When I was a kid, my parents liked to take us down to the beach when there was a storm coming in. I remember the feeling of wind on my face, of awe mingled with a little bit of terror. There is something surreal in the way the giant arcs of lighting crossed the sky and ocean, followed by the rolling thunder and the crashing waves. The storms always seemed to come in around sunset, so the sky would be a glorious mix of storm and sinking light, a few bright stars beginning to appear. There wasn’t really any conversation during these trips, just the silent adoration of nature. The joy of witnessing the approaching power of the storm and sea is a strange and magical feeling. Even to this day, many years later, I recall that visceral feeling of raw elemental glory with a certain joie de vivre.
An aside: speaking of storms, I learned the other day about a phenomenon that happens above thunderstorms called transient luminous events, which just looks really really cool! If you want to check it out, here’s a decent video explaining it.
Perhaps now is a good time to recall that Mnemosyne is the Greek titaness of memory, born of Gaia and Ouranos, earth and heaven. As beings who live by memory, we also stand with our heads in the heavens and our feet in the depths of the earth. By memory we travel to the past, revisiting things gone by and bringing them forward to the present. We unite our memories with intellect, making them actionable.
Memory, rightly recorded, can enfold within itself the energetic imprint of a time and place. In this way, memory is a magician’s trusted companion. Remembering the way a thing felt, recalling and reproducing that same energetic pattern at will is a valuable tool for practicing any type of occult art. Each experience is a tome in the library of felt experience, ready to be recalled at any time and put to use in a ritual or magical context.
For example, say I want to create a talisman for wealth. I know that Jupiter is the planet that would be the best choice for this type of working. After picking a suitable astrological election, with Pisces or Sagittarius rising (or perhaps in the tenth house), and Jupiter and the Moon in good condition, I can proceed to the ritual aspect of creating the talisman. I know that Jupiter corresponds to Zeus, Greek god of storms and lightning. Using this correspondence, I know with confidence that anything pertaining to Zeus’ rulership would be a good choice for use in constructing my ritual. Because I hold a vivid memory of a particularly spectacular thunderstorm, I have at my disposal that tool in which to focus that very specific energy to incorporate into my working. This can be done with any type of thing. If you want to work with solar energies, spend some time laying in the sun, and try to retain in memory the felt energy, so it can be recalled at a later point in ritual. If you want to work with the element of water, try to experience it in all its many different aspects. Mindfulness and persistence are key to capturing vibrant memory. While there will always be events that imprint themselves fully on your memory by virtue of their importance, the real challenge is doing so even during the day to day mundanity of life. Not ever memory is valuable, but there is value to be mined out of even everyday life.
How can we improve our ability to build workable memory? It must start with the experience itself. Throughout the day, try become aware of the symbols and energy around you, and catalog it accordingly. If you are outside at night, notice how the scent of the night blooming flowers is an aspect of Venus, because pleasant scents are ruled by her, and she is a nocturnal planet in astrology. When you next do a Venus ritual, try to recall the scent and accompanying energy fully, and let it add to the energy of your work.
At this point, it is very helpful to have some sense of correspondences already in your head. If you do not, I suggest starting there, perhaps by reviewing Liber 777 or some other such list that relates to your spiritual path. It is important to have a solid foundation upon which to build further your library of memory.
Praxis
Exercise 1: Create a shrine or space on your altar to venerate Mnemosyne. Think on the nature of memory itself, how it relates to time and place. Burn frankincense and offer a cup of water, and recite the following Orphic hymn:
The consort I invoke of Jove divine, source of the holy, sweetly-speaking Nine;
Free from th' oblivion of the fallen mind, by whom the soul with intellect is join'd:
Reason's increase, and thought to thee belong, all-powerful, pleasant, vigilant, and strong: 'Tis thine, to waken from lethargic rest all thoughts deposited within the breast; And nought neglecting, vigorous to excite the mental eye from dark oblivion's night. Come, blessed power, thy mystic's mem'ry wake to holy rites, and Lethe's fetters break.
Exercise 2: Each day of the week is ruled by a god or goddess. Use this as a mnemonic device in which to filter and catalog your memories as you experience them. For instance, on Friday, let your intention be to build up memories as filtered through the lens of Venus, or other such goddesses. Take note of the way you feel as you laugh with friends, get dressed up, make love or eat dessert. How does each situation relate to an aspect of Venus? Use all your sense and try to fully embody the experience and add it to your storehouse of memory.