Thread: man's attitude toward magic and it's practice

There has been a constant theme to the practice of magic for as long as like minded individuals have gathered for the purpose of enacting it, discussing it, or sharing it. This state of mind is not shared by necessarily all those who have come together for these purposes, but for the larger majority exclusivity seems to be the rule. Yet who decides the worthiness of a spiritual pilgrim in need of help, assistance or teaching? and why are most who feel themselves cast in the role of decider expressing themselves in a way that could be seen as 'jaded'?

There is no answer that will appease all directions of logic in this topic; for the days of the Inquisition are far behind us, and so-thought cherished secrets can be had or found by any with the determination to do so. So why then do we turn away others who are in need when that very turning away goes against the foundations of most magical processes or reasoning behind having these processes or groups?

Some I have met personally that are seeking feel an inner drive to approach those they turn to, and who is to say that this drive is not directed by a higher power than the person seeking? The Greeks often gave example of this in many of their mythic tales and plays, so this seems to be an issue most cannot rise above historically. My own thoughts on this are not important to this post at this time, though I am interested to hear or read rather any experiences others have had in this area - be they pro or con. Asking and seeking is how you learn, and teaching is how you may learn even further. Why is man so cliche-ish when this limits his own abillity to learn and grow spiritually?

Perhaps it is all about what you can get out of magic, or maybe an air of superiority - maybe it is fear or distrust of others: these things I cannot name for others. I have always helped any who came to me one way or another, and I have met a few who do also; but these are few and far between, and even fewer still over the last decade. Reading some recent posts and even older posts one can see the frustration of others who feel lost in their need for help. Successful help is rarely found in a mere spell, but actually takes discussion beyond perfunctary directions on a ritual level unless that is all that is asked for. How soon most forget the days when they too were aimlessly searching, hungry for uncommon knowledge, or even the words or the interest of like minded individuals...

BalanceDragon
no tag lines needed...

Sorry about your unfortunate experiences, and your disappointments. I am happy to say however, that it does not apply to everyone and one day hopefully will no longer apply to your experience. My own experience has had ups and downs, but I learn from these and grow stronger for them. I do not see role playing in the areas I have gone here and hopefully will not go those places where it is present. I take my studies seriously, for when you practice magic you do take risks and have your own soul in your hands. I have attended lots of different types of ceremonies, rituals, and so forth... it's part of what I do and what I am. I was never imprssed by Golden Dawn orders... or at least the ones I have met, though there were some OTO rites down south that did catch my eye, even though like the Golden Dawn ones - nothing ever came of their goals. As long as they are into what they're into and like it, that's fine with me. Every person must make thier own way in this world for themselves. No validation needed.

I have met a few people who were similarly minded.. very closely, but only one have I met that was exactly like minded to myself, and I consider myself blessed. I wish that one day you might meet someone like this in your life and maybe perhaps things will turn out better. I agree that pupils will find their teachers, and answered one question here stating that no one has to teach any who approach them. I know I have turned down a few for reasons of their personal instabillity and not wanting to introduce them to something that could make it worse if certain behaviors could not be shed. I really do like and appreciate your starting a free occult school. To me that within itself is worth much praise. I hope sincerely that it is most successful.

As for role playing.. I don't play games with my spirituality, or my occult practices. I am very focussed in them and they serve me well. I am a collector of old books on the topics and of grimoires and manuscripts, so much of my time is taken between comparitive research and practice. It does not make me infallible; just for the most part informed.