frustrated!
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@SophiaLux said
"Indeed I know there is a lot to do on my own. A supportive community is always an asset though."
SophiaLux,
I have been in a similar situation for a few years and after looking at my options, my solution was to become a member of Aspirants to Light, which has been spoken of on this forum. I still live far away from the magical communities I link to, but I travel to them several times a year to attend meetings and spend quality time with a growing number of Thelemites. This face to face contact fills a lot of gaps for me, even though it seems like it is over far too quickly when I'm on the plane home.
Maintaining relationships via e-mail and occasional phone calls has helped me to continue the Work where I am without feeling so isolated. It is making a tremendous difference for me, until I get to the point of being able to relocate. This solution is not for everyone, but I thought I'd toss it out as another option.
In LVX,
Donna -
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@SophiaLux said
"Indeed I know there is a lot to do on my own. A supportive community is always an asset though."
In my experience groups have always been a terrible terrible hindrance. The one superior of the AA system seems perfect on the other hand.
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"The one superior of the AA system seems perfect on the other hand."
Not clear on what you mean.
Thanks,
chrys333 -
@Chris Hanlon said
""The one superior of the AA system seems perfect on the other hand."
Not clear on what you mean.
Thanks,
chrys333"i think he's refering to the fact that you don't really do group work in the AA but have your teacher a grade above you and your student a grade below you.
at least ideally
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Pretty much yes - and even then the neophyte is said to learn 'in spite' of the well meaning teacher . (I forget Crowleys exact quote) I just think there are many distractions on even a solo path and I'm sure everyones heard drama stories of both prominent and relatively occult groups.
Of course someone can keep focused on the learning or the experience of group rites and not the camaraderie or social aspects group work can be very valuable.
I guess I'm just offering a word of caution to anyone who may be tempted to think everything is going to be gravy when finding a group.
'Course , sometimes it actually is
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@SophiaLux said
"I am becoming really frustrated. Right now my "thelemic Community" consists of me and a couple of buddies who like to study Magick. We can talk theory all night but thats about as far as it gets. I met a person a while back who was getting ready to make a big move out of this defunct town in order to be closer to a real learning community. i have a feeling that if I were really "serious about progressing" I would do the same. My boyf has been wanting to do just that since before we met.
Heres my problem: Before I even knew there was a Book of the Law or a spiritual path that could save my life, I was attending graduate school (a non-terminating masters/phd program). This is the career that I want. i am passionate about my work and think I would be really unhappy trying to pursue something else. And graduate school is not something you can walk away from and ever expect to be invited back. i suppose after I get my Masters I could ask to transfer somewhere, but my field is very specialized and I am currently in the best lab in the country for it.
At the same time I find myself stumbling and lost in all aspects of my life. My work and my Work are shoddy and often nonexistant.
The thing is, while I am a good "self-teacher" to a certain degree, i tend to give up when I hit points of confusion that I can't figure out on my own. If I don't have someone (like a real-live person or two or eight) checking up on me and offering occasional explanations and helpful hints I might as well not even start a project because I won't finish it.
I'm not sure what I'm asking for here. Advice? Analysis? Am I just arguing with myself? Am I making excuses for not being diligent enough on my own? I wish I could ask someone these things irl--someone who knows me and how I work. It seems like its not going to happen (at least for another --wasted?-- six years or so).
Frustrated. Confused.
M"
Fear Not daughter of mankind, for thou hast attained unto the summit of Babalon.
Thou hast thy will.
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this was already touched upon i think, but my advice would be to join the A' A', or some other organization that is right for you. the solo work paired with having someone to talk to if you need it will provide you a structure and would not interfere with your schooling.
just a suggestion.