Subj : [ 5/15] Newsgroups: alt.pagan.magick
To   : All
From : Rachel L. Akers
Date : Thu Feb 15 2001 10:23 pm

>... (cont)
Subject: nagasiva's alt.magick FAQ
Summary: This is a file of biased responses to frequently
         asked questions in the alt.magick newsgroup.
Keywords: FAQ, magic, magick, occult, occultism
Replaces: 500009
Url: http://www.luckymojo.com/namfaq.html
X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.4 (NOV)
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 02:34:31 GMT

     ____________________________________________________________

   01.00 EDUCATION

   01.02 how can I learn about magic online?
>... (cont)

     Tastes
     the second step in determining authoritativeness is to look
     INWARD. what are your TASTES with regard to occult subjects
     and practices? if you don't know, then EXPLORE! find out what
     tastes good. do angels and bunnies and light just turn you on?
     how about alien infestations from the horrid depths of space?
     strange words and weird mathematics? just swimming in cool
     ponds during autumn? there are many many different approaches
     to magic, even religious ones! (see Islam/Sufism, the forums
     dedicated to a discussion of Christian Magic, or the more
     eclectic Hermetic culture). explore as many as suits your
     taste. sometimes settling for what comes first is not the best
     means of attaining any goals you may have.

     Activity
     the third step in determining authoritativeness is to
     EXPERIENCE. *do things*. try out things and above all, FAIL
     MISERABLY. the failure is as important as is the success. the
     two are ultimately a product of warped thinking anyway.
     Socrates is reported to have said that the unexamined life is
     not worth living. it may be equally true that the
     UNEXPERIENCED life is not worth living. be imaginative. fly by
     the seat of your pants. take risks. do the FORBIDDEN.

     Reflection
     the fourth step in determining authoritativeness is to
     REFLECT. see what people say in their
     words/actions/expressions which seems to conform to your
     experience of the world. when you can get a 'fix' on someone
     and you LIKE what they are saying, then compare these people
     with others who may qualify in a similar way. engage others
     and draw from THEIR experience and reflection. develop your
     own ideas as a result of critical thought ("question
     authority"!) and your own practice as a result of creative
     exploration.

     Abstraction
     the last step in determining authoritativeness is to PROJECT.
     just because someone says something about which you do not
     agree this does not make them idiots. they may have experience
     which you do not have and they could be representing a very
     important and oft-overlooked reflection. it is for this reason
     that it is quite difficult to be sure just who is and who is
     not an asshole without substance. along the path of wizardry
     we do not burn our bridges, even while we may place small
     signs near them which say 'Of Uncertain Value'.

     Growth
     the most important principle in determining authoritativeness
     is to develop it within ourselves. suckling at the teats of
     masters may be important at certain stages of our growth, yet
     eventually we must break away from the nest, we must try out
     our wings, we must take risks and become reservoirs of
     experience and wisdom ourselves. if nothing else, through such
     exploits we may become humble.

     Soaring
     make it up as you go along. create your own style. this is how
     the current approaches appeared. explore the length and
     breadth of religious and magical disciplines and techniques if
     this suits your fancy. visualization? it is quite effective
     for those who don't have a need or resource for material
     tools.

     look at all the divination systems available: astrology,
     qabalah, tarot, runes, etc., etc. look at the Spiritualist
     supply stores: ouija, rapping tables, ESP cards, etc., etc.
     look at the ceremonialist's shops: wands, swords, incenses,
     candles, cauldrons, etc., etc. look at the witches' broom
     closets: potions, philtres, powders, charms, talismans. check
     out primitive and modern religious practices if this draws
     you: drums, rattles, bells, lights, chanting, spinning,
     singing, etc., etc. check into the resources on natural highs
     and psychotropics. check into the billions of ways to become a
     sorceror (one who explores the realms of consciousness). magic
     may find its way to you.

     Destiny
     limits? there is no limit to magic. it can infuse and
     encompass your entire life experience. you can click into the
     Wave Of the World and become the great Fool-Magus that attains
     to the Great Work and sets the world arights. you can retire
     to a humble country cottage and brew potions for friends and
     family. you can refashion the cosmos to your liking, become
     God, and do the Hokey Pokey!
      __________________________________________________________
>... (cont)

--- Msged/2 4.00
 * Origin: Elfwhere - The POINTy eared POINT (3:640/531.2379)

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