Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956) revolutionized magical practice in the early 20th century through his development of sigil magic, a unique and practical approach to manifesting one’s desires through symbolic representation. His system, while rooted in traditional magical concepts, offered a streamlined and psychologically sophisticated method that continues to influence modern magical practitioners.
The Life and Philosophy of Austin Osman Spare
Born in London’s Snow Hill, Spare showed remarkable artistic talent from an early age. His precocious abilities led to his becoming the youngest exhibitor at the Royal Academy at age 16. Beyond his artistic achievements, Spare developed a deep interest in occultism and magic, briefly associating with Aleister Crowley and the A∴A∴ before developing his own unique magical system.
Spare’s approach to magic emerged from his understanding of the relationship between consciousness, desire, and reality. He believed that the power to manifest change lay within the deep levels of human consciousness, particularly what he termed the “Kia” – the atmospheric “I” that exists beyond thought. As he wrote in “The Book of Pleasure”:
The ‘I’ thought of cannot be the ‘I’ that thinks. The ‘I’ that thinks manifests in the ‘I’ that cannot be thought. The ‘I’ conceiving ‘I’ am, ever implies another ‘I’ that is not known.
His magical philosophy centered on accessing and directing the power of what he called the “neither-neither” state, a condition of consciousness beyond normal dualistic thinking. This state, he believed, allowed direct access to the subconscious mind’s transformative powers.
Understanding Sigil Magic
Sigil magic, as developed by Spare, represents a practical application of his philosophical ideas about consciousness and desire. At its core, the practice involves transforming a desired outcome into a symbolic form that can bypass the conscious mind’s limitations and directly access the subconscious. As Spare explained:
Sigils are the means of guiding and uniting the partially free belief with an organic desire, its carriage and retention till its purpose served in the subconscious self, and its means of realization.
The fundamental principle behind sigil magic lies in the understanding that the subconscious mind works primarily through symbols and images rather than rational thought. By creating and charging sigils, practitioners can communicate their intentions directly to the subconscious, avoiding the interference of conscious doubt and resistance.
The Practice of Sigil Magic
The process of creating and activating sigils follows a systematic approach that Spare developed through years of experimentation. The basic method involves several key stages:
Formulation of Desire
The first step involves clearly articulating one’s desire in written form. Spare emphasized the importance of expressing the desire in positive, present-tense terms. The statement should be specific enough to clearly define the desired outcome while remaining open enough to allow multiple paths to manifestation. As he noted:
The desire for unity with any definite wish is sufficient cause for its fulfillment.
Creation of the Sigil
The traditional method of creating a sigil begins with the written statement of desire. The practitioner then eliminates all repeating letters and combines the remaining characters into an abstract symbol. This process transforms the conscious desire into a form that appears meaningless to the rational mind while retaining its essential energy.
Spare described multiple methods for creating sigils, including:
- Through written word transformation
- Through pictorial representation
- Through automatic drawing
- Through mantric sound
The key principle remains consistent: the final form should be sufficiently abstract to prevent conscious recognition of its original meaning while maintaining a personal connection to the desire’s essence.
Charging the Sigil
The activation or “charging” of the sigil represents perhaps the most crucial aspect of the practice. Spare emphasized the importance of achieving a state of “vacuity” or emptiness of mind during this process. As he wrote:
Belief, to be true, must be organic and subconscious.
The charging process typically involves:
- Creating an altered state of consciousness through meditation, exhaustion, excitement, or other means
- Focusing intently on the sigil during this state
- Allowing the conscious mind to forget both the sigil and the original desire
- Releasing the energy into the subconscious through a moment of intense focus followed by complete forgetting
The Role of Forgetting
One of Spare’s most innovative insights involves the importance of forgetting in magical practice. He emphasized that the conscious mind’s awareness of magical intention often creates resistance to its manifestation. As he noted:
The desire to believe – is all that is necessary to ensure success.
This principle of strategic forgetting represents a crucial departure from traditional magical practices that often emphasize continued focus on magical objectives.
Modern Applications and Adaptations
Contemporary practitioners have expanded upon Spare’s basic methods while maintaining the core principles. Modern sigil magic often incorporates:
- Digital Creation Methods: Using graphic design tools to create and manipulate sigils
- Mass Media Exposure: Incorporating sigils into artwork or designs for broader impact
- Technological Charging: Using electronic means to achieve altered states
- Collective Sigil Work: Groups working with shared symbols for common goals
Practical Considerations and Guidelines
For those interested in exploring sigil magic, several practical considerations emerge from Spare’s writings and modern experience:
Clarity of Intention
The initial formulation of desire requires careful consideration. The practitioner should take time to understand their true motivation and desired outcome. As Spare emphasized, the subconscious responds to genuine desire rather than superficial wants.
Simplicity in Design
While sigils can become quite complex, beginners often find greater success with simpler designs. The symbol should feel personally meaningful while maintaining its abstract quality.
Timing and Circumstances
Traditional magical timing (moon phases, planetary hours, etc.) can be incorporated but isn’t essential to Spare’s system. More important is the practitioner’s psychological state and level of focused intention.
Documentation and Observation
While the conscious mind should “forget” the sigil after charging, maintaining a general magical diary can help identify patterns of effectiveness and refine one’s practice.
Ethical Considerations
Spare’s writings suggest an inherent ethical framework within sigil magic:
- The importance of genuine need versus superficial desire
- The recognition of interconnection in magical outcomes
- The role of personal responsibility in magical practice
Conclusion
Austin Osman Spare’s system of sigil magic represents a significant innovation in magical practice, offering a practical method for working with consciousness and manifestation. Its emphasis on psychological principles and symbolic representation provides a bridge between traditional magic and modern understanding of consciousness.
For contemporary practitioners, sigil magic offers a flexible and personally adaptable system for exploring the relationship between consciousness, symbol, and manifestation. While the basic techniques remain straightforward, their implications and potential applications continue to evolve with our understanding of consciousness and symbolic representation.