Accessing 'Gichtel'
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8 JOHANN GEORG GICHTEL AND THE "WHITE" COLOR
"Through all this stormy period, impressive figures come and go a
functioning
body of philosophers represented in Germany by Gichtel and Andreae.." Manly P.
Hall, Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins, pp. 408-409.
If Boehme was an Intuitive-Seer, his disciple Gichtel was more of a Magician-
Practitioner among the forerunners of the Pennsylvania mystics. The following
excerpt from an Italian theosophical article puts nicely the practical work of
Gichtel, validating Manly Hall's designation of him as a rose cross
philosopher: "In the tradition of the `Royal Art', whether physiological or
hermetical, the center of the elemental cross and the body is the heart and its
seat, the `white' color, which produces the vivific light of the Quintessence.
In Gichtel, this light is connected with water and the holy Woman, Sophia."
The OPENING of such a center through surrender of the self -- far from being a
merely submissive or `effeminate' effacement of one's being -- unleashed a
flood of effectiveness! Kirchberger, in his famous theosophical correspondence
with Saint-Martin, refers to Gichtel as a GENERAL, who defeated the military
generals of Louis XIV when they attacked the city of Amsterdam from various
quarters in 1672*. The potency of the cross which radiated from Gichtel's
center on this occasion was as great as the more peaceful projections
envisioned by the alchemists, or the Brothers of Zion inside their Pennsylvania
citadel.
*Letter LVIII. Morat, 25th October 1794.
9. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER BY GICHTEL, AMSTERDAM 1697*
"Whether our well-known friend has attained his `Laboriren optatum Finem' is
not
truly revealed enough for us to affirm. Whenever I speak with him by word of
mouth, I do not desire to investigate with many words how far his practical
knowledge reaches. His reminder that he recommends the `supremi Lapis
quadrangularis' pleases me. For thereupon our unified happiness is
established, and certainly, our paradisiacal rose-garden!
In the power of the Beloved, I wrestle with the fiery cherub; for without the
fire of Love, which is like water opposed to raging Anger, we are powerless and
unable to stand against the wrath that produces fear, anxiety, and terror
through its dark sharpness. But wherever Love is carried or conveyed by
imagination, it ignites the fire of wrath therein, and makes it burn clearly so
that the darkness is swallowed up, and the lovely white Light is evident; now
this is the temperament of paradise!
So it proceeds likewise with the `Opere Philosophico', of which I possess
knowledge, but which Christ regards as unimportant. Of course the reason
Christ is made one of us is for Sophia (which for us is just delightful), but
not everyone has even attracted him into their souls!
I perceive so much of the best about this friend of ours that has a very good
savor. But whether he displays the 5th Essence is not for me to define until
he is permitted to manifest it further. Sometimes it is reported to me about a
Master of Art how the good man is assured of his imagined Philosopher?s Stone
(Lapis Philosophorum). But though his `pregnancy' extends to the 18th or 20th
year, ultimately the desired Effect has not been realized. And knowing this,
other good souls are credulous, and when they see a small change in the colors
immediately attribute a victory to those who nevertheless pass the sum of their
time as paupers!
I always hold to Christ therefore, applying a steady power of conviction with
earnest prayer and entreaty, to have the skill to create there, where nothing
is, and be able to take there what is not produced (J. Boehme)." (See Section 6
above, in conjunction with Gichtel's statement here.)
*The excerpts translated into English, here and in Section 10 below, are from
the first fifteen epistles of "Theosophia Practica", volume V.
10. FAITH MAGIC AND FALSE MAGIC (FROM ALCHEMY TO LYCANTHROPY): A COMPENDIUM OF
PRACTICAL THEOSOPHY BY J.G. GICHTEL
"In the writings of J. Boehme, one has to consider diligently what is required
of a worthy seeker! Frequently the mind kindles a Mysterio in itself and moves
in its fire and anxious star, seeking and searching in the soul; supposing that
it is God's impulse, though it is at last revealed to be quite otherwise.
Therefore one must closely examine and become well acquainted with oneself
before administering a Principio (a principle or power).
The Sal Urinae that produces a red Liquor has the prerogative before all other
Salts. Our unnamed friend has discovered his so-called Phosphorum therein, and
prepared excellent medicaments for bodily ailments, as I gladly acknowledge.
For that which produces a stench in order to become heightened or transmuted in
Sweetness has the power to smash the Calculem Veficae. But in metals it is too
feeble by itself, which the times themselves ultimately attest to, and
hopefully this friend brings his principle into perception." *****
"I have read through the esteemed Book M., but was unable to find any
foundation
therein. It is only inflamed Astrum which sparks itself in a Mysterio and
burns therein; but it is not from God. Yet I know that we poor worms are
anxious to grasp God's mysteries in the Astral, though it is not possible. The
Astrum speaks only about the external, and understands what is written
outwardly regarding a realm that is in the 4 Elements, and forming a likeness
according to this that is ultimately brought down. Meanwhile, another master
-builder arrives, takes up the Materia anew, and forms another tower which,
without the Divine Spirit, is nothing but a seduction.
An interior-Christ has God's realm in the inward earth, and that is joyous! In
the 4 Elements there is only anxiety and quarrel, building up and breaking
down. The individual fire experiences itself and believes it is God. Yet it
is only an individual fire, which burns as long as it finds Materia. And when
this aim is accomplished, it is realized that it was not divine; which is how I
have to navigate these matters myself. But if we cannot be advised, we cannot
be helped. God desires to be compassionate and illuminate us with his Light.
In contrast, such devils-weddings as propose eternal life are well known by me
from Hanau, where a mother ignorantly duped her own daughter into one, who
thereupon denounced her mother, and - notwithstanding pardon - no longer
desired to live herself! [Daniel Becker] is blind, does not comprehend magic,
and yet passes judgment on it and rejects it. 30 or 40 years ago someone
burned and laid waste to many villages for a very long time, in Francken,
Mainz, and Wurtemberg in order to aid this evil. Also, when I practiced in
Camera Spirae (anno 1663), werewolves (Lycanthropi) were on the run, devouring
cows, pigs, and children.
The late Imperial Elector of Heidelberg also did not want to believe this, but
saw how greatly inconvenienced his subjects were. And when one [of the
werewolves] that was struck by a bullet was sought out by means of his bloody
tracks, which were picked up by dogs, he was pursued; and the fiend ? a
blacksmith - was arrested. It is a grievous time full of blindness when one no
longer has either belief or an understanding of Nature and the soul's powers.
And if cattle are led along by the nose it must be admitted that we are no
better!" *****
"The [alchemist's] hymn extols `Margarita's Stone' and `the Silver of
Virgulis',
yet neither tincture nor metal is employed there - only the faith of Jesus [or
, faith like Jesus'], which God knows how to bestow by means of his mercy-mass
on those desiring to produce results. So the times will reveal whether our
friend is an Adept.
As for myself, I find astral turbulence [literally, turba] in the philosophical
tincture, and observe that the possessors of it work hastily or superficially.
It is not much good to be in a position to accomplish something if you stand
against the world spirit, and are merely hindered or thwarted in attempting to
do good. For you do not have the Spirit of discretion to help where you should
(where there is NEED, rather than just where you want to).
Therefore it is not good to be an Adept if you have not inwardly overcome the
astral turbulence. Our experience surpasses the philosopher's stone by far.
We have had to wrestle with God for it, in conformity with the spiritual
understanding or discernment that is imprinted in us - which is God's." *****
"I once received a wonderful inheritance of 400 alchemical authors (among other
books) from a book dealer who was wholly unknown to me; full of processes that
I perused with great wonder at that time. And while I have never in my life
been an actual part of such metamorphoses, neither is it proscribed for me; but
I leave it to God what he will make known within me.
Afterwards, Boehme's writings came into my hands, and I perceived that the
physical and chemical sciences are able to be of great service. I have
diligently collated at least eight good old scriptures, to see if what they
describe is possible in Nature. But whenever I discovered their feasibility,
other business made me desist; although my various travels were also quite
conducive to this discourse.
But without the illumination of the Holy Spirit, it is only self-deception to
assume that you can fathom the writings of Jacob Boehme. For he signifies the
forms or aspects of Nature by his use of the seven traditional planets, which
in the "Opere Physico" are conceived of quite differently." *****
"Not all spirits are to be trusted, though they convey God with their mouths
and
pilfer words from other illuminated writings. The heavenly maiden Sophia has
wise and foolish lovers; some who love her because of God, others who desire
her for a LIVELIHOOD; each doing his best to obtain her Pearl and precious
brightness! But she distinguishes the fools from the wise and gives to each
his allotted portion. She raises the poor up out of the dust, and leaves the
self-wise empty - which I have frequently observed (and by injury grown wise).
No one who turns to her and longs for her is lightly abandoned, or left
unkisse by her. But she does not entrust herself and her lovely Pearl to
everyone the
same. She tests the soul frequently and acutely, to see if it truly desires
her marriage vow, or merely sensual pleasure.
To be sure, where there is a humble soul who has compassion for his or her
afflicted brother, there will be a greatly esteemed one, whose niche is among
God, men, and angels. For how can one love God, who is not seen, without
loving his brother who is seen? I must always keep my eyes on my inward Guide
and proceed as He would have me go, and leave much alone that He nevertheless
furnishes to me subsequently.
I have many foes and friends as well (who nevertheless flee me in affliction).
Yet in the Mysterio I am still a child, while ever new wonders are revealed
that I am not fully able to comprehend. Remaining without comforts or
amenities, I attend to God, who alone knows the secret of his Plan.
Although by false desire the will is infected and addicted; a niche or corner
for Sophia is generated from there, for she loves the fire of our soul greatly,
and reveals herself there willingly. But she will not be enclosed by our own
desires, because unconfined she can accomplish more than we are even able to
long for! Since she appeared to me for the third time, in the heart of the
three Principles, and promised me conjugal fidelity face to face, I have
renounced everything, and continually hunger for her Light-beams to prune me
spiritually." *****
"I have read your last letter with heartfelt joy and refreshment, and by means
of it I have also ardently penetrated into God's Love-Heart, as our heavenly
Sophia and Jesus are awakened in earnest for the sake of their soul and family
member.
Without doubt, the Love of Jesus should not only cover up the source of
transgression, but also transmute or tincture the Father's wrath into love and
compassion in the fire of the soul, so that our accuser (the fiery dragon) is
ejected from the soul, and peace with God is again permitted in the soul's
inner ground.
We certainly can do nothing by running to make our path straight or level, only
sink into God's mercy, and flee to our mercy-seat Jesus in the heart's heaven.
In which vast deep mercy is our help, our increase and fruitfulness, so that
the interior hidden foundation of Light looks our creaturely, craving faith in
the face, strengthening and shining through, so that we can stand against the
angry accuser and take hold of Christ.
This has been my process and mode of life for 33 years already, desiring for
the sake of all people and even for the fallen spirits, to be the anathema for
each, so that God's compassion is greater than the fall and transgression are
able to be. As we so little more deserve grace than they do, I deeply pity
their distress, and therefore into the deepest meekness and humility must sink.
I don't fight against God's compassion, dear brother! I embrace it, and hope
to God for all creatures, since Christ himself preached to the spirits in
prison who at the time of Noah could not believe that God would flood the world
with water. And though the enlightened Boehme would take away almost all hope
for the release of the fallen spirits, and I also experience their obstinacy
sufficiently, nevertheless without divine revelation we cannot say what God
will do in eternity."
11. A WESTERN SAGE'S ATTAINMENT OF "EASTERN" REALIZATION
A lot of attention has been paid in recent years to Gichtel's "independent"
discovery of the subtle centers or "chakras" that characterize man?s inner
anatomy. What has not been so readily acknowledged is the deeper ground from
which his awareness of human physiology proceeds. But there is a connection
and a clear progression from one to the other, even as we find in the causal
ethics of advanced Eastern systems like Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism.
Like an Eastern bodhisattva*, Gichtel makes himself an "anathema" for all
beings, even advancing past Boehme in this respect, who basically accepts that
the lost are lost, though by their own free will. While Gichtel admits that
actually having to deal with fallen spirits and "false spirits" (as well as
purely opportunistic ones) can be just as harrowing for him as for any godly
lover of Wisdom, he still feels enough compassion to offer himself for them,
"hoping to God for all creatures".
This requires unleashing the fathomless depths of a good heart, "sinking into
God's vast, deep mercy". In the Mahayana and Tibetan systems, this is called
"bodhicitta", arousing the heart of enlightenment; which is just such a desire
to benefit others on a vast scale. It is the basis which empowers the
activities of all the saints and adepts, for "where there is a humble soul who
has compassion for his or her afflicted brother", there is one "whose niche is
among God, men, and angels". Christ referred to his own miraculous activity by
saying to his disciples, "these and greater works than these shall you do"!
The Buddhist systems refer to this ability as skillful means (or skill in
means), the mother or author of which is Wisdom!
So we come full circle. Wisdom knows her own. She does not entrust herself
and her lovely Pearl to everyone the same. She tests the soul to see if it
truly desires her marriage vow. And then, as with the spiritual consort or
dakini of the Tibetan system, she empowers her faithful retainer with the
faculty of vision into the subtle or invisible, and enables the magical feats
of faith.
A. Andreas - Semantic Disturbances }|{ 2005-2006