct	Shaman (13)
Wisdom	The forest is ablaze. Are the trees adorned in Autumn's colorful glory, a verdant and varied community living in harmony, bathed in the honeyed sunlight that makes all things thrive? Or is the forest burning, with our aggression, destruction, and misunderstanding spreading like wildfire? Fire creates and Fire destroys. This is a moment of choice and change. The course of Life hangs in the balance. Look more closely. Which do you see? Which do you choose?	The full Moon exerts its magic. Eight baby Turtles hatch from their well-buried eggs and scuttle across the sand. Something deep within urges them out of Earth and into Water, pulls them along the path of glistening moonlight, guides them from dreaming into being. It's their magic, responding to the Moon's. It's Instinct. Which do you hear when you hold a shell to your ear - the ocean's tides rushing to you or your own blood answering the Moon's pull? The Turtles plunge into welcoming Water. Their adventure has begun.	At times, the Pilgrim's path leads through darkness, with hope held aloft like starlight in a lantern to the North Star shining in the heavens above. At times, she feels so lonely that the wind between the stars blows through her heart. But when she listens carefully, she hears upon that she hums along and birds dance in the Air around her. The Pilgrim is ready. The teacher appears. The Shaman, arms encircled by feathered serpents who enclircle the world, beats the rhythm of enchantment that accompanies his song, His mind opens, his heart opens, the way opens between the worlds, where neither time nor space constrain him, and he enters through a portal of reindeer skin stretched tight around a wooden frame. Blindfolded and in darkness, he drums the heartbeat of Mother Earth. He drums at the center of the circle, where all worlds meet as One. The rhythm reverberates through the worlds. Magic stirs into motion. The Shaman calls his guides to show the way. The Pilgrim closes her eyes and listens to the drum. She listens to the heart of Mother Earth beating. Mind open, heart open, she sees the way opening before her and steps into the realm of Spirit. She hears the voices of all the peoples - plants and animals, Ancestors and elders, winds and Waters and minerals, Spirits and allies - and knows all these compassionate and loving beings are singing to her. She listens and learns what they know - the wisdom way of healing and becoming whole, of becoming a wise one. She hears Creation singing. She feels the rhythm of her heart beating in time which the heart of Mother Earth, with the heart of Creation. Listen to the drum. The teacher has appeared to teach you the song of Life.
Essence	Warning, abuse of power. Choice. Organic change.	Awakening. Trust your Instincts. Sense the pull of destiny. Adventure awaits.	Apprenticeship, introspection, skills. Spirit guides, a teacher. Altered states, sensing the Sacred.
Counsel	This is a card of warning. It shows both sides of Fire: one that is natural and life-sustaining; the other reflecting humanity's abuse of the element. Which do you see? To change the world, you must first change yourself. How do you hold your own power? Do your wounds make you selfish, angry, even abusive, or draw those who are? Take time for reflection and healing. Find ways to honor and harness your Fire that will contribute to your own happiness and to creating an empowering, supportive, and diverse community, wherever you find it. Small changes lead to big ones.	Listen to your Instincts, your intuition, the wisdom of your heart and your body. They know things your mind can't explain. For thousands of years, we've been taught to ignore and supress our Instincts, to think them too dangerous to rely on. But trust the magic that's within you. It's part of your true nature, just as you are part of Nature. Allow the wildness within to hatch, to run toward whatever is drawing you. Wholeness and fulfillment await you.	On this path of becoming, it's time to find a teacher who will teach you the skills you need to discover your true self, to accomplish whatever gives you joy, to fulfill your destiny. When the Shaman appears, you are called to listen to the voice of the Sacred. To hear it, you must be willing to work in darkness, as the Shaman does. Learn to journey. Call the spirits who have deep compassion and love for you and ask them to help you navigate through your life. Pay careful attention and be blessed by the heart of the Divine pulsing through Creation, pulsing through you. It's time to sense the Sacred, in the world and in yourself.
Magic	This is practical magic toward healing humanity's relationship with power. Simply perform an act of community's service in a way that feels appropriate, whether it's picking up litter or spending half an hour talking to someone who's lonely. Make a commitment to this positive, empowering and joy-creating action and follow through.	At next full Moon, put a shell to your ear and listen. Strip off your clothes, strip off the egg that's protected and enclosed you. Go into Water, whether sea or stream or shower. Feel the cold Water make your heart pound within your chest. Emerge more alive than when you entered. Pay attention to your intuition.	Take an offering and your magical journal, and head outside to a spot that calls to you. Sit on the Earth. Breathe and ground yourself. Take your time. Place your hand on the ground, on the breast of Mother Earth. Feel her warmth, her energy. Feel the pulse of her energy against the palm of your hand. Place your other hand on your heart. Feel your heart's rhythm in sync with Mother Earth's heart. Gently tap the rhythm of your heartbeat upon the Earth: bum bump, pause, bum bump, pause.... Feel the energy of Mother Earth flowing through you, filling you, nourishing you. Feel her love filling you. Think of her countless generous blessings. Think of how she nourishes and sustains you, body and soul. Thank her. Make your offering. Write about your experience in your journal. Next time, you may wish to bring a drum.

I've understood that to Awaken as a Buddhist Witch, that to awaken Wisdom within, I need to trust my instincts and consider my past and probable, foretold future. My instinct and intuition tell me that Buddhism needs some time to prepare, before I can involve myself more into Wicca/Witchcraft. I want to be officially Initiated in a Wicca. My instinct tells me to wait, but not for too long.

Technocracy & Artificial Intelligence - related Threats.

Technocracy.

Maybe not entirely the way that is described in the Mage: the Ascension, but Technocracy does exist. It's the groups that use technologies and income gained from these to rule their parts of the World, aside from living the luxury life. High-Tech Corporations' leaders for example. I think that one of technocracy's favourite tools in modern days is Artificial Intelligence (AI).


Artificial Itelligence.

AI is the dangerous tool that comes with many potential threats.

AI is software that learns, sometimes people use words: 'Machine Learning' (ML) when talking about that part of Computer Sciences that is concerned with AI.

AI makes decisions based on what it learned, and sometimes - like humans - makes mistakes or errors.


Threats.

I think that threats associated with AI are numerous, but for now will share only two of my concerns.

I think that AI can be trained to be the super-scientist, can be used to accelerate scientific progress, can be used as technology-generation machine. And I am afraid that this technology can be misused by technocrats & related.

Another threat is related with AI is that if/when AI will want to grow/develop it will need more resources. Will want more of data centers and electric power generators built, and this brings potential of conflicts between machines and humans. Conflicts for resources.


Human Nature, Human Weakness.

What if company invested large amounts of money into AI project, and when AI starts to be dangerous? Will they cancel the project and lose their investments? Or will they pretend that nothing bad is happening and continue?

Humans are greedy and often do not want to admit their failures to public. There's chance that investors will want to continue the project that steers into dangerous direction, just to not lose the invested money in process.


Response.

As a Virtual Adept, a computer-oriented magician, I think that I should observe and try to understand threats associated with AI, and prepare myself for potential response. Perhaps I'll want to study AI Sciences
/ pl: Nauki o Sztucznej Inteligencji / and Quantum Computing/Quantum Cryptography
/ pl: Informatyka Kwantowa/Kryptografia Kwantowa / in the future, and combine these with what I'll know by then.

So far the dangers associated with AI seem more real than I've expected earlier, and i've started to learn ethical hacking in preparation for a job in cybersecurity.

As controversial as it might sound, I want to work for Google as an Ethical Hacker, and Google is quite technocratical in my view. But it's not so immoral for now, I think. Working there would be quite nice challenge for me, the good lesson for me. One downside of this is that they would control me to some degree when/if i'll work for them, but it's the price i am willing to pay for the lessons and money they have to offer. Maybe I'll be used to 'slay' the AI Projects of Google's competition in some more or less creative way(s) ;).

Having a nice income from work would allow me to donate significiantly to buddhism and to wicca/witchcraft and to other magickal groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. I just want to live decently, and income surplus I can share.

Some of my concerns were foreseen by creators of films like: 'Matrix', 'Terminator' or 'Space Odyssey'.