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

Thought

Thought is a fundamental and manifold element that permeates various conceptual and practical domains, particularly in the context of transformation, creation, and magical practices. Thought drives the process of transformation and is intimately linked with the development of the soul, complementing other aspects like love to facilitate the alchemical process. It is described as the companion to love, representing the intellectual and rational side essential for such a process. Thought is also referred to as the concept that precedes the word, highlighting its role in logical reasoning and the foundation of creation. This pre-existing thought is often associated with LOGOS and Epinoia, primordial concepts that are inseparable and fundamental in their significance.

Thought becomes speech and realizes itself through signs, sounds, and representations, showcasing its dynamic nature from abstract to concrete forms. It is posited as the fundamental substance that creates and maintains physical forms, emphasizing its enduring and powerful nature in comparison to physical entities. According to Descartes, thought is a central element in his philosophy, involving the mind’s capacity to conceive things, serving as a cornerstone in his method of inquiry. In a more practical and magical context, thought is used extensively in wizardry and magic. It is one of the twelve fundamental properties represented by the letter ו (V) and is employed in magical practices to create and manipulate forms.

Thought is acknowledged as a unproductive force without the will to act upon it, demonstrating the necessity of active engagement and intention to derive tangible results. This manifold representation of thought, from its philosophical and metaphysical implications to its practical applications, paints a comprehensive picture of its importance and diverse roles across different traditions and fields of thought.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

IdeologyConcept

IDEA and MIND are necessary for the conception of thought, similar to how father and mother are needed for the generation of a child

Human SpiritConcept

The human spirit, once asleep in the Earth's mindstuff, was influenced by thoughts to evolve consciousness

Steam EngineRitual

Thought is the substance that creates the steam engine

Electric GeneratorSubstance

Thought is the substance that creates the electric generator

TelegraphConcept

Thought is the substance that enables the telegraph

KeynoteConcept

The "keynote" is a direct manifestation of thought in the World of Thought

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

Life→Concept

Life is intrinsically linked to thought, as both symbolize the essence that requires transformation and development

Love→Concept

Thought and love are partners in the transformative process, supporting spiritual and intellectual growth

WordConcept

Thought must precede the word, as a thinker must originate thought before it can be expressed

Sacred FireRitual

"Sacred fire" acts as a catalyst for the application of "thought," ensuring the transformative process is controlled and effective

HeatConcept

Thought guides the applied heat, ensuring controlled and intentional transformation

Soul→Substance

Thought guides the transformation of the soul, providing intellectual direction during the process of development

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Alchemy

Philosophy and alchemy are both paths to deeper understanding of the divine and natural world

ThoughtthroughKeynoteilluminatesSpirit →
I. Thought & Keynote

The "keynote" is a direct manifestation of thought in the World of Thought

II. Keynote & Spirit

The "keynote" is a reflection of the spirit’s Higher Self

ThoughtthroughSacred FireilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Thought & Sacred Fire

"Sacred fire" acts as a catalyst for the application of "thought," ensuring the transformative process is controlled and effective

II. Sacred Fire & Philosopher's Stone

The sacred fire is necessary for the preparation of the Philosopher's Stone

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesTruth →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Truth

Philosophy seeks to uncover and live by the truth, making truth central to its practice and understanding.

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesAstrology →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Astrology

ASTROLOGY and PHILOSOPHY both examine metaphysical and existential inquiries. Astrology specifically centers on the perceived influence of celestial events, such as stars, planets, and the Moon, on human affairs and destiny. This exploration of cosmic patterns and their effects on individual lives is a core aspect of Astrology. On the other hand, Philosophy plays a role in interpreting and providing a deeper understanding of these celestial phenomena, often through systematic reflection, critical analysis, and the application of reasoning to broader questions of existence, knowledge, values, and reality. Both disciplines share an interest in delving beyond the physical world to explore profound and often abstract concepts, making them complementary yet distinct fields of study.

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesAll →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & All

Philosophy avoids examining the unknowable, focusing on the thinkable and knowable aspects of reality.

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesHermes →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Hermes

Philosophy, as described, follows the dogma of Hermes, making Hermes central to the philosophy of the adepts.

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesAstral Light →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Astral Light

The Astral Light, as a substance, serves as the basis for philosophical contemplation and reflection, integral to understanding divination

ThoughtthroughPhilosophyilluminatesFiruzabad →
I. Thought & Philosophy

Subject 28, Philosophy, symbolizes the quest for deep understanding and knowledge, encompassing the study of wisdom and rational inquiry.

II. Philosophy & Firuzabad

Philosophy involves understanding geopolitical contexts, as evident from the reference to Firuzabad and hostage relations.

ThoughtthroughWordilluminatesGod →
I. Thought & Word

Thought must precede the word, as a thinker must originate thought before it can be expressed

II. Word & God

The Word is spoken by God, and the Divine Reason embodies both the creative thought and its expression as a word