Last resort magic?
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@HounganRocky said
"If you read my original post, I said that I took every possible course of action. If everything fails, even when you are doing everything "right," what are you left to assume?"
As I said, I went back and read over it several times. You did not say you took every course of action. To do so would require all of Nuit. You tried a bunch of things and none of them worked. Then you had the idea to do an uncrossing ceremony and that worked. Devising a perfect crime to murder your boss without a trace in order to leave a position open for yourself might have worked as well. Now we'll never know.
@HounganRocky said
"I look back at the career path I was so rigidly stuck on was actually a huge distraction from my magical work. I became focused on the interests of a corporation rather than my own. That is not to say that I was being prevented from the work I do, it simply means that I was not able to work at my fullest potential."
None of this was in the OP nor does it really affect the question of "last resort magic".
@HounganRocky said
"You may not be aware of the fact that I am an initiated Voodoo Priest and I have clients needs that I tend to as well as my own. The former position I was in allowed for me to communicate with my clients very easily, but used up much of my precious energy that I need to deal with their spiritual needs."
I am, actually, but it still doesn't affect the question of "last resort magic".
@HounganRocky said
"Why did I no longer continue corrective action once I made up my mind to leave the position? Well, I think the question answers itself. I'm not going to water someone's garden if they don't want me to be their gardener."
Obviously. Standard human nature.
@HounganRocky said
"The point of the story was not that I was in a last resort situation, but due to the fact that I had been so practiced I accomplished something quite easily without creating any extra distractions for myself. For some, they may well feel as if using magic to get out of an extremely stressful situation as a last resort. For me it was simply a realization that the boat I was on was going nowhere. So, I had my communications officer send a very noticeable signal to the most suitable nearby vessel, reached an arrangement with it's captain, and promptly jumped ship. Turns out, the new captain offered me better lodgings and pay to stay on his boat, as well as better things to do with my recreational time."
Well, that begs the question: Why were your previous uses of magic and talking with the spirits not effective? Is it possibly because, even though you are so practiced that you can accomplish things quite easily, this time your powers were hampered by the incorrect belief that you could improve the situation from within? That it wasn't until you began to feel truly trapped (last resort) that you had the idea to do your uncrossing ceremony to remove those incorrect beliefs? Once you successfully gave up the notion that you could solve your problem while staying with your same employer (whether you did this on your own or whether it was a result of the ceremony, I don't know), you were free and empowered to travel down your correct path which was to find new employment?
@HounganRocky said
"Can anyone say that they acquired a high paying position (high paying being between $1000-$2000 weekly) within 24 hours of submitting their resume? If so, I 'd like to read your resume."
I can, but I'm in a different industry than you, one that hires the guy who comes with a personal recommendation and is available to start yesterday, not necessarily the one whose resume is better than the 200 others that were submitted.
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@Gnosomai Emauton said
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@Takamba said
"Then you've missed the entire point of the OP. Why wait until a catastrophe? (I'm only supporting this is his discussion point and you (unsurprisingly) attempt to derail his main discussion platform)."So then is your suggestion that he should be practicing rituals to Pluto on a regular basis, invoking the powers of Material Gain and reaping their rewards even though he has no need of them just to keep him in practice for that theoretical day when he might be 50p short for that much-needed banana? I'd be concerned that, after a few unnecessary practice rituals brought me unneeded financial gain, the powers-that-be might write me off as the boy who cried wolf and not show up in my hour of actual need."
I'm supporting staying on topic. Notice I have said nothing of validity of the OP's idea (as he requested this not be a place of argument, dissention, skepticism concerning the purpose/value of magick) but the sharing on the specific topic.
If I were to add my two cents on the original content and idea, it would be that the daily rituals practicing what is called "magical hygiene" (the LBRP, Middle Pillar, so forth) suffice. If a vodun wants to recommend daily magick "spells," that's fine. I'm suggesting he can do so and doesn't need master-baiters ramming their junk down his throat if he requests that that doesn't happen.
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" I'd be concerned that, after a few unnecessary practice rituals brought me unneeded financial gain, the powers-that-be might write me off as the boy who cried wolf and not show up in my hour of actual need"
Wow. That thought would have never ever crossed my mind.
I am so thankful that my "powers that be" are not the types that would not "show up" when the need was great.
I am almost speechless at that comment.
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@Avshalom Binyamin said
"Yep, it's deliberately off topic.
I'm interested to hear more about some ideas behind using divination as a lead up to a ritual."
I like to turn on pandora, ( which is programed with about fifty channels of all genres) and ask my question as I use the shuffle option. Always unto Nuit, from my heart.
Never fails. I always listen.
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@Angel of Death said
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@Avshalom Binyamin said
"Yep, it's deliberately off topic.I'm interested to hear more about some ideas behind using divination as a lead up to a ritual."
I like to turn on pandora, ( which is programed with about fifty channels of all genres) and ask my question as I use the shuffle option. Always unto Nuit, from my heart.
Never fails. I always listen."
Radiomancy.
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@Legis said
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@Angel of Death said
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@Avshalom Binyamin said
"Yep, it's deliberately off topic.I'm interested to hear more about some ideas behind using divination as a lead up to a ritual."
I like to turn on pandora, ( which is programed with about fifty channels of all genres) and ask my question as I use the shuffle option. Always unto Nuit, from my heart.
Never fails. I always listen."
Radiomancy.
"Evolution.
Never static
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Until cars got computer chips, I actualy could fix my own car. Both my older brothers were gear heads and taught me.
Rocky,
I appreciate you attempting to stimulate genuine conversation, and share you knowledge.
I'll share an aspect of a deeply personal experience, that I did use all resources to my ability, mundane and magical.As a forward to those whose true will does not encapsulate rituals, higher intelligence and magick, I will simply state this. I live in a very very big world and have tolerance for just about anything. If what I share causes an intellectual rebuttal, and my methods seem unreasonable please do not disrespect me by belittling me. You are entitled to your own personal intrepration of your own life experiences and so am I.
My experience, to sum it up was that I was in a hostile domestic situation, rapidly deteriorating, and escalating to maddness of the most vicious and violent sorts. I had exhausted most all means of mundanely dealing with the situation. I actually feared for my life and my childrens lives. It was at this time, my last resort in a way, that I asked this forum the simple question of what is the most effective ritual for protection.
I received a lot of great support and encouragement, and I got a ritual for Angelic protection. This wasn't a flash in the pan rite though. I reworked it to my own liking and very very quickly got great results.
I was dealing with a man who invited demonic forces into himself and was enjoying it. It was as if heaven and hell were fighting in my own home. This man became what I will stereotype as a feminine hating, racist, redneck, abusive, addicted hardcore metal Satanist, the biggest baddest thing he could think of becoming he did. Which pair up with little miss love n light rainbow glitter me......isn't a good mix.
I mentioned previously here about how I got lost in the inner city, and came upon a gothic cathedral to St. Michael. Since leaving that church, and the ephifany I had there, week by week different men by the name Michael have come to my aid, out of the blue unbidden, they show up and have gifts for me and strengthen me with our relationship. Two months ago, I was contacted by the seventh Michael. This man was a childhood friend, but he was also much much more. When these Men show up, I play it very cool and just see what's up with them with out divulging to much of my true situation.
Each one of these men are what we could call adepts in their own fields. Extremely successful powerful men. Not garbage men, but multimillion dollar business men, Priests, Master Technicians, or other professionals. This last Michael was really appropriate to my domestic violence situation in that not only was he a professional boxer, and a law enforcement officer but a highly decorated Marine, as well as an Army Special Forces. The good guys had arrived to ~not~ take care of my business, but to let me know they were standing behind me in case I truly did need the back up to take care of my own business.
I asked for an army of angels, and I got one and now I can mundanely take care of detangling myself from my situation and getting on with my life. Magick is not making others do things for you, magick is empowering yourself so you can do what ever you need to do to get it done.
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@Angel of Death said
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" I'd be concerned that, after a few unnecessary practice rituals brought me unneeded financial gain, the powers-that-be might write me off as the boy who cried wolf and not show up in my hour of actual need"Wow. That thought would have never ever crossed my mind.
I am so thankful that my "powers that be" are not the types that would not "show up" when the need was great.
I am almost speechless at that comment."
Do you practice "unnecessary" rituals for "unneeded financial gain"? If not, then there would be no reason for this thought to cross your mind unless you chose to ponder things outside your experience. You are likely engaging with your "powers that be" with honesty and integrity and they will likely always be there for you in your hour of need.
However, if you do practice "unnecessary" rituals for "unneeded financial gain"... well, that would cause me to at least consider that I might be heading down the left-hand path (as it was originally defined) and might wake up one day deserted and alone. If that thought has truly never crossed your mind to the point that you are left almost speechless... well, I find myself in the same boat as you did: Wow.
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@Gnosomai Emauton said
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@Angel of Death said
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Do you practice "unnecessary" rituals for "unneeded financial gain"? If not, then there would be no reason for this thought to cross your mind unless you chose to ponder things outside your experience. You are likely engaging with your "powers that be" with honesty and integrity and they will likely always be there for you in your hour of need.However, if you do practice "unnecessary" rituals for "unneeded financial gain"... well, that would cause me to at least consider that I might be heading down the left-hand path (as it was originally defined) and might wake up one day deserted and alone. If that thought has truly never crossed your mind to the point that you are left almost speechless... well, I find myself in the same boat as you did: Wow."
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"I do ponder over lots of things.
Like the words unnecessary and unneeded.
In Nuit is everything, even things we would label as unnecessary and unneeded.
In Nuit we are never alone, deserted.
Those things, unnecessary, unneeded, alone, deserted are illusions. -
"Be goodly therefore: dress ye all in fine apparel; eat rich foods and drink sweet wines and wines that foam! Also, take your fill and will of love as ye will, when, where and with whom ye will! But always unto me. "
It ain't about "unnecessary" or "unneeded".
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@Angel of Death said
"In Nuit is everything, even things we would label as unnecessary and unneeded."
Agreed. That does not mean that there are not things within Nuit that are unnecessary or unneeded for the life path of your particular Hadit. Or mine. A fish and a bicycle both exist within Nuit. A fish who tries to ride a bicycle will quickly find that she is having a distinct difficulty in breathing.
@Angel of Death said
"In Nuit we are never alone, deserted. "
I'd be curious to see if you have the same conviction as you cross the Abyss.
@Angel of Death said
"Those things, unnecessary, unneeded, alone, deserted are illusions."
Below the Abyss, certainly. Perhaps even above (I don't claim those grades or that knowledge). However, as I understand it, it is exactly this part of you that the Abyss tests. Given the certainty with which you speak, I might be led to believe that you're speaking from Binah and I should just take you at your word. However, the vibrant personality you display in your writing suggests that this probably isn't yet the case.
Av Bin's quote from Liber Al is right on the money. It contains the operative word, though: Will. Anything outside of Will is unnecessary/unneeded. As has been said countless times: "Do what thou wilt" does not mean "Do any old thing you damn well please."
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Oh, more flattery.
How nice of you to be curious about me getting ripped to shreads in the abyss. Really, now don't bother your brain wondering about what is going on in my world and how strong my convictions are, I'm a distraction from your GreatWork, Brother.And as always,
Don't take my word on it,
Or anything else.
You have to find your own answers.Your subtle way of speaking with a forked tounge leaves me wanting more. My direct, forceful tounge lashing leave no one guessing what my intention is. I couldn't care less what station you think I have or have not achieved, it has no relevance in my life, and IMO your response to me is ot. I'm just trying to contribute to Rockys topic.
Your comment about a fish and a bike is absurd and doesn't even make methophoical sence. A fish would never desire to ride a bike. All things in my life, even things some would say are unnecessary or unneeded are aspects of Nuit, so if my limited perception thought a million dollars was necessary, then it is necessary to me at that instant. My desires and my ability to fulfill those desires are what drives my actions. Yet my desires are often fueled by my limited mental ability, governed by my endocrine system.
My son used to say, mom, I want some money.
I would say, what do want the money for?
A game he replied.
Then, you focus on getting the game, not the money.It's ok with me that you see the world differently then me, just don't expect me to lay down and take your subtle slips of the tounge. I'm not that type of girl.
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@Angel of Death said
"Oh, more flattery.
How nice of you to be curious about me getting ripped to shreads in the abyss. Really, now don't bother your brain wondering about what is going on in my world and how strong my convictions are, I'm a distraction from your GreatWork, Brother."I'm endlessly amazed at how you take everything written on these forum posts to be specifically about and exclusively in relation to you. I could care less if you personally get ripped to shreds crossing the abyss. I'm curious if those concrete views would survive the battering, in you or anyone else with such strong convictions. A thought experiment. Nothing more.
@Angel of Death said
"And as always,
Don't take my word on it,
Or anything else.
You have to find your own answers."Obviously. But this is a discussion forum. Where we discuss ideas and, through that process, if we're lucky, we might find some of our own answers.
@Angel of Death said
"Your subtle way of speaking with a forked tounge leaves me wanting more. My direct, forceful tounge lashing leave no one guessing what my intention is. I couldn't care less what station you think I have or have not achieved, it has no relevance in my life, and IMO your response to me is ot. I'm just trying to contribute to Rockys topic."
Rocky's topic was regarding the use of magic regularly, as a matter of course, rather than just as a last resort. My comment that brought on this back-and-forth was questioning the idea of regularly doing financial-gain rituals, without need, just to keep one in practice for that day when money is actually needed. Takamba's reply introduced the idea of "magickal hygene" rituals rather than actual focused rituals as a regular practice which seemed perfectly sensible and definitely on-topic to me. You hijacked that thought with your "thought had never crossed my mind"/"almost speechless" sideways insult of my own relation with the powers-that-be and focused the entire discussion on you and your superior relation with your own personal powers-that-be. If you're interested in keeping things OT, start with your own house. (Is that a direct enough tongue for you?)
@Angel of Death said
"Your comment about a fish and a bike is absurd and doesn't even make methophoical sence. A fish would never desire to ride a bike. All things in my life, even things some would say are unnecessary or unneeded are aspects of Nuit, so if my limited perception thought a million dollars was necessary, then it is necessary to me at that instant. My desires and my ability to fulfill those desires are what drives my actions. Yet my desires are often fueled by my limited mental ability, governed by my endocrine system. "
I guess the Parable of the Ibis, the Humming-Bird, and Uraeus Serpent just goes right over your head as well because a humming-bird would never desire to drip poison from its fangs?
@Angel of Death said
"It's ok with me that you see the world differently then me, just don't expect me to lay down and take your subtle slips of the tounge. I'm not that type of girl."
Then don't take everything I say on every forum post whether in response to something you wrote or otherwise as a personal attack against you. It's not. The subtle slips of the tongue on this one were started by you in response to something I wrote to Takamba. If you can't take it, don't deal it.
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You specifically said that
I'd be curious to see if you have the same convictions as you cross the abyss.That is pretty personal. If you were having a thought excesize in ambiguity on humans in general, then you might do well to change your wording so that the person you are responding to does not think you are specifically referring to her.
It was from that initial challenge, which set the tone of your post being an attack, or rather, not supporting me but attempting to undermine me.
Also everyone of my posts has related directly to the topic, except for this one, and the one I spouted back at your personal attack of me, which was off topic completely.
I also think, regarding Av's post that the most important part is " always unto me". But if you think it's your will then that's your POV.
"You hijacked that thought with your "thought had never crossed my mind"/"almost speechless" sideways insult of my own relation with the powers-that-be and focused the entire discussion on you and your superior relation with your own personal powers-that-be."
I did not intend my comment to be an insult. Truly. That type of think is alien to me, it never would have crossed my mind on it's own. But, when you said it, with your. Personal conviction, Meaning that you do believe that......I was amazed. I can't even begin to fathom what existence could be like holding on to that belief. I am always amazed when I grok anothers point of view, or realize that most people don't think at all like I do. I shared my surprise publicly because I do believe that the concept of a higher power that is cruel, is old aeon patriarchal bondage that needs to be personally evaluated by each person who still grasps that chain. That's my opinion.
I also would like to say that in your opinion I attempted to "focused the entire discussion on you and your superior relation with your own personal powers-that-be."
I did no such thing, I wrote two post directly in response to Rockys topic. I shared my first post, and then when things were getting derailed I attempted to bring it back to topic by sharing a second on topic post. I did not insinuate anything about my relationship with my universe and frankly I think that sentence of yours is revealing more about your attitudes then my experience. I shared my personal experiences and left the intrepation to others to draw conclusions from.
Listen, I am in the midst of turmoil in my life right now, lots of people in my circle in ICU, my moms house is flooded, I have a psycho stalker, DSS is preventing me from getting real work, my dog was hit by a car, ect ect ect.....I am literally stressed to the max. That does not excuse me from anything, but I am human and when you start a post to me about me getting ripped to shreads,......
Well I'm going to get defensive because the world around me is like a game of dodge ball. I'm in the game, and you are either trying to knock me out or helping me stay in the game. The gentlemen on this board whom I've had the pleasure of chatting with for five years now are kind enough to not knock me out when I might say something stupid or unkind, which I'm sure I have, as all humans do.I don't want to fight you, But I guess you could say I'm a wild child, I will not lay down and. Be quiet and take any sort of negative bs. Ever. I will fight, and scream, and raise holy hell if anyone ever tries to hurt me, and your very first sentence definately set the tone for you wanting to hurt me, personally, as well as your insulting remark about my personality and Binha.
I truly don't want to engage with you, Brother, at all about this. I certainly don't want the boards permeant posts littered with stupid crap, I wanted to talk about the topic and try to generate conversation about that.
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Rocky,
Honestly, I've never heard the "last resort" idea. I've heard a lot about making sure you really want what you ask for and making sure it lines up with your True Will, but not the "last resort" bit. Just knowing me, that's something I'd have to learn the hard way anyway.
You're not exactly a newbie, and that sounds more like newbie advice. You know, trying to obtain something through magical means can really jack with your head if something more central to yourself (True Will) is unconsciously running counter to it. It can be like asking for a "lesson" instead.
From a theory standpoint, it kind of makes sense to me that trying practical means first would be beneficial. It helps clarify the problem, clarify the actual blocks, clarify the actual desire, and impress upon your magical unconscious (spirit, whatever...) through concrete action that something is your serious intent - through the practical application of ALL of one's powers.
But only as a "last resort"? Ehhh... That seems like a form of extreme caution to me too. Truth is... I do tend to be extremely cautious because I've done a lot of stuff in the past that jacked with my head. But I don't think I'd warn people of such things specifically with the "last resort" advice.
I'd tell the joke where the guy wished to be "surrounded by *****," and the genie turned him into a tampon.
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@Angel of Death said
"I truly don't want to engage with you, Brother, at all about this. I certainly don't want the boards permeant posts littered with stupid crap, I wanted to talk about the topic and try to generate conversation about that."
Copy that.
Over and out. -
@Legis said
"I'd tell the joke where the guy wished to be "surrounded by *****," and the genie turned him into a tampon."
Reminds me:
Q. What did one tampon say to the other tampon?
A. Nothing...they're both stuck up bitches.
This is a very interesting topic. First of all, the topic doesn't seem to pay heed to confirmation bias. I'll fire off a few POVs that I think every magician has spent time with, when they consider "results" magick:
1.) The "results" have superseded the normal odds of something taking place. This could be considered more "miraculous" or more "coincidental," depending on the POV one wishes to take.
The magician is the Lord of Illusion. The strongest magician is the one that can see both POVs simultaneously (i.e. Silence).
2.) The "results" magick idea presupposes that there is "outside" and "inside" phenomena. Again, this sets up the dyad. The "2" in 2=0. But, of course, the separateness is actually just another form of Nuit. Or the Magician is just a different form or attitude of the Fool and vice versa. The Point (Hadit) is only the bird's eye view of (and separated from) the Wave (Nuit).
*In the sphere I am everywhere the centre, as she, the circumference, is nowhere found.
Yet she shall be known and I never. *
-- Hadit
and:
*With the God and the Adorer I am nothing: they do not see me. They are as upon the earth; I am Heaven, and there is no other God than me, and my lord Hadit. *
-- Nuit
This can be further explained with the overall symbology and relations of 0 and 1.
In practical terms, the magician learns economy of energy. This extends to all "actions" in all planes. The True Will is theoretically effortless, as it is the natural orbit for any one Star. One POV would be that the practice of magick is used to remove "obstacles" in the way of this Path. However, the opposite is true as well, is there anything that is truly an obstacle, if it is in the Path?
Yes and no. Depending on the POV.
The magician can see both and realize both are untrue, when they are isolated into the false dyad. All that is left is Will.
3.) The True Will in Assiah is very relatable to the Inverted Palace:
*41.He leads us into the Inverted Palace.
42.There is the Heart of Blood, a pyramid reaching its apex down beyond the Wrong of the Beginning. *This Palace can be considered as starting in the Infinity of Atziluth and ending at the "point of action" in Assiah.
4.) As far as magick not being used in Assiah is laughable. We sneeze and it's magick. Are we talking about works in the Astral? Back to confirmation bias, and the magician uses models that can never wholly discount skepticism. And thank god for that! Imagine if everything in the imagination materialized without effort!
Again, the magician is the Lord of Illusion. As equally as he can control his belief that he worked something onto the material plane in the astral, he should be able to employ disbelief in that particular POV. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. The confirmation bias and "truth" of that individual is only their Self and Its relation with the Other; that is, if they choose to see the separation. But, we're all here, aren't we? I guess we did choose the separation, no?
Now, results in Assiah? Yes. I've used ceremonial magic to gain wealth and success against tremendous odds (a high paying income according to standards here, although, is it ever enough?
). I've used magick (using methods in the astral) to get hella girls -- I've slept with beautiful girls half my age (I assure you they just turned 18 ).And I loved it. The moth is always attracted to the flame, and everything is lawful.
In any event, the odds that were surpassed still baffle me, but I can still tear the results apart with skepticism. Beware the belief of any bullshit, as anyone halfway trained in magick can make a truth out of a turd. The Qabalah can always be stretched. Value in regard to the True Will is the only useful gain. And even that is subject to the POV! I will say that for me, momentum has replaced effort, and Adjustment of the inside happens just as quick as Adjustment of the outside:
If I don't "like" it, I change my "like" on the inside -- or, if it's easier to change the surroundings (the outside), I do that...this flow and momentum to me is synonymous with the True Will. If that is securing a new job with magical voracity or calming my desires down to live within my means, they are up the unique Will, and the one who can "listen and act" in accordance with their "orbit" has the least discomfort.
Also, looking up to the heavens is just as useful as looking into the depths of hell. They all lead to the same place eventually.
As far as "saving" magick for spiritual reasons, Do what thou wilt. However, the real momentum and magick is already in line with your True Will, is it not? Anything else is a false morality and absolute restriction. There is never a hard and fast rule regarding right, wrong, proper ways, improper ways, etc. These are all ridiculous when not considered in context and are intrinsically linked to POVs...
Control the POV and you control the reality. It's that simple. Same goes for the individual AND the collective. Just look at the media...
One more thing, one would hope that one sets their reality up to be beautiful and harmonious, whatever that means to that particular person. You can spin around all day long effecting one magick trick after another, or you can be completely Silent, allowing the world to spin around you without using any effort; however, at the end of your turn, Saturn will get you, regardless of how "important" you deemed any action or inaction.
Just my two cents. ENJOY WHILE IT LASTS.
Very interesting topic! Thank you!
Love to All! Have a wonderful Jupiter Day!
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@Frater 639 said
"Love to All! Have a wonderful Jupiter Day!
"
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@Takamba said
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@kasper81 said
" Last week I needed a banana. I took some money to the supermarket, collected a banana, took a banana to the till, paid for it and SHAZAM!! Result. I acquired a banana."What if you didn't have the money for a banana? Would you just convince yourself that it wasn't your Will to complete your recipe?"
Yessssss, this this this. I feel like a whole lot of this 'a real magician doesn't need to use magic for material things' is a really classist attitude. This may be true for Mr Petit-Bourgeois magician who lives quite comfortably and never has cause for such magic. But, lets remember, most magical traditions centered around generating wealth, etc., are not created by bored suburban teens with no greater sense of their Truer Will, it's created by ex-slaves, farmhands and artisans. A spell for a big meal might seem superfluous to someone like Kasper, it's very seductive for someone like me...
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"If I don't "like" it, I change my "like" on the inside -- or, if it's easier to change the surroundings (the outside), I do that...this flow and momentum to me is synonymous with the True Will. If that is securing a new job with magical voracity or calming my desires down to live within my means, they are up the unique Will, and the one who can "listen and act" in accordance with their "orbit" has the least discomfort."
This attitude also, even - I do not mean to denigrate you, Frater, you're a good man, but I must bring it up
I mean, I was always taught that this was one of the highest alchemical secrets - this, if you don't like your situation, change yourself so you do like it... This is kind of... I mean, as I said before, this is alright for comfortable-living Mr Petit-Bourgeois Magician, but for magicians who live in poverty, or Magicians who face racism, etc, this seems ridiculous advice. I could not picture Clarence 13x, upon attaining to some powerful sphere, suddenly bending his knees and saying, 'thank Allah for you, White Officer, I'm so glad you're out here brutalizing my brothers' - or whatever. Or, even that I may some day attain to some great degree in the A.'.A.'. I do not imagine I shall ever be happy having to forgo meals or having my heat cut, or that I may celebrate my disability which leaves me bedridden and say to everyone 'oh you really must try it...' - I mean... All I'm saying is: when we consider this kind of attitude in terms of Oppression, you know? It seems to fall apart? It seems to presuppose that the magician benefits from the structures put in place by Colonizer Capitalism. It seems to me that for someone who suffers from those structures, the most powerful magician is the one who doesn't like her oppressive surroundings, who rises up and changes those structures, etcAh, I am being harsh on your comments, of course. I do not think that you nearly suggest that if the oppressed want to do magic they should be happy with their oppression. I'm just saying: a part of the discourse which is missed by a lot of these discussions, I think, is that there are people doing magic who aren't wealthy, white or able-bodied!