Original Magic: The Rituals and Initiations of the Persian Magi - Stephen E. Flowers Ph.D. 2017
Action
The History of Iranian Magic
Synthesis of All Elements
This aspect of Mazdan magic best demonstrates the use of khvarsta, good actions, in an operative context. Because it is a synthesis of all the other features, it is considered the highest and most complete of all the kinds of work.3 This ceremonial mixture includes the elements of symbolic and practical actions combined with manthras (sound and meaning), substances (herbology), timing (astrology), altered states of consciousness (meditation), and numeric formulas (numerology). The symbolic actions carried out with the aid of certain ceremonial objects (âlât) make use of a language of their own. Actions must be carried out in full awareness and with full concentration and realization of what is being done and of the significance of the actions. This is why repetition is key to the real effectiveness of ceremonial. The magician cannot be worried about what to do, when to do it, and so forth. The actions have to be practiced and smooth so that the mind and will can make use of them in a fluent way.