The Occult Philosophy of Cornelius Agrippa - 8 of 14 - The Occult Philosophy III

Name: The Occult Philosophy of Cornelius Agrippa - 8 of 14 - The Occult Philosophy III
Uploaded: 2024-09-04T22:14:47.000Z
Duration: 2 h 6 min 1 s

Introduction to Occult Philosophy

Overview of the Lecture Series

This lecture series on the foundations of Occult Philosophy is offered free of charge, supported by patrons on Patreon.

The initiative aims to provide accessible education on topics rarely taught in universities, often at high costs.

Support and Community Engagement

Viewers are encouraged to support the production of open-access educational content through Patreon, with minimal contributions suggested.

Gratitude is expressed towards patrons for enabling this lecture series.

Exploring Cornelius Agrippa's Work

Transitioning Through Dense Material

The speaker notes a feeling of "occult fatigue" as the material becomes increasingly complex. They indicate that significant concepts will be covered in upcoming lectures.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding Agrippa's work from around 1510 before delving into later developments in his philosophy.

Key Themes in Agrippa's Philosophy

Discussion centers around three realms: terrestrial, celestial, and divine, highlighting their interconnectedness and influence on humanity.

Agrippa’s anthropology positions humans as central figures within these realms, echoing themes from earlier philosophical traditions like those of Pico and Plato.

Humanity as Nexus: A Central Concept

Understanding Human Existence

Agrippa posits that humans are the "knot of the universe," embodying both terrestrial bodies and celestial minds dignified by divine souls. This reflects a Hermetic principle where humans bridge different realities.

The discussion draws parallels between Plato’s ideas about being and becoming, suggesting that human beings serve as a connection between unchanging truths and a constantly changing physical world.

Macrocosm vs Microcosm

Humans are described as microcosms representing macrocosmic principles; thus, understanding oneself leads to understanding the universe at large. This reunification is seen as essential due to historical alienation stemming from biblical narratives like Adam and Eve's fall.

The ultimate goal of Occult Philosophy is framed not merely as acquiring magical powers but rather achieving spiritual reunion with the Divine—a deeper purpose underlying all practices discussed by Agrippa.

Understanding the Nature of Magical Powers

The Accidental Acquisition of Magical Powers

Magical powers are not inherent but acquired through the process of reuniting one's soul with God, emphasizing that mystical reunion is paramount.

Agrippa suggests that the pinnacle of occult philosophy transcends magic itself, referencing Val Chonograph's insights on this topic.

Human Superiority in the Cosmic Order

Humans are described as a nexus between terrestrial and celestial realms, possessing a unique ability to navigate the cosmic hierarchy.

Unlike angels and other celestial entities, humans can change their station within the cosmos, highlighting their exceptional nature.

Knowledge and Power Through Divine Reunion

Reuniting with the Divine elevates human dignity and grants mastery over terrestrial knowledge and power through understanding occult sympathies.

This reunion is portrayed as a birthright since humans were created in God's image, suggesting an intrinsic connection to divinity.

The Fall and Metaphysical Alienation

The fall leads to a metaphysical alienation from God due to sin, particularly clouding human understanding.

Agrippa emphasizes that this alienation primarily affects our minds, which he views as intertwined with our souls (anima).

Distrust in Reason and Scholasticism

Agrippa critiques reason as inadequate for divine reunification; he believes it cannot lead us back to God effectively.

He expresses skepticism towards scholasticism's reliance on reason for understanding divine truths.

Mechanisms of Magic According to Agrippa

Magic operates at different levels: terrestrial (linked to body), celestial (linked to anima/mind), and divine (linked to soul).

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for grasping how humans interact with magical forces within their existence.

Structure of the Mind in Relation to Divinity

Agrippa presents a medieval depiction of Aristotle’s view on how the mind functions, indicating his alignment with some Aristotelian concepts while diverging in others.

The highest aspect of our mind connects directly with our soul; this part is referred to by Agrippa as "mens" or "intellectus," representing our divine fragment.

The Nature of the Intellect and Its Connection to the Divine

The Binary State of the Intellect

The intellect, or mens, is described as having a binary state: it is either illuminated or not. This illumination is essential for understanding one's connection to the divine.

The Afterlife and Divine Connection

Upon death, the intellect returns to God, akin to a rubber band snapping back. This emphasizes that part of human existence is an extension of the divine.

Concerns About Individuality in Afterlife

A significant concern during the Middle Ages was verism—the fear that individuals do not have a unique afterlife due to their divine nature being impersonal.

Without an individualized soul, there would be no personal punishment or reward after death, which undermines ethical behavior.

AG Grippa's Position on Atheism

AG Grippa acknowledges concerns about being perceived as an atheist but insists he does not hold such views. His arguments flirt with atheistic ideas regarding individuality and ethics.

Structure of the Soul: Mens and Ratio

Beneath mens lies ratio, which represents individual reasoning capabilities. While mens connects us to the divine, ratio can lead to errors if not guided by illumination.

Illumination's Role in Survival After Death

If ratio is informed by an illuminated intellect at death, it can escape error and fate; otherwise, it may remain trapped on Earth as a ghost or face punishment in Hell.

Consequences of Ignoring Illumination

Those who fail to follow their illuminated intellect risk becoming ghosts—individuals who did not pursue higher understanding and thus remain bound to earthly existence.

The Fate of Ratio Post-Judgment

Ratio can be subject to punishment after judgment if it has not been properly illuminated. It represents individuality that can ascend into heaven if saved correctly.

Demotion of Imagination and Cognition

AG Grippa demotes both imagination and cognition within his framework. He views cognition negatively as indicative of humanity's fallen state since God exists in constant thought without discursive reasoning.

Understanding Thought Processes

Grippa suggests that intrusive thoughts reflect our fallen nature; unlike God's eternal thought process, human thinking often leads to confusion and anxiety.

Understanding the Nature of Cognition and Imagination in Medieval Thought

The Concept of Pure Ratio Knowing

The speaker discusses the idea that our flawed cognition reflects our fallen state, suggesting that if we had a fully illuminated intellect, we would not think in such discursive ways.

A moment of instantaneous knowledge, akin to a "Eureka" moment, is compared to divine cognition where God knows all answers without question.

This pure ratio knowing contrasts with human cognition, which involves a series of potentially erroneous thoughts.

The Role of Imagination in Medieval Magic

Imagination is highlighted as crucial in medieval magic; it generates images and serves as an organ of perception for unseen entities like angels and demons.

Medieval thinkers believed imagination could perceive aspects of reality invisible to the physical senses, allowing one to visualize spiritual beings through mental imagery.

Perception and Spiritual Entities

When encountering spiritual entities, individuals do not see them directly but rather experience their influence on their imagination, creating representations within the mind.

This manipulation by spiritual beings illustrates how imagination functions both as a creative tool and a means of perceiving higher realities.

Agrippa's Perspective on Imagination

Agrippa views imagination skeptically; he believes it often produces false imagery and thus has a low regard for its reliability compared to other theories of magic.

He emphasizes that while imagination can be powerful in magical practices (like RS Notoria), it is generally untrustworthy.

Fate, Death, and the Role of Ratio

The idolum encompasses both imagination and cognition but is subject to fate; this part perishes at death while one's true self persists through illumination.

The speaker suggests that achieving illumination leads one towards eternal existence or felicitas after death. Conversely, being driven by mere imagination results in spiritual doom post-mortem.

Embodiment and Inner Transformation

Human bodies are described as terrestrial objects bound by fate; however, turning inward allows access to the illuminated intellect which transcends fate.

The mage's task involves aligning the illuminated intellect with ratio to guide actions through cognition while remaining embodied.

Understanding the Union of Microcosm and Macrocosm

Higher Order Reasoning

The reunion of microcosm (individual) and macrocosm (universe) grants access to a higher form of reasoning, influenced by illumination.

This process allows individuals to gain control over reality, described as acquiring "Magic" or "magia," which extends influence over both terrestrial and celestial realms.

Concept of Felicitas

Agrippa refers to the state of "Felicitas" as the ultimate goal in occult philosophy, representing union with the Divine.

Although Agrippa identifies this condition as essential, he refrains from discussing it publicly, suggesting its nature is beyond verbal description.

Knowledge vs. Experience

Felicitas cannot be known or described; it can only be experienced. This contrasts with Gnostic beliefs where knowledge is seen as salvific.

For Agrippa, true reunion with the Divine transcends knowledge; understanding does not equate to experiencing divine union.

Neoplatonic Concepts in Agrippa's Philosophy

Ethereal Spiritual Vehicle

Agrippa introduces a Neoplatonic concept referred to as the "Ethereal spiritual vehicle," which serves as a means for the soul's return to the Divine.

This vehicle acts like a spiritual transport system for the soul during its journey back to divine realms.

Mechanism of Soul Transport

While rejecting reincarnation, Agrippa posits that this vehicle facilitates God's transportation of souls into bodies at birth.

The vehicle draws from God’s essence and enters through the heart, radiating intellect throughout the body.

Return Journey After Death

Upon death, this ethereal vehicle reattaches and guides the intellect back towards God.

It symbolizes a connection between humanity and divinity; when illuminated, it also carries enhanced intellect back into divine realms.

Understanding the Connection Between Fiber Optic Cables and Divine Illumination

The Nature of the AAV and Its Role in Magic

Fiber optic cables serve as a metaphor for the connection between individuals and the divine, with illumination representing spiritual enlightenment.

The AAV (a term used by Agrippa) acts as an ethereal link to the ultimate world, facilitating connections to various magical forces.

Magic originates within an individual’s ratio (rational mind), flowing outward through the AAV to interact with occult powers.

The spiritus is described as a medium that connects one's soul to both terrestrial and celestial realms, enabling magical interactions.

Agrippa illustrates how spiritus can manifest through different parts of the body, such as using the evil eye for malevolent magic.

Mechanisms of Illumination

Illumination is rooted in divine origins, echoing biblical references where God creates light, symbolizing knowledge and understanding.

This divine illumination renders the world intelligible; it parallels Plato's analogy of sunlight allowing visibility and comprehension.

The process of illumination cascades from divine sources down through angelic and celestial realms to reach our terrestrial existence.

Unlike higher realms that can illuminate lower ones, the terrestrial realm does not possess illuminating capabilities on its own.

There are three registers of illumination: Divine, Angelic, and Celestial. Each level must be accessed sequentially without skipping steps.

Gaining Powers Through Illumination

An illuminated intellect guides one’s rational mind; this guidance is seen as a grace or gift from higher powers.

Specific celestial illuminations grant corresponding powers; for example, being illuminated by Venus bestows venutian abilities while Mars grants martial powers.

Individuals can bind themselves to objects of illumination to absorb their energies and gain associated powers.

Illumination and Binding in Magical Practices

The Concept of Illumination

The idea of being illuminated by celestial bodies, such as Mars, is likened to gaining strength or power for battle. This illumination involves binding oneself to a source of metaphysical energy.

Binding Mechanism: Letio

Agrippa refers to the binding process as "letio," which connects one's intellect to celestial objects, allowing the individual to gain magical powers through this connection.

Types of Magic

There are distinctions between illuminated magic (requiring angelic connections) and terrestrial magic (which utilizes occult forces without illumination). Terrestrial magic can be performed without divine assistance.

Hierarchy of Angels

Agrippa categorizes angels into nine orders, with varying levels of power. Higher-ranking angels like Michael are believed to provide more significant abilities compared to lower-ranking ones.

Absorbing Powers from Celestial Objects

By binding oneself to occult objects, individuals can absorb their powers into their soul through a system of sympathies that connects them with these energies.

Game Mechanics in Magical Philosophy

Comparison with Gaming Systems

The speaker humorously compares the mechanics of Agrippa's philosophy to video game systems like Final Fantasy or Dungeons and Dragons, suggesting that these concepts could easily translate into gaming mechanics.

Source of Power: Litio Process

The litio process is emphasized as the primary means by which individuals acquire magical powers through binding themselves to various celestial objects.

Understanding Angelic Names and Their Significance

Importance of Hebrew Names

Knowing the Hebrew names of angels is crucial because they hold ontological power. Each name corresponds with specific attributes or abilities associated with that angel.

Calling on Angels Correctly

To effectively summon an angel like Raphael for healing, one must understand its nature; otherwise, the call may go unanswered due to lack of purpose or understanding.

Discernment in Magical Practices

Risks Involved in Summoning Entities

Caution is advised when summoning entities since improper knowledge can attract demonic beings instead. Understanding what one is doing is essential for safety in magical practices.

Connection Between Earth and Divine Realms

The area between Earth and the moon serves as a conduit populated by demons; thus, discernment is necessary when navigating this space during magical operations.

The Intellect's Connection to Divinity

Divine Perspective Through Intellect

Aligning one's intellect correctly allows access to a divine perspective on the universe. This connection provides insights akin to seeing time as we perceive space.

Understanding Time and Prophecy from a Divine Perspective

The Nature of Time from God's Perspective

God perceives time as an eternal present, viewing all moments simultaneously, akin to how we perceive space.

From this divine viewpoint, both the past and future are equally real; God can alter any moment in time, though typically does not change the past due to grace.

This concept suggests that time is a "flat circle" for God, where all events exist concurrently rather than sequentially.

Illumination and Prophetic Insight

Achieving illumination allows individuals to glimpse time as God does, granting them prophetic abilities similar to divine foresight. This illumination is temporary but powerful.

The process of prophecy is linked to illumination; it enables one to foresee future events through enhanced understanding or insight.

Comparison with Maimonides' Ideas

Agrippa's views on prophecy share similarities with Maimonides' notion of accessing the active intellect—God's presence in the world—which facilitates prophetic insight.

Forms of Celestial Illumination

Agrippa identifies various forms of celestial illumination that lead to prophetic inspiration:

Astrology: Seen as the first level of prophetic inspiration; celestial bodies provide hints about future events without determining them outright.

Frenzies and Mania: Inspired states derived from celestial objects that grant access to hidden knowledge, reminiscent of Plato’s discussions on mania in "Phaedrus."

Ecstasy or Rapture: Experiences where consciousness transcends physical form, allowing interaction with angelic beings—a state often depicted in religious art (e.g., St. Teresa).

Dreams as a Form of Illumination

Dreams are considered murky yet significant sources of information from the occult realm or celestial entities; they serve as passive interactions with these worlds. Agrippa regards dreams as unreliable but still valuable for insights into other realms.

Divine Illumination and the Pursuit of Felicity

The Nature of Divine Illumination

The speaker discusses various forms of illumination, emphasizing that divine illumination is the most significant, as it is directly bestowed by God.

In moments of divine illumination, individuals can experience "Felicitas" or Felicity, where the barrier between God and humanity dissolves, allowing a brief return of the soul to the Divine.

This experience is described as a "coincidence of opposites," which transcends language and knowledge; it cannot be fully articulated or understood through conventional means.

The Impact of Felicity on Knowledge and Power

Although one returns from this divine experience with an understanding of Felicity, there is no new knowledge gained; instead, it enhances one's ability to seek further illumination.

As individuals ascend in their spiritual journey, they gain control over both terrestrial and celestial realms, ultimately achieving god-like powers through divine illumination.

Magic: Means vs. End

The ultimate goal is not magic itself but rather attaining Felicity; magic serves as both a means to achieve this goal and a byproduct of spiritual growth.

Focusing solely on acquiring magical power can lead to being driven by base desires; such pursuits may result in becoming trapped in a cycle that prevents true fulfillment.

Misunderstanding the Purpose of Occult Philosophy

Many approach occult philosophy seeking magical powers without recognizing that these are merely tools for achieving reunion with the Divine.

The speaker warns against using acquired powers for selfish ends; doing so risks losing one's essence after death and failing to attain Felicity in life.

Conclusion: Emphasizing Felicity Over Magic

The core message emphasizes that while magic may come along the path, it should not overshadow the primary objective—experiencing Felicity and returning to unity with the Divine.

Future discussions will delve deeper into concepts like ecstasy, rapture, dreams, and further exploration of what constitutes the state of Felicity.

Felicity: Better than Magic?

The Concept of Felicity

The speaker introduces the idea that Felicity is superior to magic, referencing V. Hogra's article "Better than Magic," which articulates this concept clearly.

Agria's belief is highlighted, suggesting that the ultimate goal of his system is achieving a state of ecstatic silence, described as the "Rapture of The Coincidence of opposites" illuminated by both Divine Light and Divine Darkness.

Mystical Experience and Skepticism

Discussion on Agria’s development post-1510 indicates he continues to refine his ideas during his Italian period, hinting at an evolution in thought.

The speaker notes Agria's shift towards radical skepticism, emphasizing that this skepticism serves mysticism rather than ignorance; it suggests a deeper understanding beyond mere knowledge.

Non-Noetic Experience

A critical point made is that if Felicity is fundamentally non-noetic (not based on knowledge), one could argue there’s nothing to learn from such experiences. This leads to a form of mystical skepticism aligned with historical figures like Nicholas of Cusa and Augustine.