A few years back I was digging into exploring the technological applications of Jesus Christ as a channel of pure love. When the heart is open and the Jesus current is flowing through it, one is essentially invincible. The merits of Jesus Christ are often invoked in prayer and petitions, but stopping to consider for a moment exactly what that means can be pretty eye-widening.
Merit is an accumulated metaphysical dignity which is collected, like currency, when an act of good is performed or an act of evil or selfishness averted. Monks in the Mahayana tradition make merit as a focal point in their path, piling onto the mound of goodness until it lifts them up to the Buddha. In the Thai traditions, not only are merit and good luck and fortune seen as directly related (regardless of what the doctrine says about Karma), but so are merit and the ability to command spirits and perform successful magic. Angry ghosts can be pacified with large amounts of merit, elevating them to a work-with-able state. Rahu, representing the North Node and generally scaring the pants off of Indians and many western practitioners alike, can also be worked with and pacified by offering one’s merits, and made into a formidable ally. Difficult faeries, goblins, and demons; All rendered helpful friends to the monk with multitudinous merits.
So how does this help us possibly-church-going-but-mostly-self-interested-by-cultural-indoctrination western magicians? A while back I read about Buddhist monks and Jesus, how there is a diasporic belief that Jesus was the brother of Krishna. One of them said it brought him to tears, the idea of accepting such immense suffering as a means to cleanse the karmas of all humankind, and when you think about it, that’s one hell of a ritual. Outside of all the associations we have with the crucifixion, imagine hearing about it from the outside with a metaphysical framework of merit and karma. Imagine the endless river of merit that creates.
Which brings us back to the question, how does that help us? It helps us because at any point in time, providing you have a good game with that heart of yours and have done the hard work of learning vulnerability again, you can simply become Jesus. And in doing so, that river can be yours to use. For what? Well, for one, any baddies that find their way into your sphere can be force fed this light and love and they will either elevate or explode into vapor (their choice); ghosts, demons, really most things that would wish us harm in the spirit world can be fended off with enough light barreling down on them. I feel I should clarify here, this is not a toy to be used on every spirit one encounters- there are plenty of spirits who would rather not engage in merit and thrusting it upon them would not end well for you. I am speaking specifically about spirits who are fucking with you, not the other way around. On the other hand, this can and dare I say should be employed when elevating one’s own ancestors, providing they hold no grudges against the Christ guy. Even if they do, it’s worth inquiring where that grudge lies specifically. With Jesus, or with the Church? You may be surprised how they respond.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
(Matthew 10:34).
This channeling of saviourly virtue can also act as a crown of authority when it comes to evocation and conjuration. An alignment with the (at the very least mythical) Son of God can bring more ease to practical work and offer protection. The merit fire hose can stay off unless it is needed, while still activated and at the ready. Often it is self doubt or fear that malicious spirits choose as their weapon, rather than raw force, and the light and love stuff is potent defense in these areas.
But enough rambling on.
The following is a twist on the godform assumption practice found in the Headless Rite (PGM V. 96-172) as well as various other practices. The idea to flip St. Theresa’s prayer first person comes from a Rune Soup premium member’s video with Jay Springett (@thejaymo) on prayer from a few years back, which is excellent.
Son of God-Face Christ Assumption
Invocation of Jesus the Splendor – A Manichaean hymn in Persian.
Jesus Prayer by Saint Theresa of Avila modified for the first-person.
Inspired by PGM V. 96-172
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy.
(Repeat as desired.)
We would fill our eyes with praise
And would open our mouths to invoke you.
We would bring to you honor and greatness,
To you, Jesus the Splendor, liberated ruler and New Dispensation.
You are, You are the garment of blessing.
You are the dearest brother.
Come for salvation, who are complete salvation.
Come for beneficence, who are complete beneficence.
Come to bring love, who are complete love.
Come as physician, who are complete healing.
Come to bring peace, who are complete peace.
Come as victor, who are complete victory.
Come as lord, who are complete lordship.
Come for redemption, who are complete soul-service.
Welcome, new lord and new physician.
Welcome, new redeemer and redeemed one.
Welcome, new God, noble lustre and great light.
Welcome, oh day that is complete joy.
Welcome, oh year that brings a good harvest.
Welcome, original one and primeval first-born one.
Welcome, good mediator … who mediates between us
and the Father.
ABEREMENTHO YEHOSHUA
PELECH EMMANUEL
(By St. Theresa, modified.)
Christ has no body but mine,
No hands, no feet on earth but mine.
Mine are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world.
Mine are the feet with which He walks to do good.
Mine are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
Mine are the hands, mine are the feet,
Mine are the eyes, I am His body.
Christ has no body now but mine,
No hands, no feet on earth but mine.
Mine are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but mine.
Repeat last section as needed.
Reverend Janglebones 