The term "chaos magic" refers to a modern, eclectic form of magic that emerged in the 1970s. The spelling of the word "chaos" is based on the IPA phonetic transcription, which is /'keɪɒs/ or key-os. The initial sound /k/ is followed by the diphthong /eɪ/, which is pronounced as "ay". The vowel sound /ɒ/ is pronounced as "ah" in "father" and the final consonant sound /s/ is added to complete the word. The term "chaos magic" emphasizes the use of personal experience and experimentation in magical practices.
Chaos magic is a contemporary magical practice rooted in the belief that reality is inherently fluid and subjective, and that practitioners can shape their own reality through the manipulation of symbols, intention, and energy. It is often considered an eclectic and highly individualistic form of magic that draws upon various belief systems, philosophies, and rituals from different cultures.
Central to chaos magic is the principle of belief shifting, where practitioners adopt and discard beliefs according to their perceived efficacy and personal experience. This flexibility allows practitioners to customize their magical practices and experiment with different methods to achieve desired outcomes. As such, chaos magic can incorporate aspects from other magical traditions, such as ceremonial magic, witchcraft, and shamanism, while also incorporating modern psychologies and scientific principles.
The practice of chaos magic emphasizes the use of sigils, which are symbolic representations of desired intentions. These sigils are often created by combining and rearranging letters, numbers, or images, while imbuing them with personal meaning and energy. The process typically involves entering a state of gnosis, often achieved through meditation, ritual, or ecstatic practices, in order to focus the practitioner's will and intention on the sigil.
Despite its name, chaos magic does not seek to create disarray or disorder, but rather harness the inherent chaos and potentiality of the universe to effect personal change and manifest desires. It encourages practitioners to adapt and evolve their magical practices in alignment with their own experiences and goals, emphasizing individual empowerment and self-discovery.
The term "chaos magic" originates from the field of occultism and was first introduced in the late 20th century. The word "chaos" itself derives from the Ancient Greek word "khaos", which referred to the void or empty space before the creation of the universe in Greek mythology. In this context, chaos represents the primordial state from which all things emerge.
The term "chaos magic" was coined by writer and occultist Peter J. Carroll in his book "Liber Null and Psychonaut" published in 1978. Carroll aimed to describe a modern magical practice that involves working with the inherent chaos and flexibility of reality to achieve desired results. The word "magic" in this context refers to the practice of utilizing various techniques and rituals to influence or manipulate reality according to one's will.