Personality aspecting is a powerful technique in practical magic that involves invoking specific personality traits or aspects of an entity to influence and transform oneself. This method allows practitioners to access particular emotional states or qualities by embodying different facets of their identity, In my 'The Process of Magic.'
Understanding Personality Aspecting
Personality aspecting is a technique designed to draw out and embody specific traits from oneself or external entities. It functions by invoking these traits consciously, allowing you to experience and utilize them intentionally. This approach can help in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and practical change. #
How It Works
Personality aspecting involves focusing attention on a particular trait, such as confidence, patience, or compassion. You visualizes or mentally carries this trait, sometimes invoking an external entity known for that quality. This process may involve spoken affirmations, visualization, or ceremonial invocation. By doing so, the active trait becomes integrated into you's behavior and consciousness, influencing their actions and perceptions. #
Role in my Framework
I describe personality aspecting in 'The Process of Magic' as a method of shaping identity through deliberate invocation. It aligns with my view that magic is fundamentally about intentional change—altering perceptions and behaviors to manifest desired outcomes. Aspecting is a form of internal work that complements other techniques such as acting or altered states of consciousness. #
Cross-Tradition Context
Other traditions describe aspecting finds applications in ritual work, shamanic practice, and ceremonial magic. For example, in shamanic traditions, embodying animal spirits or archetypes carries aspects that influence behavior. In modern magick, it often blends with techniques like acting or astral projection to deepen the connection with specific traits. #
Practical Application
To practice personality aspecting, start by identifying a trait you wish to invoke. Use visualization to see yourself embodying this trait or perform a ritual invocation, calling upon an entity associated with it. Repeated practice strengthens the internal association, making the trait more accessible in daily life. Keep a journal of experiences and outcomes to refine your approach. #
Related Techniques
Personality aspecting complements techniques such as acting, which involves embodying characters to shape identity; altered states of consciousness, which access implicit parts of the self; and aspecting itself, which creates blended identities by embodying specific behaviors. Combining these methods enhances practical change and magical effectiveness. #
Final Notes
This is highly adaptable, suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. It emphasizes the power of mind and intention in shaping reality and personal experience. Regular practice can lead to shifts in how one perceives and interacts with the world, making it a staple in the toolkit of practical magicians. Remember: The key to successful aspecting lies in consistent focus and genuine embodiment. Over time, these invoked traits become integrated into your natural way of being, amplifying your magical and everyday life.
Personality aspecting and invocation can help people come to terms with those emotions by bringing out the parts of the self that specialize in them.
— Taylor Ellwood, The Process of Magic
Personality aspecting is interconnected with other identity-shaping techniques like acting and altered states. Together, these methods facilitate deep internal change, aligning your subconscious and conscious self for more effective magick and personal development.
Source books: The Process of Magic Explore the full How Magic Works series or work with Taylor.