#plotinus love machine

We're all drawn to magick by the prospect of controlling the seemingly random circumstances of life. We seek to impose our will upon nature and the universe. We are control addicts. Ironically, effective magick requires that we give up our need to control. Yes, we create intent. We send forth our "will," but, if we want to be effective we need to understand the true nature of  the will. We need to be able to let go and let the outcomes present themselves. Magick is more occult art than occult science. When we give up our need to control - a painfully long journey - we will become great occult artists.

The lust for results has destroyed many perfectly executed magickal operations. The trick to magickal success is to understand that the outcome is beyond your control. The elements, the spirits and what-have-you have wills of their own. You may think you've compelled them, but you would be wrong.

We have all heard of the sign above the Temple at Delphi, "Know thyself." One must begin this process by owning oneself. Claim self-ownership and deny the dominion of any master whether they be male, female or institution. If you cannot own yourself then you will never know your true nature. Throughout history, there have been many slaves who owned themselves completely despite the cruelty of law. This isn't an argument for slavery - it is abominable in every way - but an argument against wanting to live a privileged life if you wish to be spiritually free. Too many privileges lays waste to the vibrancy of life.  Persecution and oppression are hardships, yes, but can be necessary for progress. Again not an argument for, but a motivation for freedom.

Intimacy is the most potent magick I know of.

My hermetic work seems to be governed by two opposing axioms. The first comes straight out of 12-Step work. I have no control over persons, places or things. I'm subject to circumstances beyond my choosing. The second axiom is that from moment to moment, I'm living the life I create. I don't mean that glibly. Creating a life is more than affirmations, the power of attraction, and manifesting my desires. I regularly dismiss these inane New Age ideas that have a grip on popular spiritual culture. What I mean by creating my life is this: my circumstances have provided me with the raw materials upon which I can build a good life. A good life, what it is and how to attain it, is the subject of all good philosophy. Some of the best materials come from the painful and unpleasant experiences.

We are all born human animals. The Hermeticist's task is to refine their soul until they become fully human. We are lucky to be born in the human form. Human consciousness is such that it can reach deeply into the inner worlds of the transpersonal and unlock the secrets of the occult universe. Here is our chance to transform the tempestuous energy of YHWH,  that voice speaks to us out of the whirlwind asking us to repair his face and make him holy again.

If you come to occult studies because you're simply curious or you wish to gain power and notoriety, you will be guilty of malpractice. However, if you come to your studies to gain knowledge of the universe and are willing to be humbled, you will succeed in transforming your life.

The initiation ceremony is just a gateway to the truth. It's important to reflect on this frequently throughout your occult career. You will miss so much of what is going on, the deeper meanings at the time, which will only become clearer to you as you progress along the way. Don't be impressed with yourself as you attain new degrees. You are always going to be an initiate. Each time you pass through a new gate you are, in fact, initiating a new aspect of your training. You are always an initiate. The initiated is just a person who has begun a process of spiritual development. This process will never be complete in your lifetime no matter how far up the ladder of lights you may climb.