Zos Kia

Zos Kia Cultus is a magical system and philosophical current developed by the artist and occultist Austin Osman Spare. It blends Spare's unique artistic techniques with elements of sigil magic, automatic writing, and a highly individualistic approach to spirituality. "Zos" refers to the body understood as a microcosm of the universe, while "Kia" represents a universal, non-dual consciousness or "Self."

The central tenet of Zos Kia is the idea that the individual can directly access and manipulate reality through the power of their unconscious mind. Spare believed that by employing specific techniques, the magician could bypass the conscious intellect and communicate directly with the Kia, thereby actualizing their desires and transforming their reality.

Sigils are a key component of Zos Kia. Unlike traditional sigil magic which often relies on pre-existing deities or entities, Spare's sigils are personalized representations of the magician's own intentions and desires. These sigils are then charged through various methods, often involving trance states, automatic writing, or sensory overload, to implant them into the unconscious mind.

Automatic writing is another important technique utilized in Zos Kia. Spare viewed the unconscious mind as a vast repository of hidden knowledge and potential. By entering into a trance state and allowing the hand to move freely, the magician can access these hidden resources and gain insights into their own being and the nature of reality.

Zos Kia emphasizes the importance of self-experimentation and direct experience. It discourages reliance on dogma or external authority, instead encouraging the magician to develop their own unique methods and techniques based on their individual experiences and insights. The goal is not to conform to any pre-existing system, but to unlock the individual's own inherent magical potential and to realize their true will.

Spare's writings on Zos Kia are often cryptic and idiosyncratic, making the system difficult to fully grasp. However, his influence can be seen in subsequent movements in chaos magic and other forms of modern occultism that emphasize individual empowerment and practical experimentation.