The Star in the West

324 THE STAR IN THE WEST impressions are dependent on changes in the brain , we must include illusions , which are after all sense - impressions as much as “ realities ” are in the class of “ phenomena dependent on brain changes ." Magical phenomena , however , come under a special sub class , since they are willed , and their cause is the series of “ real ” phenomena called the operations of ceremonial Magic . But can any of the effects described in this our book Goetia be obtained , and if so , can you give a rational explanation of the circumstances ? Say you so ? I can and will . The spirits of the Goetia are portions of the human brain ." Their seals therefore represent ( Mr. Spencer's projected cube ) methods of stimulating or regulating those particular spots ( through the eye ). The names of God are vibrations calculated to establish : (a) General control of the brain ( Establishment of func tions relative to the subtle world ). (6) Control over the brain in detail . ( Rank or type of the Spirit .) (c) Control of one special portion . ( Name of the Spirit .) 1 66 Carlyle also partially grasps this idea in “ Sartor Resartus " when he writes : Witchcraft and all manner of Spectre - work , and Demon ology , we have now named Madness , and Diseases of the Nerves . Seldom reflecting that still the new question comes upon us : What is Madness , what are Nerves ? Ever , as before , does Madness remain a mysterious - terrific , altogether infernal boil ing - up of the Nether Chaotic Deep , through this fair - painted Vision of Creation , which swims thereon , which we name the Real . Was Luther's Picture of the Devil less a Reality , whether it were formed within the bodily eye , or without it? In every the wisest Soul lies a whole world of internal Madness , an authentic Demon - Empire ; out of which , indeed , his world of Wisdom has been creatively built together , and now rests there , as on its dark foundations does a habitable flowery Earth rind .” - Sartor Resartus .