Aerik Arkadian

Jump to Lesson:

• Part 1 – Liquid Condensers (current lesson)
• Part 2 – Solid and Gaseous Condensers
• Part 3 – More Recipes
• Part 4 – Advanced Techniques (coming soon)

When I first heard the term “Fluid Condenser,” I’ll admit I was picturing a large apparatus akin to a still – something that could condense a vapor into a liquid. If you’re perusing occult texts, particularly the writings of P. B. Randolph or Franz Bardon, you may come across the term in something that sounds like a complicated alchemy experiment. I believe there are some misconceptions with this knowledge, so today I will seek to clarify what fluid condensers are, how to make them, and how to use them. In short, a fluid condenser is a substance that can store magickal energy just like a battery holds an electrical charge, but this is a gross oversimplification.

So, what the heck? How can you have a solid that is also fluid? Okay, this isn’t weird science. It’s actually just weird naming. The “fluid” in “fluid condenser” isn’t referring to what the condenser is made out of. Instead, it’s referring to what it conducts. “Fluid” in this case, is short for “electromagnetic fluid” which was basically a Hermetic/Bardonic term for spiritual energy. Bardon was borrowing some of these ideas from Franz Mesmer and his work on animal magnetism in the 18th century, which is also called Mesmerism. You can check out Initiation Into Hermetics for more information on this.

In accordance with the information given in the theoretical part of this book, there are two principle fluids in existence which have their source in the four elements, and they are the electric and magnetic fluids.


The electric fluid originates from the Fire element, whereas the magnetic fluid has its origin in the Water element. The Air element is the equilibrating element between Fire and Water. The Earth element is bipolar; therefore it contains both fluids and is electromagnetic; in the center it is electric and on the periphery it is magnetic. These two fluids are effective in all spheres with the described lawfulness, in the mental and in the astral sphere as well as in the material world. They are the cause of all existence.

–Initiation Into Hermetics

So now, before we delve into this a bit more expansively, I will give my own definition. A fluid condenser can be defined as any substance or combination of substances, in any state of matter, that have a high capability to conduct energy between planes (ie – the astral and the physical).

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Fluid Condenser: Any substance or combination of substances, in any state of matter, that have a high capability to conduct energy between planes (ie – the astral and the physical).

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Yes, we’re not just talking about something that just stores energy — we’re talking about something that is generally accepted to be a better conductor of energy.

Think of it this way. I have a battery and a lightbulb. I have to connect the two in order to turn on the light. Shall I connect them with wood? Perhaps with rubber? Obviously not. Those substances are not good conductors. We use copper wire in our electrical systems because it is a good conductor for the type of energy we’re trying to transmit.

Now pretend that the battery gets moved to the astral realm and the lightbulb remains in the mundane. How do I connect them? In this case I would use a fluid condenser. Copper, by the way, is a great fluid condenser and I’ve even heard it referred to as “the universal conductor.” Imagine, if you will, that I’m capable of running a length of wire from the astral realm to my lightbulb in the mundane.

The above example isn’t really so far from the truth. The source of magickal energy is the astral. When we connect a fluid condenser to a mundane object, we’re really giving the astral energy an anchor point in the physical world. In my tradition, we make our wands out of wood — honestly, they’re pretty plain and lack decoration, but we bore a hole in the bottom, add a drop of blood, and seal it back up. On the surface this seems like binding a tool to yourself through DNA, and yes it does have that effect, but blood is also the best liquid fluid condenser on the market. In other traditions, wands might be made out of hollow metal tubing, filled with solid or liquid fluid condensers, or wrapped with metal wire to help them conduct energy.

Now let’s focus on three of the Seven Hermetics Principles:

1. The Principle of Correspondence – “As Above So Below.” Every object that exists in the mundane also has a correspondence in the astral.
2. The Principle of Vibration – “Everything vibrates.” Some things, like fluid condensers, just transfer that vibration better than others.
3. The Principle of Rhythm – “Everything flows, out and in.” Magickal energy is like an electrical circuit, there’s a flow in and a flow out. Everything that comes out of the astral returns to the astral.

When reflecting on the above principles, try to picture the condenser simultaneously existing in both the astral and the mundane.

Technically, a slightly more complete map of energy flow is shown below. For an even more detailed map, you can look at the Qabalistic Tree of Life. But now I’m afraid I’ve gone too far.

In short, the condenser is a blank slate capable of transmitting vast amounts of spiritual current. It stands by, ready to receive whatever type of energy or intention you want to charge it with. They are frequently used for anointing talismans, constructing magick mirrors, and more. Bardon makes mention that the complicated “Elixirs of Life” of the alchemists were merely fluid condensers. P. B. Randolph, it seems, manufactured bottles of condensers charged with treating specific ailments — he even referred to them as “drugs.” The applications are really quite endless. We’ll go over several uses for condensers later, but first we need to discuss their basic types and how to prepare them. Oh, and please don’t actually drink any of this stuff. Alchemists went insane from doing that.

Types of Condensers

As stated by my definition above, a fluid condenser can exist in any state of matter. A simple mixture of water and chamomile can be a liquid fluid condenser. Gold is a solid fluid condenser. Incense is a gaseous fluid condenser. For practical purposes, examples of each are given below.

According to some stories, gold was fed to the Egyptian Pharaohs to grant them immortality. Transmutation to gold was the secret quest of ancient alchemists. Gold is so steeped in occult myth and legend, it should come as no surprise that it is mentioned quite frequently while preparing fluid condensers. It harnesses the power of the sun and represents pure creative force. In the world of condensers, Gold is one of the most powerful substances.

For Part 1, we will be limiting our discussion to the preparation and usage of simple liquid fluid condensers. In Part 2, we will discuss solid and gaseous fluid condensers as well as advanced techniques.

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My Condenser Recipes

Fluid condenser recipes are as varied as their authors. Before we get into the more complicated (albeit, classic) recipes, we’re going to start out with some simple ones that I put together. Quite frankly, they’re easy to make and use common herbs that just about every witch has on-hand. It’s important to realize that they can be just as effective as the more complicated alchemy experiments we will discuss later. Condensers can be made with one specific element in mind or a compound “universal” condenser can be made and charged with the energy of all elements at once.

These recipes use basic elemental correspondences. One herb should suffice, but if you prefer complicated recipes, you may choose to add many different herbs from the same elemental category. It is recommended to use distilled water because this will cut down on any outside contaminants. When properly stored, condensers can last for years or more.

You will notice that all recipes call for Gold Chloride. You may find this listed as Auric Chloride or AuCl₃. I’m no chemist, but we’re basically talking about gold dissolved in acid, then diluted. Gold Chloride is used in photography for toning baths. You want the liquid solution and not the solid form. Think of this, literally, as liquid gold, allowing you to easily add this powerful element to any other fluid condenser. Even adding microscopic amounts of gold will greatly enhance your work.

Keep things safe and use good judgement. If you have the kitchen skills to make mac and cheese, you should be able to undertake the following preparations. Now that we’ve got the warnings out of the way, let’s move on to the actual work.

Preparation

All of the above recipes can be prepared in the same manner.

The final yield for my stated quantities is approximately 1 cup fluid condenser.

Estimated Time: 1.5 Hours

1. Add approx. 1/4 cup plant ingredients to a small pot
2. Add water until the plant material is completely covered (approx. 1 cup)
3. Cover with lid and bring to boil
4. Simmer for 20 minutes
5. Keep covered and allow mixture to cool, about 15 minutes
6. Strain mixture through fine mesh cheese cloth
7. Restrain mixture a second time into a clean pot, ensuring no particulates remain
8. Cover with lid and bring to boil
9. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid reduces by half
10. Keep covered and allow mixture to cool, about 15 minutes
11. Strain again for good measure
12. Combine with an equal part alcohol (clear and high proof, vodka works)
13. If desired, you may collect blood, sexual fluids, or both onto a cotton swab and submerge into the mixture. Shake well. Be sure to restrain.
14. Add 10 drops of gold chloride
15. Bottle the condenser in a dark container and keep in a cool, dim place until needed.

Why Is this Not a Potion?

You may wonder why this is different from something like a concoction, decoction, potion, etc. In fact, the process with these simple recipes may seem alarmingly similar to brewing a cup of tea.

Allow me to clarify with practical examples.

• If I boil chamomile leaves to make a brew for aiding my sleep, this is technically a Decoction of Chamomile, but I have basically just made a cup of tea. If you want it to sound fancy, call it a Sleeping Potion.
• If I boil chamomile leaves to remain receptive and later receive an intention, I’m probably making a fluid condenser.

Hopefully this clears things up.

Visual Aid

Fire Condenser, Final Product. Original Image.

Would you believe I just happened to have sunflowers and a sun-colored tablecloth conveniently on the table? Because I totally did. I couldn’t not take that picture.

Practical Applications

Magic Mirrors

This is probably one of the most frequent uses for fluid condensers. Magic Mirrors (or Dark Mirrors) typically employ the use of a fluid condenser during their construction. When you gaze into the mirror, you are actually gazing into a condenser.

Talismans

Talismans of any type can be anointed with a liquid fluid condenser prior to consecration. Sometimes, especially in the case of planetary talismans, they may be constructed out of a corresponding planetary metal, making the entire talisman a condenser.

Atmosphere

The smoke from burning incense or vapors from oils create a ritual space where energy can flow.

Breathing

Your breath is your life force. Even simple magick like knotwork can be enhanced by breathing into it. I frequently use breath on candles and runes. Use your imagination.

Petitions

Petition papers can be anointed with a drop of liquid condenser prior to being burned.

Wands

The wand is one of the classic tools for directing energy. As such, it seems apt to include a fluid condenser in some way. This could be even be something small, like a drop of blood.

Paints

Pigments can be added to liquid condensers, which turns them into a paint. This paint can be used to draw sigils or even to cover deity statues, further enhancing their energy capabilities.

Astral Sight

Certain fluid condensers can be applied to the body (eyes or third eye) to enhance astral sight and divination. We will discuss this more in the next lesson.

Until Next Time

Thank you for tuning into Part 1 of this series. In the next installment, we’ll discuss things like:

• The “Classic” Fluid Condenser Recipe
• Complicated Liquid Fluid Condensers
• Solid Fluid Condensers
• Gaseous Fluid Condensers
• Advanced Applications
• Substitutes for Gold Chloride

How do you use fluid condensers in your magickal practice? What’s your favorite recipe? Give me a shout and maybe we’ll discuss it in Part 2.