Chapter 1: The Proposal
CyberCraft, An Interpretative Metaphor
Welcome to the CyberCraft Manual. We hope you will enjoy and benefit from this little
exploration into the majikal mind-body complex. Our purpose is to help others operate at
higher levels on all planes of life. It isn't our purpose to help them just feel better.
Witchcraft has some very positive and life affirming teachings. The authors of this
document hope to interpret those metaphors bringing them into a late 20th century
framework from which we can springboard into the 21st century.
However we have strong forces to compete against. The first struggle we are involved
with is one of the mind-body complex. Who will control our mind-bodies? Will it be the
Aspirant, the one looking for a better life, or will it be the Controllers, the ones with
the power and monies to mold our minds to their purposes? And will we nurture the emerging
Changelings? Or do we let the Persecutors administer the Last Rite to our offspring?
CyberCraft is not meant to be an end in itself. CyberCraft is the art of living smart.
We hope that it will offer the Aspirant the options needed to create a better world to
live in. Additionally CyberCraft is a psycho-spiritual metaphor for the 21st century. This
metaphor is based upon embodiment spirituality whereas others are based upon disembodiment
spirituality.
CyberCraft is the art of living that integrates rational and irrational process through
mythopoetic structures primarily from Wicca, then neo-Paganism and other related religious
belief systems. It should incorporate knowledge from newer and emerging humanistic
sciences. Principles of ethical self-programming as written of by Timothy
Leary, John Lilly, Robert Anton
Wilson, Antero Alli, and Christopher Hyatt should be
incorporated into the relational processes; those setting between solar and lunar
knowledge. CyberCraft is a self-modifying tradition. It will change as culture changes.
CyberCraft is also a psycho-spiritual metaphor which will generate, sanctify and venerate
the necessary tools for enjoying a healthy mind and body.
The above mentioned authors are helping to shed light upon our thought processes. The
terms and structures they use should be considered metaphorical. But they provide a viable
framework from which to build a newer, more appropriate belief system for our times.
Humans seem to have a need to be both rational and irrational at the same time. In
doing so we generate quite a few problems and reap some benefits. At this point in human
time we are not able to measure magik, nor are we able to measure or sense the so called
etheric or astral. Providing that we are given time and if the interests are still
mounted, we may be able to invent measuring or sensing devices for such indeterminate
quantities.
Further the practice of dividing the mind from the body has broken sunder the human
even further. For the purposes of CyberCraft the mind-body is one complex, one swirl of
energy. The mind and body are one entity, undivided, inseparable, and indivisible.
It is the opinion of this author that many features of the powers are misunderstood.
Over the centuries and in various cultures humans have overlaid folk fables and their
personal expectations of what the powers are into the framework of human abilities. And in
doing so needless baggage has crept into the consensus framework. It is time that we
looked at our human nature without the clouded and marred lens of binary, Christian,
Ceremonial and patriarchal expectations.
At the base of the concern humans are animal by definition. Human magik should firstly
be animal magik. But does that mean we should be satisfied with an animal expectation of
what our abilities can be? Should we push back the normal or natural boundaries? How far?
The first order of business is to know ourselves. Does this mean know just our bodies?
How about desires? How about hopes, dreams and aspirations? How about our minds? Why
should we remain ignorant of why and how we think? Do we know now? Or do we think we know
without really knowing? What part do preconceived concepts play in the formulation of that
sentiment? How do our respective cultures help us define our consciousness? Are these
definitions useful? What can be replaced? With what?
It is useful to frame these questions in the milieu of the human mind. Everything we
can think of is thought with the bio-computer we term the brain. How does the brain work?
Research effort is still in progress but at the core we find that the brain is composed of
billions of cell bundles called neurons. Each neuron could have as many as 10,000 gateways
to other neurons. We know that information is transmitted electro-chemically at about .07
volts. But we don't know everything yet. And least of all we don't know why we think what
we think.
CyberCraft should be a psychological-religious-political thought system to meet and
support the needs of individuals who feel both a romantic and classical approach is needed
in their life. These needs should be formatted into solar and lunar knowledge bases, ie.,
rational and irrational modes with relational processes sitting midway betwixt them. These
should be used to a maximal degree.
Humans are discovering that there is pity poor little difference between political and
religious systems. In fact religious systems replace the tribal chief or monarch with a
discarnate chief or monarch. This eases the task of governing the populace through the
revelations and commandments of the discarnate and absent ruler from on high. Humans
always fear most what they cannot see, understand or comprehend. And we always fear the
invisible punisher; the inner punisher who knows our greatest fears. Consequently
religious systems are political systems of a supplementary order. Political systems should
be considered metareligious systems in that political concerns lay at the base of or stand
behind religious concerns. Religious systems are political systems of an inner nature.
Understanding our thoughts should become a little easier in the solar (daylight
consciousness) and lunar (twilight consciousness) framework. Additionally many other modes
of consciousness could be mounted which straddle these tropes. These should be termed the
relational or relative processes.
Electronic and chemical assistance for modifying consciousness might be useful in
helping to determine how individuals might drive ethically chosen programming deep into
the psyche. But once the message is received we should hang the phone up on chemical
boosters. A new generation of brain machine is on the market today. Recently we have had
the opportunity to test drive a model of the audio-visual and suggestion type. The
experience was positive.
CyberCraft should incorporate many of the concepts contained in Humanist Manifesto II.
Secular humanists have pioneered many valuable ideas needful in today's ever evolving
political and social environments. CyberNauts should augment some humanistic concepts with
high technology answers to pressing personal questions. And in applying technology to
human service systems we might make a difference not only in our little corner of the
planet but elsewhere.
CyberCraft should foster a new class of technology termed GreenTech. GreenTech should
be those technologies which recycle and/or conserve the Matrix's natural resources.
CyberCraft is a new psycho-spiritual system that is more importantly a mode of
thinking. Smart thinking usually leads to smart living. Additionally the application of
CyberCraft to mundane life should be easy and seamless. Instead of taking the individual
out of the social complex it should enable them to integrate easily with the social
composite.
All human structures spawn from the human mind. More powerful modes of thinking are
needed to help us along our way in an ever increasingly propaganda polluted knowledge
environment. We should take into our own hands the facilities to make rational, relative
and irrational decisions void of fear of the outcome and infatuation of the process.
CyberCraft should appeal to the atheist as well as the religionist as it focuses upon
mythopoetic stories and structures and the mystical connections between what is and is not
seen, as opposed to dogmatic theoretical structures. CyberCraft emphasizes relationship
over religion. This author believes that most of the world's religions are based upon
self-deception. These self-deceptions are usually meant to smooth difficult passages in
life. But we should be honest with ourselves. To know ourselves we have to cope well with
those human events that cause us much pain. Instead of telling ourselves pretty fairytales
we need to work in harmony with our natures. But first we need to know what our nature is.
And then with greater understanding we can modify that nature.
The archetypes of Wicca, paganism and other systems should be thought of as patterns
usefull for programming the human experience and the relationships between the various
existant lifeforms.
In Scott Peck's book A DIFFERENT DRUMMER he surmises the following transitions for the
religiously oriented.
First is a stage of naivete in which the human mind/body complex is not programed.
Then follows a phase of organization in which the mind/body complex is programed by an
acceptable religious structure. Over time the individual discovers that the religious
structure is focused in ways undesirable to the follower. Stick is mounted upon stone
until a way of escape is formulated which provides an honorable withdrawal.
Sometime afterwards the individual discovers they are bitter because of some single or
multiple set of experiences. This stage is marked by some form of agnosticism or atheism.
It's a rejection of the organized systems which tend to exploit the seeker, the single,
the separate and lonely for financial and political gains.
Still the seeker needs to feel they are a part of something greater than the individual
alone. A mystic phase encroaches whereupon a glimmer of hope is seen in the natural
intricacies of life. Generally the mystic phase has an eclectic twist as the bio-computer
selectively compares, accepts and rejects concepts and structures which are useful or not.
This experience is intensely personal. In many cases the experience is not expressible as
words to describe the framework are found wanting.
Theoretical structures should be included as long as they are considered metaphorical
structures or models existing within the human mind first and foremost. These structures
can then be used to ferret out deep personal meaning.
The paragraph above is the patented anti-dogma catma. The catma is needed to remind us
the menu is not the meal; that mental apprehensions of a reality are not the realities
themselves. Meow! A valuable demonstration of this is the simple exercise of saying aloud
the word pinch. Then give the your arm a good pinch. Think about the difference.
External Faces - Public
Domains
Domains are used metaphorically. More properly they represent areas of interest. Higher
and lower relate to density more than social, cultural or ethical placement. However
higher and lower still display some cultural heritage. Higher should normally refer to
more dense, and thus would usually be considered the Lower Kingdoms in most disembodiment
or spirit focused theoretical structures. For the purposes of CyberCraft solar processes
can be considered High Domain Processes, the relational processes as the Mid Domain
processes and the lunar processes as Low Domain Processes.
This is a reversal of the usual spirit based structures which drive the initiate into
seclusion and poverty. CyberCraft need be neither ascetic nor bothersome. If CyberCraft
arrives at a framework which is not enjoyable the CyberCraft needs to die and be reborn.
Higher refers to the relative density of matter. The human sciences are more
appropriate for humans, the spirit sciences more appropriate for spirits. In the high
domains herbal lore and self-help topics are more the rule than the exception.
Religious Aspects - Low Domain
The metaphorical Low Domain is the domain of Relationship. It's the basis of the
religious belief system should reflect WoMankind's ethical relationship to their home
planet and humanity. Depending upon personal focus the Earth can be personified or
considered the Grandmother or Mother of WoMankind. It should be called Gaea, Gaia, Mom,
Mother or the Matrix, the space enabling the existence of all physical and non-physical
local planetary lifeforms. The involved solar processes should consider this a 'self
check' to prohibit WoMankind from polluting their environment to the detriment of all
lifeforms.
Other Matrixes may exist. CyberCraft should be concerned with local planetary
manifestations without denying the existences of other Matrixes.
The Matrix is paired with Patrus, which is symbolic of everything which has happened to
and upon the Matrix. Included phenomena are geologic events, meteorological events,
intrusions from outside the Matrix, meteor impacts, panspermia arrivals and direct
interventions of space faring races. In a sense the Patrus can be thought of as the
evolutional processes or history of all life on the Matrix. Where the Matrix and Patrus
overlap, intersect or connect, life forms.
Other personified or romantic entities should exist within the matrix. These should be
the Lady and Lord and be more important or of a relatively more immediate nature being
seen as doorways to other entities, other spaces, physical energetic natures or psychic
spaces. Frequently the Lady and Lord should be celebrated as the perfect patterns of
WoMankind. Matrix and Patrus along with Lady and Lord should be remembered at every
fullmoon celebration.
Working of the Craft - Mid Domain
The metaphorical Mid Domain should be the workings of the Craft. At first the emphasis
should be upon physical representations of the Mid Domain. Special tools should be
selected for an individual or group. These tools may or may not reflect traditional usage
but should be more appropriate for a culture and/or geographical locale than for a
traditional usage.
Special robes may be appropriate. Nudity should be more useful for metaprograming. The
individual's background should be considered before choosing tools or coverings. If the
individual were normally a naturist the metaprograming tool could be robes, etc.
Tools and rituals should be used for immediate metaprograming efforts. Dramatic ritual
should be used to advantage for both individual programming or group alignment.
Experiments in communication with non-physical or discarnate entities should be a
focus. New modes of relationship in sexual or emotional life should be incorporated
providing members feel comfortable with the activities. Safety, both physical and
emotional, should be paramount. Training of individuals for incorporation may be needed to
assist them in their growth into unknown areas.
An important focus of the Mid Domian is the creation and maintainence of Will. Today's
human has been robbed of Will. Cybercraft hopes to generate and utilize appropriate ritual
and programming techniques to accomplish this goal.
Incorporated Physical Sciences - High Domain
The metaphorical High Domain should be the human and physical knowledge systems, ie,
health (birthing, child care and physical health), nutritional, exercise, cosmetic and
creative knowledge systems, ie. sewing, cooking, building sciences, gardening and organic
farming techniques, and personal defense techniques.
CyberCraft should initially provide the framework for immersion in a Domain. The
individual or group should decide for themselves what extent they need to go.
Organization
CyberCraft should attempt to incorporate proven techniques of cell or smaller group
management while retaining intimacy. CyberCraft leaders could be of either sex, of any
sexual preference, but must be emotionally sound. They may choose their own names and
titles. Or CyberCraft may assign a title in order to establish a somewhat formalized but
unrestricted tradition. We suggest these classifications:
- Aspirant
- an inquiring mind of reasonably good health
- CyberNaut
- a human moving from Four to Eight Circuits, an apprentice CyberPriest/ess
- CyberPriest/ess
- a fully functioning Eight Circuit human
- Transitioner
- a young or eight circuit human showing signs of physical metamorphosis
- New Human
- a fully functioning transitioned human
- Cyberim
- the total complex of those practicing CyberCraft.
Group or cell size should be held to about 2 to 15. However any number of cell members
may be used providing genuine intimacy is maintained.
CyberCraft should attempt to meet the economic and political needs of its members.
Resources are available that address political activities in cells. An economic
infrastructure must be established in CyberCraft method. Should a social threat arise
individual members may need to support themselves in a strange or difficult environment.
Personal enrichment and empowerment as opposed to personal aggrandizement should be the
focus enabling the member to live well in any difficult or strange economic or political
environment.
Emotional Requirements
What part does love play in CyberCraft? Love in its various shades and flavors permeate
CyberCraft. From love of Mother and Father, to love of knowledge and wisdom, to the lust
and love of ones lover, on to love of pleasure of the mind-body complex, love of the
patterns one manifests through, including the love of changing one's world to finally the
love of navigating the non-local passages between the worlds. Yes love plays a vital part.
But we are not so naive to assume that only one type of love exists. Many different shades
and flavors make up this rainbow of emotion. CyberCraft should experience and emphasize as
many different forms of love as possible.
Internal Faces
These are internal considerations not usually presentable to the public at large.
Pearls are delicate. We need not dirty them. Internal faces can be determined at a later
time.
CyberCraft is a game; the game of Life. Play it!
Thinkers and Provers: the Care and Feeding of the Human Bio-Computer
Editor's note: The following is a loosely paraphrased summary of Robert Anton
Wilson's first chapters in PROMETHEUS RISING, (Falcon Press 1983)
Next Chapter - The Circuits
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