"Mathematics is the science of structure and pattern in general." --Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mathematics
"MAGICK is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will." --Aleister Crowley, Magick in Theory and Practice
What do math and magick have in common? This depends on the magician. Most magicians operate quite alright most of the time without math at all, thank you very much. Others find it indispensable. Much of the time it appears in the maddening guise of gematria, the well-known method of deriving a numerical value from a word by assigning values to the letters of the alphabet. Sometimes math appears in the form of sacred geometry, the relation of shapes and relationships to concepts of mystical or magickal significance. Many mages have found inspiration in the mathematics of Chaos and of fractals, which capture the essence of nature in a way no other mathematical method can. Magicians who use music find that harmonics frequently assume magickal significance. Perhaps it is simply the concepts or the methods of mathematics that prove useful to the magician. In many ways math is an important magickal tool, and this page is dedicated to examining the relationship between the two.
Links as well as new material have been grouped into categories. Where the subjects overlap links have been duplicated for thoroughness and accuracy.
GEMATRIA -- The cornerstone (arguably) of hermetic qabalah is the practice of studying hidden or underlying connections between words and ideas by calculating a value for each based on the sum of the numerical value held by each letter. In ages past, before numerals had been developed, the alphabet pulled "double-duty" as a way to write numbers. Even after numerals had been developed, the practice of associating words with number values continued to be used by magicians, particularly the Greek and Hebrew mystics who developed the qabalah. This section contains an introduction to gematria as well as some material on "New Aeon English Qaballa," a qabalah based on the Book of the Law that uses English as a holy language.
MATHEMATICAL SYMBOLISM -- Math as used in ritual seems largely qabalistic in nature, though elucidating ties to the tarot and to alchemy. Number provides a good solid set of symbols that remain "pure" of taint even when heavily loaded with symbolism.
SACRED GEOMETRY AND TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE --Proportion, number, and harmony are all part of the mysticism of Pythagoras and Plato. The knowledge of a few important principles can unlock the meanings behind much of the important art and architecture of human history. In this way geometry can provide a very basic and powerful link to the workings of the psyche.
CELESTIAL CYCLES -- All existence is vibration, and vibration is cycle and rhythm. It is no wonder the cycles of life are reputedly tied to the cycles of the celestial bodies, as well as to the familiar cycles of Earth, Sun, and Moon.
CHAOS AND FRACTALS -- A modern development that seeks to draw understanding from the forms of nature rather than the "abstract" forms of the mind. A new breed of magician has drawn inspiration from this new approach, and I have sought to include some information on it here.
SOME PRINCIPLES OF MATH -- Here are some areas of math from which I have drawn inspiration and which may serve useful to the creative magician.
This page was created by Callisto Radiant for the benefit of YOU, the ceremonial magician and/or interested scholar. So, if you feel there is a glaring omission, or an error of any sort, or something you feel you might wish to contribute to this project, or you're just bored and want to say hi to someone, then please email me!