Boring Warning

 

Abstract Expressionism / Robert Goodnough/ Pale colors on runs

Spending a nice morning doing some reading.  Dion Fortune’s book on the Kabbalah (sic) is todays work.  I am going to comment here as I work my way through.  Just making comments as I go.  Let’s see how it shakes out.  I think that reading it will offer a bunch of insights, I can’t see myself becoming a “follower” per se but insights might prove useful

After this has been achieved we may, not without advantage, experiment with the methods that have been developed upon other Paths, and build up an eclectic technique and philosophy therefrom; but the student who sets out to be an eclectic before he has made himself an expert will never be anything more than a dabbler.

Dion Fortune:  The Mystical Quabalah

You know, this is what I think is bullshit about a lot of “occult” thinking or religion or philosophy.  The idea that there is just one way to do things, that you have to find a “teacher” who will teach you the “right” way and set you on the path to virtue (per their standards).  Anything less than you becoming a “follower” means you are shit.

There is nothing more offensive in my mind.  This is the thought priesthood (of any flavor, of any ilk).  A person is closer to the truth than you and they will decide upon your progress and that decision will rest solely on their judgment of your “progress”

Experience proves with unfailing regularity that the methods of psychic development which are effectual and satisfactory for the recluse produce neurotic conditions and breakdowns in the person who pursues them while compelled to endure the strain of modern life.

Dion Fortune:  The Mystical Quabalah

In a way, this says it all.  The idea that there are only explored paths to understanding is the root of all evil.  This idea is the root of all priesthoods and the associated power (or at least, book deals).  

Nope, the world is a pathless place.  Someone might give you directions, but that in no way means that the directions are accurate or even given in good faith.  The occultists are the worst here.  Now, I can live with Dione’s directions, though I find her tendency to allude to “secrets” that she can’t tell you kind of annoying.  

He wants to bring the Godhead down into manhood and make Divine Law prevail even in the Kingdom of the Shades.  (ibid)

This is another thing that I find irritating about occultists.  They can’t seem to just try to understand that we are only here for a short time.  We don’t want to become like Gods, we don’t want to come up with a cockamamie plan about Divine Law, we just want to live in peace and try to understand just what the fuck is going on (to the degree we can).

This principle enforces the concept of a centralized government of the Cosmos and of the grip of the Divine Law upon the whole of manifestation—a very necessary principle with which to imbue any student of the Arcane forces. (ibid)

Whoa...hold on….I am thinking this statement is a bit of a reach.  

OK….that is the end of the chapter and it is too nice a day to sit inside any longer.  Think I’ll go for a walk and post this Monday morning.