The Illusion of Widespread Accessibility
Strangely, in public perception an attitude has formed toward Magic and occultism, as well as Runes and shamanic practices, treating them as something considered common knowledge and widely accessible. Forums and websites are full of posts by people who have read one or two newspaper articles and, with a knowing air, pontificate on “spirituality” and “personal growth,” and often dismiss Traditions and Schools with disdain.
It is hard to imagine a forum devoted to serious discussions of physics, chemistry, or biology where the opinions of kindergartners would be taken seriously. Yet, in matters of metaphysics this is considered not only acceptable but even proper.
Personal experience gained in trance or dream states, unverified — let alone checked for objectivity or safety — is taken as the sole reliable source and often eclipses the knowledge accumulated over millennia by hundreds of generations of magi. The study of that knowledge becomes almost shameful and is dismissed as ‘schizoterism.’
It seems that any person who has had a few beers and tried psilocybin mushrooms can devise a coherent life plan not only of their own life but, notably, of instructing others how to “live properly.”
Note that by opening the mind to perceive things not anchored in social norms, a person simultaneously exposes themselves to illusions and becomes extremely vulnerable to self-deception.
Therefore any personal experience must be checked from the standpoint of Tradition and compared with traditional wisdom; when personal experience contradicts traditional understanding, one should not reject the Tradition that should be angrily rejected but the personal experience that should be carefully and scrupulously re-examined. Critical assessment and re-examination of personal experience — qualities so alien to the contemporary quasi-magical milieu — have always been a necessary condition for acquiring truly valuable knowledge.
Like any body of knowledge and experience, the magical tradition has its own ideas, concepts, and terms, honed over long periods. Its language may seem difficult and even “ornate” to modern readers, yet the study of any subject requires mastering its terminology — after all, no one would think of rejecting the terminology of physics, chemistry, etc., and replacing it with colloquialisms like “thingy,” “crap,” and similar terms.
At the same time one must understand that Power and Magic cannot and should not “go to the masses”; alongside thousands of dilettantes and those struck by delusions of grandeur — the “dreamers” and “spirit-seers” — traditional lineages remain alive today, carefully preserving and developing ancient concepts.
Everyone chooses what resonates with them — however, there is no virtue in spouting vitriol and aggressively rejecting earnest “sincere self-improvement.”
Well, in the conditions of the probability of meeting with Tradition approaching zero, the chance to pick mushrooms is not so bad compared to the prospect of ‘working for a toilet’ for a lifetime. But of course, when someone makes far-reaching conclusions from their personal experience in the form of unverifiable metaphysical constructions – that’s not even funny. And there are plenty of such ‘psychonauts’ on the internet.
Indeed, it’s very easy to get confused now if a person wants to know and be able. Proper understanding of what is happening, recommended actions (what to pay attention to) is very important. This determines the direction of the Path and to a large extent the speed of advancement. The trouble is that a Teacher is needed, but neither you nor they, especially, will advertise in the local newspaper. That’s why you work with the informational egregore like a gold digger, occasionally selecting particles of KNOWLEDGE. However, there is always a chance of error. For example, I feel a more powerful flow of Power over several days. This can be interpreted as follows:
1. the flow of Power passing through me has really increased due to objective circumstances (the stars are positioned this way);
2. the flow remained the same; my sensitivity increased;
3. both.
The most flattering conclusion for myself, of course, is the second one, but there is no guarantee that this conclusion corresponds to the truth.
What tradition would you suggest to orient yourself in this case?
To understand if the amount of power has changed, one needs to understand if your will has become more effectively realized. If the effectiveness of realization hasn’t changed, it means the second option may be applicable.
Thank you for the quick response. It seems so. I’ll observe for a couple more days… And another thing: do natural elements feel more distinct when it’s drizzling, misty, or is it just me?
It depends on which of the Elements you have an affinity for: the one you feel more distinctly.
According to the Zodiac, my element is Fire. How wonderfully it dances in the fire! The fire of creativity… No words. My favorite place is the forest. Element – Earth. If you walk barefoot, you can try to hear its breath… I also have a friendship with the Wind. During one of my last practices, it inspired me to take some actions… I feel the Sun very strongly. In winter, during the constant grayness and darkness, it’s just hard to cope without it. When the Sun shines – it’s a holiday!!! Water – information, knowledge. We have been together for so long. It can give, but it can also take. The Queen… I’m getting all lyrical! Overall, it’s quite confusing.
Could this affinity be seasonal? I.e., due to a special lack of a certain element, you feel it more acutely? Or could an established contact with information increase sensitivity to Water, which may have been further aided by a 60-hour fast the day before? Could this temporarily enhance a non-original affinity?
The ‘element by zodiac’, like everything commonly understood, does not necessarily reflect individual characteristics.
Thank you. I will definitely observe and report. What about the latest assumptions? And are there no correspondences between the elements and character traits?