Jun
Mysterious Forces
Science is capable of defining physical forces. It has yet to measure certain forces subtle forces those who understand them. Most important: these forces are natural, though not exactly physical. They work close to Wyrd, although in a different manner.
The Ancients knew that there were underlying elements which affected life. They understood that recurring coincidences implied that something was at work. These forces have been perceived in different cultures and countries at different times. They have been symbolized as giants, jotuns, Titans, demons, djinns and angels. Symbolic representations depict personifications of forces.
Are the forces like jotuns or genies? These are actually forces which work according to their own nature and principles. Most are mindless principles and forces at work. Some have intelligence. We could best describe this as robotic intelligence that is programmed to fulfill its task. It does not choose, nor does it create. The intelligent force can only work to fulfill its purpose. It will use all of its intelligence to fulfill its purpose. However, it cannot use its intelligence for anything else.
We see that Life has both constructive and destructive phases. We see that there is a Life force which causes trees to grow, and a decaying force which causes dead trees to disintegrate. Both forces are necessary. The decay is the way that dead trees are removed from the forest, leaving room for living ones. Aspects of these forces are also at work in society and in the individual.
A good example of the force is symbolized by the Norse entity, Nidhogg. This horrid dragon is actually the Universal trash man. It is the force that causes the decay and breakdown of things that are no longer useful. For instance, wood decay is one physical manifestation of the Nidhogg force. In human experience, the Nidhogg factor draws degenerating things away from the mainstream. Have you ever noticed that there are places into which degenerative behavior tends to gather? The slums, hangouts of drug abusers and “red light” districts tend to be away from mainstream neighborhoods. Most of the characters in those places are individuals on the downside of society. What principle draws them to their own places, away from the neighborhoods of the constructive people? Why is it that people in such places tend to fall apart faster than others? Obviously there is something at work!
Nidhogg does not choose where to go. He does not initiate an attack, so to speak. This force is reactive. It seeks only to fulfill its mission, which is to separate degenerate things and hasten their breakdown. You see it in a dump, where discarded things tend to decay faster. You also see it in a slum. It should be no surprise that the Nidhogg force is intelligent, but that its intelligence is aimed totally at fulfilling its role.
Just as Nidhogg hastens decay, so other forces hasten growth. Dealing with any of these forces requires care, because they are not controlled forces. They do what they are supposed to do. Problems arise if you introduce such a force into a situation where it does not normally work. It will seek to fulfill its role in the new place. Though its manifestation there will be temporary, it can linger long enough to do real damage.
Be aware that such natural, subtle forces are at work. They can be helpful, but are also capable of doing damage. The danger is that their work is not only physical. They work in them mind and emotions as well. Appreciate blind force for what it is. Though it may seem like a jotun or demon, it is actually nothing more than a principle and force at work. You cannot adjust it, but you can adjust yourself to deal with its action.
Realize that magickal forces are not the only subtle energies. The Universe’s working requires many different kinds of forces and principles. Our work can bring us into contact with many of them.
