Yesterday while looking for one of my Living in a Fishbowl posts, I ran across a comment that I forgot to address: the issue of evil magic in Golden Dawn. The truth of the matter is that while Golden Dawn makes an initiate swear that they will not perform evil magic, Golden Dawn never officially came out and defined what evil magic was. In fact, this clause of the oath does not show up in all the Golden Dawn branches despite Regardie's publication of this particular version of the obligation.
Looking at concept of evil from a historic viewpoint, one discovers that the definition of evil is a changable concept. Sacrificing your firstborn child was considered a holy act in certain ages and cultures; lynch mobs were considered a viable form of justice in some historical periods; slavery was considered the proper way to pad the labor market by some societies. All these acts today would be frowned upon by most people.
Now I was thinking about this the other day while talking to someone about Reiki. The discussion turned to the fact that sometimes a Reiki session seems to ease the passage of someone suffering by allowing them to die easier (aka speeds up the process of dying). Given our culture's aversion to death, this use of Reiki would be labeled evil by some people.
And it is because of this extreme bias (and there are tons of other examples) that make me advise anyone who is worried about performing evil magic that perhaps they should not be involved in magic and Golden Dawn in the first place. Sooner or later, if you do magic, someone is going to claim that some magic you did was evil. It will not matter how much you thought it though, or how you worded the spell, you will be judged as a doer of evil by someone who disagrees with your final decision to warm up the cauldron.
{And if you want my opinion about the specific complaint that sparked this post: Police has procedures to try to prevent punishing the innocent---does magic targeted at the "guilty" really need the same set of precautions? Are Maat and the other gods/goddesses of justice as faultly in their judgments as ordinary human beings are?}
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Falling short of the ideal persona
Last week, I had another spat with my sister. And during the middle of the spat I realized that in the back of her mind, she must have an idealized concept of what a relative is supposed to be like. I am guessing that it comes from Leave It to Beaver or The Brady Bunch or some other show from way before the point that television started to openly show what real families were like.
(The Simpsons and Married With Children are closer to what I believe real families are like.)
And as long as I fall short of that ideal, I am going to be judged as being a bad relative. (If you are curious about some of this drama, you can peek at my writing blog: Living in a Fishbowl III.)
Then I realized that I am falling short of a lot of people's idealized concept of what a person should be like. I am not the perfect leader, the perfect teacher, the perfect witch/pagan/wiccan, the perfect writer, the perfect college student, the perfect husband, the perfect friend, the perfect employee, the perfect employer, or even the perfect cat owner. And as long as I am judged by an ideal, instead of the actual person that I really am, I will be found lacking, deeply at fault for merely being human.
In the esoteric community, we see this all the time as Golden Dawn lodges and wiccan covens are found to be bad (sometimes even evil), solely because they do not match the idealized vision that seekers have for them. The other night, the lodge I belong to was found lacking because someone thought that we should teach the entire system without requiring membership in the lodge.
The same holds true for Adepts. I wish I had a dollar for every time that I have read a complaint that the Adepts on some online forum were not acting like Adepts. Often this complaint seems to follow an Adept telling someone that they are wrong about something. In an ideal world, some people seem to think that Adepts must accept every cracked pot idea that comes along, and worship at the knees of people who think these crazy ideas.
Now, don't get me wrong---there are bad esoteric groups, occult students, and leaders. It is just that one needs to be able to figure out what complaints are real and what complaints are merely the product of falling short of a misconceived ideal.
(The Simpsons and Married With Children are closer to what I believe real families are like.)
And as long as I fall short of that ideal, I am going to be judged as being a bad relative. (If you are curious about some of this drama, you can peek at my writing blog: Living in a Fishbowl III.)
Then I realized that I am falling short of a lot of people's idealized concept of what a person should be like. I am not the perfect leader, the perfect teacher, the perfect witch/pagan/wiccan, the perfect writer, the perfect college student, the perfect husband, the perfect friend, the perfect employee, the perfect employer, or even the perfect cat owner. And as long as I am judged by an ideal, instead of the actual person that I really am, I will be found lacking, deeply at fault for merely being human.
In the esoteric community, we see this all the time as Golden Dawn lodges and wiccan covens are found to be bad (sometimes even evil), solely because they do not match the idealized vision that seekers have for them. The other night, the lodge I belong to was found lacking because someone thought that we should teach the entire system without requiring membership in the lodge.
The same holds true for Adepts. I wish I had a dollar for every time that I have read a complaint that the Adepts on some online forum were not acting like Adepts. Often this complaint seems to follow an Adept telling someone that they are wrong about something. In an ideal world, some people seem to think that Adepts must accept every cracked pot idea that comes along, and worship at the knees of people who think these crazy ideas.
Now, don't get me wrong---there are bad esoteric groups, occult students, and leaders. It is just that one needs to be able to figure out what complaints are real and what complaints are merely the product of falling short of a misconceived ideal.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tomorrow is the June OFM ritual
Tomorrow is the June 2010 Hearthstone Community Church Open Full Moon ritual. And I still have things I have to do tonight in order to be ready for it. It is amazing how a year is not long enourgh to prepare for a public ritual.
Then again, I did not realize how this week was going to turn out. I don't think anyone in the lodge saw this week coming. Quite simply, I am mentally and emotionally exhausted at this point. I haven't felt this bad emotionally since just before I chose to break ties with my mother. I wonder if this is how hostage negotiations feel like...if so, I understand the suicide rates among cops and soldiers.
If I wasn't so emotionally exhausted, I would probably find it amusing that another run of family conflict reared its ugly head at the beginning of this week. And that would be wrong. Of course, nothing I have said and done this week has been the correct response...or at least, that is how it is going to be recorded in the family's history. I dare people to ask me why I chose to break ties with my mother.
And the next time anyone asks me why I show so little concern about the flame and witch wars that periodically flare up in the esoteric community, this week (and others like it) is going to be my answer. I have seen NOTHING in the little spits that the esoteric community throws that can compare to the scars I carry around from dealing with my own family. There are times I suspect that each and every one of the villians in the Golden Dawn community has a nasty family in their background.
Because of this week, I would like to issue an apology to each and every person who attends tomorrow's ritual. While this ritual was scheduled just over a year ago, it is going to feel like I put absolutely no thought into it. I am sorry for letting my own personal problems (they are all mine) to get in the way of the work that I am supposed to be doing.
Nevertheless, I would still like to see everyone who is in Denver at the OFM that I am leading tomorrow. After all, you can tell more about a person when they are at their worst...or at least that is what my father used to say.
Then again, I did not realize how this week was going to turn out. I don't think anyone in the lodge saw this week coming. Quite simply, I am mentally and emotionally exhausted at this point. I haven't felt this bad emotionally since just before I chose to break ties with my mother. I wonder if this is how hostage negotiations feel like...if so, I understand the suicide rates among cops and soldiers.
If I wasn't so emotionally exhausted, I would probably find it amusing that another run of family conflict reared its ugly head at the beginning of this week. And that would be wrong. Of course, nothing I have said and done this week has been the correct response...or at least, that is how it is going to be recorded in the family's history. I dare people to ask me why I chose to break ties with my mother.
And the next time anyone asks me why I show so little concern about the flame and witch wars that periodically flare up in the esoteric community, this week (and others like it) is going to be my answer. I have seen NOTHING in the little spits that the esoteric community throws that can compare to the scars I carry around from dealing with my own family. There are times I suspect that each and every one of the villians in the Golden Dawn community has a nasty family in their background.
Because of this week, I would like to issue an apology to each and every person who attends tomorrow's ritual. While this ritual was scheduled just over a year ago, it is going to feel like I put absolutely no thought into it. I am sorry for letting my own personal problems (they are all mine) to get in the way of the work that I am supposed to be doing.
Nevertheless, I would still like to see everyone who is in Denver at the OFM that I am leading tomorrow. After all, you can tell more about a person when they are at their worst...or at least that is what my father used to say.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Talking about BS reasons to deny entry to a GD group
Frater POS in response to my last post stated that a lot of the reasons for denying entry were BS (I am paraphrasing here); I then asked him to please give examples. His response turned out to be longer than a brief comment, so he posted the answer on his blog: Doing Magick. I must admit that I have heard some of these reasons used also, and I agree that they are BS.
Click here to go to Frater POS' blog: Doing Magick.
Click here to go to Frater POS' blog: Doing Magick.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Are you accepting applications
The other day, I posted on Facebook the fact that I had finished cobbling together a pamphlet for advertising purposes together for the lodge. And I was promptly asked by someone if Bast Temple was accepting applications.
The question surprised me.
Outside of a few Rosicrucian organizations that have strict membership limits, I do not know an Order that is not always open to applications. Even Orders that have "officially" closed their membership tend to still keep their eyes open for new members; the same goes for covens.
The general rule of thumb is that all lodges and Orders are always open to new appliciants.
Having said that, I must point out that just because a group is accepting applications, it does not mean that you will be found to be a suitable candidate for membership. For example, I cannot imagine for an instant that I would be allowed into any of the three other Golden Dawn groups that are here in Denver. Even if Bast Temple closed shop, it is unlikely that any of them would consider me a suitable member. For one thing, I am too opinionated for all of their tastes (and that is just the first problem that they would have with me).
In order to be allowed into a lodge and/or Order, you have to meet the qualifications for entry. These vary from group to group. You also have to be able to get the people who decide on who to let in to actually do so. With some groups, this is easier to do than with others.
In Bast Temple, it boils down to whether or not you get along with the current active members; whether we think that you can hack the workload; and whether or not you alarm us by being morally and/or sanity impaired. Bast Temple does not let everyone in, and we are definitely not suitable for everyone. But it is not a real problem; after all, there is an EOGD, a TGD, and one other Golden Dawn group here in Denver---there are plenty of options for someone who is interested working Golden Dawn in a group setting.
The question surprised me.
Outside of a few Rosicrucian organizations that have strict membership limits, I do not know an Order that is not always open to applications. Even Orders that have "officially" closed their membership tend to still keep their eyes open for new members; the same goes for covens.
The general rule of thumb is that all lodges and Orders are always open to new appliciants.
Having said that, I must point out that just because a group is accepting applications, it does not mean that you will be found to be a suitable candidate for membership. For example, I cannot imagine for an instant that I would be allowed into any of the three other Golden Dawn groups that are here in Denver. Even if Bast Temple closed shop, it is unlikely that any of them would consider me a suitable member. For one thing, I am too opinionated for all of their tastes (and that is just the first problem that they would have with me).
In order to be allowed into a lodge and/or Order, you have to meet the qualifications for entry. These vary from group to group. You also have to be able to get the people who decide on who to let in to actually do so. With some groups, this is easier to do than with others.
In Bast Temple, it boils down to whether or not you get along with the current active members; whether we think that you can hack the workload; and whether or not you alarm us by being morally and/or sanity impaired. Bast Temple does not let everyone in, and we are definitely not suitable for everyone. But it is not a real problem; after all, there is an EOGD, a TGD, and one other Golden Dawn group here in Denver---there are plenty of options for someone who is interested working Golden Dawn in a group setting.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Secure website does not mean conspiracy
Today, someone posted a comment on my book review of Cults, Conspiracies and Secret Societies (Arthur Goldwag) that they were looking for information on the Secret Order of Libertines. The only thing that the person could find was their very secure website ("If you try to hack your way into this site, we will track your IP down and press criminal charges against you") and a newspaper story on Prince Wenzeslaus of Liechtenstein who is now rumored to be a member of the Libertines due to a ring that he was seen wearing.
Because of the lack of information and their very secure website, he drew the same conclusion that the newspaper made: The Secret Order of the Libertines must be up to no good.
"Little is known of the activities within, but one can only assume that - given their considerable efforts to maintain a veil of secrecy - they’ve got something to hide."
Having been in Orders with secure websites (including a couple that have been hacked and trashed), I can firmly say that having a secure website is not a sign that you are up to no good. After all, most individuals attempt to keep people out of their online accounts---is everyone in the world up to no good?
(I will admit that at first, I thought about citing banks and government agencies as my example---but I am not so sure that coorporations and various branches of certain governments are not up to no good.)
Let's presume for a second that the little bit of information and rumor we have about the Secret Order of Libertines is true. Is there anything inherient evil or troublesome in the rumors that we do have?
Liber worshippers. "[Liber was a] Chthonic fertility god. Italic. Originally associated with husbandry and crops, but then assimilated with Dionysos. The consort of Ceres and father of the goddess Libera. His festival, the Liberalia, was on March 17 when young men celebrated the arrival of manhood" (pg 146, Encyclopedia of Gods---Michael Jordan). So farm animals, grain, fertility, drinking and sex...nothing wrong with that if you like to have a full belly and celebrate on occasion.
Royality as members: nothing wrong with that provided that they actually pay their dues. Oh, they do not like slumming with the common people...how is this different from the attitude of royality from previous ages?
The Catholic Church has denounced the Secret Order of Libertines as a sex cult. Gee, there is nothing wrong with that unless you think sex is bad and amoral. I am not above a good roll in the hay myself; how about you? And who hasn't the Church denounced?
The Order might be the inspiration for Dream Story by the 19th century Austrian author, Arthur Schnitzler. This novel was made into a so-so movie Eyes Wide Shut. Their membership has included Byron, the Marquis de Sade and Joseph Bonaparte...what?! Crowley wasn't a member?!
And that all we have on them, other than they have a secure website. Hmmm, I think that maybe they just don't want sex tapes of their orgies and rituals posted all over the internet. If so, then the most evil thing they have probably done is deny membership to Paris Hilton, and that is not exactly world domination is it?
Because of the lack of information and their very secure website, he drew the same conclusion that the newspaper made: The Secret Order of the Libertines must be up to no good.
"Little is known of the activities within, but one can only assume that - given their considerable efforts to maintain a veil of secrecy - they’ve got something to hide."
Having been in Orders with secure websites (including a couple that have been hacked and trashed), I can firmly say that having a secure website is not a sign that you are up to no good. After all, most individuals attempt to keep people out of their online accounts---is everyone in the world up to no good?
(I will admit that at first, I thought about citing banks and government agencies as my example---but I am not so sure that coorporations and various branches of certain governments are not up to no good.)
Let's presume for a second that the little bit of information and rumor we have about the Secret Order of Libertines is true. Is there anything inherient evil or troublesome in the rumors that we do have?
Liber worshippers. "[Liber was a] Chthonic fertility god. Italic. Originally associated with husbandry and crops, but then assimilated with Dionysos. The consort of Ceres and father of the goddess Libera. His festival, the Liberalia, was on March 17 when young men celebrated the arrival of manhood" (pg 146, Encyclopedia of Gods---Michael Jordan). So farm animals, grain, fertility, drinking and sex...nothing wrong with that if you like to have a full belly and celebrate on occasion.
Royality as members: nothing wrong with that provided that they actually pay their dues. Oh, they do not like slumming with the common people...how is this different from the attitude of royality from previous ages?
The Catholic Church has denounced the Secret Order of Libertines as a sex cult. Gee, there is nothing wrong with that unless you think sex is bad and amoral. I am not above a good roll in the hay myself; how about you? And who hasn't the Church denounced?
The Order might be the inspiration for Dream Story by the 19th century Austrian author, Arthur Schnitzler. This novel was made into a so-so movie Eyes Wide Shut. Their membership has included Byron, the Marquis de Sade and Joseph Bonaparte...what?! Crowley wasn't a member?!
And that all we have on them, other than they have a secure website. Hmmm, I think that maybe they just don't want sex tapes of their orgies and rituals posted all over the internet. If so, then the most evil thing they have probably done is deny membership to Paris Hilton, and that is not exactly world domination is it?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I wonder what type of poison ink letter he gets
Today, I was reading Frater BarrabbasTiresius' blog and found myself wondering what type of poison ink letters he recieves in his hate mail file. His latest entry is a critique and analysis of the book Ceremonial Magic and the Power of Evocation: A System of Personal Power written by Joseph Lisiewski.
I have not actually read Lisiewski's book; but given the book review and my own experiences with book reviewing, Barrabbas must recieve some charming hate mail. Of course, I seem to remember Lisiewski being impressed with a couple of the books that I was not completely supportive of, so the poison ink might end up coming from the exact same people. Next thing, I know I will hear that me and Barrabbas are involved in the same conspiracy.
Then again, given the fact that I view poltergeist activity and strange noises as a sign of inefficiency, smoke and fire as potential hazards, and am only concerned with accomplishing my desired effect, it might not be so wrong to lump the two of us together. Of course, everyone knows how I feel about Golden Dawn, so Lisiewski claiming that Golden Dawn does not work because it was built up from corrupted sources just sets my teeth on edge.
Barrabbas' review makes me want to track down a copy of the book and see if Lisiewski is as insulting as this review makes him out to be. Fortunately (in a sense), I do not have the money or time to do so.
I have not actually read Lisiewski's book; but given the book review and my own experiences with book reviewing, Barrabbas must recieve some charming hate mail. Of course, I seem to remember Lisiewski being impressed with a couple of the books that I was not completely supportive of, so the poison ink might end up coming from the exact same people. Next thing, I know I will hear that me and Barrabbas are involved in the same conspiracy.
Then again, given the fact that I view poltergeist activity and strange noises as a sign of inefficiency, smoke and fire as potential hazards, and am only concerned with accomplishing my desired effect, it might not be so wrong to lump the two of us together. Of course, everyone knows how I feel about Golden Dawn, so Lisiewski claiming that Golden Dawn does not work because it was built up from corrupted sources just sets my teeth on edge.
Barrabbas' review makes me want to track down a copy of the book and see if Lisiewski is as insulting as this review makes him out to be. Fortunately (in a sense), I do not have the money or time to do so.
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