First of all, and without beginning is Atum. Second is the Cosmos, made in his likeness. As the Cosmos is the second god, it is also an immortal being, and because everything in the Cosmos is part of the Cosmos, it is impossible that any part off of it should die. The cosmos is all Life. From its first foundations there has never existed a single thing that which was not alive. – The Hermetica

As a student of esoterica, mysticism or the occult, you are a student of hidden, arcane and sacred mysteries. Throughout the ages many inner traditions have sprung forth, providing a framework whereby the human being can immerse themselves in operations to gain knowledge and application. Each system provides learnings and a path for progress. In addition to the outward houses and schools of the mysteries providing structure and maps, you also have a tome of mysteries within yourself.

As a being made in the image of the macrocosm, there is a natural, innate heritage you can claim. Yet even within yourself, you must discover the framework, laws and mechanics whereby you commune, activate, and undertake your microcosm birthright.

First, Know Thyself. As the vessel and consciousness that navigates life, fate and lessons, who you are must be a subject of intensive study. Review your accomplishments and failures. Your strengths and weaknesses. Where you shine and where you falter. Where you handle things masterfully and where there is room for improvement and cultivation. Some shy away from facing & beholding their own naked truth because it can be scary and daunting. Moreover, once you *know* with clear awareness, you become even more accountable. Some say it is not God that will judge you, but your own self. It’s the easy way out to self-justify failures, ignore them, or blame others. Before you can transform from a shack into a mansion, you must intimately know every inch and corner. How else can you become an architect?

Once you know yourself, then become familiar with your operations. Your belief systems, natural talents and gifts. Your knee-jerk reactions, hang ups and baggage to unpack. How your characteristics operate: these provide a wealth of knowledge, insight and application. Wield them as your assets towards good cause, and monitor those that create liabilities you need to rectify. We underestimate just how powerful our virtues and vices can be.

Second, apply awareness. Here, the application is endless. From a metaphysical perspective, you must be aware of things before you can consciously monitor, navigate and manage forces. Awareness spans into being compliant with universal laws. If you are to awake from your microcosmic nature to your macrocosmic nature, then ethical operations and direction towards a higher will becomes par for the course. Within awareness, be cognizant of your psychology and where consciousness may be registering at any given time. Are you operating from your lower nature? You must first identify that, then determine how to place, frame and maybe even contain it. Are you operating from your higher nature? Good – witness that registry and become acquainted with the dimensions within yourself Above and Below, Within and Without.

Observe the way your mental (All is Mind) and astral field relate to each thing and on each plane of reality. In mundane matters you may need to operate one way, and in esoteric matters operate another way. Establish a degree of equanimity and presence towards wherever your consciousness may be residing at any given time. Identify what tools and approach you need in each domain. When it is all part of and faucets of creation, “be not afraid” in experience. As a microcosm, and per The Hermetica quote above, you are always alive. Energy does not cease, it simply transforms and we have dimensions of reality available all around us whereby we can take up the sacred charge of playing our part by conscious will on behalf of the Most High.

Lastly, read the signs. Life and fate gives us opportunities to take earthly or cosmic “initiations and trials” under our belt. Syncronicity encounters. An intuitive nudge. A new dynamic where you gain skills as a byproduct of applying yourself correctly in shifting playing fields. Chances to be receptive and active. But herein also lies the trickster and Maya – we must be stalwart and clear to know when deluded, when we make mistakes to correct, and when we have pierced into the true essence of purpose behind each thing so we can hold its sacred, secret meaning.

The magick that is you: your innermost is a cosmos unto itself. To the uninitiated, it moves by external forces, and toned down impulses, instincts and direction from within. Yet, you are still held by unknowable arms. Greater marvels await when the eye turns inward. When you become your own steward, knight and king. The sun and moon to your own kingdom. Your potential is in your own charge. Do not fret when you hit walls, or things seem to take an eternity. Within each lifetime, we are sleeping giants in the face of the infinite. Each choice, each action, each movement towards your innate birthright and heritage echoes through the aeons. Build your temple brick by brick. Nail by nail. Then remember your true face before you came into form.