Would You...

ever consider using any of your magical „powers“ or abilities against someone else? Maybe if it is in defense?

I do believe in the general understood and agreed principle that magic should not serve as a tool to gain or execute power over others. I also do believe that no one should try to interfere with someone else’s free will. If you have a problem with someone or something you need to solve it here, in the mundane world. Right? I mean at least this should be your first way of conflict resolution and trouble shooting. You may use magic to support you – being open, being receptive for a solution, asking the divine forces for advise or support. Asking for someone else to come to reason. Maybe even asking for someone not to bother you any longer and disappearing from your life – in a non violent way of course. Like you may ask for healing, enlightment, support in job search etc, you may ask for assistance in conflict resolution.

But what if you have that one dude in your life that is not only bothering you in an inconvenient way. What if that one is trying anything and everything he can to make your life as miserable as possible. What if that one’s actions go as far as putting your very livelihood in danger by causing immense financial burdens to you and your family not to speak about stress levels caused to the entire family… Is there a right to self defence with all means it needs – magically speaking? I mean I could shoot or stab someone attacking me with an axe – if I get a chance.

Of course I am not trying to discuss the obvious question if things like these, putting a spell on someone, asking the 72 demons to assist you etc actually work other than in your mind. I am just talking about the general question. So, would you?

The Threefold Rule – or eat what thou wilt

Currently I am reading Scott Cunningham’s The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews. I bought that book a few years ago because I wanted something that tells me what kind of incense would go with what purpose and also because it has a bit about herbs etc. A few days ago I was looking for something and the book came to my attention again and so I stated to read. I could say a lot about the book and its advantages and disadvantages but what strikes me most are the manifold general and special warnings it contains. One of those which is repeated several times throughout the book is: do not do black magic, anything you do will hit you back three times harder. – Is that so? I have some basic knowledge of Wicca and know the 3 fold rule (this is just to mention the concept. I do not claim to know the exact details how that rule works etc. according to Wiccan belief). I also know that “white” magicians claim that anything containing “black” magic will come back to the magician using these dark energies or powers. Apart from the definition regarding black and white magic (are there black and white screwdrivers, since you can use them as a tool to construct something good like a shelf – or stab someone in the eye with it?), the way this warning was repeatedly used annoyed me somehow. It made me think about the concept of good and bad and the question who decides upon it. I do believe in moral and ethics but seriously, is my standard the one for all? I am conditioned by our western culture and by Christianity, indeed. Thus, some of my moral and ethical views came by default – so to say. But what if someone does not believe in that – or anything? As a good magician I am allowed to defend. Let’s say I want to use some ritual for protection and defence, can it include a pre-emptive strike? How far can I go? In law, I am allowed to use any means which make sure that an (unjust) attack against me is stopped – for good. I do not have to try various things first. I have to be proportionate though as the only limit. Answering a slap and the treat of another slap with a machine gun may not be proportionate. But what if I am under a “black” magic attack and the usual defence rituals do not work? Can I use the grimoires to call upon forces to stop the aggressor? - By any means? Or do I just have to say make him/her stop by opening his/her mind, realizing that he/she does no good? If I am Jewish and I take the eye for an eye approach, does that make me a “black” magician?

Also, as I see it, a lot of the “do not do this or else a flash will struck you down immediately – or a bit later” comes from religion. It obviously makes sure that you do follow the rules. The concept then was incorporated into many other fields of life and activities and I tend to believe that this is where some of the believe behind the 3 fold rule and equivalent ideas in magic comes from. If I tell my son to not touch X, he may even more enjoy doing it. If I tell him that he may burn in hell afterwards in case he does not obey my rules, he may have second thoughts. Thus, we find that people who reject the “oppressive” element in religion and specifically in Christianity, use the very same concept to keep their folks reasonable. Do not get me wrong, out of my personal belief system I do indeed believe that it will hit me back sooner or later if I do or maybe even wish harm to someone else. It may depend on the situation though. I also believe that any “negative” energy (another term to define) raised, maintained, released, will start to rotten the one using it from within. If you are always angry and stressed out, chances you end up with serious stomach issues up to cancer may be higher than in the case you are a balanced person. There may be some additional effects from outside of course, I will not deny that indeed. But I think the “punishment” mainly comes from within.

On the other hand, if you believe that the 72 demons mentioned in The Lesser Key of Solomon are living within your brain representing different aspects of you and your psyche and that you need to balance and prepare yourself first, reach a psychic and physical stability and then be protected against any unwanted side effects when evoking these forces by opening regions of your brain you can not control otherwise, why shouldn’t you be able to prepare and protect against unwanted punishment in case you decide to work on the dark side?

Coming back to my personal background and belief system. Christianity initially was only a part of Judaism. Neither Jesus, nor his early disciples thought of splitting off Judaism and changing the rules. It seems clear that - according to what we can read in the relevant texts, Jesus obeyed the old traditional rules. This includes the rules referring to living kosher. Now, how come that Christians eat pig? Apparently the punishment for violating the old rules was significant. So are Christians doomed? In this case – as in many other cases, the Christians have to say thanks to St. Paul. He decided that the old rules are obsolete. A good question to ask is where he got the authority from. Christ himself made clear that the old rules are to be obeyed. So how come someone below the grade of “god” or “god like” can make such a significant change? We know the reasons: manifesting the separation from Judaism, political reasons, power, etc. He and his successors therefore created new rules which include burning eternally in hell etc. It seems that things can change though.

Apparently, people need a “do not…or else” kind of a concept – or that’s what other people believe they need. I’d like to make up my mind on my own responsibility. I know that any act I do and even any thought I may have, has consequences, either way….

How do you see the concept of what goes around comes around in magic?

Burning the Sorcers and Witches

Somehow I randomly bumped into Mary K. Greer's Tarot Blog. There I found a post regarding a TV fortune teller from Beirut, having been arrested and sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, while being on a pilgrimage. A first appeal was rejected and so far things do nto look too promising. Amnesty International is also reporting upon the case and is reporting other cases and an increasing of accusations for sorcery in Saudi Arabia (see also CNN)


On MSNBC there is an article about the increasing accusations of kids as being witches in Nigeria, based on Christian Pentacostal Churches or communities (excuse me if I am not precise enough in defining who is who) which are linked to their respective mother churches in the US. Children there get accused and then “exorcised”, basically tortured, a lot of them do not survive the attempts to save their souls.

In her post, Mary Greer also quotes Helen Ukpabio, the leader of Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries from her book “Unveiling the Mysteries of Witchcraft” with: a child under the age of two that cries at night and has poor health is ‘an agent of Satan “ –imagine to how many of our kids this fits? Well but then, we are all to be burned at steak anyways…

I have no illusions about the world we live in. Throughout my professional experience I have see the worse humanity is capable of. However, this still reminds me once more in what world we live in and that all the freedom we enjoy – and that includes our ability to more or less freely and publicly work our traditions and rituals – does not come for granted and may be not safe for ever…

Self Initiation and the Golden Dawn

I created this blog not only but also for the solitary student who is looking into the studying of the occult in general by using the GD tradition in special, when joining an existing GD Order or group is not possible for whatever factual or personal reason. At this point I can not teach anything but expressing my thoughts and showing my experiences on that path. I am however not dogmatic about being solitary. For the time being I have some factual and some personal reasons but I truly wish to be able to join in real temple work sooner or later (rather sooner).



Having said this, the path of a solitary practitioner is difficult. Finding your way through the published material. Figuring which system is best for you. One shouodl note that there are various ideas about how self initiation is supposed to happen , which rituals should or could be used and the like. There also is a lot of discussion about the possibility, the acceptance and even the existence of self initiation and also astral initiation in the first place. I do not want to repeat all this, one may research on the usual well known GD forums and websites. However, I am glad that initiates of GD orders seem to accept the fact that self initiation can have some value and can be a way to work with(in) the GD tradition. Of course no one should confuse self initiation with real initiation and should call himself a member of a specific GD order. However after self initiation you are a member of the greater GD community and Tradition. Regarding this and also for having some valuable guidance, if self initiation is your way into the GD tradition, on how to structure the work, I want to recommend Sincerus Renatus’ latest post Golden Dawn and self initiation. Within that post he suggests some very helpful structure for the studying and practice of the different grades and levels.

He also suggests to keep the work “clean” meaning clean from other non GD work. This is an important aspect while working on or with self initiation. I have to admit that I have used other, non GD rituals now and then – depending on the purpose. However, I do not mix the systems and their rituals while working and I would recommend to stick to the “pure” GD while working with the grades. You may have some single rituals you like in your daily practice, like some daily or solar adorations, some balancing meditation etc. Using these independently and out of the GD ritual context may not harm. However, there will be the question of the necessity at some point since the grade work will provide for everything you need.

In L.V.X.

Arcad

Finding Mentors, Teachers, Tutors

In a lot of books you will read that finding a teacher or mentor is essential or at least important or preferred when it comes to the studying of the occult. In a way this is obvious since even the most skilled person will have a better understanding when being guided while moving through unknown terrain. Some need more others need less guidance.

A mentor or teacher will help finding missing links needed for the connecting and understanding of different aspects of a given subject or principle.



The mentor will “guard” the student’s progress, lead him/her in other directions when the student gets stuck or needs to focus (more) on a different aspect of the work. Amongst other things, a mentor will provide for and bring the necessary balance – equilibrium into the students work and progress. Thus, the student does not get lost.

Today we have a lot of material out there. The internet makes it even easier to access any information you want. You will be able to find most of the stuff you need for your development, although not everything is published (yet). However in a way alone the amount of material out there is overwhelming and uncontrollable. What to read first, where should be the priorities? It made sense that in the olden times, a student would only have access to the material necessary for his current work/grade/state of development he was in. No distraction, unlike today where you will find reference on reference and jump from this to that. As much fun and entertaining as it is, and it surely also will provide for important valuable knowledge, this way of learning easily leads to a “superficial” knowledge of bits and pieces of everything and nothing without providing for the necessary deeper knowledge and understanding of the complex interactions and relations of all the various aspects and elements of the various subjects which are necessary for the successful development.

But: how to find a mentor? Of course, joining a group or order would be the easiest way. Most orders and groups will provide for a tutor, mentor, senior Frater/Soror, which will provide for guidance. If however one is unable to join such an order or group, then it really becomes difficult. A lot of capable Fratres and Sores out there already have their students from their groups and orders and would not necessarily have the time, capacity or will to add an “outsider”. That leaves the solitary student only with books and the various forums to be found throughout the internet. Specifically these forums are indeed a valuable source of assistance and guidance. The only problem is that, by asking a question you get many, you may get a variety of answers which do not have to comply. They may all be correct from different points of view, but then again this leaves it up to the student to prioritise etc. This can be a good way for growing understanding and is better than being totally alone but it still can cause distraction and maybe confusion. Having said that, a mentor is not supposed to take the student’s hand and pull him through the work spoon feeding him. Guidance is the keyword, not dominance. In that respect, the forums are a great tool of guidance for the solitary student. There still is a difference from having a personal tutor.

Having said that, I do not have a mentor/tutor/teacher. I am sucking from what I find on the net. I am reading the GD forums (not posting yet), I am reading the blogs, I am reading the material found in books or elsewhere on the net. I sometimes ask advanced Fratres and Sores I know and I also now and then answer questions in other forums, since this is a great way to straighten thoughts and often is leading to a complete different understanding of a subject. I still would like to have “my own” mentor….

Lent

Lent started today. I am not Catholic or orthodox, so I am not forced to give up anything. However, a few years ago I started to give up some things like meat, alcohol, sweets for the following 40 days starting with ashes Wednesday. It is a good way for getting aware of all these little habits which secretly sneaked into everyday life and which, as habits, took over more or less great parts of it. The usual glass (or two) of wine with dinner, the usual meat, salami pizza or sandwich, afternoon and in-front-of-TV-chocolate, cake, chips, cookie etc. I do enjoy all of this but it is nice to realize that it is possible to have less – or none of this at all. To realize that there are other things besides that you could eat or drink. But that is just the obvious aspect.



It also has with a spiritual aspect. I have started this in a semi religious context without feeling being obliged since I do not really feel that anyone cares what I eat, drink, watch etc. However, I have to spend more time carefully thinking about alternatives. I have to open my eyes and maybe taste, to look out for what else is there, and if it is just in order to not getting bored with the same veggie stew and glass of water. On the spiritual level it should have the effect of being more aware of what is going on instead of living daily routine. As I mentioned before, I am having a difficult time keeping my ritual routine. However, adding this as an aspect of the growing (self) awareness, I will wrap lent into a spiritual exercise. And which time could be better than the time of the passion of Christ with it’s very peak, the sacrifice of God, followed by his resurrection. I assume that the will and persistence in increasing and focussing on ritual work during this very special time adds some spice to the rituals and their meaning to my life in a very special way. Suffering, sacrifice, death and resurrection, the eternal circle….



I believe that an increased self awareness together with an increased awareness of the mystery as it happens (Passion time) (so to say) will cause a very different kind of experience….

In expectation of the Light to come,
Arcad

The Name of the Rose, or: You can call me Al

Every magician has a motto. In a way it is the magician’s business card and badge of authority. I also see it as one of the magicians tools amongst the other tools like the wand, dagger, pentacle, cup etc.

Now how important is a motto? The motto is not important at all and at the same time it is essential. I know, but let me explain. The motto represents change. By adopting a motto, the magician makes a statement that he now chooses another path in his life. Maybe you can say by choosing a motto he creates a new identity or a new reality, an additional one in which he is all Magus – separate from his mundane being. I would even say that it is not a separate reality but another level/plane of his reality – however you want to define reality in the first place. Like with the preparation for ritual, taking a ritual bath, putting on the gown, preparing the altar, the tools, the temple etc, the motto as the magicians name helps to create a mind shift for the performance of ritual. It also is good for self assurance to remind the magician on who he is and what his place and abilities are. If you would have a strong will and focus, together with the necessary knowledge and understanding, you would not necessarily need any of this. All these tools are just little helpers. However, most of us do not function like that and though we need these helpers to enter and live in the magician’s world. A friend of mine insists that only if he wears a suit at the office, he would be able to take his (solely in house) work as a lawyer serious. In my case, I could sit here in a clown’s costume and be as effective but I have to say when I go to court, wearing a suit, putting on my black gown (yes, we still do wear these), I feel better – different, maybe even stronger than in cases when I am appearing in court in jeans and without my gown. At the end of the day cloth make people. The same goes with a name, specifically if you get to choose it yourself. Now and then the magician will proclaim his name in ritual while calling upon entities and forces, showing his badge of power and authority. That way, the motto also is a name of power. In that very moment in a ritual, it expresses all the power and abilities and authority the magician has before the forces he is dealing with. So you better choose wisely in order to be taken seriously. Also the magician needs to fully understand his chosen motto or name or this name can never expand its function and authority in relation to the magician but also in relation to external entities and forces.

How to choose your magical name then? Some magicians have more than one motto or name (sometimes one as a secret name only revealed in ritual towards any entity they deal with while the other name is used for being addressed by others in the magician’s outer world. However, in most cases the magician has only one name/motto he uses at a time. This motto should reflect his current ambitions, aims, abilities and position in the universe as it is revealed to him through meditation, ritual or by other means (like dreams). As mentioned before, it is essential, that the magician has a full understanding of the meaning and significance of his chosen motto. Usually the magician would adopt other mottos throughout his growing through work and experience as magician’s understanding of the universe and his position therein will change. Also his aims and ambitions will change. Sometimes that happens sooner than later, sometimes it takes a while. As a member of an order progressing through the grades of outer and inner orders, the magician does not necessarily has to pick a new motto with each grade. Usually the magician would change his motto when either, throughout initiation or other ritual (or in any other way) a new motto is revealed to him or if he feels that the current motto does not fit any longer, does not represent his current state of mind, his current understanding of the universe and his position therein. In so far, there is a similarity to the magician’s individual pentacle, a tool which also will change with the magician’s growing experience and understanding.

In my case, my first motto was something that popped up in my head after trying to think about what would be a suitable motto. Although this motto perfectly fit me and my understanding at that time, after a while I was not sure whether this name may have been too “constructed”, or “wanted”. I guess that is the case with a lot of beginners since at that very first stage of the magician’s life, there is no real feeling or influence from the work and ritual and the understanding of the universe is like a little flame shining somewhere far away in a deep dark tunnel. So what to pick? Within our group we had the same or similar experiences when it comes to the picking of our mottos. Throughout practice things became clearer, the light shines brighter and you find yourself and your current position, you are suddenly becoming aware of your next aims (and your long term goals), and after a while, in my case throughout ritual and meditation, suddenly there are some letters manifesting before your eye or sounding in your head. Unclear first but they become clearer and clearer. Maybe that was the best visualisation I ever had, even without aiming for it.

How is a motto compiled? Mottos are traditionally consisting of names, words or phrases in an ancient language such as Latin, Greek or Hebrew. You should not get overly stressed by finding a nice phase or word in one of these languages. There is no rule and you can call yourself whatever you want in any language you want. If you see your aims and ambitions clear and have a meaning for and understanding of your motto, you do not necessarily need to find someone who can give you an accurate translation into Latin or Greek. Of course it adds a mystical momentum to the magicians name and thus fits into the whole set up of mystical ritual. However, sometimes people try too hard and end up with something which – correctly re-translated – sounds quite different from what they were aiming for. That way, your motto may rather confuse (or amuse) the entities you are going to work with. It is more important that your chosen name is clear in its meaning than that it sounds fancy.

Sometimes, a student gets his (first or new) motto by a mentor, teacher or other elder member of a group or order. It then reflects the student’s current abilities, maybe his way of working, a specific ability or something it reflects what the student needs to focus on or aim for.

For picking your own first motto, some advise. Think about what your next aim is. Think about which words would express this in the best – straight to the point - way. If you use several words, do not pay attention that the short version can be pronounced as a word or sounds groovy. Meditate, contemplate, perform some basic ritual and ask the divine powers to show you your name. Believe me, something will happen and if it feels right, adopt it. For your next motto, you will see, it works different. You will feel the need for a change. With the grown experience and feeling for the current of your work and the power of the energies you are working with, you will see that the word(s) or name(s) will come by themselves. Maybe while meditating, within a ritual within a dream….