Ipsissimus, LHP and more

[Infinitum]

I wanted to put this in the Magic DIR to give a chance for all practitioners of magic(k) to respond.

I've been thinking about the concept of Ipsissimus and while it intrigues me, I'm not entirely sure what to think of it. According to what I've found the Ipsissimus is an enlightened being as well as a magician (according to Crowley?). If nirvana, Ipsissimus and the highest stage of magical power go hand in hand, how and why are they connected? While I think I see the reason for it, part of me also thinks it silly that magic requires a perfect mental stability as well - if that's the right word to call it.

Let's say you need nirvana, or freedom of craving or pain or just general balance in your life. As someone walking the Left-Hand Path, what does it mean to me or other LHP people? Our goals are somewhat different. Does that mean none of us can become Ipsissimus then (which Crowley again seems to imply in Magick Without Tears)? The concept is in use within Setianism, but I'm not familiar with the requirements in ToS.

What is an Ipsissimus in your mind? Is the concept even useful? And if it's something to look for, how do you think the Left-Hand Path relates to it?

I'm looking forward to some minor debate here. Let's get the discussion going.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

LHP brings the ego to inflate until it pops, RHP crushes the ego until it disappears.

Following this logic, an ipissimus is an LHP practitioner that has attained True Will (capital letters added for annoying clarity), which is a self-centered look at the concept of nirvana: all things come in accordance to will, because your will is in accordance with everything that occurs, thus eliminating rebirth.

No, the concept is not useful, just as Buddha was not intended to be "useful", but the parallels are very clear.

 

[Adramelek]

The word Ipsissimus comes from the Latin word ipse which means "I myself" or "the very self" or "by oneself, of one's own accord". From my present understanding according to Crowley and Aquino the Magical Degree of Ipsissimus is a Magician who through his own life Work has become the absolute manifestation and embodiment of his most Highest Self, his most highest State of Being.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[Infinitum]

The word Ipsissimus comes from the Latin word ipse which means "I myself" or "the very self" or "by oneself, of one's own accord". From my present understanding according to Crowley and Aquino the Magical Degree of Ipsissimus is a Magician who through his own life Work has become the absolute manifestation and embodiment of his most Highest Self, his most highest State of Being.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

Which naturally sounds nice, but doesn't tell much about the practical implications.

I also took up the subject elsewhere and was presented the idea that being an Ipsissimus isn't only connection to the self, but magical enlightenment in the form of being able to perceive and feel the magical/energy flows in the universe. According to this person the capability to feel these would also make you able to control them. I view it differently myself, but it's the same thing I've heard others say.

 

[Adramelek]

Which naturally sounds nice, but doesn't tell much about the practical implications.

I also took up the subject elsewhere and was presented the idea that being an Ipsissimus isn't only connection to the self, but magical enlightenment in the form of being able to perceive and feel the magical/energy flows in the universe. According to this person the capability to feel these would also make you able to control them. I view it differently myself, but it's the same thing I've heard others say.

Ah, yes, that sounds right. The Ipsissimus/Ipsissima is able to wield for him/her Self the great mysteries of the macrocosmos. The Ipsissimus has conquered his own Will and is One Without Master, he need fear no power save his own - for he is Become at once child and father of the Universe. The Ipsissimus holds and is master of the key to infinite Will.

Of course, all this is speculative on my part as I am not an Ipsissimus, therefore, I cannot have a true Understanding of that State of Being.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\
Gnothi seauton!

 

[Infinitum]

Of course, all this is speculative on my part as I am not an Ipsissimus, therefore, I cannot have a true Understanding of that State of Being

It's hard to find one, yes. I'd love to compare notes with someone with some real experience, but I don't have the right contacts for it. I don't view it impossible to complete the Great Work so to say but I don't want to fool myself into thinking I'd be done before I am so. Then again perhaps an Ipsissimus would know he or she really has attained the highest Selfhood. What do you think?

 

[Adramelek]

It's hard to find one, yes. I'd love to compare notes with someone with some real experience, but I don't have the right contacts for it. I don't view it impossible to complete the Great Work so to say but I don't want to fool myself into thinking I'd be done before I am so. Then again perhaps an Ipsissimus would know he or she really has attained the highest Selfhood. What do you think?

Well since only an Ipsissimus would Know, I suggest you try to contact Don Webb an Ipsissimus VI Degree of the Temple of Set, or Dr. Michael A. Aquino, James Lewis, or Dr. Stephen Edred Flowers. All of whom are modern day Ipsissimi. Whether or not they will actually discuss this with you is another story, you'll just have to ask them and find out.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[Gjallarhorn]

The word Ipsissimus comes from the Latin word ipse which means "I myself" or "the very self" or "by oneself, of one's own accord". From my present understanding according to Crowley and Aquino the Magical Degree of Ipsissimus is a Magician who through his own life Work has become the absolute manifestation and embodiment of his most Highest Self, his most highest State of Being.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

Which seems ironic: that his highest state of self would come from losing one's self.

 

[Adramelek]

Which seems ironic: that his highest state of self would come from losing one's self.

What? I don't get ya. :areyoucra :sarcastic To conquer one's own Will is to become master of all that one IS and all that one creates. How could this possibily relate to losing one's Self? One Ipsissimus is one single individual among other creative beings, hence, one cannot be held responsible for the re-creation of the entire Universe.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

What? I don't get ya. :areyoucra :sarcastic

Nirvana is an extinguishing of craving and clinging, especially to the concept of a true self. Therefore, if an Ipsissimus experiences nirvana, someone's been writing the books wrong.

 

[Adramelek]

Nirvana is an extinguishing of craving and clinging, especially to the concept of a true self. Therefore, if an Ipsissimus experiences nirvana, someone's been writing the books wrong.

See my previous post (updated).

 

[Adramelek]

Nirvana is an extinguishing of craving and clinging, especially to the concept of a true self. Therefore, if an Ipsissimus experiences nirvana, someone's been writing the books wrong.

I don't think that "Nirvana" has anything to do with the LHP State of Being/Degree of the Ipsissimus.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\