Petr Krylov
Tarot and Medici Solitaire

¹

Chapter 1 Prelude to Stalking.

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So, what is Stalking?

Life is woven from millions of choices and thousands of roads of experience.

Yet it is also composed of a myriad of mountainous ridges—rules and limitations. Rules and laws weave a labyrinth, a closed circle of Life, from which it is so difficult to break free and enter the world of one’s dreams.

Millions of two-legged predators tear asunder the life of the novice venturing into this world. And they chase him endlessly around the circle of the panopticon they themselves have wrought, like a squirrel in a wheel, through all his Life.²

The author concedes a measure of sense in the antisocial viewpoint of 'thieves in Law,' who regard society as a pen for sheep. Yet he denies their Path as the single right and genuine one.

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Fig. Who looks where—do the years gaze into people, or do people gaze into the years?

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Since ancient times amidst the mountains, gray hair and the wisdom of elders were cherished more dearly than gold.

They knew hidden trails and seldom-trodden passes through the highlands. Inaccessible and deadly to all that lives for almost the whole year, sharp as the razor of hatred, with bottomless chasms and gorges.

The wisdom and skill of the elders, their intimate knowledge of the land in troubled times, when calamity or foe descended upon peaceful toilers, were the pledge of their people's survival.

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Fig. The old tree under the sky – still it creaks, it creaks.

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And with reverence they were called the 'aksakals.'

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Fig. Do you see the Hunter? No? And yet he is there!… and ever shall be (author’s note).³

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In forested regions, where oftentimes the sun’s rays have never touched the earth. But have only been endlessly reflected from myriads of living souls yearning for them.

The Chaos of life’s wild exuberance can entangle any uninitiated wanderer in its depths. Drawing the traveler—never to return—into its fathomless embrace, until he is utterly spent.

Yet even there, there have always been those who, by signs known only to themselves, confidently find the Path amid life’s tangled web.

They would venture fearlessly into the heart of the taiga or jungle, as if into their own pocket. And returning to the ones who love and await them – bearing their spoils.

And they were proudly called – Hunters. With a capital 'H.'

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Fig. Now we shall feast on fresh meat! Is that not so, master?

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Fig. Did you order a well-roasted traveler? For a false order, the penalty is a three-day mirage with the traveler!

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In the sultry shimmer of the desert, like a mirage, appears the silhouette of a figure striding, as if wound by unseen hands.

And after a span, in which the mind scarcely has time to grasp the truth of it, there stands beside you, blazing with heat, a visitor from the other side.

There, where he came from, even lizards—if they did not perish on their own within two or three years—died of astonishment when they reckoned the odds of such an event.

How did he survive in a place where, for hundreds of versts, there was neither water nor shade?

How did he not lose his mind to the whisper of infinity and the weight of timelessness? Where did he come from, and where does he go—what is it that he seeks?

Whom has he saved, whom will he yet save, and whom will he judge?

And with a mingling of respect and fearful bewilderment, they called him—and later told their children of him as legend—the Ranger.

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Fig. Hear the whisper of endless Eternity.

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Fig. The Path is not always found.

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And so, from the heavens, in sudden leaps of a hundred or a hundred and fifty meters, lightning descends, branching like the Tree of probabilities of all possible futures.

From billions of possible descents, it chooses the truest and the easiest. Those paths that demand the least energy and open the greatest number of ways forward.

And if anyone doubts that the Path of lightning is the most optimal—let them stand beneath its strike. And in the last instant of his life, he will sense that the force of lightning has not been squandered in vain along its path. From the very moment of its birth to the hour of its death. It has been preserved, and oftentimes even multiplied.

The lightning has conveyed its excess power from sky to earth, and once again, equilibrium is restored.

All this reveals that Stalking is not the exclusive dominion of stalkers, but an ancient art of survival and orientation—a way of understanding the world, one’s place within it, and the restoration of balance in existence.

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Fig. Choice determines the outcome.

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Fig. Do you possess a talent for mutually beneficial cooperation? And what if I find one?

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A Stalker is both the lightning of choice, the Hunter of intent, the ranger of Spirit, and the elder of experience.

It is the cosmos itself, striving to gaze into the eyes of the cosmos and behold within them its own reflection and understanding.

If one were to outline the distinguishing features of Stalking, the following points could be named:

1. Stalking is Magic, woven from many thousands of years of history (more than fifty), and stands among the most ancient of techniques.

2. Unlike the many renowned forms of magic—such as hypnosis, telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and others—Stalking is less an active outer technique than a passive, inner one.

The essence of Stalking often lies in an inner attunement with the world, or with its individual elements.

This may be accomplished on various levels of consciousness—from the physical to the causal—by diverse methods and means.

Through the techniques of many different Schools and Paths.

3. Stalking is deeply multifaceted and, in truth, embodies the very foundations of magic itself.

Therefore, it was never especially advertised separately, as Science and Practice.

For, in the author's profound conviction, there is no magic except Stalking, in its various types and forms.

All the modern, well-known forms of magic are merely different Schools that have affixed their labels to Stalking.

4. Stalking is, above all, the art of understanding the world—its purposes and challenges—and of cultivating a deep and fruitful dialogue with it.

As a single, unified part with him, directly entering into him and consciously, willingly fulfilling his aims and purposes.

Just so, a cell of the body learns to establish dialogue with the entire organism. And the cell that has mastered this art becomes the nerve cell of the world—a Stalker.

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Fig. Knowledge grants a chance for understanding. Understanding bestows the strength to rise above Ignorance.

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ATTENTION!

This book is written as a self-teaching guide to Stalking.

In particular, it explores the programming of events through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot.

To truly master and internalize the material, down to the very awareness of each cell within the spinal cord, it is essential to complete the homework after reading each chapter.

For more effective learning, it is recommended to record all your answers in a learning journal.

To turn the quantity of understanding into quality, it is wise to periodically revisit your notes.

It is also advised to write your answers with wide margins in your journal, allowing space for later commentary.

It is also recommended to use methods for structuring information within your journal. For example: colored pens, bookmarks, stickers, and so forth…

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ATTENTION!

Writing out your answers to questions is approximately three times more effective than answering them in your mind.

Writing answers to questions in a single journal is roughly three times more effective than simply writing them out separately.

Rereading your journal of answers deepens your understanding by about threefold.

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The choice of how to complete your homework rests with you…

…just as it was before.

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Section Homework № 1.

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Fig. There is an artist who paints with light. You likely know of him. A camera rests in his hands. The shutter clicks—and time stands still…

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0. Begin a journal, a thick notebook, or a folder to record your homework notes.

Squared paper is recommended.

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ATTENTION!

All answers to the questions in this and subsequent homework must be provided in writing. Only in writing.

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1. What does the author consider to be the ‘three whales’ of Stalking? List them. Explain in your own words.⁴

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2. Identify the professions within society that correspond to the first 'pillar' of Stalking. What traits of character are shared by people in this profession?

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3. Imagine, for a moment, removing people of the first 'pillar' profession from society. What would happen?

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4. Identify the professions within society that correspond to the second 'pillar' of Stalking. What traits of character are shared by people in this profession?

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5. Imagine mentally removing people of the second 'pillar' profession from society. What would happen?

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6. Identify the professions within society that correspond to the third 'pillar' of Stalking. What traits of character are shared by people in this profession?

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7. Imagine erasing from society all those whose profession embodies the third 'pillar.' What would happen?

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8. Seek out in society the professions analogous to the fourth 'pillar' of Stalking. What traits of character are shared by people in this profession?

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9. Imagine erasing from society all those whose profession embodies the fourth 'pillar.' What would happen?

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10. What emerges when all three essential qualities of the three 'pillars' of Stalking are united within the character of a single individual? What characteristic signs might be found in the character and behavior of such a person?

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11. What key traits of character distinguish a Stalker from the average person?

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12. Provide examples of renowned historical figures who meet the criteria for a Stalker you have uncovered.

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Fig. 'My photographs burn.' Words and inaccuracies perish. This is our biography, yours and mine. Our tranquil past…'⁵

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Chapter 2 How the mage becomes a stalker.

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Fig. The evolution of the mage, in accelerated rewind.

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As an example, the real path of a mage’s evolution into a stalker is described in a form both playful and true.⁶

Naturally, such evolution spans more than a single year…

And, as a rule, more than one Life…

…nor is it undertaken by all, for not every jest of magic is well digested by the unsteady vessel of a young, self-assured mage…

…but let us not dwell on sorrow…

So then—the mage’s evolution—on fast-forward, of course.

…

As one who has at times cast enchantments—practiced a little, that is—I can declare with certainty this well-tested truth.

Let us take, as an example, the classical case:

You are the mage, she is the princess. She must not be merely a princess, but hopelessly in love with you.

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Fig. To the attack, my cuirassiers!

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1. Now, swiftly and deftly, let us conjure here some true magic—no child's play…

Spells can be cast in any fashion! Or is it more proper to say 'casted'? No matter—let us dance!

All that the old-timers speak of magic is utter nonsense! They understand nothing themselves, and, alas, would keep others in ignorance as well…

Nowwwww… with a cavalry charge, just liiiike—

RRRRRRRАААААААZZZZZZZzzzzzсссссссссссссс

…tfffaaffafffa…

…tffffiiifififi…

…ММММММММMmmmmm…

DamnннннннннннOh, how much that hurts!

What on earth was that?!

How many teeth did I lose, I wonder!..

I wonder—how do princesses, in general, regard those who are snaggle-toothed, or even just a little bit completely toothless?

I must cast an incantation of dazzling charm, enchanting every princess—without exception—of all races, times, and peoples…

Well then, perhaps not quite everyone… and let it be—it's not everywhere, so be it, just that particular princess…

All right, not dazzling, but truly—enchanntiiingеееееее!!!

Still, there are a few teeth left here and there…

Perhaps, before I lose all my teeth, lads—it might be wise to visit a dentist?

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Fig. Swings are not found only in the kindergarten.

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2. Based on the first point, for those who have managed to survive by following step one, it may be gently suggested that it is wise to rhyme one's spells.

So that they surge upon the Object in waves, much like the sea.

By the way, the Law of Rhythm in the Tablets speaks of this as well.

It does not diminish the magical recoil, but renders it more pleasant and familiar.

Thus, the recoil no longer tears you apart, like a smelt, but gently presses and spreads you across the pentacle. Even the pattern of blood splatters upon the walls is far more beautiful than after those who followed the first instruction…

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Ah, that's right—it ought to be in rhymes…

Now these are verses indeed—this is what I call Love…

Even the brazen cat is rubbing up, purring…

Though, for some reason, to everyone in sight…

The princess is smiling… smiling…

But she’s smiling at the wrong one altogether, foolish girl…

She needs a stronger enchantment—like so…

Let it be in five-foot iambs, then she won’t escape…

Exactly so…

Ooooooh—how good this feels…

And what awaits at the end?

The princess?

No—‘princess’ doesn’t rhyme!

Ah, how did I fail to notice at once that 'princess' doesn’t rhyme?

If I do not urgently utter a rhyme now, the magical recoil wааааааааааррррррррill split asunder, tаааааааowards the smelt!!!!!…

Behold, how much magic seethes and coils here…

I must urgently speak a rhyme…

What did I even utter????…

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Upppsss… that was not I!

Noooo—truly, by all that is noble, not I…

…

Too late… (Mozart’s 'Requiem' begins to resound, powerful and profound—the standard 'Latch' spell of the SHM has been activated)⁷

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Fig. One does not choose an Egregor; it is the Egregors who choose. What comes first, and what is secondary? These debates endure for eternity…⁸

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3. For those who have tried in practice (as true theorists) both the first and the second point—swearing and reeling—they declared that, truly, someone should have warned them: they no longer make trousers like these, so what is one to wear now?

It may be mentioned, quietly and without insistence, that casting spells by one's own strength is rather wearisome.

And besides—no one does it like that anymore.

Well, perhaps only in battle, when all the wands and magic rods have been spent, and the enemies keep crawling into the crosshairs of sight.

Indeed, such a thing is generally called foul language.

Yet in the shadowed corridors of the Academy of Magic, it is said that true deeds are not accomplished by the one who utters the incantation, but on behalf of their astral 'roof'—or basement, depending on one’s taste in design.

Thus, after scratching your still-smoldering (from steps one and two) head, you urgently turn the pages of the catalog of astral roofs, basements, and quaint little mezzanines.

A suitable shed is chosen in Magonia.⁹

And next time, having rehearsed in advance the shouting of the astral ‘roof’s’ name, and already sensing a vague unease…

…selecting the most unnecessary trousers, and, upon reflection, the slippers too, those still able to stand and to be—move on to the next stage… move on…

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Fig. Make way for the Padishah’s elephants! An ancient fresco, marked with the splattered traces of an unknown hero’s DNA.

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4. Yes, alas, they no longer move on—such journeys are but memories now!нннннннAh, see how it ripples across the pentacle! It flows through all five dimensions at once!

Who claimed in the third verse that magical recoil can crush you down to your very boots—YOUTHFUL ONES!

Beneath the astral vault, when it falls upon you, the pressure is overwhelming—sudden and everlasting,

You realize at once that not only have you understood, but you have also been struck by how truly mistaken you were in the first, the second, and ESPECIALLY the first point!

Have I spoken of this already?

So, what was that point again?

Now you’ll have to count for yourselves, then…

I’m quite content – a meaty, steaming pancake, on a freshly printed, bloody rug upon the wall…

Nonchalantly sparring with the floor, the ceiling, and the asphalt…

…damn, where did the asphalt come from? …they haven’t even invented asphalt yet!

…well, never mind, let the asphalt be damned!

…and after about two or three liters of smeared blood and snot, you begin to vaguely suspect that, well, perhaps something was left unconsidered!

It seems something essential is missing. What might it be?

Yet there is nothing to be done, and you move on to the next item—

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Fig. There you go! And tie it more securely! More securely! With a blowtorch! And don’t forget the paid insurance, as always, in three copies!

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5. …ммммммммMMMMM…

…aaaaАААААААА…

… (indistinct phrases, moaning, sobbing, hysterical mad laughter, and the sound of quick footsteps receding) …

But the body asserts itself; that persistent creature longs to live, and you realize, damn it—never!

Never, honestly—damn it, you’ll never, for real, take the wheel of this vacuum cleaner…

…

Or almost never.

And you certainly won’t rise—Land, it seems, strikes back so painfully when you fall flat upon your face…

Well, perhaps you’ll lie down… for instance, in Kremer’s bath…¹⁰

And truly—why am I always the one who must answer for everyone else?!

Do we even have a fellowship of kindred spirits, or do we not?! Then let them work as well!

Why must I alone, as if accursed, bear the toil for everyone?!

See how many certified idlers are drifting aimlessly!

Now then, gather quickly into a circle for instruction, receive your briefing, sign the journal on Tb, decipher the incantation texts, and scatter to the Kremer baths…¹¹

…one, two, threeEEEEE… all together now (refrain from cursing too much – after all, this is an incantation for the ages; imagine how future generations will struggle to translate our oaths in the chronicles!) – AllооооооооliiiiiIIIIIIIVED!!!

Just look at how beautifully they lie there!

They do not stir! True masters of their craft!

Almost as if they were truly alive!

You could paste these photographs straight into a textbook—under the chapter ‘Group Tragedies with Fatal Outcomes,’ subsection ‘Where It’s Weak, It Breaks’…

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Having devised such an approach a dozen times or more—motivated by an all-consuming longing to bewitch a certain charming princess from some forlorn empire.

Everyone desired it (at least while they were still among the living, of course).

You begin to think that, perhaps for the sake of reliability, every element of the system ought to be duplicated. Stabilize the channel—starting, let’s say, with three corpses—no, wait, mages—for the channel.

Or whatever else we have handy, as a real anchor of reality, that happened to turn up…

…………………

HurraaAA—not everyone died when the incantation took effect!

Granted, half the mountain range was swept away and the island now sits a little askew—but that is nothing; the main thing is, the princess is in love!

…Though truth be told, the princess loves everyone all at once (the rascal!), not bothering with particulars, but those are trifles—a minor side effect.

And now one may proceed to the next point…

…indeed, you see, I haven’t forgotten how to count – imagine that!

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Fig. True heroes always follow the ski trail.

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6. In truth, if one truly ponders… for, in the sixth point, one is indeed obliged to think…

…and look, even upon clay tablets they inscribed the same thing… or rather, they carved… carved it…

…two thousand years ago…

…before our era…

…before people, that is…

…dragons…

…those who have endured…

…for they did not study to the end, as one ought, and thus were unable to journey to other worlds…

…ah, I've become utterly, hopelessly entangled…

…in truth, it seems that none of it truly matters after all!

…so the meaning is this – why create an apple yourself? There are already plenty!

The most important thing is to arrive on time, in the right place, at the destined moment…

…

Look there, behold – yet another princess (or so she believes) is crossing the road!

Oh, what a graceful turn—the leg twisted on high heels!

Right in front of the speeding KamAZ!¹²

And here I am, so dashing, all of myself—on a white dra…

Pah, honestly, what dragons are there nowadays—on a white ho…

Tch, still not right! …white, white… on what white, after all?

…ah—it turns out I'm an orderly, in a white… coat…

No—it's already too late to be an orderly! She is no longer that princess—who would want her now, after all—so battered and broken…

In white… white… what kind of white was it, though? Ah – in a white Mercedes! Of course – I set it so beautifully in the path of the KamAZ and saved the princess!

That’s it!

Oh dear – now the princess owes me her whole life!

…ah, how much she owes me now – she’ll be repaying this for at least five years!

Nеееееее – that’s hidden violence! That’s a crime! The guardians won’t ever forgive meee…

…

Well, I’ve finally decided – I’ll be the one in the white KamAZ!

I, by heaven, wrenched the wheel with all my mightааааааааSwung it—and straight into the wall… so white…

…which is why the KamAZ is white… but never mind…

Yet now the princess drenches me in her blue spotlights!

…as though I were the one and only, the singular grandfather of our future grandchildren!

This is LOVE!

…the goal is attained… and scarcely a trace of magical recoil…

…though, in truth, KamAZ does not quite agree that there is no recoil…

…all that remains of the KamAZ…

…but who is really going to question him much?

…the KamAZ itself…

After some practice with item six, having swapped out a few princesses for lovelier ones, and acquiring a modest private fleet of various machines, the next logical means of lessening magical recoil emerges:

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Fig. Chip hurries to his Gadget.

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7. No need for magic—there are plenty of princesses already…

At least one will be yours…

Especially if you saved her…

Or if she saved you…

In essence, it makes no difference—the main thing is to clear the way on one side, and then the current will flow on its own.

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Thus, let us briefly sum up the stages of the mage’s evolution into a stalker. Let us, so to speak, take a brief inventory:

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Section Chapter 2 in Summary.

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1. The First Stage.

The novice mage is brimming with puppy-like enthusiasm and self-assurance. The entire world, irrevocable and undeniable, belongs to him and him alone.

He is suffused with strength, energy, and untouched by negative experience.

He simply does not yet realize that he is young, though already a talented… fool.

His earliest triumphs in magic bestow upon him a holy certainty that he is capable of 'anything.' Though, as yet, 'anything' remains unaware that it may be accomplished by him.

Thus, he heeds no one; all counsel, to his mind, are but empty fears whispered by the elders. And so he presses forward headlong, in the finest traditions of a kamikaze. Choosing the field where the rakes lie thickest and heaviest.

The first article in any charter—'The commander is always right'—he has scanned in passing, but as yet, he pays it no heed.

He simply has no free time for that. He is so greatly occupied! There is so much wood to split, so many bruises to earn! And here you see, such tedious rules, laws, textbooks!

It is at this point that the path of many aspiring mages, alas, ends—often in a wheelchair, accompanied by a long list of pills for which one must work, or even beg, for the rest of Life.

Yes, yes, esteemed friends—the inevitable happy ending is but a hidden marketing ploy from Hollywood, devised so that the film will sell better!

In the real world, there’s no saving and reloading.¹³

GAME OVER – in this life, you cannot truly play again.

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2. The Second Stage.

Having gained his first true experience, the mage realizes that the world is not the beloved and ever-giving mother's breast he once imagined.

And with this, he is compelled to reckon, one way or another. Cavalry charges in magic, it seems, are fraught with peril—both problematic and self-destructive.

It is better—and, more importantly, safer—to proceed with everything smoothly and gradually.

Then, perhaps, there may even be time to notice and realize where, how, and in what one was mistaken.

Those who awaken, humble themselves, and accept this simple truth sometimes even survive and have every chance to reach the third stage of evolution.

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3. The Third Stage.

After the mage has earned a few impressive bumps (spanning his entire aura), tested his health for resilience, and his body and skin for their power to regenerate, he cools down a bit and becomes more or less reasonable. The mage now sets about grasping the foundations of magic with greater diligence and contemplation.

No longer rushing into practice as before, he turns his attention first to theory. And—O wonder of wonders—he even seeks counsel and asks others: 'Tell me, colleagues, how is this truly done?' Now he listens to the wisdom of his elder peers, though they are not especially inclined to share their secrets with him.

Passage to the next stage of evolution depends greatly on the mage’s manners, his kindness, and the grace of his communication. Some, at this stage, manage to quarrel with the whole world. Others, on the contrary, acquire fewer enemies, but those with a thicker, richer aura—so that these seasoned mages would ensure their undoing, thoroughly and with a lifelong guarantee.

The secret to a mage’s passage to the next level is his humility and gentleness of spirit. No mage has ever perished from humility. But from empty swagger and arrogant pride—every other one has been brought low, and all too easily!

But even that is often not enough.

Only in famed television series do outsiders—howling at anyone from the very first episode—survive, much to the chagrin of their enemies and the mighty of this world, until the inescapable triumphant finale: healthy, rosy-cheeked, and content.

Yet it must be clearly understood that this happy ending is but a marketing ploy, crafted for the world’s largest focus group—outsiders and the unlucky.

In real life, it is usually the quiet souls who survive, those who quarrel with no one and are desperately needed by all. There are some without whom one simply cannot do!

Like dentists or plumbers, for example.

Eras, flags, and dictators may change, yet the need for dentists, plumbers, janitors, cleaners, and other such servants endures under any regime of lasting duration.

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4. The fourth stage.

Once the mage attains access to the global flows and powers, he experiences an interaction with power that transcends all boundaries.

At last, he comes to know—keenly, even painfully, in his own flesh—his place within the evolutionary chain of Spirit.

A place both modest and exquisitely fragile. He even begins to regard ants, and every little creature, with newfound respect. For he too, many times over, might have been crushed—by Archangels or others—just like a tiny insect, scarcely noticed at all.

And yet, curiously, he has somehow remained alive. This realization draws him into deep, lifelong contemplation and inspires in him a marvelous courtesy, tact, and almost unshakable composure toward all.

Only thus does he have a chance to pass on to the next stage.

Those who fail to develop these skills, sooner or later, fall into the hot hand of some Siddha or Demiurge taking a holiday in a foul mood, and are swiftly and blissfully reincarnated as stutterers and mutes (just in case, mutes—and believe me, that is hardly the worst fate awaiting them).¹⁴

Incidentally, there is a joke on this theme:

A hippopotamus is drifting along the river.

Suddenly, around a bend in the river, he sees a troop of baboons beating up some poor hippopotamus for no apparent reason.

(B) – WHAT ARE YOU WRETCHED CREATURES DOING! – the hippopotamus cries out to the monkeys with all his might.

(O) – Today, we are beating up anyone who opens their mouth too wide, – the monkeys reply to the hippopotamus.

(B) – aaaaa… well, well…

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5. Stage Five.

At this stage, the mage begins to realize that there exists an enormous—almost monstrous—chasm between theory and practice. This stems from the fact that theory is always far removed from the real. And time and again, practice affirms this chasm through lived experience.

Especially in matters of magic, this is proven painfully—often, tragically so—and sometimes, even after death.

The mage pursues mastery not only through practice, but also by continually refining and deepening his understanding of theory.

Otherwise, survival itself is denied him.

Only when he becomes an experienced and cautious—indeed, still living—practitioner, does the theoretician of magic stand a chance of reaching the next phase of evolution.

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6. Sixth stage.

Those who survived the previous stages and have wagered their tattered hides again and again came upon a simple discovery. Every bicycle in this world is invented over and over, countless times.

And rather than squander time and strength, risking your health and Life itself, it is often enough simply to visit the library and search among the shelves. This way is swifter, safer, and, as a rule, more effective than awkward, self-assured efforts alone.

Moreover, books from different ages, peoples, and tongues often complement one another.

And the older the book and the deader the language in which it is written, the greater treasures, as a rule, it conceals.

This seemingly self-evident truth becomes a wondrous revelation and a tool for those who have grasped it through personal experience.

And those who have taken it into their armory, so deeply that it becomes bone and instinct, have every chance to cross into the next realm.

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7. The seventh stage.

At this level, a simple truth is revealed.

In most cases, it is not at all necessary to stubbornly pursue your unique and unrepeatable path (which, as a rule, stands out mainly for its own simple and singular folly). It is often enough simply to attune yourself to the world and the processes unfolding within it. Thus you may attain all that you so fervently desired—and even more—almost without effort.

Just as a sparrow anxiously flutters its wings and journeys for several kilometers. The albatross journeys for thousands of kilometers, without making even a dozen wingbeats.¹⁵

It is a Paradox, seeming wholly impossible, and yet it is so.¹⁶

Thus are mages transformed into Stalkers… though only those who survive to see this moment.

The chief distinction between a Stalker and a mage (as the word is commonly understood) lies in this: the Stalker does not reinvent the wheel, nor does he batter his way through probability by sheer force. Rather, he walks the paths already trodden and rides the rising flows, arriving with minimal effort precisely where the world NEEDS him in this very moment. In the role that the world requires, and that the stalker finds intriguing.

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…and for the One Walking the Path, there are abundant roles, scenes, and worlds of interest…

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Section Homework № 2.

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Fig. We travel the hard road to the Emerald City…¹⁷

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1. For each of items 1–7 in the 'Summary of Chapter 2' subsection, find, on the Internet, images or photographs that may serve as a kind of epigraph or conclusion for each point.

Print them out and paste them into your journal. Justify your choice of image in writing.

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2. Identify the stages of human development, from conception onward.¹⁸

As an example, find and study 'The Ballad of Childhood' by V. Vysotsky on the Internet or on YouTube.

About five to ten items.

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3. Identify the TYPES of mistakes made during each stage of human development.

For instance: critical errors, fatal errors, and so on and so forth…¹⁹

Five to ten, or more if possible. Naturally, with examples. Add and mix to taste.

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4. Highlight, within the stages of human development, those acquired qualities of character and consciousness that allow a person to move from one stage to the next.

Some five to ten, or perhaps more.

Ensure there are no gaps in your classification under item 2.

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5. Consolidate your answers for items 2 to 4 into a single, interconnected table or diagram.

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6. Repeat the analysis yourself, this time pertaining to the mage.

Prepare a table similar to question 5, but now for the mage.

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7. How might one increase the survivability of the mage?

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Fig. Knowledge enters one ear and leaves through the other. The understanding won by one’s own toil abides forever with the one awakened!

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Chapter 3 No need for cleverness here, no need for cleverness—just point with your finger!

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Fig. Suspended in subspace, swaying in the wind. The East, nailed and swaying in the wind. Gone without a sign. Gone without a sign. Gone without a sign. Yet a Sign could have helped.

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A jest…

A well-known tale.

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The Arctic Ocean… wind, frost, the sky veiled with clouds, hanging a hundred meters overhead. Upon leaden waters, an Eskimo's kayak sways. A hunched Eskimo casts for something in the water—something that has not yet thought to swim away to Sochi or Turkey, guided by the compass.

The water begins to bubble and churn with vigor, and nearby, a badly battered submarine surfaces, its hatch opening. Clad in a vast black cloak, the Captain emerges above. He leafs through a certain reference book for a long while, then begins to recite the various dialects of the peoples of the Far North. He opens the dialogue with phrases such as, 'Yes, I am Captain Tu Ranch, and who are you?' The Chukchi, squinting, nervously tries to tilt his head upward, though it has never bent that way before, for he has never needed to. At last, in the finest Tradition of Russian variety shows, he 'looks askance, bowing his head low,' for his head simply refuses to tilt upward; and so, in purest English, he asks the standard question of geologists on the third day of searching for oil among boxes of empty vodka bottles:²⁰

– What do you want, officer?

To this, the bewildered Captain—striving to speak English as fluently as an Eskimo—replies:

– Would the esteemed Sir Chukcha be so kind as to tell me in which direction lies the land blessed by our Lord and His Son, America?

To this, the Eskimo responds:

– Course south-southeast, 250 miles, and mind the shoals near the shore.

After this, the Captain, utterly at a loss, gloomily descends into the hatch and vanishes. The Eskimo continues his pursuit, catching something born from what once overheated in the tropics and now, as horoscopes claim, is cooling alongside your beer.

Some time drifts by.

Water foams and bubbles once more, as a Russian submarine surfaces—swaying and lurching in a curious fashion.

The boatswain, barely alive, crawls out on all fours and, shouting down below, calls: 'It’s nothing! We’ll sort it out, Captain! What do you need that compass for? There were two liters of spirits inside! No sense letting good fortune go to waste, after all.' Then, squinting in an effort to fix his gaze on the Chukchi, he bellows with a hoarse bass voice:

– Hey, Chukchi, which direction is Murmansk?

To this, he receives the reply:

– Heading northwest by west, about three thousand miles, give or take. Just don't overturn the boat, boatswain, please, when you dive.

To which the boatswain shouts in anger:

– Don't get clever, you rascal, don't get clever. Just point with your finger—show me where to go…

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So then, what is Stalking, in simple terms?

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Fig. Hey, you! Yes, you—I'm talking to you! Come over here! We'll share, as brothers should, whatever God has sent your way.

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Evening falls… Once again, a young mage, in the finest Tradition of fools and misfits, saturated with fantasy tales until the very brink, returns with the unsteady gait of a sleepwalker to his burrow, in his beloved five-story building, to blissfully slip into anabiosis—until that pure, kind, luminous moment arrives: the release of a new remake, where he, from beginning to end, reigns as the Great and Mighty.

Meanwhile, the forces of darkness, embodied in a fledgling criminal known as Lisp (three years probation under 213), along with a couple of other young and wayward souls, clustered into a pack, sipping drinks in the stairwell, seeking something soft and yielding on which to train their still-fragile minds.

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Fig. Once I become Mighty—they will surely know me then! Their time is nearly at an end. In a year, a new season will dawn!

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Paths that lie ahead:

Option 1: Our hero only noticed Shepelyavy when he had already crept across the entire screen. The fevered search for the mouse with his right hand, the frantic clicking of the left button, and the odd absence of a sight on the screen all conspired to make conversing with the people of this mighty mage somewhat arduous.

The last record saved on the hard drive that day was a blurred, grimy palm, captured at 60 hertz. She enclosed this world entirely, overturning and extinguishing it. He did not see how a young but already promising CMS in 'judo before' and 'judo after' soared after him up the stairs to the landing. And he began confidently weaving macramé from the young, yet already so gifted ne’er-do-wells.

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Fig. What have we here? Nagual or Tonal? Perhaps, just as a test, should he throw in a little extra for him?²¹

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Option 2: Our young wizard became so lost in dreams that he slipped and spilled all his fantasies right at the threshold. And while he was gathering them, a young but already fading-in-hope CMS boxer, Gavrila, dashed into the entryway and ran up the stairs, where he stumbled over Lisping. Afterwards, he had a brief but meaningful conversation with him.

In the course of their short discussion, it became evident that a left hook held a clear advantage over mere bravado and bravado uttered in thieves’ slang. At the same time, Gavrila subtly confirmed Lisping's nickname in the finest Tradition of professionals—with a finishing kick to the head.²²

The young magician, drenched in cold sweat and stepping fastidiously over bloodied mucus and vomit, swiftly scurried into his burrow. Then, with a sigh of relief, he hurriedly opened his dose—no, his book, yes, his book—and blissfully lost himself on the second level of the book about Him! The Great One! Hallelujah!

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Fig. Where to go? Where should one turn?

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Option 3: The little hobbit darted home in brief sprints, bathed in sticky sweat.

All day, the signs cried out to him of the imminent and inescapable white-furred beast come for his soul. With every passing hour, the world’s hints became more unmistakable—the cats wailed louder in his ear, and the passersby, who seemed to utter chance phrases, gazed at him with growing meaning, bending the matrix as if they might at any moment leap from the RAM to this side of the screen.

The last sign was a scrap of newspaper before the entrance door, bearing the headline: ‘The Last Warning to Ukraine from Gazprom’, though exactly half the headline remained.

‘…I wonder, what would Castaneda have to say about that?’ mused the hobbit, settling on the bench before the doorway, knees half-bent.

The answer arrived, as always—through curses and the heartfelt shouts of youths, young yet already so gifted, under the guidance of Lisping. To the rhythmic hawking of Gavrila, a young yet already promising CMS of Krantez-do, who slipped into the entryway while the hobbit still pondered: ‘To be or not to be—that is the question.’

‘Of course, strike—and with a heel to the nose,’ thought Gavrila.

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Fig. Nothing betrayed the standard visage of Dr. Shmir. Even the Dal communications radio was skillfully disguised as a battered accordion.²³

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Option 4: (…a deep, resonant voice, off-screen… set against the strange hiss and crackle.)

…the resident of Dal Intelligence slept… But he knew that in a matter of minutes he would awaken in his own bed and remember everything he had dreamed. Therefore, today he will skip the CMS something or other, letting Gavryusha into the entryway out of turn.

…end of communication session.

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Fig. …three, seven, Ace… three, seven, Ace… three, seven, Ace…²⁴

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Option 5: 'Well, now let's skip the king of spades, skip him,' Yuri muttered with spiteful lisping after his last meeting with Shepelyavy, ever more drawn into the role of the local madman, letting Gavrila into the entryway—Gavrila, who did not yet know of his fateful meeting with Shepelyavy, so momentous for Yuri, but was already hurrying to it…

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Fig. How are you, brother? Whom did you see today?

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Option 6: “Kings of Swords to the front, please…” Herman thought calmly, looking into Gavrila’s eyes as they exchanged empty phrases; Gavrila then briskly went to strike Lisper, just as any card ought to act in a game of Solitaire.

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Fig. People are cards. Cards are people. Where you lay them out, there they will remain.

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Option 7: “No, I don’t like this spread…” the Stalker thought, reshuffling the spread where Gavrila delivered a calculated kick to Lisper’s head with his trained foot, thus ridding the entryway forever of that unruly, impudent nuisance—but earning his first criminal record in the process.

And truly—what an honor, to lay out a Solitaire for the Lisping One.

But Gavrila—he is a fine fellow; I will tell him, and he will thrash him thoroughly, regardless. But Svetka from apartment fifty-four—a fool, wagging her tail in every direction, blind to her own happiness.

We ought to lay a Solitaire for Gavrila and her. So that they might come together and live happily. Then, in the entranceway, in some… years, there will be more decent folk, and fewer of the lisping kind.

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Section Chapter 3 Summary.

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For those uncertain, a classification of fingers:

1. Zero Version of Stalking, or…

2. Unconscious Stalking, or, wherever the guardian angel manages to place you—that is your homeland.

3. “Aboutооооооооо, enemies again… they have surrounded me—it’s an ambush, imagine that, my friends, yeaaaah?”—this is semi-conscious Stalking, often gently flowing into Stalking under madhouse conditions. Under the guidance and surrounded by kind and responsive orderlies. With haloperidol ever at hand.²⁵

4. Stalking the dreamer… or rather, dreaming Stalking… or the dreams of a stalker, perhaps… or Stalking a dream, more precisely… or perhaps a dream within Stalking… or Stalking within a dream? …who could truly unravel these dreams without a council of stalkers…

5. Stalking is not yet a trickster, but already lightly shuffling… cards… and events…

6. Stalking the stalker… at least, that’s what he believes…

7. 'And surely, it is time for a stalker to become a Stalker,' thought Mir…

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Section Homework № 3.

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Fig. Downshifting. Down – the mask. To those who see – a hint.

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1. Compose your own selection of mottos, epigraphs, proverbs, aphorisms, or photographs for each point in the first part of Chapter 3.

Do this no worse than the author of the book, that pitiful failure unburdened by intellect!

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2. Compose your own selection of mottos, epigraphs, proverbs, aphorisms, or photographs for each point in the second part, ‘Outcomes of Chapter 3’.

Do it no worse than the author of the book—that illiterate scribbler who fancies himself the Guru of Stalking!

Revise the chapter entitled 'Summary of Chapter 3.' Record it in the journal, along with your chosen epigraphs.

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3. Identify the KEY—namely, the main distinctive features of the Stalker's development at each stage. Create a diagram of their evolution.

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4. The author of the book, it seems, has treacherously withheld the secret Knowledge from the people and neglected to write about the three most essential stages of the Stalker's development. Undoubtedly, he did this to secretly stifle the ignorant masses from behind the Veil.

Restore to the people—in your own person, that is, to yourself—what has been lost! Become the Chosen One, and in a state of channeling, inscribe the three forgotten points!

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5. Seek out the secret manual online: 'How to Govern the World Without Drawing the Orderlies' Attention.'

Download it, print it, purchase it, or write it yourself; bind it as a thick ancient tome with a lock, and hang it on a chain above your bed. Within, under lock and key, place the three secret aspects of the Stalker’s development that you have discovered in Channeling mode, on your own.

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6. If your acquaintances ask about the book above your bed, deflect with humor, steer the conversation elsewhere, or answer with lines from James Bond or other literary or cinematic figures.

Your task is, under no circumstances and to no one, ever to reveal or explain what lies within this book.

Now you are the Keeper of Secret Knowledge, on probation. By the way, the Keepers' probation period is limited only by their 'missteps.' In other words, as long as you don't make missteps or divulge Stalker military secrets, it lasts until you grow weary of it.

For instance, Eternity.

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7. Find a film character you would like to emulate and record a collection of their signature phrases in your journal. Learn these expressions and the manner in which they are spoken.

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Attention!

Do not forget to remain within the bounds of the Criminal Code.

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Choose your mask wisely!

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Fig. Mask to mask. People to people. As you don the mask, so shall it be!

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Chapter 4 Pont, simply Pont.

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Fig. A light glimmers at the end of the tunnel. We draw ever closer to our goal.

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So, what truly is a stalker, when viewed up close?

Well then, let us take, for example, a necromancer. There, all is clear—he is surrounded by the dead he has summoned from their graves, who howl fiercely, jealously guarding their master from any who venture too near, and will tear apart anyone lacking a CASCO policy.²⁶²⁷

Or, for instance, vampires. With them, all is apparent—vampires cannot be mistaken for any other. At least, before Death.

The hallmark of the Bogatyr, let us say, is heroic strength. Of the mage, the gift of magic. Witches—witchcraft. The Sorcerer—sorcery.

But what, then, is a stalker, and how, in every dimension, do the kind, responsive, and charming partake of him?

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Fig. Loved or tormented, they have all arrived here, nonetheless.

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If one has read the previous chapters with care, it is possible they may have noticed, perchance by accident, that any scenario holds a multitude of possible developments. And, strangely enough, every scenario possesses both endings graced with happiness and endings in the most final sense. And if you gather a handful of scenarios and blend them gently together, it becomes clear there are countless combinations—yet they all share a single, distinguishing trait: the overall probability of a happy ending, for some reason, steadily diminishes to nothing. The further we proceed, as the saying goes, the more fearsome it becomes.

Yet the probability of descending three meters into the depths inevitably approaches 100% with time, in any scenario. And should these scenarios arise not from childish comics but from the austere truth of life, then the vanishing of the happy ending accelerates to rival the hush with which one utters the word 'perdition.'

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Fig. Why do we stand? For whom do we wait? The Motherland gazes upon you with hope, my son! And so what if you have just rescued someone? The huts—they burn and burn…

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At this point, any mathematician with a modicum of skill might recall the most extreme and perilous cases—professions as fraught and unhealthy as that of Agent 007 or, say, Indiana Jones.

All crave him, all seek him, and the desires they bear toward the scapegoat—pardon, the hero, indeed the Hero—are clearly at odds with health and restful sleep for the one so pursued.

Most intriguing of all: even if, in the finest tradition of Indian cinema, you fire one hundred and fifty rounds from a six-shot revolver, for reasons unknown, they still manage to shoot! And, as a rule—always in bursts! And still they run, these rascals, rushing in from every direction. As if, for heaven’s sake, it’s a clearance sale.

In such moments, vampires find true grace—draining a couple of villains in some shadowed corner, gathering a few hells, and then soaring further on the wings of night. But what is a simple Pont to do in such a situation?²⁸

Curiously, these questions trouble him very little. With hardly a tremor of anxiety, he passes from story to story—alive, healthy, and ruddy-cheeked. Perhaps, only somewhat roughened by yet another predatory seductress. How does he manage it? Why is he all in chocolate and all that Halle Berry business? And here, you see, the sandwich always falls butter-side down?!

Cinema, you might say? But after all, someone wins the national lottery! …Or becomes president… And someone – hard to imagine! – becomes the president’s wife!!!

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Fig. A squirrel endlessly spins another squirrel in the wheel—round and round. It’s always like that, everywhere. People spin the eternal puzzle.

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And if you watch Pont’s actions closely in the film, you’ll notice one distinctive detail – that rascal is always on time, everywhere!!!

Not a moment too soon, nor a moment too late… only as the guard turned away for a fleeting instant, lost in contemplation of life's meaning… and in that very heartbeat, Pont emerged, indelible and inescapable! Seizing upon the guard's transitory reverie, sparing his munitions for the other 149 keepers of the Object – with a single stroke of charisma, he unsettles his wits, and thus the soul is borne away to pa… ah, no, indeed – to hell, of course, that is, indeed, to ааааааааааddd.

For but a few brief minutes, the gentle lady was overtaken by a spell of feminine weakness.

And there is Pont, you see, appearing at once! Ready as if he had known, that rascal, primed for his purpose…

That is ever his way: give the slightest slack, and Pont has taken it all. What was once another’s now is Pont’s!

Even an old woman falters at times; so how can villains find no rest, not a moment’s respite from their wickedness throughout the day? Thus does Pont seize these pauses most shamelessly, then meets your gaze with a brazen face and boldly proclaims, 'Pont, simply Pont.'

What a charming scoundrel, is he not?

Yet the most intriguing part is this: he wields his 'one-in-a-million' chance with the steady certainty of a Swiss chronometer, unfailingly gliding from episode to episode, deftly weaving between bursts of gunfire and slipping amid graceful legs in those rare moments when they are relaxed and unguarded.

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Fig. The manual is simple: take hold—move your hands. If only a little strength remained for the journey of personal growth.

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And here’s another fairly well-known new film—'Next', with Nicolas Cage.

In it, Kolya could literally see the future, three minutes ahead. Yet that was enough to duck his head in time, and to lift it at just the right moment. He darted between bursts of automatic fire just as deftly as the dashing Pont.

When I first saw it, I thought—Pont must have had plastic surgery again.

Their moves are almost identical: no gunfire at all, you aren’t even issued a pistol, just like in the construction battalion, yet the enemies fall left and right and stack themselves in neat rows. All strictly according to GOST!²⁹

Thus it unfolds, quite logically, that since Kolya does not brandish a pistol in 'The Prophet,' and Pont too seldom resorts to gunfire, their true weapon must be this: the gift of arriving in the right place at the right moment, and, of course, the art of flashing a photogenic, bulletproof, white-toothed smile in the face of whistling bullets…

Perhaps it dazzles them—there is no other way to explain why the bullets always pass them by…

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Fig. As one poet once declared: 'All is trifling, save for time itself!'

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And if we are to speak in strictly scientific terms for the especially meticulous, the following definition may be offered:

A high probability of achieving success, even in situations where survival is almost impossible, is afforded to these individuals by an innate or acquired ability for absolutely synchronous interaction with aggressively disposed subjects. It is this capacity that enables them to realize their desires and possibilities in the most optimal way.

Did anyone understand any of that?

This is one of the hallmarks of Stalking—absolute synchrony with the world and the utmost economy of force, aggression, and weaponry.

At such times, I recall some verses, perhaps by Guberman:

My comrade once fed lice with his own flesh,

And trembling, re-fashioned rags anew,

And stitched the very image of the Cosmos,

And strolled with God…

…without a blade.

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Section Homework № 4.

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Fig. – Give me a fulcrum, and I shall turn the world! – This fulcrum lies not outside, but within you, my friend! – What nonsense! No way! Come on—ууууууу!³⁰

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1. Search online and watch the film 'Next', released in 2007, starring Nicolas Cage.³¹

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2. What enabled Cris Johnson to perform his feats?

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3. What capabilities does this grant him (C.J.) that set him apart from ordinary people? Compose a list of such abilities. And what might these abilities offer their possessor? Provide at least five points.

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4. What drawbacks do Cris's abilities have?

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5. Compare the behavior patterns of Cris Johnson in the film 'Next' and James Bond in the Bond series (consider at least two or three films with the same actor, for example, Daniel Craig).

Prepare a list (or table) of similarities and differences, describing their characteristic traits and the consequences that arise from these differences. Strive to substantiate your conclusions. Include references supporting your conclusions, noting the relevant series and the episode timing.

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6. If such a person does not wish to reveal their gift of foresight, is it still possible to discern these abilities in them? If so, how? Compile a list of specialties and professions in which abilities of foresight might enable one to achieve success within society.

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7. Find information online about the prototype of James Bond. What is he like?

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8. Find information online about the prototype or counterpart of Chris Johnson. What is he like?

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9. Could modern power structures and special services be interested in employees like Chris Johnson?

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10. Search online and compile a list of countries and TV channels broadcasting a show similar to 'Battle of the Psychics.' Pay attention to the years the show originated. Take note of the expenses involved in producing the show and its profitability. What is the purpose of these shows?

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11. Watch a few episodes of the series 'Mentalist' (2008—2015) starring Simon Baker, for example, from the first season. Pay attention to the length of the series, its budget, and the adaptations in Ukraine.³²

Study the history of the series and its prototype.

What is the English translation of the words 'сталкер' and 'сталкинг'?

Who were Chikatilo, Red John, Red Dragon (watch again), and other such maniacs?³³³⁴

If there is a Shadow, what is its counterbalance?

Which order carries the unofficial name 'Dogs of the Lord'?

Would counterintelligence ever publicize itself and its activities?

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12. In what other guises or formats could the 'Battle of the Psychics' competition be held to identify those with psychic abilities?

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13. If one were to compare Chris Johnson and James Bond, Patrick Jane and Hannibal Lecter, which of them is closer to the Stalker?

What is the defining trait of self-centered professional athletes?

What is the defining trait of most serial killers and maniacs?

What does it mean to 'styag,' 'styazhat,' or to 'receive the Holy Spirit'?

So, who is a Stalker?

What are the 'trophies' for a Stalker learning from this self-tutorial?

Substantiate your opinion in writing, point by point, and provide evidence where possible.

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14. In the film, is Chris Johnson a puppet or a conductor?

Substantiate your opinion in writing, point by point, and provide evidence where possible.

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15. Watch the film 'Say Leo' (2008).

Look for Chris Johnson there.

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16. Recall and make a list of films in which, even if only briefly, the main or supporting characters possess the gift of foresight.

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17. Bonus.

Watch the series 'Vampires of the Middle Belt.'³⁵

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Fig. If I knew the right cards, I'd live in Sochi! Some do know, but choose not to! (For the record, he lives far better than he would in Sochi.)

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Chapter 5 A cat ran by, waving its tail…

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Fig. 'I know that I know nothing' (a distorted and incomplete saying commonly attributed to Socrates).

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What, then, does it mean to be in the right place at the right time?

To phrase it in the rather tedious language of learned mathematicians: it is to possess the correct spatial and temporal coordinates within a given period.

That is, so that F(x, y, z, t) = f(t), where f(t) is that subtle and elusive function which brings about success, recognition, and a sense of deep moral fulfillment.

Did anyone understand anything?

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Fig. To sleep – or not to sleep. Through the dream – to see. If you do not awaken, you cannot unsee.

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To speak more simply, let us take a plain example: a cat runs across the road, amid the cars. Which, by the way, could easily run it over.

Three things have always struck me personally:

1) as a rule, the cat runs without looking around, but instead fixes its gaze upon a single point;

2) If she stops darting across the road and begins to look around, it is precisely then, as a rule, that she gets run over.

3) A simple yet astonishing fact—the place where a cat was just a moment ago, a car passes by, but the cat is already gone!

And here, analogies naturally arise, in the following vein:

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Fig. The clever learn from the successful. The wise learn from the effective.

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1. One who skillfully crosses the road of life gazes at a single point, like a cat—they see only their final goal and trot toward it (for cats seldom gallop).

This very kind of fanaticism is the hallmark of those whom we call the single-minded. They are the ones who attain success, for it is precisely the single-minded who achieve it.

There is a certain secret hidden within this. Truly, this is a property of human consciousness. A person may cast their gaze upon a thousand things, yet SEES only those which they SEEK—and, once found, HOLDS with that very gaze. It seems a thing as simple as an orange; everyone knows this, and yet…

…anyone who has been on a duck hunt and has shot at them knows a curious riddle—the moment when the duck, felled by a shot, drops into the grass. As it falls, the Hunter instinctively traces the duck with his gaze. EVERY Hunter sees where the duck has fallen, and then walks out to seek it in the grass.

But… only the Hunter who, as he approaches the spot where the duck has fallen, NEVER AVERTS his gaze from that place, will find it.

The same Hunters who vaguely remembered where the duck had fallen and went to search for it there, rightly believing that, with three or four kilos of brains, 'surely they could find a scruffy duck in the grass,' reasoned absolutely correctly! Ninety-nine percent of the time, they will never find it there! Yet where could a dead duck in the grass possibly go? Surely it didn’t crawl away to paradise on its own, powered by some zombie drive?

Look into the eyes of any fan, fanatic, careerist, or one enthralled by an idea.

You will behold that same absent gaze seen in a cat. More precisely, a stare fixed upon some goal behind you—visible only to him.

By the way, a true anecdote on that theme:

In the evening, I stepped out onto the balcony for a smoke. Then:

I linger there, smoking. I see—the neighbor’s cat furtively creeping along the cornice, clearly planning to raid a sparrow’s nest.

I lay in wait and cried out: ‘Hey, get out of here! What are you doing here, you rascal?!’

In that very instant, an old woman, plucking seeds from flowers beneath the balcony, dashed away. The young man drinking beer atop the pipe tumbled down and fled.

The girl posting a notice on the doorway vanished at once!

Only the cat continued to prowl—slowly, inexorably…

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Fig. An heirloom Zen Master, unmixed and pure, in full concentration. There is only the goal, and nothing but the goal. And it must be seized and devoured. This is Meaning, Truth, and the Path.³⁶

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2. Should a person avert their gaze from the original goal and begin to doubt midway upon their journey, it will scarcely end well for them. Much like a cat, frozen as a car bears down upon it.

And yet, the vast majority of people are forever filled with doubt about everything. ABOUT EVERYTHING… AND EVERYONE… what is the meaning???

There is a fine proverb: A brave man dies but once, while a coward dies a thousand deaths.

Let us now ask the women, who, after all, perform the true natural selection among men – what makes a ‘remarkable’ man? They will offer a thousand answers, yet each will surely mention one essential trait – a CONFIDENT man.

'Confident' is the antonym of 'doubtful.' In the eyes of women, a man may be anyone—even a criminal, a sadist, a murderer, a scoundrel, a beggar—yet still be alluring to one of them. But… remove a man's confidence, and all is lost—he is unlikely to impress even a single soul. !!!!!!!!

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Fig. To gooooo or not to goиииииии? That is the quesssstion! Is it nobler for machiiiiiines to wait endlesslyyyyyy? Should one yield, remaining a silent stone cast along the roadside of Fate? Or must one offer resistanceееееееее? And slip between the equal embrace of Deeeeaaaathоооооооand sufffffffocccccating? Or kiиииииииll? And eeeeeeeat? Just in caaaaaaaaase? (“Mumbles,” Chic Spear)

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Instinct for choosing worthy mates unerringly whispers to a woman—a man unsure of himself will achieve nothing; he holds no promise.

A typical outsider-hero, found in any bestseller, can serve as an idol only for those who are outsiders themselves. And only within a bestseller—a narcotic for the unsuccessful—can he attain success.

If the plot of the bestseller were otherwise, few would choose to buy it. The successful have no need for it, while outsiders require the hero to be just like themselves if they are to identify with him.

In reality, one who is confident in their own strength repels misfortune, most often by the force of that confidence alone. And, of course, with an unwavering sense of humor and the gift of laughing at oneself.

That is why small children—and professional dog handlers—so often approach even the largest and wildest dogs with perfect calm and stroke their fur. Absolute faith and fearlessness, the true absence of fear, do not provoke a dog to bite a stranger.³⁷

‘…And if you possessed faith even as a mustard seed, you could move mountains…’ ³⁸

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Fig. – ‘Calling MCC, calling MCC, do you read? – MCC, standing by. Over. – Reporting in.’ The second day of the flight has begun. All is proceeding smoothly. All systems are functioning within their standard parameters. Over.

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NдддддддAh—yet here it should be added that faith is not a thought, nor a theory of Kung Fu, but a distinct psychological state—one that is first unlearned by the Stalker.

It is a unique state, a worldview, a real inner disposition—not merely the muttering of, 'I believe, I believe, I believe… yes, I do believe, upon my honor!'

For those versed in extrasensory arts, one can simply point—a sensation, an energy—this is The Twenty-Second Arcana of the Tarot ('The Fool'): a man with a knapsack, his head uplifted, beholding his Path above, in the heavens, not down upon the earth.

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Fig. 22. The Fool Arcana, from the Rider–Waite deck.

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It is this arcana that stands as both the beginning and the end of exploring the Tarot. Little wonder that tarot scholars still dispute whether it is the twenty-second arcana, or the zero.

It is The Fool who embodies Stalking, and, in truth, the learning of all things upon the Land.

And it is precisely the energy of this arcana—and the feeling it imparts—that grants 'faith', the very ability to learn, and all that stems from it. Including that dazzling, bulletproof smile for those who face the flying bullets head-on!

‘Fortune smiles on fools,’ as people say. And indeed—fortune smiles most brightly! And how!!!!!!³⁹

For those truly drawn to understanding and mastering this energy, The Twenty-Second Arcana may be explored in greater depth.

What, then, is the energy of The Twenty-Second Arcana, and wherein does its essence truly dwell?

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Fig. The mask reveals—who am I, where am I?! What do I suffer. What am I capable of.

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When the pillar of ancient Greek philosophy, the wise and learned Socrates, was asked about his wisdom and called upon to measure it, he replied, in essence, as follows:

“The more I know, the more I realize that I know nothing,” and “I know only that I know nothing, but others are not even aware of this.”⁴⁰

And although it seems here that Socrates spoke of the horizon of Knowledge ever receding, what is important to us is not his main idea, but the psychological Attunement itself.

Consider: a man no longer young, possessing immense knowledge and experience, a universally recognized intellectual, thinker, and authority of his era—in fact, a titan of thought, the father of ancient Greek philosophy—publicly, consciously, and fully admits, in essence, that…

…that he is but a fool?!

…!!!

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Fig. Now, children shall learn how things truly are in this world.

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How different it is from those moments when braggarts, upstarts, and dilettantes fancy themselves sages and authorities—the Alpha and Omega of Truth, final and absolute!

It is the clear and conscious recognition of one's own limitations, folly, and ignorance—of one's deep, boundless, and inevitable imperfection—that opens the path to knowledge and self-perfection.

It is impossible to teach one who is convinced of their own omniscience. The conceited cannot travel the Path of Knowledge—for they already know and understand everything. Why, then, should such a person journey further, seek new understanding, or strive to learn?

Thus, most people soon fall into the snare of latent or overt conceit, and linger there for the rest of their Life.⁴¹

And though armchair sages may claim to 'know' 'everything' 'about all things,' they remain imprisoned by self-assurance, narrowness, and, oftentimes, simple illiteracy.

Only the irrevocable acknowledgment that you are 'the Fool,' 'no one, and called nothing,' no matter how lengthy your list of honors and achievements, and the gaze upon the world through a child's eyes—still capable of wonder and belief—opens the path to Knowledge, to learning, and to Stalking.

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Fig. Astonishing, what is unfolding! A delicious aroma! And – no fear!

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For Stalking is, in its essence, a two-sided (!!!) dialogue with the World of the student, who is often not the traveler but the one guided along the road of Knowledge by the World itself. It is simply that the World speaks to us in the language of circumstances and situations. Otherwise, the doctors diagnose schizophrenia.

When a person speaks to God – that is prayer.

When God speaks to a person – that is schizophrenia.⁴²

(A well-known medical jest.)

To the novice Stalker, it may seem he is but a marionette, with nothing depending on him—a mere, foolish plaything in the hands of Fate. In a certain sense, this is truly so.

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Fig. Threads stretch from the dolls. The net weaves upward and downward. Yet those dolls never suspect: The puppeteer is a marionette! (Artist Natalia Fyodorova).⁴³

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But a marionette, who has awakened to its own subservience and felt the threads by which it dangles, unexpectedly gains a certain freedom and choice.

While the rest—unique and inimitable souls, never acknowledging themselves as marionettes—shall never taste this freedom or choice.

For in their self-assurance, they never perceive the threads that guide their unique and unrepeatable puppet of flesh and bone.⁴⁴

And one who does not see the bars of his own cage will never escape it on his own.

Incidentally, in the runes, this Arcana in many ways corresponds to the rune Raido.

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Fig. A schematic rendering of the rune Raido.

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Which, in essence, describes the consequence of The Twenty-Second Arcana—the journey along the Path of Knowledge—and is thus entwined with this arcana.

The key to understanding and mastering the energy of the Raido rune lies in the truth that, by the Law of Correspondence in Hermetism, the rune's design reflects a particular posture (Kama) and a psychological state of mind.⁴⁵

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Fig. Grey life, grey life—I am discontent! Discontent am I! Bring me solace!

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The Raido rune is, in a way, a symbolic portrait of one standing with arms turned sideways, elbows pointing outward.

This mirrors dissatisfaction and restlessness with the present order of things. This, in turn, stirs a longing to depart from the current place and circumstance. It compels us to take a Step—not always forward, but at least 'away from here.'

This is shown in the image by the right, slightly withdrawn 'leg' of the rune. It appears to be 'lifted,' as if prepared for a Step ahead.

It is precisely the dissatisfaction with one's own state and the inner challenge to society (arms bent at the elbows and resting on the hips—a classic stance of defiance, readiness to push rivals aside, to carve a path through the crowd toward one’s aim) that drives us to rise from the soft comfort of the sofa and take a Step along the path of Knowledge.

By the way, a surprising number of Instagram photographs—featuring ladies posing with claims to a blissful future—are, strange as it may seem, taken in this or similar postures.

This inner impulse and attunement of disquiet, this dissatisfaction with oneself and one’s lot, and the attempt to turn away from it and set forth upon the Path, are both encrypted, and in truth, recorded in this rune.

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Fig. Did you call for the expert? A gesture of disapproval for a false summons!

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How distant this attunement is from the psychological disposition of 'armchair experts'! For they have already ascended to the pinnacle of evolution: Homo Stibadium Peritus—the Armchair Expert.

And their further development, as with all perfection, truly leads nowhere.

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Section Homework № 5.

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Fig. One, two, three, four, five—I’m going to choose Bond.

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You have taken offense in vain.

At the cheerfulness of my mischievous nature.

But those who play the fool are not fools at all!

And only fools pretend to be wise!

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1. Could Socrates have been an 'armchair expert'? Why? Justify your answer.

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2. Find in the list of mortal sins from the Bible the possible sin(s) of an 'armchair expert.' Under what conditions do such traits appear in a 'couch expert'? In what behavior do they not emerge? Outline the scheme of development, evolution, and degradation of a couch expert based on your conclusions.

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3. What is fanaticism? How does a fanatic differ from an ordinary person? Identify the key and distinctive traits of character and consciousness. Give examples.

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4. How might the well-known phrase attributed to Jesus, '…judge not, that ye be not judged,' be related? For with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you… but with fanaticism? Please explain.⁴⁶

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5. What is a goal-oriented person? What traits of consciousness and character do they have in common with a fanatic? Please provide examples.

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6. What is a confident person? On what can a person's confidence be based? Identify the key and distinctive traits of character and consciousness. Give examples.

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7. What is a self-confident person? What is the foundation of their self-confidence? List the key and distinctive features of their character and consciousness.

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8. Create a comparative table or diagram of the fanatic, the goal-oriented person, the confident person, and the self-confident person.

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9.) Under what circumstances or changes in character can a person move from one of the character types mentioned above to another?

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10. Why do women choose confident men and alpha males? What lies behind this choice? Please explain.

What might have happened had they acted differently?

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11. If a woman has misjudged a man's character and, instead of a confident man, chosen one of the aforementioned types, what consequences might this have for the relationship? Please explain.

Create a table, a diagram of the unfolding events.

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12. Returning to James Bond’s patterns of behaviour with women—what is the reason for his success among women?

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Fig. Bond, simply Bond.

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Chapter 6 What is this. Or magic in shades of grey, white, and black-brown-crimson, all speckled.

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Fig. Every Hunter Wants to Know Where the Pheasant Sits⁴⁷

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When a society has no colour differentiation of trousers, it has no purpose! And when there is no purpose, there is no future!⁴⁸

('Kin-dza-dza')

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And now, ever closer draw the secret and arcane arts of Stalking. How, you see, to seize the future with a stern and merciless—yet ever just—hand.⁴⁹

But for now, let this serve as a small prelude. Fear not—a handful of lectures more, and the truest Stalking shall at last begin. For what is a symphony without its overture, you see. No chance to slip off to the buffet, nor to be fashionably late by half an hour, nor for a wife to linger an hour before the mirror.

Thus, before one sets out to stalk far and wide, it is essential to discern what kind of magic Stalking truly is.

And here, a fascinating truth is revealed: in modern European culture, there remains no clear classification of magic itself. At least, not in any official sense.

The situation is much the same as with psychology. Psychology, as you see, exists. But souls, you see, do not! Paradox!⁵⁰

So, let us begin, quietly, to unravel the tangle—or more precisely, the curious lack of tangle—that persists in much of today’s popular magical literature on the subject.

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Fig. With wisdom, with mantra, and encased in stone. For the truly gifted.

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First of all, it must be said: magic is the work of that very worm, or superlarva, dwelling in the spine of every human being. This worm is called Kundalini⁵¹. And all the wonders of magic are, in truth, performed by it (or at times by 'them,' if the mage is especially adept).

Kundalini in each mage (psychic, sorcerer, witch, and so on) typically possesses its own favored and habitual exit point in the body—a chakra. And a principal hue corresponding to that chakra.

Indeed, to be precise, the human body is but a biorobot—a peculiar garment, a suit, a very spacesuit, intended for Kundalini itself. And just as a garment is lifeless without its wearer, so too is the body dead without Kundalini.

And all the phenomena of PSS, psychiatry, and magic are, in one way or another, determined by the behavior of a person's Kundalini.⁵²

For instance, the dream, extrasensory perception, Magic, and the various forms of madness are, as a rule, either a partial or complete, controlled or uncontrolled, departure of Kundalini from the body.

For example, hypnosis is the Interaction of the hypnotist's Kundalini with the subject's Kundalini.⁵³

So too, coma is but the non-return of Kundalini to a person's body. In such cases, the body itself, from the perspective of official medicine, may appear essentially healthy, yet the person may perish in coma, never returning to consciousness.

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Fig. Kundalini weaves through the dance. There, the mage-queen once spun!

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This makes plain who holds dominion—the body, or Kundalini.

Death is the breaking of the bond between the human body and its Kundalini, and its flight to further evolutionary affairs.

And so, when the connection with Kundalini is severed, the body’s heartbeat and breath are stilled.

Conversely, when breath comes to an end and the heart falls silent, a person's Kundalini is set free and departs from the body.⁵⁴

Within lies the hidden secret of myriad Eastern practices and astral projection techniques—the so-called meditations and other marvels of yoga.

This secret remains unfathomable to the Western seeker, for he approaches yoga with insufficient strength and lacks understanding of what must truly be sought in practice.

In certain cases—sometimes after the moment of clinical death is recorded and Kundalini detaches from the body—it returns once more. Then, as a rule, the consciousness is disidentified from the body, and many other wondrous phenomena reveal themselves. Here lies the secret behind many initiations and rites of sacred societies and Orders.⁵⁵⁵⁶⁵⁷

For instance, in the film 'Game of Thrones,' the ritual of water initiation is depicted for the King of the Iron Islands—remarkably true and detailed for a storybook world.⁵⁸

The future king, Euron Greyjoy, was drowned and held beneath the waters until, indeed, he died. Only then was he returned to life. Having received the initiation of water and journeyed through clinical death, his consciousness was severed from his body, and he was no longer merely human. Yet he became initiated into the mysteries of Water, and it was by this very path that he could truly claim the fullness and dignity of a King.

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Fig. Liar, wretch—you shall not escape! Wait but a moment longer—life shall yet remain yours!

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Yet the process of returning the liberated Kundalini to the body is fraught with subtlety and peril. Let us begin, at least, by saying that the fully released Kundalini has no desire whatsoever to return to its earthly vessel.⁵⁹

It is as though one would convince a child, who had long wailed in outrage at being swaddled and at last broke free from its wrappings, to willingly return to those dreadful bonds once more. Only a sense of duty, unfulfilled promises and deeds, at times a few other things, or specially trained individuals, can compel one to undertake this.

In general, for there to be even a modest chance of success in this subtle feat, the presence of a professional catcher and returner of Kundalini to the body is essential.

He fulfills the role of a kind of midwife for one newly reborn. Usually, this role is performed by the Master of Life, or the Master of Death. Without him, the likelihood of success in this delicate endeavor approaches zero. Even if Kundalini consents to return to the body of her own accord, she is unlikely to succeed without external professional guidance.⁶⁰

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Fig. The souls hang suspended—yet they cannot be consumed. One may don them and listen.

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Yet we have wandered somewhat from our path.

Thus, the principal colors of Kundalini as she departs the mage’s body—along with the hues of magic and the chakras engaged in this process—are as follows:

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Fig. "And remember, sir, the title of Knight is not merely a privilege, but also a duty. He who does not fulfill his duty to his liege ceases to be a Knight. And he shan’t glimpse the renewal of his license, no more than the back of his own ears. Next… Next… Next… 0k.⁶¹

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Red – through the first chakra, Muladhara – Magic of health and strength – for example, the feat of lifting 500 kg. For instance:

1. Berserkers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Берсерк

2. Knights – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Рыцарь

3. Amok – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Амок

4. Voi – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Вои

and other slayers of the young.

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Fig. ‘…All sorts wander here, wander and wander… always wandering and wandering… and then – artifacts vanish! I won’t let you in! Be gone from here!’

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Orange—through the 2c chakra, Svadhisthana—manifests as the magic of sensuality and perception, the magic of sex and feeling, as well as velocity (or, more precisely, the slowing of adversaries through the recoil of a magical blow), and invulnerability ('Iron Shirt' (https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Боевые_искусства), 'dragon skin').

For instance, to hear the grass growing, to run swifter than the wind, and to fulfill even the most enduring of sensual desires.

For example:

1)witches– https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ведьма

2) The Sorcerers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Колдун

3) Kunoichi – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Куноити

4) Tantrics – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Тантра

And so forth.

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Fig. – Lord, I beseech you, grant me a Life spent sleeping in a prestigious and respected position! – That can be arranged. Except, all the night-watchman posts have already been taken. Would you walk the path of a Buddhist monk?⁶²

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Yellow (not to be confused with golden!) – through the third chakra, Manipura – Magic of thought, of will, and dominion. For example, hypnosis, telepathy, the dominion over the living and, notably, the inanimate—indeed, over nature itself.

For example:

1. Chan Buddhism – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Чань-буддизм

2. Yoga – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Йога

3. Illusionists – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Иллюзионизм

4. Hypnotists – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Гипноз

5. Stalkers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Осознанные_сновидения

And so forth.

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Fig. For it is written in the Scriptures: 'Seek, and you shall find!'⁶³

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Green—through the 4th chakra, Anahata—holiness, Love, the magic of unity, sorcery, and transformation.

For example:

1) Sufis – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sufism

2) Healers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healer_(healer)

3) Saints, saints, yet again saints, saints once more – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint

4) Psychics – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic

5) Stalkers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowsing

And so forth.

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Fig. He who knows all that the future holds shall become Great at once. For to foresee all things—only the Chosen may.

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Blue—through the fifth chakra, Vishuddha— is the magic of Chaos and Order, the magic of chance: divination, prophecy, and mastery over fate and the future.

For example:

1) fortune-tellers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Гадания

2) seers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Предсказание

3) prophets – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Пророк

4) stalkers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Нostradamus

And so forth.

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Fig. Work your magic, old woman; work your magic, old man; work your magic, little bear. So that this sword may be claimed only by the one who is worthy of the words, 'my lord!'⁶⁴

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Blue – through the sixth chakra, Ajna – magic unadulterated, in its purest form.

For example:

1) wizards —https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Джинн

2) Alchemists —https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy

3) Demiurges – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demiurge

4) Conjurers – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcist_(cleric)

5) Stalkers – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insider

and so forth.

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Fig. ‘… Center… center… center… receiiiiive… receiiiiive… receiiiiiive… yoga is calling… planet Land… aaaaa’АААААААА!!!!… 'Leeeeet me ooouuuut of heeere aaaa'уууууууууdаааааааа!!!!!!! 'I'm innnnocent, yaaaaaa!!!!!!'⁶⁵

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White – through the seventh chakra, Sahasrara – is the magic of communion with the cosmos and the greater Universe.

For example:

1) yoga – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Йога

2) saints – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsara

3) the mad – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_state_of_consciousness

4) avatars – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar

5) Stalkers – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspiration

6) mad bards – the System of Indigo Network Control. They employ a sound-based model of perception to engage with the Network, operating through two distinct entrance schemes (short-term and long-term), and mastering two essential conceptual patterns – harmonious and discordant melodic structures.

The primary role of the Mad Bards is the control and stabilization of interactions between the worlds within their domain.

The world from the series of books by Elter Rus. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iar_Elterrus

7) Buddhas – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha

8) Atmans – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atman

9) Infants, babies – very young children in the earliest, milky, period of life, before the so-called fontanelle on their skull closes with bone, have a rather strong connection with the Absolute by virtue of fact – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontanelle_(anatomy)

and so forth.

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Fig. Centuries melt away behind his back. He stands – and guards.⁶⁶

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Furthermore, Magic is often of mixed kinds.

For example, rainbow Magic occurs when the work proceeds with several Kundalini simultaneously or on multiple levels – as in the Rainbow Magic of mages, Christians, sorcerers, and so forth.

There is also such Magic as necromancy, which typically possesses a silvery mist or a poisonous green hue.

Magic that ventures into infernal realms is, as a rule, black or murky gray.

Magic that opens the way to paradisiacal realms is, as a rule, golden in hue.

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Fig. "Muuuuuurrzik, murrzik, come now, murzik." Come out—there is someone here for you to bite. Bite him, Murzik, bite!

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Yet pure colors are a rarity, and as a rule, the hue of any given ritual or enchantment is blended—gray-brown-crimson mottled with specks.

For example, summoning the departed, or kindling hatred between spouses.

Yet from all this, one may clearly conclude: Stalking is a branch of the Magic of Order and Chaos.

Magic founded upon the work, as a rule, of such a chakra as Vishuddha.

Magic of this kind governs probability and grants one the ability to sense causal connections.

For example, to sense that this slot machine is poised to pay out, while that one is not. Or that this person shall become great, and that one a corpse, after a certain time has passed.

Moreover, if one so desires, and with a sufficiently high level of mastery in Stalking, events themselves may be guided. The level of influence depends on the talent and personal abilities of the Stalker at any given moment, as well as the 'massiveness' of the Objects.

It is one thing to control a child’s aluminum roulette, and quite another to move Mount Fuji, as in the engraving of an unknown hero.

To practice Stalking, it is desirable to have as pure and developed a Vishuddha or Ajna chakra as possible; yet there are deeds that 'pollute' and 'close' these chakras. Acts such as lying, perjury, blasphemy, unfulfilled promises, a spouse’s adultery, and certain others will close these chakras—and, as a consequence, diminish one’s abilities for Stalking.

A clear mark of Stalking is the gift to ‘caw’ and an unwavering truthfulness. As well as the skill to pray with effect. At its furthest extreme lies the Stalking of intention—so that whatever one desires comes to them without prayer, as if by its own accord.⁶⁷

There also exist particular techniques for awakening and cultivating the faculties of Stalking. Even for those beginning from the ground up.

These practices are intimately entwined with Tarot cards and their application. These practices shall be revealed in due time. For one must first understand what the stalker holds in his hands before brandishing it heedlessly.

Otherwise, in polite company, one may quickly find oneself ‘without hands’—in both the most figurative and, indeed, the most mundane and literal sense.

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Section Homework № 6.

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Fig. 'Is everything truly alright? Truly, truly?' So, does that mean you will not bite me today? Are you certain?'

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1. Proceed through all the links referenced in this chapter on the first pass. Please acquaint yourself with the material provided.

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2. Watch the following films:

a) ‘Flatliners’ (1990) – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Коматозники_(фильм,_1990)

b) ‘Flatliners’ (2017) – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Коматозники_(фильм,_2017)

c) ‘The Water Diviner’ (2014) – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Искатель_воды

d) ‘Game of Thrones’: Season 6, Episode 5 ‘The Door’; Season 3, Episode 9 ‘The Rains of Castamere’

e) ‘The Alchemist. Faust’s Elixir’, Russian TV series (2018)

e) 'Demolition Man' – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Разрушитель_(фильм)

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3. What is medical specialization?

Why did it arise?

In what areas do doctors specializing as ENT, ophthalmologist, pharmacologist, surgeon, bonesetter, or therapist focus their practice?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of these specializations?

What is Dr. House's specialty in the series 'Dr. House'?

Why are doctors of every specialty compelled to seek his expertise, despite having powerful modern diagnostic equipment?

After all, they can order any tests and analyses themselves.

What are the key traits of Dr. House’s consciousness and character in his work?

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4. What is a mantra in spiritual practice?

By what physical principle does a mantra operate?

With what does the vibration of a mantra interact?

What common mantras exist for awakening and opening the principal seven chakras in Yoga?

What are the Elements, the Primal Elements?

What Elemental mantras are there?

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Fig. Shiva—simply Shi Va.

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5. What does the cobra upon Shiva’s shoulders symbolize?

How many varieties of snakes are there, and which ones dwell in India?

In what way does the cobra differ from other serpents?

Why is it a cobra upon Shiva’s shoulders, and not another serpent?

What is the position of the assemblage point— in other words, the type and hue of Shiva’s magic?

How many names does Shiva bear, and what are they?

Why, though Shiva bears many names, is he most often called Shiva?

Please give your reasoning.

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Fig. Pssssssst, comrade, have you summoned the world’s end yet? What do you mean, no? What does it mean, 'why do we even need him?' And why, pray, does an entire God merely linger here?⁶⁸

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6. Statues of Shiva often portray him with two serpents and four arms.

What might be the meaning behind this?

What is the purpose of Shiva?

What supplications fall within his domain?

What sort of prayer might one offer up to Shiva?⁶⁹

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Fig. Only by quelling the tumult of the world around you will you behold your own gaze. Then you shall understand who, and in what way, bears the blame. Yet this truth you will discover too late. And once again, as before, you shall fail the exam.

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7. What is freediving?

What records exist in freediving today?

What is the longest breath-hold ever recorded among freedivers?

What is the lowest heart rate recorded among freedivers?

What is the heart rate of a person in a coma?

On the edge of what does the body and consciousness of a freediver balance?

To what does freediving inevitably lead, from the perspective of Stalking and magic?

What is Samadhi? What are its stages, and how do they differ?

Who is a freediver through the lens of yoga and esotericism?

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Fig. He holds the key in his hands. He hints, gives subtle signs. As if to say, take it and open the door. Some do indeed open it.

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8. Within this chapter, secret keys are scattered—keys to the absolute practice that unveils all mysteries of yoga and magic. Seek them out and record them.

In the architecture of temples, statues, icons, and the like, rituals, spiritual practices, and exercises for Seekers and those who Walk the Path are often concealed.

Envision a spiritual practice, an exercise, by contemplating the given images of Shiva statues.

Try practicing it for the next five to ten years, simply for amusement’s sake, just for a mischievous laugh.

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9. Within the series ‘Game of Thrones’, several practical types of Stalking are introduced, named, identified, and shown.

Often, these are individuals who are well-socialized.

Discover and enumerate them—at least ten.

By what means, and by what methods, are these types of Stalking brought about? Substantiate your conclusions.

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10. Let us suppose, purely in theory, that all portrayed in the series ‘Game of Thrones’ is true, and not merely the author’s fantasy.

Then by what means, and upon what principles, might the postal service by ravens have been arranged?

How did the ravens discern precisely where to carry the letter, and how did they find the intended recipient?

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Chapter 7 Who turns the hands, or what is Causal Magic?

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Fig. If you journey to the left—a married life awaits. If you turn to the right—you shall find wealth. If you press straight ahead—you shall go off the rails. For the arrow, there are but two paths.

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Thus, in the previous chapter, by dint of scientific trial and error alone, it was revealed that Stalking is magic wrought through the Vishuddha-chakra. Such magic differs greatly from the well-worn stereotype commonly associated with magic.⁷⁰

Therefore, at this juncture, it is worth pausing to consider it in greater detail.

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Fig. We summon, we conjure, we kindle the chakras, we mend the chakras! Swiftly! Affordably! For pensioners, students, and the toilers of intellectual endeavor—a discount of minus 500%, 400 days a year!

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Let us consider, for instance, an ordinary love spell—work that, as a rule, operates at the level of the second chakra, the Svadhisthana.⁷¹

Here, as the saying goes, all is clear.

A larva is employed, fitted with a muzzle-filter attuned to the energy of a particular person—for it simply cannot absorb or be sated by other energies. It is rigidly bound to the chakra of the one being enchanted, by their phantom, and thus—the mechanism is set into motion.⁷²

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Fig. And who among us is so brazen here? What is it you seek? Perhaps a medal, for coooourageсссссссTo give, to hand over? Posthumously…

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A larva desires, you see, to feed. With nowhere else to go, it will prick and itch the patient in the most interesting place. Until patient number one comes running to patient number two of their own accord. With the most obvious of intentions. To the satisfaction of all, larva included.

This is magic on the plane of emotion, on the level of astral interplay; it begins to act quite literally within a couple of hours. Yet the astral within a person is ever-shifting—the full renewal, as a rule, takes less than forty days.

Thus, most such enchantments, unless aided by dolls like those of Voodoo, unravel after a month or two. By that time, however, the clients are generally no longer concerned. Their longing, as a rule, has already been satisfied and quietly subsides.

Curiously, under certain circumstances—a quarrel, war, a feat of heroism, or even a simple barbecue—this transformation happens naturally, in almost the same way…

… Well, almost… who, after all, would notice the difference these days?

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Fig. Rails, rails, sleepers, sleepers… Who stands here, so weary?

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If we consider magic upon the fifth chakra, Vishuddha, the matter appears somewhat different—the work unfolds upon the so-called causal level.

The causal level is marked by significant distinctions. A love spell enacted upon the causal level manifests roughly thus:

1. Patient number one encounters something, in particular, that simply refuses to align. Moreover, it is that very thing without which, by definition, the suffering soul cannot live. For instance, his (or her) beloved dog has grown ill—the one creature cherished as the sole being who truly values and loves him (or her), and brings deep moral satisfaction, a sense of self-respect, and even a respectable, steady income in eurobonds.

And then, you see, this very creature has played such a cruel trick—falling ill, almost as if it were by design. And just like that—it’s over, the family budget has collapsed.

2. And then suddenly, by some stroke of luck—or was it mere chance?—it emerges that the singular, unrepeatable chance to restore the pure, kind, radiant grace of former fortune can be granted by only one person on Earth. What more is there to say? Not just a man – a Giant among men, a Titan of thought, the Father of Russian democracy, and, in truth – Bond, simply Bond.

3. And he saves, you see, this creature with a sweeping gesture of such a broad and powerful hand… For in his boundless kindness, generosity, and magnanimity—and so on, down the list—add salt, sugar, spices to taste; mix, but do not shake…⁷³

4. …and all, as they say, would have been wonderful, and one could have gone on loving, and being loved…

But this tailed nuisance, this cunning saboteur… (here, in the magic of causes, unlike elsewhere, new varieties of 'why and because' are apt to appear, for the previous cause has already been worked through and does not return for a second round of endless rumination), now did not fall ill, but became pregnant (disappeared, was stolen by bandits, as the one and only descendant of the legendary dog… and so forth—mix well, and add salt, sugar, and spices to taste…)

5. And, strangely enough, once more, only he can help. For it seems his peculiar pastime is gynecology for dogs he has himself operated on; he has a classmate with ties to a detective agency, and as fate would have it, today, for his birthday, those very bandits are coming who, as old acquaintances, promised to gift him a dog—a descendant, the one and only, of a unique lineage…

6. … … … and once again! … … and yet again?! … and again! … and yet again! … As the saying goes: ‘Such a thing had never happened before,’ and now—here it is again?!

7. By the third or fourth time, patients tend either to gently merge their shared lives and bodies, so that they do not have to rush back and forth with each new crisis, losing precious hours in the traffic of existence…

Or they begin to thrash painfully in the snares of Karma, tearing away with raw flesh whatever has become attached to them. The most obstinate and dull-witted end up tearing off their own heads in the act. Yet, it seems they had no real need of it, since in the end they understood nothing at all.

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Fig. Up and down the little carriage speeds—everything repeats itself in endless circles.

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While the astral shells of a person, as a rule, renew and restore themselves within a month or two, the karmic-causal shells do not change before half a year has passed. And in most cases—after ten or twelve years, or sometimes not at all in certain aspects, remaining unchanged until the very end.

Many mages—or, to be precise, most—have no access to the causal level whatsoever, and changes on this level are not within their power.

What can be said of those who spend the greater portion of their lives battering themselves against fate, as if with a crowbar to the brow? That is, under a local, you see, makeshift narcotic.

In such cases, even mages, witches, and psychics raise their hands in surrender, confessing they cannot alter ‘fate,’ Karma, and so on.

Those who are honest, of course. All the rest promise a 100, 120, or even 247 percent guarantee, depending on their brazenness, self-assurance, and dexterity with numbers.

Meanwhile, as a rule, the fact that these guarantees are given not by the practitioner but by a Guarantor on their behalf, never truly arises—since the guarantee itself is seldom called for in practice.

It is a Law of the Cosmos that there can never be 100% efficiency (KPD); otherwise, space simply folds itself into a cocoon. And efficiency greater than 100% is merely a black hole; truly, there is little sense in explaining further if this was not grasped back in the seventh grade.

Yet we have wandered from our theme.

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Fig. To the measured rhythm of the wheels, destiny is woven. Life sketches its invisible boundaries. And not every hand is able to sweep them away. Already, with a single nod, all the proofs are affirmed.

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Thus, the inevitability of Karma—its causes and their manifestations—invites into the mind a simple and fitting analogy: the rails of a railway.

Indeed, in many respects, Karma is akin to a railway:

1) The train follows its tracks, and truly, it has nowhere else to go. So, too, does a person have little recourse to escape their destiny. For example, if you are born a man, to become a woman and give birth is, one might say, a task fraught with difficulty…

2) The train itself is in constant motion, and in truth, it cannot come to a halt. Likewise, even if a person descends to the state of a vagabond and falls from society, they are still invariably touched by the passing events of life. Sooner or later, the train reaches the end of its line—a person meets their death.

3) Yet there is one remarkable trait—the train possesses immense inertia. Its course can only be changed, slowed, or hastened by altering its mass.

So, for example, a person seeking to shed the weight of worldly cares journeys out of town, turns off their phone, and frees themselves from the burdens of thought, drinking in a box or two of something pure, kind, and radiant. Or perhaps a dark one—for each to their own taste in beer.

In truth, one must admit: the journey of the train of fate, for the most part, does not depend upon a person. To grasp this, remember—even the Machinist of the train does not truly command it; he merely gives more or less throttle! But for a person’s destiny, this ‘throttle’ is the biological ‘clock’ or the density of events, and it is, as a rule, beyond one’s control;

4) Thus, only one means of guiding the train remains—joining one Path-rail to another, and placing a switch at their junction. Few have pondered or understood this, but in truth, it is the Switchman, not the Machinist, who steers the train—right or left—in the original sense of that word!

If the switch is turned for the train to change course, the Machinist, however much he may wish it, cannot alter his Path. At most, all he can do is slow down and wait for whatever may come;

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In essence—and this is a most crucial point!—the control of the train is EXTERNAL, not internal.

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5) This analogy accords rather well with the real workings of Karma.

Karmic causal structures are remarkably resilient and stable. Thus, they may be likened, by a clear and accessible analogy, to the tracks of a railway;

6) Why, then, can a person not steer their own fate? Why do they drift through life, ever at the mercy of the waves and the whims of destiny?

The answer is simple—because one CANNOT command their fate. They are not even the Machinist, but it is the Switchman who sets the tracks. And for all that, there are barely a handful of rails, while the trains are as countless as unnumbered hounds. The Chinese alone already number in the billions. And calamities—the derailments of lives and the blind workings of fate—unfold ceaselessly.

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In light of these words, the following picture emerges: a stalker is one who knows they are not even a Machinist, but merely a passenger on the train—which, in truth, is guided by the Switchman.

This is why stalkers are the most 'idle' of mages: for much of their journey, they simply ride the train of life, most often savoring the dining car and the company of their fellow travelers in the compartment. If you come upon a mage too languid even to be idle, yet everything falls into place for them as if by itself—you can be sure that is a stalker, in one degree of awareness or another.

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How stalkers establish dialogues with the Switchmen and transfer from one train to another will be revealed in the following chapters. But now, as usual:

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Section Homework № 7.

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Fig. Attention! Smile, comrade! Don’t be shy, don’t hold back… Let us continue with our usual affairs… Done! Sveta, file it away in the case… you know, that thing… well, you know…

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1. Who controls the builder's work?

Who controls the seller's work?

Who oversees the warrior's service?

Who supervises the work of the doctor?

Who supervises the work of the electrician?

Who supervises the work of the programmer?

List them, and provide examples.

How far does supervision extend?

Please give your reasoning.

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2. Watch the films based on the novels by Sergei Lukyanenko: 'Night Watch' (2004), 'Day Watch' (2006), and 'Draft' (2018).

Watch the 'Night Watch' video by the group Uma2rman on YouTube.⁷⁴

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3. If you wish, read the 'Watch' novel series by Sergei Lukyanenko.

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Вселенная_«Дозоров»

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Remember—the keys to Understanding are scattered throughout the text by more than just the author of this book!

A fairy tale is a lie.

Yet there is a hint within!

A lesson for good young men!

(folk wisdom, in the words of a classic)

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Fig. Life, the moment it is born, immediately—whoooosh—and away it goes! Before you have a chance to look around, it is already over.

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4. Find and compile a list of significant events and processes in human society that are controlled by no one and nothing.

About ten pieces.

Please give your reasoning.

Draw a conclusion.

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5. Suppose, for a moment, that angels exist (wild laughter, chaotic flapping of wings, and numerous gentle thuds against the floor and walls, in the astral—author's note).

Very well, perhaps—let us suppose.

Who, purely hypothetically, could control—with sternness, yet with unwavering fairness—this entire aviary?

Seek out an article on this topic in the indisputable source of Truths for the twenty-first century—Wikipedia.

To avoid any error and ensure you have found precisely the right article, seek out a dozen, and subject them to an uncompromising casting, natural selection, and a veritable knife fight.⁷⁵

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Fig. Along the course of life, there are three paths: to stand still, to walk, or to depart. And each one chooses for himself—am I a mere passerby or the Temple itself?⁷⁶

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6. What is the zone of responsibility?

Can a hero simply walk past a crime?

How is the zone of responsibility intertwined with duty, power, privilege, and punishment?

Under what conditions is each of these notions awakened and brought to life within an ordinary person?

How does an ordinary person come to possess power? What is it that one receives along with power?

How does a person lose power, and why?

What responsibility does the slave have, and what responsibility lies with his monsieur?

Under ancient Roman law, if a crime was committed by a slave, who compensates the citizen for the damage caused?

How are rights and duties connected to one another?

What is the meaning behind the Little Prince’s phrase, ‘We are responsible for those whom we have tamed’?

What is the meaning of Kant’s phrase, ‘Freedom is the recognition of necessity’?

What is your zone of responsibility, and why?

What is your authority, and why?

Compose a table, diagram, poem, ode, or mosaic panel showing how these concepts are interconnected.

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Fig. The years pass, weaving themselves into centuries. ‘Seize and divide!’ – echoes from every corner.

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7. What are the boundaries of responsibility? Why do they arise, from where, and for what purpose?

To grasp this, imagine for a moment that there are no boundaries of responsibility.

Let your mind embark on a thought experiment.

Record your reflections and conclusions.

Please give your reasoning.

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Fig. And only then—a click—fate itself broke… or was it, as before, merely an illusion to me?

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8. What are key events? Why are they called ‘key’ events, and not by another name?

Provide an example of ten key events from the war between the USSR and Hitler’s Germany. Why do you consider them key points?

Give examples of several events from WWII. Why do you consider them key points?

What are key points and positions on the battlefield?

Search it out. Recognize. Immerse yourself.

Provide examples of a dozen key positions on the map of the USSR during its war with GG. Justify your selections.

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9. Returning to the subject of our chapter—why is human destiny likened to railway tracks?

Record your thoughts and conclusions.

Please give your reasoning.

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10. Acquaint yourself with the concept of the 'Emerald Tablet.' https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Изумрудная_скрижаль

Of what does the Law, 'As above, so below…' speak? Record its full and accurate formulation.

How is this Law related to analogies?

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11. In what tongue does the left logical hemisphere of the human brain converse?

What does left-hemispheric dominance bestow upon one's thinking?

Offer examples of individuals with a pronounced left-hemispheric dominance of the brain.

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12. What language does the right, imaginative hemisphere of the human brain speak?

What gifts does right-hemisphere dominance bestow upon a person’s thinking?

Offer examples of individuals with marked right-hemisphere dominance in their brains.

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Fig. While the botanists moo and bleat, Insta reigns and revels! (status of an unknown heroine).⁷⁷

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13. Please respond to question 9 again, this time using the language of analogy to argue and substantiate your conclusions.

Provide, in writing, ten analogies as examples in this chapter.

What type of thinking predominates in men?

What type of thinking predominates in women?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of left- and right-hemispheric dominance in thinking?

Which type of thinking forms the basis of the exact sciences? For example, programming?

Which type of thinking forms the basis of art? For example, sculpture or painting?

What gives rise to jargon?⁷⁸

Which type of dominance in thinking processes large volumes of real-life information more quickly?

Why is that?

What type of thinking do the mage, the stalker, and the witch rely upon?

What is your mode of thinking?

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Fig. Master, heavens above, how are you? Are you still bumping into doorframes?

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14. In what language does a person's subconscious speak?⁷⁹

In what language does a person's superconscious speak?⁸⁰

Why do Gurus, prophets, and saints speak in parables and poetry?⁸¹

Why do scientists of the exact sciences and narrow specialists 'speak in Chinese'?

How can one easily distinguish the musings of theorists from True utterances?

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Chapter 8 The Secret of the Sekret, or the Mysteries of the Divine Secret Service.

⁸²

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Fig. – Dad, oh Dad, why do the rails keep clattering? – Because the clock of Fate ticks loudly, my son.

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In the previous chapter, it was revealed that, at the level of causality, the destiny of most ordinary people (mages and stalkers not yet included) is shaped not by inner causes, but by external ones.

In other words, for the train of fate to shift its course, the Switchman must turn the switch; and meanwhile, the passengers, debating in the third compartment over a glass of murky liquid about 'who, you see, is to blame, and what is to be done,' may carry on such debates forever.

This device serves as a protective mechanism, through which freedom of will is granted to certain individuals—though only up to a particular moment or threshold.

Who, then, are those enigmatic Switchmen who shift the tracks? The answer is both paradoxical and simple. But first, an anecdote:

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…A devilish commission enters the hall where cauldrons filled with sinners are boiling.

All at once, a man leaps from the first cauldron, hurries to the table nearby, snatches a bottle of moonshine, fills a glass to the brim, drinks it down, and dashes back into the cauldron. And there, at the table, dozes an old devil. The head of the commission inquires, 'Where is the security?' But the old devil replies that no security is needed: Russians are boiling in the cauldron. All they need is a bottle of vodka at hand—and nothing more in life.⁸³

The second cauldron, however, was guarded by a crowd of devils armed with pitchforks. “There, the Jews are boiling,” the infernal overseer explained. ‘If one manages to escape, he’ll pull the others out with him.’

And the third cauldron was not guarded by anyone at all. To the silent question from the head of the commission, the steward replied: 'There are Ukrainians boiling in there.' And there is no guard because if any of them tries to climb out, their own will pull them back down by the legs.

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As they say, there is a drop of truth in every joke. Everything else is pure, as they say, like a baby's tear—bare truth.

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Fig. – How are you, brother?

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We continue to teach in parables and anecdotes, following Christ’s method:

Two brothers lived in Western Ukraine – Taras and Hritzko. Then came Soviet rule. Taras joined the kolkhoz and took to the Tractor, while Hritzko remained on his farmstead. The Germans arrived – Taras joined the partisans, and Hritzko became a policeman.

The Soviets returned. Taras came out of the forest and back to the kolkhoz, to the Tractor. And Hritzko – to Siberia, to the logging camps.

Yet time runs swiftly, and Hritzko returned home. Yet he did not remain in the village; they could not forgive him there for his policeman’s boldness. He found work in the district center as a mechanic at the Machine and Tractor Station. In time, you’d see—he was a foreman, then a shift supervisor, and thus he rose to become chairman of the district’s agricultural machinery board. But his brother, Taras, still labors at the kolkhoz, on the tractor. Once, he came to the district, stopped by his brother’s place; they sat together and drank horilka.

–I do not understand, Hritzko. All my life I have worked honestly, and still I am just an ordinary tractor driver. So you, traitor, spent your time in the camp, yet became a great leader?

– And that is just as it should be. Who is listed as my brother on my record? A hero-partisan! And yours—a collaborator!

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Fig. Paw to paw, body to body. To find warmth and to listen.

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It is precisely for this reason that believers and those who yearn for spiritual evolution often retreat into monasteries. There, in constantly caring for one another, they evolve themselves and help others to evolve as well.

So, to the question: and who is that wretched Switchman? Who has cut off my air—me, so talented and remarkable? Who stitched my trousers to my shirt?

One may cheerfully shout in chorus,МММММММММММЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫ – T H E C O L L E C T I V E ! ! ! …⁸⁴

Yet often, as in the fable, they will blind themselves just so their neighbor will not have two eyes.

All this would be laughable, were it not so sad. From this vantage point, the childlike and naive maxims of Christianity appear somewhat different: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Strangely enough, such an algorithm proves to be quite effective and even advantageous—strategically speaking. Napoleon would have understood it.⁸⁵

Yet people who are well-weathered and world-wise swiftly become shrewd, flocking in great numbers to certain saints and priests, beseeching them to 'pray for them.'

In light of all that has been said, one may confidently assert that, for ordinary people, the Switchmen are all those around them—to varying degrees.

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Fig. Food! Food! Food! Let me in! Let me through! Yes, let me through, you rascals! Why do you all push your way in so brazenly, with no respect for the line? Let me through! I held this place in past lives!

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Yet there are other mechanisms by which the arrows of Karma may be moved.

Above all, and strangely enough, there is the dream. For it is in the dream that one steps into the collective unconscious, where so much of their fate is written.

Yet few know, or even suspect, that their dream is also, in part, the dream of others. As a rule, this includes one’s closest relatives, friends, and acquaintances. And above all, one's spouse and children.⁸⁶

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Fig. I shall wait a little longer. Perhaps he will come out onto the road.

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This is why respectful treatment of women is held in such high regard, and why, indeed, gentlemen are always fortunate. For it is the dream of women that chiefly shapes the Karma of men; or rather, it is the fulfillment of their desires in the real.

This Law of the Mirror shields the world from those who are too relentless, those possessed of too resounding a pride. They may puff themselves up and brandish their fists and weapons throughout Life.

Yet it is the 'weak and defenseless' woman, who in her sleep, weaves his destiny as he deserves. And she weaves it not only in this Life, but in those that follow.⁸⁷

Were this protective mechanism absent, the fiercest would soon grow fiercer still, driving all others deep into the ground. And his children would utterly oppress the rest.

Yet in practice, such a thing never comes to pass. And that is why all dictatorships and empires ultimately fall apart. That is why any lineage or family led by a ruthless tyrant degenerates by the third generation. There is even a proverb: 'Nature rests upon the children of geniuses.'

When Karma becomes distorted at its causal level, certain key qualities unravel, and within two or three generations of dictatorship, such power structures destroy themselves.

It is precisely these unseen and uncontrollable mechanisms that serve as Divine Providence in the hands of the 'weak and defenseless' ladies. By those very unseen guardians who uphold the Balance of the Universe. ⁸⁸

To one who does not perceive the continuity of generations and their evolution, it may seem otherwise. Yet if one expands their gaze by two or three centuries, the truth becomes evident.

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Fig. xррррррррр… Xрррррррррррррр… Xрррррррррррррр… xррррррррррррр… ххххххххrrr… xxxrrr? xxxRRRR??? xрррррррр!!! xррррррр. There you have it! Now, all is as it should be.

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What, then, do mages and stalkers do in this regard?

Mages, above all, possess the art of entering a lucid dream, which they call trance, and by guiding the currents within the dream, they can shape their fate from without.⁸⁹

And not only their own, but even, it seems, entirely foreign destinies.

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Fig. And the boundaries melt away, melt away… All that was frozen comes alive!

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Yet a dream is such an intriguing thing—so many-faceted. Moreover, the deeper one delves, the nearer the detachment from reality, and Recoil arises—the dream slips from the hands of the mage.

And the overreaching mage is flung back into 'reality.' At times not only grown cold and chill, but even slightly spoiled.⁹⁰

This is the second protective wall of the world. It shields the world from mages who are overly cunning.

The Stalkers, however, have chosen a different path.

They do not seek to alter fate through their own dream. They simply grasp what Life truly is, and perceive the reverse and the face of existence far more clearly than novice mages.

Through purely scientific inquiries and practical experience, they have discovered that human Life is the dream of God, in which we all 'live.' What appears real to us is, in truth, the dream of a single great being, which in turn is but the reflection of the dreams of countless lesser consciousnesses that compose it.

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Thus, stalkers do not descend into dream-trance for magical operations as mages do, but instead engage directly with the sleeping consciousness of God, which regards all as reality.⁹¹

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What, then, is the difference, you may ask?

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Fig. – Halt, who goes there? State the password! – The password. – Prrrrooocccccceeeeed…⁹²

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The difference lies in this: the dream is being watched by someone, whether you know it or not. And since your Life is ever watched by God as a dream, it is He who shapes it.

And if one plays Life in a certain way, like an actor guided by specific rules, then this dream—your reality—will shift according to certain mechanisms.⁹³

As those familiar with the theater know, there are but a dozen fundamental plots, and the outcome is shaped by the manner in which the plot is played.

Many hold actors in disdain, yet as the classic has said, 'All the world is a stage, and people are but actors upon it.' Whether they are aware of this, or not.

Moreover, should you seek to govern the dream through dream-trance, you will encounter the defensive mechanisms of the Cosmos, which are rather difficult to traverse within the dream. At least, for the ordinary person.

Yet, by acting in the real, as in the dream of God, one may interact with these mechanisms in certain ways—both directly and indirectly—with greater degrees of freedom.

Though here, too, there are certain shortcomings. After all, there are no advantages without disadvantages.

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Section Homework № 8.

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Fig. Troubled and humble is the Life of an ordinary gymnasium student. To become a champion, one must work exceedingly hard!

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To complete this and other homework assignments, use the Internet and any other sources.

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1. What is a reflex in biology?

What types of reflexes exist?

Give a dozen examples of reflexes.

Where are they encoded?

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2. What is an unconditional reflex?

Provide, for example, about five unconditional reflexes.

What will happen to you if the listed reflexes fail to function?

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Fig. And someone with an authoritative hand strikes beneath the knee with a foot. And the proud bird, the penguin, soars, possessed by Love.⁹⁴

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3. What are species reflexes of survival? What is their purpose? Please provide examples.

What are species survival programs? What is their purpose? Please provide examples.

What might happen to a species if its species programs and reflexes fail to operate?

In what situations do species programs and reflexes manifest and function?

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4. What does it mean for a program to have priority?

What kinds of priority can be assigned to species survival programs and reflexes?

Under what conditions, and in whom, can the priority of a species' survival programs change? Please provide examples.

What can activate or deactivate species programs and reflexes?

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5. In which domains of consciousness are species reflexes and survival programs found and operating?

Can an individual notice and control unconditioned and species reflexes, as well as survival programs?

Provide examples.

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6. How does a conditioned reflex differ from an unconditioned one? Provide examples.

Can a conditioned reflex serve in the execution of species survival programs?

Where, how, and why might unconditioned and species survival programs intersect with conditioned reflexes? Provide examples.

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Fig. The squirrel turns the wheel, and the gears begin to spin. It is uncertain what, or where. The mechanism is quite delicate. Thus all of Life passes by—from birth until the grave.

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7. Compose the most complete table possible of species reflexes and survival programs in women.

Divide the table into sections, such as: 'Name of Reflex', 'Description', 'Cause of Emergence', 'Result of Proper Program Function', 'Result of Improper Program Function', and so forth.

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8. Compose the most complete table possible of species reflexes and survival programs in men.

Divide the table into sections, such as: 'Name of Reflex', 'Description', 'Cause of Emergence', 'Result of Proper Program Function', 'Result of Improper Program Function', and so forth.

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Fig. Strange games. Strange dances. There is no place for simple vagabonds among them.

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9. What is a well-mannered person, a gentleman, from the perspective of a man's inherent survival instincts and their interplay with the survival instincts of women?

How does the sequence of interaction between a man's and a woman's survival instincts unfold in the communication between a gentleman and a woman?

What is the role of the developer in the printing of film and photographs? What is the role of the fixer in the printing of film and photographs?

What kinds of defects may arise in film and photographic printing?

What is the nature of the energy inherent in the developer and the fixer? To what can the developer and fixer be likened within human society?

What becomes of a man's destiny if a woman passively resists his will and dictates?

How does a woman's behavior change when she actively resists the will and dictates of a man?

How does a man's behavior change when he passively resists the dictates of a woman?

How does a man's behavior manifest if he actively resists a woman's dictates?

Provide examples.

Draw a diagram illustrating the various forms of interaction and the evolution of communication between the sexes. Mark the key points, causes, branching moments—arrows and triggers of interaction.⁹⁵

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10. How are the notions of 'gentleman' and 'conditioned reflexes' related?

Provide examples.

Enumerate the 'gentleman’s' set of innate, species-specific, and conditioned reflexes.

Compare these with the behavior of James Bond, gallant cavaliers, and other gentlemen in films, series, and books.

Fill in the gaps in the 'gentleman’s set' of reflexes.

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Fig. And the city looks into my soul with its faceless multitude. Alone with myself, I am a silent prisoner in a cage.⁹⁶

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11. What are social roles, and how are they related to species-specific programs?

Provide examples.

List the social roles of women and men in society.

Compare the lists of social roles in patriarchal and matriarchal societies.

What kind of society are we heading toward, and why?

Draw a conclusion and substantiate it.

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12. Analyze the functioning of a wolf pack according to reasonably professional sources and literature, from the perspective of species-specific reflexes and survival programs.

How does a species-specific reflex differ from a species-specific survival program?

Contemplate the notions of the 'alpha male' and 'alpha female' within the wolf pack.

Who is permitted to reproduce in a wolf pack?

Why does it unfold in this particular way?

What might ensue if it were otherwise?

What are the largest wolf packs ever recorded through history?

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Fig. It's not we who are such—Life itself is thus! (An excuse—familiar, intimate…) …and if we happened to devour someone, well, that was us, just—jesting!

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13. In what ways does the idea of the 'alpha male' intersect with human society?

How and why do women respond to alpha males?

What becomes of the offspring of alpha males?

Provide examples.

Justify your conclusions.

What is a society founded on competition?

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14. What forms the basis of the concept of communism from the perspective of species survival programs?

Which animals, fish, birds, or insects embody the model of communism?

Give examples, and substantiate your observations and conclusions.

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15. How and where does communism intersect with Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism?

Provide examples.

Draw your conclusions and make forecasts.

Please give your reasoning.

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16. What is ethics?

What kinds of ethics exist, and what are their areas of focus?

Is ethics connected in any way to species survival programs?

What conditions and key traits of character determine the transition from one caste to another?

At which levels of consideration does ethics arise as the setting of a social mandate?

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17. Bonus.

Watch the film 'Hitch' (2005).⁹⁷

What methods and approaches did Hitch use in his work?

Identify the key moments and triggers in his work.

Fill in the blanks in the answers to the questions above.

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18. Bonus.

Watch the film Bimboland (“Pretty Women”), 1998.⁹⁸

What did Alex Baretto use in her flirting, and how?

Mark the key moments and triggers in her practice.

Fill in the blanks in the answers to the questions above.

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Fig. Alone I set out upon the road and quietly walked my solitary way. Yet someone gazes sternly at my back. Staring, staring. Who is it? I cannot fathom…

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Chapter 9 Of what, of what, of what are these little creatures made?

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Fig. Behind high walls, behind closed doors, is a mortal struggle—in it, an immortal fate.

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In previous chapters, we discerned that every object, process, and event in the surrounding world—when met with attunement—may be confidently distinguished as part of a system of energetic patterns.

This fact has been affirmed time and again through practical experience and admits no doubt. Such truth is echoed, for instance, by the classical poets and dramatists from time immemorial.

Furthermore, there exist rather refined and well-structured theories that elucidate this state of things. For example, Feng Shui, Taoism, and others.⁹⁹¹⁰⁰

For example, in Wu-Shu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and the like. There exists the notion of dividing all fighting styles into several main branches:¹⁰¹¹⁰²

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Fig. When the body holds great strength, it no longer matters what or how. Truly, it does not matter how. A fool is a fool, even in Africa.

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1. The styles of the Earth—such as the bear, the elephant, the bull, and so on—are composed of slow, strong, and powerful movements, generally made with the entire body. Stances that are substantial and powerful, unshakable as a mountain. Their energy is energetically attuned to the Muladhara chakra and the red current. Concentration is drawn into the legs and the base of the spine.

A signature trait of such traditions is the much-revered power and resilience so cherished by all. For instance, to hurl a boulder weighing a ton.

Or, pierced with sharp objects like a pincushion, yet still meting out punishment to one's foes—sternly, yet with justice. Until the workday ends. Or the workweek. Or, perhaps, the foes themselves.

Such ways were practiced in Europe by Knights and berserkers. The rage and frenzy of the Northern berserkers are intimately linked to the awakening of the Muladhara chakra (and even lower—author’s note).¹⁰³

It is no mere chance that they often bore upon their shoulders the pelt of some bear, tiger, or other hapless creature. In myths and legends, they are often depicted as bear warriors, jaguar warriors, wolf warriors, and the like.

The majority of epic heroes’ legendary feats—Heracles among them—begin with slaying a beast and donning its skin.¹⁰⁴¹⁰⁵

Socialization in society commonly includes athletes, models, bodyguards (unarmed—bouncers), builders, and bankers.

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Fig. Unhurried and gradual, Water will pass through any wall. As they say, without Water—'neither here nor there.'

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2. The style of the Element of Water—such as the tiger, or in some Schools, the leopard or the Wolf. These are, as a rule, soft and flowing ('lazy') movements.

At a higher level of mastery in the style, there is a sharp transition to firmness. Short, streamlined stances, a ‘sticky’ closeness in combat, with a fluid vertical withdrawal and unexpected firmness. In other words, all those qualities that are innate to water.

In the tiger style, special emphasis is placed upon entering a trance state, through the use of the ‘tiger’s breath’ and the ‘tiger’s roar,’ as well as the channeling and concentration of the totem’s energy at the finger-claws.

In the leopard style, the center of attention is placed in the lower back. Additionally, in these styles—especially the leopard—at a higher level of technique, particular emphasis is placed on the wave-like quality of movement.

There is an energetic emphasis on Svadhisthana—the chakra of orange energy. The hallmark of this style is its sensitivity, charm, and charisma, including a certain sexual magnetism. Its signature lies in the impression and allure it leaves, as well as in the art of inflicting wounds.

The highest Siddha of this style is the mastery over the flow of time—the power to temporarily and locally bring it to a halt. So, for instance, in Tiger Style there exists the so-called Lord's Roar—a special, guttural sound that can temporarily paralyze adversaries.¹⁰⁶

Numerous 'iron shirts', 'iron' arms and legs, and 'dragon skin' also pertain to this school of styles. These techniques are founded upon the local shifting of time over the surface of the fighter’s body.

Time on the fighter’s skin shifts by a fraction of a second. Therefore, the 'yesterday’s' skin cannot be pierced.

Socialization in society usually involves: actors, experts in antiquities, wine, art; chefs; investigators; personnel workers; kept women, gigolos.

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Fig. Fire dwells within each soul from the moment of birth. And where there is no Fire, there can be no movement.

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3. The styles of the element Fire—for instance, the path of the Snake.

These are, above all, supple, ‘boneless,’ undulating and spiral motions, with a particular focus on the trembling that stirs within the fingers.

Special emphasis is given to cultivating flexibility, for it forms the foundation for guiding the energies unique to this style through body and limbs.

Within this path, one acquires the art of channeling energy—both through one’s own being and through the body of an adversary.

When energy is conducted through an opponent’s body, it brings changes to the functions of their organs. For instance, one may paralyze the opponent for a long or short time, 'poison,' or heal them, and so forth.

In fact, it is for this reason that the style bears its name. Practitioners of this style possess deep knowledge of the workings of the human body, both in its entirety and in its smallest parts.

They are equally well-versed in medicinal herbs, remedies, and their influence upon the organs of the body.

Thus, adepts of this style often walk among society as healers, apothecaries, curers, bone-setters, or masseurs in one form or another.

The emphasis falls upon the Manipura chakra, upon yellow energy—not to be mistaken for golden. The signature of this style lies in the ability to transform one’s own body and energy, as well as that of others. For example, this encompasses the art of healing—not merely masking symptoms, but transfiguring the very cause of illness.

And likewise, the ability to 'poison'—deliberately introducing blockages into the physical workings of organs (for instance, through medicinal toxins or by other means).

For example, methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, or strikes to the intersection points of the nadis.¹⁰⁷

A classic example is a 'snapping' finger strike to an acupuncture point, followed by paralysis of the opponent.

A more intricate variant is the 'touch of death'—an imperceptible, seemingly ordinary touch to an acupuncture point, which brings death after a certain period.

The duration before the arrival of Death may range from a few heartbeats to days, months, or even years.

A demonstration of such a strike appears, for example, in the film 'Kill Bill 2' (2004), when the Black Mamba kills Bill.

Representatives of this tradition include the 'Snake' schools, Tai Chi Chuan, Ninjutsu, Su Jok, schools of acupuncture, Kunoichi, Kundalini Yoga, and others.

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Fig. It is ever needed by everyone. Without Air, there is only misfortune.

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4. Among the styles allied to the element of Air are the famed traditions of Monkey, Crane, Eagle, Fan, and more.

The focus of attention is guided toward the chest, the Anahata chakra, the element of Air, and the 'green' energies.

Mastery of the style is frequently practiced in elevated places—upon pillars, vines, branches, and the like.

In training, movement along 'trajectories' is emphasized, for this is essential to attain movements of extraordinary speed.

Within the 'crane' stance, for example, lies not only this, but also the art of focusing a strike and its energy upon a single point. Such concentration of force into a single point allowed one to pierce the armor of heavily armed and enchanted adversaries. The 'Crane' was likewise often employed against the 'iron' styles, such as 'Iron Shirt,' in Qi Gong. 'Crane' was frequently favored by imperial families as a trusted personal style, granting effectiveness and superiority over adversaries skilled in other forms.

Within the 'Eagle,' mastery lay in channeling energy to the fingertips and into the opponent’s body, as well as working with the totem of the style.

The 'Eagle' style was often chosen for military reconnaissance, employing both the style’s totem and the art of astral projection to gather intelligence from afar and on the ground.

Moreover, the 'eagle' and 'falcon' styles allowed for the effective practice of pain techniques and holds. They were often employed by guards and sentinels to take criminals alive, with the aim of subsequent interrogation and trial.

The 'Monkeys' style is distinguished by low stances, swift, 'chaotic' movements across any surface or architecture (nowadays known as parkour), and unexpected combinations of holds and throws.

A distinctive hallmark of the Monkey style lies in its rare ability to resist an opponent’s use of firearms—made possible through swift, compact, and unpredictable movements, and a gift for foreseeing attacks and danger. Indeed, it was conceived specifically to counteract gunfire and advanced, multi-layered systems of defense.

Equally, a notable trait of the styles of Air is agility and a mastery of shaping probabilistic currents.

For instance, should you witness someone in a film cast two sixes in succession with the dice, or strike the mark after a third ricochet, you may be certain—this is almost surely a practitioner of one of the styles of Air.

These styles may also bestow bursts of supernatural speed, as well as the gift to foresee events, attacks, and the blows of adversaries.

A seemingly absurd Chinese official with a fan, viewed through European eyes, may in truth prove to be a practitioner of the style of Air.

A Master, adept not only at foreseeing palace intrigues but also anticipating attacks and blows, moving with astonishing swiftness, exuding fantastic agility, and accomplishing myriad feats beyond measure.

For instance, a Master of Air might become a remarkable stock player, conjuring wealth in the finest Traditions of their art—quite literally out of 'Air.' More precisely, a talent for foreseeing future events.

Socialization, in this context, often encompasses everything connected with navigating intricate structures, building new frameworks, and casting predictions.

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Fig. Born in the whirlwind of the Void, Metal is stronger than all things beneath the sky. It serves as a bridge for the rainbow dream—a truth known even to children.

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5. The styles of Void and Metal—for instance, the Dragon style. It appears, as a rule, as the sum of all preceding styles, possessing all their strengths without their flaws or vulnerabilities.¹⁰⁸

Traditionally, it is mastered after one has studied the previous four styles, guided by special initiations or through the art of trance techniques and communion with totems. At times, training begins with the Dragon style, serving as an initial step toward mastering the styles that complete the full quartet.

A contemplative focus on emptiness and the Vishuddha chakra, the blue spectrum of energies.

The practices of the Void style tend to triumph—when mastery and all things are equal—over the styles of Lands, Water, Fire, and Air.

Typically, the Dragon wields the techniques of antagonist styles in contests. For instance: Air against Lands, Fire against Water, or a fusion of two or three styles facing one.

It is only logical. Indeed—what is the point of struggling against an Element or style with one exactly the same?

The hallmark of the style is its omnipotence, versatility, and multidimensional nature.

The Siddha of the style is a leap into the Void— a teleportation, along with the Siddhis of all preceding styles! ¹⁰⁹

A rather fine array, is it not?

For example, the capacity to soar, to swim, to pass unhindered through stone, water, Fire, and to draw breath even in the emptiness of space.

Thus, the 'dragon' sooner or later becomes a cosmic Wayfarer, commencing his ascent upon the ladder of Shadan a`Kar.¹¹⁰

Those who walk the Void are, more often than not, disciples of the Dragon schools.

The 'color' of the Dragon in a school’s name typically reveals the School’s attunement to a particular Element or chakra.

For instance, the School of the Black Dragon – a path of warriors whose arts are invulnerable to any magic.¹¹¹

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Fig. So it came to pass, and with its coming—began, ended, and slipped quietly away unfulfilled. There is no need to weep, nor to laugh. Where death has come, there is where birth also finds its way.

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6. Among the Styles of Death—such as necromancy, the pharmaceutics of poisons, demonology, and more.

Among the applied branches of this style are the various assassin schools and certain totemic Schools, such as those of the Scorpion, Spider, Mantis, and so forth.

The practice of mastering this style is, as a rule, linked with the extinguishing of conscious awareness and the subsequent activation of the subconscious. A transformation, in its way, into a flawless machine of death.

It is also customary in these Schools to delve into the mysteries of Death and the World of the Dead.

Attention is typically focused on inhuman energies and chakras. The color of energy is most often black or silvery. In classical Necromancy, it appears as a poisonous green, signifying its direct connection to the Styles of Life and Shamanism (the 17th Arcana).¹¹²

A hallmark of this style is an exquisite sensitivity to subtle signals, extraordinary patience, adaptability, resilience, and the 'infallibility' of its movements.

And also, the gift of 'slipping' from one world into another. From the realm of the living into Limbo, and back again. At times, this journey endures for remarkably long stretches.¹¹³

Those same vampires, lying dormant in their coffins for years, are classic representatives of the Death Style.

The socialization of Death’s specialists usually includes: doctors-surgeons, resuscitators, Cancer specialists; ritual services; roboticists.

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Fig. The chain of incarnations endures, unbroken. Someday—it shall come to pass.

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7. Ways of life—Shamanism, theurgy, and other 'High' paths.¹¹⁴

For example: Taekwon-Do in its primal essence, Tao, all manner of 'Cloud Hands,' 'Golden Clouds,' 'Golden Towers,' 'Golden Dragons,' 'Dawns,' 'Buddha’s Hands,' and so forth. – styles that accentuate a meditative-trance state focused on the 'Upper'—the paradisiacal realms—typically highlighting either their particular inhabitants or their bodily aspects.¹¹⁵¹¹⁶¹¹⁷¹¹⁸¹¹⁹

A variation of this approach (for us, and in truth, its original essence) is the genuine art of wielding both the sword and the chakras.

The hallmark of this style lies in its array of 'heavenly' blessings. For instance: cheerfulness, health, optimism, resilience, intuition, longevity, the gift of healing (even to the point of resurrection), and more.

Socialization typically occurs among ecologists, veterinarians, and healers.

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Why was this entire Panopticon of Kung Fu invoked here?

Because martial arts styles, like the world itself, are divided according to the fundamental Primary energies.¹²⁰

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Fig. Everything in this world is remarkably simple. There are two, and to these, yet four more.

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A similar division appears in magic—for magic itself unfolds into several principal branches: magic of the Lands, Water, Of Fire, Air, Void (Metal), Death, and Life.

Thus, the entire world is composed of several fundamental currents of energy.

The fifth among them—Metal or Void—is evidently a superposition of the four primary forces.

Within this order, Death magic stands as the lower boundary of the magic of Void (ether). While Life magic marks the upper boundary of the magic of Void (ether).¹²¹

Thus, the world is energetically divided into the following projections of the six-sided cube—

1) Four projections upon the vertical faces—Land, Water, Fire, Air.

Observe that Fire stands opposite to Water, and Air opposes Lands;

2) above, it is bordered by the facet of Life;

3) below—by the facet of Death;

4) at the center lies the primary space of the cube: ether, Metal, or void—different names in different schools and philosophies.

Thus, one may confidently say that the entire world, and every object within it, is composed of four elemental energies (for simplicity, the energies of death and life are not considered as extreme boundary cases), as the principal philosophies recount.

For instance, Christianity. There, the cross symbolizes the world’s image.

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Fig. Alone I venture out upon the road. Is it, perhaps, that being alone means there are too many foes?

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Section Homework № 9.

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Fig. The kernel of knowledge is hard. Yet we are not accustomed to retreat! Even an ordinary checkered notebook will help us to crack it!

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1. Name the heroes and idols of your childhood from adventure films, action movies, books, and so on—at least ten.

Compose a list.

Consider what qualities enabled them to prevail.

Note to which of the above-mentioned properties of The Elements these qualities correspond.

Through which Element did Domino, from Marvel comics, manifest her superpower?

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2. Seek out emblems and symbolism in which the Snake appears. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

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3. Seek out emblems and symbolism in which the skull or bones are, or were, used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What do they symbolize?

4. Find the emblems and symbolism in which the Eagle is or has been used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

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5. Find the emblems and symbolism in which the tiger, lion, or leopard are or have been used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

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6. Find the emblems and symbolism in which the bear or bull is or has been used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

7. Find the emblems and symbolism in which the Dragon is or has been used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

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8. Find the emblems and symbolism in which bright light and rays of Light are or have been used. To which organizations or structures does this symbolism pertain?

What does it symbolize?

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9. Compose a portrait of the hero you would like to become.

What qualities must he possess?

Which Elemental qualities lie at the foundation of your hero?

Substantiate your choice.

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10. Decay, combustion, and explosion, from the perspective of chemistry, lead to the same result – dust, ashes.

How do decay, combustion, and explosion differ?

How might decay give rise to combustion?

In what circumstance can combustion, for the same substance, become an explosion?

Provide examples and substantiate them.

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11. Translate question 10 of this chapter, by analogy, into the process of a student's learning.

Identify three main approaches to learning, each with a different pace of student development.

How and why does a student's pace of learning change?

Substantiate your conclusions.

Cite historical examples that confirm your reasoning.

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12. Within the Cube of Elements, Fire is set opposite Water, Land is set opposite Air, and Life is set opposite Death.

The artist, in rendering the Cube of Elements, did not fully comprehend what he was illustrating, and thus introduced many errors and inaccuracies into the depiction.

Identify these and correct them.

Why must it appear precisely in this way?

Please give your reasoning.

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13. What is an absolute black body?

Give examples of an Absolute Black Body.

At least five, if possible.

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14. Compile a list of the names of the Dragon Schools.

On which disciplines of martial arts should each Dragon School place its emphasis?

Which Siddhis should be cultivated in each School?

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Fig. And now, a Kung Fu connoisseur—at the slightest provocation, he’ll strike you across the back!

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Chapter 10 One Matryoshka, two Matryoshkas, and a touch of the astral besides.

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Fig. Forgotten is the memory of what once was. And instead of Knowledge – only a letdown! For the amusement of the profane, the Matryoshka has become mere Khokhlomiziya.¹²²

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As was revealed in the previous chapter, all things in this world are made of the four primordial elements – Land, Water, Fire, and Air.

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Fig. Let fairy tales remain mere fairy tales for some. And for others, everything is a sign. And let them still declare that Paradise does not exist! …for millennia. Those who have passed cannot confirm it. They are simply not here. Simply not here.

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The spectrum of these energies’ diversity is bounded above by the plane of the Element of Life. Upon crossing this plane, the Object enters the ‘+’ quantum state. In other words, it attains the level of Paradise existence.

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Fig. And to descend into Hell is all too easy. All it takes is to multiply graveyards. Where Life is absent, Hell arrives. Such is the business scheme, brother.

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The spectrum of these energies’ diversity is bounded below, accordingly, by the plane of the Element of Death. Upon crossing this plane, the Object enters the '-' quantum state. That is, it descends to the level of 'Infernal' existence.

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Both 'Heaven' and 'Hell,' in the first cycle of selection, are, in essence, peculiar parallel realities of our Lands.¹²³¹²⁴

The structure of these worlds is described rather precisely by the Tree of Sefirot and Qliphoth, respectively.

Thereafter, the 'Heavenly' and 'Infernal' worlds unfold along the fan of Worlds, a structure akin to the ladder of Sha dan Kara.¹²⁵

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To understand how these elemental energies reveal themselves in the world, let us contemplate the manifestations of each, step by step.

All these considerations are made in relation to the structure of the human body:

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The Element of Land:

1) On the level of the ether (Muladhara chakra) – these are the fields of muscles and bones;

2) On the level of the astral (Svadhisthana chakra) – emotions such as confidence, tranquility, imperturbability, and so forth;

3) On the level of the mental field (Manipura chakras) – thoughts such as axioms, fundamental concepts, alphabets, multiplication tables, and the like;

4) On the level of the soul (Anahata chakras) – sociability, or, in other words, the capacity for work;

5) On the level of Karma-Destiny (Vishuddha-chakra) – talent;

6) On the level of the Ajna chakras – intuition;

7) On the level of the Sahasrara chakra – wisdom.

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The Element of Water:

1) On the level of the etheric field (Muladhara chakra) – these are the fields of lymph and blood;

2) On the level of the astral field (Svadhisthana chakra) – emotions such as attention and goodwill;

3) On the level of the mental field (Manipura chakras) – thoughts formed as lexical connections, stable phrases;

4) On the level of the soul (Anahata chakras) – tolerance;

5) On the level of Karma-Destiny (Vishuddha chakra) – craft;

6) On the level of the Ajna chakras – memory;

7) On the level of the Sahasrara chakra – religiosity.

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The Element of Fire:

1) On the level of the etheric field (Muladhara chakra) – these are the fields of tendons and nerves;

2) On the level of the astral field (Svadhisthana chakra) – emotions of persistence and perseverance;

3) On the level of the mental field (Manipura chakras) – thoughts of analysis and self-reflection;

4) On the level of the soul (Anahata chakras) – optimism;

5) On the level of Karma-Destiny (Vishuddha-chakra) – trial;

6) On the level of the Ajna chakras – reappraisal, illumination;

7) On the level of the Sahasrara chakra – transfiguration.

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The Element of Air:

1) On the level of the etheric field (Muladhara chakra) – this manifests as the structure of the network of blood vessels, bones, vessels in the lungs, and the process of gas exchange;

2) On the level of the astral field (Svadhisthana chakra) – emotions such as secrecy, elusiveness, and a yearning for novelty;

3) On the level of the mental field (Manipura chakras) – hypnosis and self-training;

4) On the level of the soul (Anahata chakras) – mentorship;

5) On the level of Karma-Destiny (Vishuddha-chakra) – learning;

6) At the level of the Ajna chakra – mysticism;

7) At the level of the Sahasrara chakra – channeling.

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The Element of Metal:

It is a superposition of all four preceding Elements and, depending on the proportion of its constituents, may become anything (naturally, at the corresponding level):

1) At the level of the Muladhara chakra, within the realm of Land energies – the etheric field of a person, energetic copies of all organs and parts of the body;

2) At the level of the Swadhisthana chakra, within the realm of Water energies – all emotions, experiences, and memories in an imaginal form;

3) On the level of the Manipura-chakra, in the field of the energies of Fire – thoughts, aspirations, dreams, will, knowledge;

4) On the level of the Anahata-chakra, in the field of the energies of Air – experience, relationships, love (as the dialogue of souls);

5) On the level of the Vishuddha-chakra, in the field of the energies of Void – fate, karma, vows and promises, principles, ethics, laws and rules, morality;

6) On the level of the Vishuddha-chakra – understanding, knowledge, hypnosis, alchemy;

7) At the level of the Sahasrara chakra—faith becomes a dialogue with God, a co-creative act, omniscience, and a transition to a new quantum plane.

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Fig. Such is the layered nature of man. So it was in ancient days, and so it shall be forevermore.

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These interpretations are offered merely as examples—just a few facets of the crystal, of which there are countless more.

When one contemplates the manifestation of elemental energies in the world, it is reminiscent of multicolored Russian matryoshkas, nested one within another—like shadows cast upon the walls by four suns of different hues, each shining perpendicular to the others.

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Section Homework № 10.

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Fig. There are objects, and there are shadows. And there is the realm of ghosts.

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1. Look up what 'shadow theater' is.

How is the shadow connected to the object?

Please give your reasoning.

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2. What figures can a person create with their fingers?

Find a dozen finger positions for shadow theater online and learn them.

Write a play for the dozen roles you've learned, and perform it yourself.

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3. How many objects took part in the play in task 2 of this chapter?

How many roles were performed?

Why do the first and second numbers not coincide?

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4*. Take several candles of varying chemical composition and thickness.

With a laser pointer (or a large lens), light the different candles one by one in complete darkness, and cast their flames in the beam.

Direct the light onto the flame so that its shadow falls upon a flat, light, and uniform surface.

Experiment with various candles, types of illumination, and distances until you are able to discern multiple layers in the flame's shadow.

Why does the shadow of a candle flame reveal several layers?

Observe, analyze, and record your thoughts and conclusions.

Substantiate them.

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5. How can different flowers and plants flourish in the same flowerbed?

Offer examples from personal experience.

How can thousands of different radio stations and broadcasts coexist within the same radio broadcast simultaneously?

Why do they not interfere with one another?

How can the same Element manifest in diverse ways on different levels?

What is an inner monologue, a dialogue, a Pyatnitsky Choir?

How can a choir be rendered as a monologue?

What is the cessation of the inner monologue?

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6. What distinguishing qualities might one possess when the Element of Land is well cultivated within them?

Draw a conclusion, and substantiate it.

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7. What distinguishing qualities might one possess when the Element of Water is well cultivated within them?

Draw a conclusion, and substantiate it.

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8. What distinguishing qualities might one possess when the Element of Fire is well cultivated within them?

Draw a conclusion, and substantiate it.

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9. What distinguishing qualities might one possess when the Element of Air is well cultivated within them?

Draw a conclusion, and substantiate it.

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10. What distinguishing qualities might a person embody if the Element of Metal is well cultivated within them?

Draw a conclusion, and substantiate it.

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Примечания

1

Downloaded from https://pixabay.com/photos/fashion-10029236/

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2

Panopticon – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Паноптикум

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3

– Do you see the ground squirrel? – Nooo… – But it’s there! – A reference to the TV series ‘Dembelya.’

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4

‘The Three Whales’ – in ancient cosmogonic legends, in the ‘Jerusalem Discourse’ of Volot Volotovich, when David asks: ‘What does the Land stand upon?’ the reply is: ‘The Land stands upon eighty lesser whale-fish, and on three greater fish.’ (I. Porfiryev, A History of Russian Literature. Vol. 1. Kazan, 1897).

The phrase 'three whales' means: the three principal foundations of something. The very foundation of any undertaking.

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5

'My Photographs Are Burning' – a song by the band Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii

.

Gray, damp trees,

Hushed, they remain silent about what matters most.

I believe without reservation

In their flowing movements.

I make my way ever deeper,

Passing corners and fences by,

I do not reflect in puddles,

I do not engage in conversation with anyone.

My photographs are burning,

Words fade away, as do inaccuracies.

This is the biography we share,

Our tranquil, untroubled past.

My journey presses onward,

Slowly I walk along the outskirts,

The dogs grin at my passing,

And I offer them a sign in return.

Gray, rain-soaked trees,

Grow silent, speaking naught of the essential.

They know what I bear

In a small bundle of paper.

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6

This chapter was written in the late 1990s or early 2000s, upon one of the internet forums, during a discussion on methods of lessening magical recoil.

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7

Mozart’s Requiem begins to sound, powerful and profound—the standard Latch spell of the School of Magic has been activated. The Latch spell is placed upon every student of the School of Magic. It alerts the student's curator to their passing, and the music resounds at the place of their demise, easing the search for that fateful spot. It also serves as a beacon of warning, for the site of a student’s death is often marked by a hazardous residue of magic and involtants.

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8

An Egregor is a collective consciousness, manifesting as a field organism on the subtle plane – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Эгрегор

It emerges through the transformation of quantity into quality, upon a new level. The so-called 'Hundredth Monkey' effect – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Эффект_сотой_обезьяны

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9

Magonia is one of the realms of Reality, where it is prestigious for the mages to possess a country retreat. A peculiar, magical Rublyovka.

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10

Kremer's Bath – or the so-called deprivation bath. It takes its name from the surname of one of its makers and suppliers, for SM (School of Magic – author's note). The Kremer Bath on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Камера_сенсорной_депривации

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11

TB – safety protocols. This refers to a journal of briefings, where mages, before engaging in group work, sign to affirm that all has been explained to them, they understand, and all ensuing responsibility now rests solely upon their own shoulders. And no one is entitled to claim compensation for their death or injury. Does that not call something to mind? Indeed, indeed.

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12

KamAZ is a truck manufacturer located on the Kama River.

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13

To 'save and reload' means to save your progress and restart a computer game after failing to pass a critical stage.

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14

Siddhis – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Сиддхи

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15

The albatross is a family of large seabirds that employ a unique technique of flight above the ocean waves. The wandering albatross on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Странствующий_альбатрос

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'It is paradoxical; it seems utterly impossible, yet it is so.' At one time, even NASA studied the flight technique of the albatross to apply it to drones, seeking to conserve their energy sources.

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17

The song: “We walk the hard road to the Emerald City.”

.

We are heading to the Emerald City

Along a difficult road,

Along a difficult road,

A road not straight.

Three cherished wishes

Will be granted by wise Goodwin,

And Ellie will return

Home with Toto.

.

The Tin Woodman:

Born of iron am I,

And could become of use,

Yet all I lack

Is warmth of heart.

Yet all I lack

Is warmth of heart.

.

Chorus:

We are heading to the Emerald City

Along a difficult road,

Along a difficult road,

A road not straight.

Three cherished wishes

Will be granted by wise Goodwin,

And Ellie will return

Home with Toto.

.

The Scarecrow:

With straw for thought

I cannot truly ponder.

My wish would be

To seek wisdom from Goodwin.

.

Chorus:

We are heading to the Emerald City

Along a difficult road,

Along a difficult road,

A road not straight.

Three cherished wishes

Wise Goodwin will grant it.

And Ellie will return

Home with Toto.

.

The Cowardly Lion:

My fate is absurd:

I appear fierce,

Yet I tremble with fear,

Like a hare beneath a bush.

Oh, how I wish

To possess great courage!

Today to Goodwin

I go to ask for that.

Today to Goodwin

I go to ask for that.

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18

Vladimir Vysotsky – 'Ballad of Childhood'

.

I do not clearly remember the hour of conception—

Thus, my memory is one-sided,

Yet I was conceived at night, in sin,

And came into the world before my time.

.

I was born neither in torment, nor in anger:

Nine months are not years!

My first sentence I served in the womb—

There was nothing good there.

.

Thank you, O saints,

For spitting and breathing upon me,

For my parents suddenly

Resolved to conceive me

.

In those hidden times,

Now—almost legendary,

When sentences were vast

And trudged on in endless stages.

.

They were taken on the night of conception,

And many—even before,

Yet brethren still live,

My faithful company!

.

Away, lively thoughts, away!

Words, gentle little lines, words!..

For the first time, I have known freedom

By the decree of thirty-eight.

.

If only I knew who kept me so long in torment —

I would take my revenge on the scoundrel!

But I was born, I lived, and I survived:

A house on First Meshchanskaya—at the very end.

.

There, behind the wall, past that little wall,

Behind a partition,

A neighbor and his dear neighbor-wife

Would indulge in a little vodka.

.

Everyone lived equally, so modestly—

A corridor System:

For thirty-eight little rooms—

Only one lavatory.

.

Here, not a tooth would meet another,

The quilted jacket brought no warmth,

Here I learned for certain,

How much a single kopeck costs…

.

The neighbor never feared the siren,

And mother grew gradually accustomed,

And I, a sturdy three-year-old, paid no heed,

To that trembling in the air!

.

Yet not all that comes from above is sent by God,

And people doused the 'firebombs';

And as a small aid to the front—

My sand and my leaky jug.

.

And the sun struck in three beams,

Scattered in the attic,

With Evdokim Kirillich

And Gisyu Moiseevna.

.

She asks him: 'How are your sons?' —

'Gone without a trace!'

Ah, Giska, we are one family—

You have suffered too!

.

You too—have suffered,

Which means—we have become Russified:

Mine—lost without a trace,

Yours—unjustly imprisoned.'

.

…I left behind swaddling clothes and pacifiers,

Lived—not forgotten, not forsaken,

But they teased me as 'premature,'

Though I was born in good time.

.

It was I who sought to unmask the disguise:

They drive the prisoners on—why do we tremble?

Our fathers and brothers came back

To their homes—some theirs, some not…

.

Aunt Zina wears a cardigan

Patterned with swirls and serpents—

With Popov Vovchik,

Whose father returned bearing trophies.

.

A trophy Japan,

A trophy Germany…

Then came the land of Limonia,

A country made of Suitcases!

.

At the station, I took from my father

Epaulettes, like baubles,

And from the evacuation

Civilians poured out in crowds.

.

They looked around, found their bearings,

Shook off their hangovers – and then grew sober.

Those who waited wept,

Those who waited in vain – howled.

.

Vitya’s father began digging the metro with Genka,

We asked, 'Why?' – he replied:

'Corridors end at a wall,'

'But tunnels lead into the light!'

.

His father’s prophecy

Vitya and his comrade did not heed —

From our own corridor,

He entered a prison corridor.

.

Well, he was always fond of arguing,

Backed to the wall, he'd simply refuse…

He walked down the narrow corridor—

And, it seems, met his end with a wall.

.

Yet the fathers had minds of their own,

And as for us, in regard to ourselves—

We began to cast our gaze upon Life

Already on our own accord.

.

All of us—from our age down to those barely a year old—

Would argue till our noses bled,

And in basements and half-basements

The children longed to rush at the tanks.

.

They did not even get a single bullet,

In the trade school—one just lives and grieves:

Neither daring nor risking… Yet they risked it.

Forging knives from files.

.

They will bury themselves in the lungs,

Blackened with nicotine.

To the very hilt—the lungs.

Tricolor composite blades…

.

They managed exchanges and trades,

Sniffling jailbirds—

German prisoners on the building site,

Traded knives for bread.

.

At first, they played ‘wrappers’,

Played ‘pristenok’ with the misers,

And so the romantics departed,

From the gateways as thieves…

.

The speculator was number one—

Fearing neither neighbors nor God,

Life ended a millionaire

For Peresvetova’s Aunt Marusya.

.

Behind Marusya’s wall, they honored the fasts,

And she would drink there in secret…

But she fell near the doorway—

Dying so ungracefully, so bitterly.

.

And all was so ordinary:

Someone would glance in—become upset.

What especially stung

Was the wealth of the metro builder—

.

He broke down the house and told us:

‘You haven’t wiped your noses,

And what did I fight for?!’—

And all manner of epithets.

.

Profit is like a drug.

She couldn’t withstand it.

A wealthy lady.

Marusya Peresvetova…

.

There was a time—and there were cellars,

When it was needed, prices would fall,

And channels flowed just where they ought to,

And in the end, fell in where they must.

.

The children of former sergeants and majors

Rose to icy latitudes,

For out of those corridors

It was easier for them to go down than rise.

.

1975

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19

A fatal error—a GAME OVER mistake. The end of the game. The sound of hammers on a coffin lid.

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20

A quotation from the song by M. Matusovsky’s ‘Moscow Nights’

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21

Nagual – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Нагваль

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22

‘Fenya’ – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Феня

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23

DR – Distant Reconnaissance

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24

Three, Seven, Ace – a reference to ‘The Queen of Spades’ by A.S. Pushkin

Incidentally, one of the rare literary works in which Stalking is described is by way of the Medici Solitaire. Clearly, Pushkin received this information secondhand and did not entirely understand what he was writing about. Most likely, the source was one of the Decembrist brothers, who was a member of a Masonic lodge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Queen_of_Spades_(story)

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25

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haloperidol

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26

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancy

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27

CASCO – insurance company and policies – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casco

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28

Hells – health points of a character, in the game (Eng.)

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29

According to GOST, 'pogost' (a cemetery, by a church—archaic) is a play on words, subtle humor of the Muses (author's note).

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30

A reference to the legend of Archimedes – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Рычаг

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31

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Пророк_(фильм,_2007)

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32

Mentalist, 2008—2015– https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Менталист_(телесериал)

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33

Chikatilo https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Чикатило,_Андрей_Романович

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34

Red Dragon https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Красный_дракон_(фильм)

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35

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Вампиры_средней_полосы

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36

(for the cat – author's note) (in one way or another, for everyone – note by the Muses)

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37

Absolute faith and fearlessness, free from anxiety, do not provoke a dog to bite. This observation does not extend to dogs kept on a chain. A chained dog follows different psychological patterns and motives, displaying aggression toward anyone who enters its domain, save for the master and the one who feeds it.

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38

…And if you had faith even the size of a mustard seed, you would move mountains… – A widely known phrase attributed to Jesus Christ.

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39

Fortune smiles upon fools—the so-called beginner’s effect, when one, partaking in a random venture for the first time, unexpectedly finds success. He simply does not know that success is not meant for him.

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40

‘The more I know, the more I realize that I know nothing,’ and ‘I know only that I know nothing, yet others do not even know that’—you may read more on this in Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Я_знаю,_что_ничего_не_знаю

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41

Latent – hidden. Oftentimes, unconscious. Latency in Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Латентность

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42

Schizophrenia is a mental (recall that 'psycho' in Greek means 'soul') illness characterized by a 'splitting' of personality. One of the main symptoms is the presence of inner lodgers, additional centers of consciousness, and 'interlocutors.' A characteristic symptom is the presence of a distinctly audible 'foreign' voice or voices in the head.

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43

The Song of the Marionettes (Makarevich)

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Faces are erased, colors faded and dull,

Are they people, or are they dolls?

One gaze mirrors another,

And each day echoes the last.

Wearied, I pause to rest,

And invite you to my carnival,

Where the dolls so closely resemble mankind.

.

Harlequins and pirates, circus folk and acrobats,

And a villain whose presence stirs fear.

Wolf and Hare, tigers caged—

All of them but marionettes

In clever, timeworn hands.

Wolf and Hare, tigers caged—

All of them but marionettes

In clever, timeworn hands.

.

Puppets tugged by their strings,

Painted smiles upon their faces,

And the clown plays upon the trumpet.

And in the midst of the spectacle,

There arises the impression,

That the puppets dance of their own accord.

.

Ah, how keenly felt, this bitter moment,

That the master remains unseen,

As the thread vanishes upward, into the dark.

Yet the puppets are ever so faithful to him,

And we believe, in simple-hearted trust,

That the puppet itself might find speech.

Yet the puppets are ever so faithful to him,

And we believe, in simple-hearted trust,

That the puppet itself might find speech.

.

But then the master extinguishes the candles.

The ball is ended, and the evening done,

The moon will glimmer amidst the clouds.

And the puppets will be taken from the long strings,

And, sprinkled with naphthalene,

They will lie, mere rags, folded in chests.

And the puppets will be taken from the long strings,

And, sprinkled with naphthalene,

They will lie, mere rags, folded in chests…

…

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44

Lyrics of Picnic – 'The Doll with a Human Face'

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As if the world is split in two,

Behind the blue glass of shop windows

The genderless mannequin quietly weeps—

The doll with a human face

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Pleads during lonely nights,

He asks the heavens for but one thing,

That fire, from the primordial spark,

Might flare up within his heart.

.

So there may be sweetness,

So there may be pain,

So that there may be repentance thereafter.

.

And now the genderless mannequin weeps—

A doll with a human, yes, a doll with a human, a doll with a human face…

.

It shall become a tumbleweed,

It will wait for the fever of hope to subside,

To trade one glass captivity

For a thousand, yes, to trade for a thousand others…

.

But for now, it is bound by silence,

Behind the blue glass of shop windows

The genderless mannequin quietly weeps—

A doll with a human face.

…

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45

The Law of Correspondence from the Emerald Tablets of Hermes—'As in the small, so in the Great.' And both in the Greater and the Lesser (for all is HE alone, and there is nothing beyond).

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46

‘…judge not, that you be not judged…’ – also in the Gospel of Matthew 7:1, 7:2.

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47

Every Hunter seeks to know… – a mnemonic phrase for recalling the colors of the white light spectrum – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Каждый_охотник_желает_знать

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48

Color differentiation is a visual system for signifying membership in a particular caste. Color Differentiation of Trousers on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Цветовая_дифференциация_штанов

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49

‘Ponyimash’—a reference to the speech filler used by President Boris Yeltsin.

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50

Psychology – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Психология from Greek: ‘the science of the soul’. A soul which, according to modern medicine, does not exist.

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51

Kundalini on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Кундалини

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52

PSS – borderline states of consciousness. A term used in both medicine and esotericism. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Пограничное_состояние

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53

‘For example, hypnosis is…’ – all statements in this book, and in this chapter in particular, are merely the personal conclusions of the author. To lend greater credibility, he offers references to other sources concerning various questions. However, one must understand that any information of real value is seldom revealed in open sources. Just as no one strews banknotes along the street. For, as one multimillionaire once said: «Whoever possesses information, possesses the world.» (Nathan Rothschild – author's note)

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54

… «A person's Kundalini is freed and departs from their body»—the heartbeat ceases, and the Kundalini is released and leaves within two to three minutes (author's note).

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55

Clinical Death – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Клиническая_смерть

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56

Sometimes, after the moment of clinical death is recorded and Kundalini departs from the body, it returns—though, in truth, not always the very same one that left (author’s note). Thus, in the realm of resuscitation, there exists a gentle custom: when the patient returns to consciousness after revival, while he is still warm, they ask him his name and surname. As if to say: “Who’s there?”—“One of our own.”—“Come in.”

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57

Order – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Орден

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58

The ritual of water initiation is depicted – 'Game of Thrones', Season 6, Episode 5, 'The Door'. On YouTube, one can find it by searching for the phrase 'Euron Greyjoy’s Coronation as King of the Iron Islands'.

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59

'… the fully liberated Kundalini …' – we remind you that the complete liberation of Kundalini occurs at the moment of death.

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60

This role is usually fulfilled by the Master of Life or the Master of Death – a Druid (Shaman, Saint) or a Necromancer.

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61

«And whosoever neglects their duty to their liege» – some knew, but did not believe, and pursued after gold – see. The downfall of the Order of the Templars– The Order of the Templars, one of the shaping Orders in Europe – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Тамплиеры and its consequences in the history of Europe’s royal houses – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Великая_французская_революция (author’s note)

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62

«Lord, grant that I may sleep at work! – Not a problem. Will you take monastic vows?”—an esoteric jest from the author, for those not in the know. Respect and honor to monks of all traditions. If anyone thinks this work is effortless—try sitting for a few hours on a hard surface in the lotus position, reciting the Diamond Sutra time after time.

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63

For it is said in the Scriptures: ‘Seek, and you shall find!’—Gospel of Luke 11:9 [Reading 56.] ‘And I say to you: ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find;’ Knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” the Parable of the Midnight Request – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Притча_о_человеке,_просящем_хлеба_в_полночь

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64

“… my lord” (Eng.) – a ritual form of address to a monsieur belonging to the highest echelon of English aristocracy. https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord

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65

"Let me out of here!" – In several esoteric traditions, the Land is regarded as a galactic prison for the souls of grievous transgressors, where they dwell in Maya, Illusion, undergoing enforced lessons in Ethics and re-education. Samsara, by the Law of Karma, governs this process.

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66

The Vatican Guard – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Швейцарская_гвардия

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'To croak'—in colloquial speech, it means to utter a negative prophecy or prediction. Originating from the mask-totem of a shaman, alva, or druid. As a rule, the Raven totem is employed by shamans journeying through the Lower World. Thus, most of their prophecies bear a dark tincture.

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68

Shiva – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Шива

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69

What might a prayer addressed to Shiva concern? When calling upon the Higher Powers and their emissaries, always remember Crime and Punishment. The Criminal Code has not been repealed—neither in Heaven nor on Earth.

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70

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra#Vishuddha

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71

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra#Svadhishthana_(Svadhisthana)

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72

‘…and so—the mechanism is set in motion’: if, upon reading these words, someone gleefully rubbed their paws and, with a cry of ‘now everything is clear,’ set out to conjure left and right, mentally assembling a list of victims for the coming months, allow us to hasten your disappointment. In the nature of our Panopticon, every magical act is tracked and repaid by Karma—the KMD System, established by the spiders when this planet was reshaped into a Galactic prison. And any selfish or unethical magical act serves only to worsen the criminal’s fate. For those who have no faith in ‘so-called Karma’ and acknowledge only ‘physical consequences,’ it is worthwhile to acquaint oneself with the history of such a straightforward and real figure as https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Торквемада,_Томас

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73

"Shaken, not stirred…"—a reference to James Bond. This phrase often appears in the novel. And it serves as indirect evidence that the prototype of 007 perceived space-time structures.

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74

The band Uma2rman—the song "Night Watch"

.

Once upon a time, there was Anton Gorodetsky,

His wife left him, and he grieved deeply.

He went to the sorceress: "Come, cast a spell for me!"

"Easily, my dear, a mere clap of my hands is enough,

.

And the wife shall return, from whom she shall turn away,

And the small Life within her will be severed.

But suddenly, shadows fell upon the witch,

Ghosts, they say: 'Let no crime come to pass.'

.

So then, why, why have you averted your gaze?

Surrender, witch, – Night Watch.

.

And the world split in two, the fissure smoldering,

And blood flows; the war of good and evil begins.

And the light grows dim, in the corners the Spider weaves a pattern,

Along darkened streets, the Night Watch takes flight.

.

And Antokha realized he had acted wrongly,

And that the Sorceress had deceived him like a fool.

Yet, a different power shone in Anton's gaze,

And so, he shall serve within the Watch.

.

Years have passed; Gorodetsky knows no sorrow,

He drinks vodka and keeps company with vampires.

A fine chief – the wisest Geser,

Once deputy minister in the USSR.

.

Now he is summoned and must hasten away,

A vampire hairdresser with his beloved

Have lured a teenager into their lair,

They simply decided to dine meanly.

.

Antokha made it in time, and a fight broke out,

With great difficulty, yet managed to slay the vampire,

He was gravely wounded in battle with scissors,

At death’s door, one might say, on the very edge.

.

But kindly Geser healed him swiftly,

Naturally, not just anyone is chosen for vice minister.

.

And the world split in two, the fissure smoldering,

And blood flows; the war of good and evil begins.

And the light grows dim, in the corners the Spider weaves a pattern,

Through shadowed streets sweeps the Night Watch.

.

And then – misfortune follows misfortune, like notes on a staff:

A crow flew into an airplane turbine,

Something exploded at the power station,

And it turned out that Sveta was to blame for everything,

.

But, upon meeting the handsome Anton, she fell in love,

And so the destruction was halted.

Yet wicked Zavulon of the Day Watch

Turned Anton’s son into something other.

.

And how will our hero face this trial?

All are invited to see the second film!

.

And the world split in two, the fissure smoldering,

And blood flows; the war of good and evil begins.

And the light grows dim, in the corners the Spider weaves a pattern,

Through shadowed streets sweeps the Night Watch.

.

And the world split in two, the fissure smoldering,

And blood flows; the war of good and evil begins.

And the light grows dim, in the corners the Spider weaves a pattern,

Through shadowed streets sweeps the Night Watch.

.

And the world split in two, the fissure smoldering,

And blood flows; the war of good and evil begins.

And the light grows dim, in the corners the Spider weaves a pattern,

Through shadowed streets sweeps the Night Watch.

…

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The Muse’s subtle sarcasm about Occam’s Razor – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Бритва_Оккама

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"Who is he – a passerby or a Temple?" For three verbs, the Muse offered only two characters, thus silently calling the one who remained, a void. (Author’s note). In truth, to remain motionless in life is, in principle, impossible. One may only either decline or evolve. A third path is not granted, due to the very swiftness of Time’s flow (a note from the Muses).

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All photos and illustrations in this book, unless specially commissioned, are sourced from pixabay.com. For this, he, his organizers, and his companions are owed heartfelt gratitude—and a blessing to their Karma.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jargon

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subconscious

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-ego

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_(2006_film)

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Pervač – homemade moonshine from the first distillation.

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A reference to A.'s humorous sketch. Raikin’s ‘Who Sewed the Suit.’ Available on YouTube.

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According to historians, after Borodino, Napoleon said: “One more such victory, and I shall have no army left.”

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_unconscious – it is precisely this realm of humanity, in the author’s view, that Jung sought to describe.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnation

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‘…defenseless ladies.’ Indeed. Indeed. Yet, for some reason, all evolution and development seem to exist for the sake of women. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matriarchy To which, by the way, we are once again gently drifting.

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Trance in Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trance_(psychological_state)

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At times, it is not only cooled and cold, but also slightly spoiled. When entering a prolonged Trance, the body gradually becomes dehydrated and depleted of fats. Because of this, the body transforms into something akin to a mummy. Meanwhile, tissues sensitive to blood flow—such as the nose, ears, and little toes—begin to deteriorate and die.

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There are exceptions to every rule. An exception for stalkers is found in the Dream Hackers. In English-speaking circles, they are called Sleepers. Unfortunately, both groups seldom survive long enough to reach the stage of consciousness fixation. They often find themselves easily confined to asylums, and rarely return from there as whole, complete beings.

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Gestalt on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Гешталетпсихология

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'Anchor' is a term used in NLP – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Нейролингвистическое_программирование

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A reference to the proverb: 'The penguin is a proud bird.' 'Unless you give it a good kick, it will not fly' (author's note). '…you are quite the penguin yourself… I've already bruised my whole leg kicking you' (Muse). And I thought a Muse simply rolled her eyes and played the harp (author). 'Such is the Muse as the genius deserves.' (M.) – Sorry. Could I perhaps request a little balance between stick and carrot? (a.) – Finish the stick first, then we can talk about the carrot. (M.) … And so we live, dear reader: willingly, and with a song (a reference to a well-known political joke from the '80s).

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Trigger on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Триггер

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… Alone, with myself, I am a silent cell. ‘…for all is HE.’ And there is nothing but HIM.”

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https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Правила_съёма:_Метод_Хитча

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https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Красотки_(фильм,_1998)

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Feng Shui – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Фэншуй

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Taoism – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Даосизм

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Wushu, Kung Fu – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ушу – martial varieties of Xin Taoism for adepts of later religions

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Tai Chi Chuan – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Тайцзицюань

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https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf

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https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero

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https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracles

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Siddha – a legendary mystical ability or skill. Regarded by Europeans as a myth or a fairy tale. Learn more about Siddhas https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddhi

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Nadi channels – pathways through which energy flows within the body. For more details https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadi

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Across various Schools, the fifth Element is known by many names—void, Metal, ether, Tao, and so forth.

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Siddha on Wikipedia – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Сиддхи

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Shadana Kar—the Ladder of Worlds. Worlds, gnoselogically bound to the Earth. More details on Wikipedia.

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Immune to any magic—here, strangely enough, ‘Heroes’ did not deceive. This, in itself, leads to far-reaching conclusions, reminiscent of the style found in Vadim Panov’s books.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot_cards

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Limbo – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbo_(religion)

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism

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https://med.wikireading.ru/145757

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http://atlantida.wiki/Order_of_the_Lords_of_the_Golden_Cloud

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Dragon#:~:text=Order%20of%20the%20Dragon%2C%20or%20Society%20of%20the%20Dragon,—%20from%20heretics%20and%20pagans

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_Order_of_the_Golden_Dawn

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Primary energies are the foundations for the creation of objects and processes. See “Feng Shui” on Wikipedia.

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In truth, the boundary is defined by the quantum dimension of perceptual frequency. In other words, the boundary of mortals’ Paradise below—above is the boundary of Hell for angels (a note from the Muses).

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Matryoshka – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Матрёшка – stands as an example of forgotten knowledge about the human aura and its architecture. To this day, only the outer form endures, parted from the essence of the knowledge and its use. It is believed to have served the role of a Volt (akin to a Voodoo doll) among the ancient Slavs, yet it offered a more precise map of the aura. Ideally, a proper Matryoshka consists of nine dolls, each reflecting the color of the nine key chakras and human fields. Moreover, an authentic Matryoshka features an elongated, conical head. Members of this race wore tall kokoshniks, boyar hats, and crowns, all well suited to the proportions of their skulls. And not because they had nowhere else to use the material. In later times, other races and nationalities sought to emulate these 'eggheads', as belonging to this lineage was seen as prestigious. Today, the race has officially vanished from the stage, yet the fashion for its headgear endures. This invites the suspicion that not all is as desolate as it seems. Perhaps some have survived.

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Sefirot – the 'Heavenly' reflection of the planet Land – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Древо_Жизни_(каббала)

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Qliphoth – the Infernal reflection of the planet Land – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Клипот

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“The Rose of the World” – a novel depicting the architecture and interconnectedness of spiritual realms and beings – https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Роза_Мира

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