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This is a repost of information I posted on the High Magic forum.The following information on the Assumption of the Godform comes mostly from my good friend Andrew Cooper, Magus of the Academy of Opened Ways, with some ammendments from myself.
The technique of the Assumption of the Godform is among the most impressive, as well as challenging, techniques in esotericism. A careful study of a chosen pantheon in depth is required, along with the willingness to spend a great deal of time in extended meditation and devotion to each of the pantheon's deities. Yet, if done carefully, and in a progressive and step-by-step manner, Assumption of the Godform can offer practical occultists instghts into the depth and power od ancient cults, practices and ideas that simply reading about them can not.
The fundamental idea behind the Assumption of the Godform is that within each of us there are powers tha tlie in potential for awakening, and that by identifying ourselves with those idealized expressions of said powers from ancient times, in the form of "gods", we can awaken through resonance similar powers and wisdom within our own psyche. The multitude of gods, demigods and heros of ancient mythologies represent various means of expressing the highest ideals of that time.
Supprisingly, they also seem to do the same for modern practitioners as well, in that the Western World lacks a cohesive and comprehensive modern mythology that answer life's questions in the same fashion as those of Greece or Egypt.
Modern mythologies, such as Star Wars, Twilight and Harry Potter, exert a strong influence ocer our collective psyche, but lack the coherent veneration, sacred status or socio-political position of some of the ancient cults. Modern churches, as survivors of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, also lack any appreciation for the techniques of direct experience, although some methods have managed to sutvive in the Roman Catholicism and some minority Protestant sects. In short, if we are to have a technique that offers us direct experience of an ideal in our lives, a vertiable means of incarnating an aspect of deity, then we must turn our attention to the ancient cults for some guidance.
Assumption of the Godform as a practical technique exists on at least three different levels. The first level of the practice is the easiest, and consists of little more than sitting in a chair and imagining that you are the chosen deity - Thoth, Ptah, Jesus, etc. This is fundamental to the success in the advanced levels, and it is suggested that this practice be undertaken until competency and familiarity with the practice is developed. Much in the same way we move from the simple to the complex assumptions when going from minerals to plants, animals and finally humans. "As above, so below".
On a second level, it is important to study the deity you have chosen in great detail. When picking a godform, it is not uncommon to pick one for each of the planetary powers, and when possible have them come from the same pantheon. In many cases the Egyptian gods and goddesses are suggested for several reasons. One, the have been for aeons, and still are today, used by esotericists and as such have an inherent power that makes success easier. Second, they are abstract - neither too human, as the Greek deities, yet not too unattainable as others.
When this is done, and you have picked the god you wish to assume and have studied it's apperance, gestures and mannerisms, you begin to build a small likeness of it in your heart. Once you feel comfortable with the image you have built, you may begin to "grow" the image until it almost fills your being. Stay at this level for some time.According to Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, Assumption of the Godform can create tremendous pressures on your endocrine system, presumably as it stimulates the psychic centers on a very physical level, and should be undertaken slowly and with patience so as to not create psychic or physical imbalances. I can attest to this after resuming my practice after a serious thyroid condition. I almost blew myself out, and had to go back and take baby steps. Remember, this is advanced work. Take your time.In the next level, you grow the god within, and allow it to expand beyond your body, growing to immense height. You may wish to also sence it "merging" with its corresponding image in the cosmos. That is, your god grows to meet or become one with its corresponding forces in the cosmos. Like to mirror images becoming one.
After prepearing yourself, sit in a chair in the "Pharaonic" or "Egyptian God" posture. Imagine the god envelops your entire being, slightly larger than you, and that you are in complete identification with it. Do not rush this part, but take your time before proceeding to the next step.
Once identification is established, stand up and extend your arms to the sides, and breathe in deeply through your nostrils. As you do, imagine the name of the god is being inhaled in flaming white light. Let the name descend to your lungs, heart, solar plexus, abdomen, genitals and feet. Then, vocalize the name using the voice of the god.Success is hard to describe, but a definate sensation will be felt. If a single vocalization exausts you it is considered a sign that it has worked. A sensation of intense heat, onset of sweating and possibly even trouble remaning standing will occur.
Once you are done, visualize the god, give thanks and ask permission to repeate this. (You did ask permission to begin with, didn't you?) Feel the deity fading away as you let the visualization fade.Now, I would suggest that you do these exercises within your temple, with proper clearing and opening. If you are not fully competent with the LBRP, and perferably Opening by Watchtowers, then there may be better things to study. There are methods beyond this, but I will refrain from going into more advanced exercises for now. This exercise is not for beginners. It's not usually given out until you are accepted into the Second Order.
I hope everyone finds this interesting.
LVX,
Shawn.
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