The backlash

Table of contents...

The concept of backlash represents an almost universally accepted truth, a theme extensively explored in numerous writings, and is better known as karma. That is why, in this article, I will focus on this concept in magic, since it is much more widely known in everyday life. My aim instead will be to demystify it somewhat and present a summary of the issues associated with this boomerang effect specific to occult practices. Let's get started!

1. Introduction to backlash

1.1. Definition of backlash

For those less familiar with the term, backlash refers to the repercussion on the initiator of a magical force that exactly reflects, in nature and intensity, what they emitted. Sorcerers practicing Black Magic are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon because, although they readily direct negative and destructive energies toward others, they seem less "inclined" to welcome them in return. 

Backlash is an unavoidable and universal law that is difficult to escape; at most, one can try to divert it. We will see that only the Initiatory Magician can escape its activation, which will undoubtedly inspire "vocations" for this High Magic. Thus, performing a healing ritual for someone will bring you an equivalent healing energy to that which was emitted, while carrying out a cursing ritual will return to you with similar negative energy, as if your actions traveled around the universe before returning to you, highlighting the famous expression "what goes around comes around." However, this process is not literal, but the result is identical. In other words: nothing ever remains without consequences.

Although associated here with magical arts, backlash affects every moment of our existence. Harming others through thought, word, or deed inevitably exposes us to its effects. However, magicians have developed strategies and methods for diverting its impact. Thus, there are "triangulation" rituals intended to redirect the backlash toward plants or animals in order to remain protected from it. Of course, this inevitably raises questions of ethics and conscience.

And indeed, out of respect for every form of life, some practitioners go so far as to create an ethereal replica of themselves onto which the impact can be redirected. Once the decoy is struck, the ethereal link connecting it to the original is severed, making the decoy the target affected by the impact. But this practice is complex and risky, often less so than making an innocent being bear the consequences, particularly for the darkest Black Magic rituals and the most severe backlash. 

1.2. Distinction between Backlash and Karma

Diverting the "boomerang" energy toward a living target offers the magician only a partial escape. Although this act reduces the practitioner's direct impact, it generates a lesser echoing repercussion, while the negative karmic burden accumulated through such an act is considerable. Nevertheless, it is important to note a distinction between the settling of karma and that of backlash, two mechanisms governed by distinct principles and processes. 

Thus, to return to our previous example: if a magician diverts the backlash wave (even though the impact can never be completely eliminated, only reduced), they "feed" another source, while also accumulating a karmic burden that will demand payment later, in this life or another.

Some black magicians, seeking to minimize the effects of backlash, form alliances. They aim to distribute the burden of the backlash across the collective egregore rather than among individuals. However, one unshakable truth remains: regardless of the strategies used to evade backlash, whether completely or partially, it invariably ends up finding its way back to its originator, in one way or another.

2. The Three Laws of Backlash

Acts, by their nature, constitute a form of complex energy. Undertaking an act, whether good or bad, mobilizes a network of thoughts, choices, and actions, culminating in a final event and therefore its consequences. This dynamic permeates the actor's aura, leaving an imprint on the astral, etheric, and mental planes. This imprint generates a negative replica on these planes, ultimately targeting its initiator. A "magical" act, performed with awareness of the principles governing these interactions, generates a far more significant impact, particularly because it also acts on the Causal Plane, whose disturbance is far more serious than that of the Physical Plane.

This mechanism of causality was formalized in what is known as the triple backlash. Contrary to what one might infer, this notion does not mean that the impact of an act is tripled, but refers to the three fundamental laws that also underlie the famous karma. But as we saw above, karma is a positive or negative energy that follows the initiator through their future lives (called reincarnation). The backlash, on the other hand, manifests only during the existence in which the initial act took place, without following its author into future lives, although it may affect their entity in the Astral Plane, which is specific to magical practices.

2.1. The Law of Equivalent Restitution

The law of equivalent restitution is a universal principle asserting that every action carried out with a selfless intention generates a reaction of the same nature in return. This means that benevolent acts without seeking personal reward are invariably compensated by the universe, creating a form of cosmic balance. Likewise, malicious acts, even if they appear to be outwardly directed toward others, reverberate back to their initiator in accordance with this law. 

This restitution is not simply a mechanical transaction, but reflects a profound truth about the interconnected nature of reality. Every act of generosity or malice is a thread woven into the fabric of existence, influencing the course of the individual as much as that of the global community. Consequently, acting with altruism and compassion invites positive responses from the universe, enriching the existence of the individual and those around them.

2.2. The Law of Analogical Complementarity

The law of analogical complementarity, mentioned in the famous maxim from the alchemical text The Emerald Tablet “What is above is like what is below,” reveals a fundamental and universal symmetry between the different levels of existence. According to this law, every manifestation in the universe, whether material or immaterial, has a “reflection” on another plane of existence. Thus, events, actions, thoughts, words, and emotions are not isolated but interconnected.

According to this principle, every energetic dynamic generated in the universe naturally creates a counterpart, an equivalent but inverse dynamic, forming a perfect balance. This means that everything initiated, whether a gesture of love or an act of anger, finds not only its mirror but also its complement, thereby contributing to overall harmony or global imbalance according to the nature of the initial act.

2.3. The law of systematic reaction

The law of systematic reaction, often summarized by the principle of cause and effect, states that every action in the universe generates a reaction of equivalent intensity. This concept, fundamental to understanding the dynamics of universal interactions, suggests that no act, whatever its nature, remains without a response or consequence. Every gesture, thought, or word is thus perceived as a catalyst triggering a chain of reactions that, although sometimes imperceptible, are inexorable and unfailing in their application.

This law reminds us that we are active participants in the fabric of destiny, where every choice we make has the power to shape our future reality. Thus, an act of kindness can generate a wave of benevolence, just as a harsh word can trigger negative repercussions.

2.4. The exception for the initiatory magician

As you know, a law is only truly valid if it has an exception. The exemption from backlash for the Initiatory Magician illustrates the purpose of this type of magic, as it aims for illumination and spiritual liberation. Unlike other forms of magic that may be practiced for personal gain, selfish desires, or material manipulation, Initiatory Magic aims for inner transformation, spiritual elevation, and harmony with cosmic principles. It therefore falls outside the scope of backlash, since the initial acts are detached from the individual and therefore cannot rebound upon them. Note, however, that like Draconic Magic, it is a branch of High Magic and is therefore one of the most demanding.

I will have the opportunity to present Initiatory Magic in a dedicated article, and I will close this exception for now.

3. The Law of Karma

It would be incomplete to discuss the backlash without mentioning the principles of karma. The law of karma, often misinterpreted as an equal and fair restitution, is in reality a principle marked by formidable violence and complexity. The principle of reincarnation, linked to karma particularly in Asian beliefs, raises the question of the fairness of paying for forgotten mistakes from past lives, which can lead to an endless cycle of suffering.

3.1. The Lives of Karma

Paradoxically, it is not the malicious act itself that triggers the payment of karma, but rather karma's maturation and the feeling of guilt, whether conscious or unconscious. Thus, even after atoning for their faults, if guilt persists, the cycle of suffering continues, trapping certain souls in a repetitive negative karma. Carrying their burden from life to life, these individuals contribute to the perpetuation of these psychic "hells," both in the astral realm and in physical incarnation. This continuation is ultimately cruel and may even be perceived as the evil eye if it follows the individual across several lives, when the initial act has been completely forgotten. This vicious circle can be broken only through inner awareness or by becoming an "agent of karma," who, by making others pay their own karma, freezes theirs.

3.2. The Two Stages of Karma

Those who commit evil without feeling guilty seem to escape paying their karma, experiencing no torment as long as they maintain this indifference. We have all experienced situations where it seems that certain malicious people can continue as they please without suffering any consequences. But karma has two distinct stages: its generation and its payment, with the former being fueled by the individual's actions.
However, it is only when these individuals aspire to improve themselves that payment of karma becomes due. They then shift from the role of agents of karma to that of victims, suffering the consequences inflicted by those they previously wronged, who refuse to perpetuate the suffering by seeking revenge. In other words, karma demands payment when the victim of an act decides to free themselves from it.

This system can be seen as a manifestation of "divine justice," where the evil committed serves solely to settle the karma of someone who, at some point, chose not to make others pay for theirs.

3.3. Residual karma

Karma, while serving as a basis governing the destiny of souls, also generates so-called residual karma, which could be summarized as a risk of collateral damage. It is crucial to understand that every thought, word, gesture, or emotion is a source of potential karma, whose nature may be negative, positive, or neutral. The key to escaping the grip of this universal principle lies in self-control.

Although this may seem complex, self-control is essential and normal. It involves controlling our reactions and behavior in various situations, a skill generally acquired through education. However, in our world, inner self-control is not always taught, allowing a self-centered attitude and indifference toward others to prevail.

The absence of residual karma, achieved through transforming thoughts and exercising self-control, would put an end to the possibility of magical attacks, evil cults, and great calamities. As for "good" karma, with its easily obtained rewards, it would gradually disappear as humanity evolved toward an inner harmony aligned with the laws of the Universe. This journey toward fairness and the removal of obstacles would allow the emergence of an inner strength and will capable of overcoming all challenges, thus reflecting the benevolent perfection of the divine plan in all circumstances.

4. In conclusion

The concept of blowback, explored through the lens of magic and spirituality, thus reminds us of the fundamental importance of awareness and responsibility in all our actions. This principle, emphasizing that every energy we release into the universe returns to us in one way or another, serves as an ethical safeguard and an incentive to act with integrity and compassion. Whether we consider blowback within the framework of a specific magical practice or as a manifestation of the universal principle of karma, the lesson is clear: what we do will always have a consequence, immediately, tomorrow, or the day after. It is therefore up to you to practice with full awareness of what this may bring about.