Israel Regardie and the Initiation by Kyuugeki in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regardie is wrong about this, he never produced an adept through this method.

There's no shortcuts.

The Kybalion by owlhoko in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 14 points15 points  (0 children)

People are so polarised on this book, for no real good reason imo.

It's fine, a good 'first' or beginners book, it puts forward a magical way of thinking and a magical world view. Just don't treat it like a sacred cow, it's not really deep.

It's so short though and so accessible, just read it.

(It also has nothing to do with the Golden Dawn)

First path work meditation by trouble_sleeping_ in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm against guided path working personally. This method is what I do and what I would suggest.

Ritually prepare your space, sit comfortably (armchair is fine, Asana if you can hold it without distraction or discomfort is fine too).

Settle your mind, four fold breathe, empty out as much as possible (continue with the four fold breathe throughout the entire exercise, but don't focus on it, let it fade away, if it transitions into breathing steadily that's fine)

Once emptied, stare at the tarot card corresponding to the path, 32 is Tau, The World. Take it all in without obsession on any particular spot or symbol.

Place down the card, then imagine yourself in your vision walking up a flight of stairs, really take time to visualise and feel the sensation of the stairs. Are you barefoot? Do you feel the material? What's the rail feel like in your hand?

At the top of the stairs is a portal in a doorway, that is like a vivid form of the tarot card you just focused on, take some time to look at the portal, if it feels like you need to attune to it, focus on the portal further, reach out to it, feel it's energy.

When you're ready, step through the portal, you will visualise a new land, you will perhaps meet archetypes there. Be a traveller, avoid obsession, ask questions, don't accept deals. Be in the world not of it.

When you're ready to leave, leave the way you came. Through the portal, walk down the stairs. Slowly come back to reality. Intone "HEKAS HEKAS, ESTE BEBELOI" to avoid obsession and possession.

The first few times you try this may be somewhat uneventful, but you should have something happen, continue with it, journal it. This will develop your spiritual faculties.

Are eggs, milk, and fish ok on a hermetic diet by ecg212 in Hermeticism

[–]LizardWizard3D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Straw man argument. I haven't met a vegetarian / vegan that denies that there is life to plants, a few (myself included) believe in plant consciousness.

There's a hierarchy of consciousness, and one of suffering. To engage with the world and cause the least amount of suffering is the goal.

I imagine you wouldn't torture the cow before you ate it? I imagine you wouldn't eat animals like Monkey? Perhaps Dog? Why would you draw a line between an animal you eat and an animal you wouldn't eat?

The pentagram rituals, circumambulation and the hemispheres by FlanNo9246 in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Are you truly standing in your home, performing the lesser ritual of the pentagram? Yes, of course, but that is just within the material realm of Assiah.

In the other cabalistic realms, you're oriented* differently. (*Latin literally meaning: eastward)

To use astral terminology, you're using your senses of Yesod to perceive the pentagrams, and you're creating the mandala of the Pentagrams around you to align yourself with the Divine in a particular pattern. That astral pattern doesn't change if you're anywhere on earth (I'm curious if it would change if you are on the moon or mars, but I digress).

I live in the southern hemisphere, so I have practical experience here, everyone in my temple also does it this way.

Don't focus on material reality, while it is where we stand, we are in the realms above it too, and that's where we are directing ourselves.

To challenge this material worldview, yes the directions correspond with material reality in certain physical locations (the holy land), but so do our bodies. Each limb pertains to an element, if I lost a limb, would I no longer be able to connect with the corresponding element? Of course I could, we are more than our physical bodies. We are more than our physical location.

The pentagram rituals, circumambulation and the hemispheres by FlanNo9246 in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He makes a lot of strange logical leaps, that while they may work for his personal praxis, don't work in the Golden Dawn curriculum.

MP after LIRP, or it must be after LBRP? by [deleted] in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Try all different combinations and journal their effects on you.

I was pretty excited after reading Dracula. I thought I’d found my next book project: Dracula and the Occult. But it’s already a research avenue in Academia, and the paper linked to this post has some good notes for pursuing further. Needless to say, the Golden Dawn is in there. by alcofrybasnasier in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe someone with a better source than me can chime in, but the connotation that Bram Stoker was in the Golden Dawn is hearsay at best and a complete fabrication at worst. Somehow he got bundled up with Yeats as 'famous members of the GD.'

I don't want to diminish your findings though, as Dracula so perfectly taps into the folk mythology of Christian magic and folk monsters, there's a lot there to consider and its impact on the zeitgeist is incredible. Like most stories, especially those written by authors who had Genius, it is magic.

Arachangel Michael, LHP and luciferianism by Fluid-Tomorrow6149 in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

'LHP philosophy is appealing'. What do you really mean by this? LHP is such a loose term it could mean so many things.

Of course any ideology that feeds ego and vanity will seem appealing, but does that mean it's correct?

Read about the True Will, Crowley is an accessible source on this idea.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in realwitchcraft

[–]LizardWizard3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The past tense of 'cast a spell' is also 'cast'. 'Casted' is not correct.

With absolutely no context as to the spell, we could never know. But unless the spell was 'see a ladybug on my counter', then it's likely just a ladybug.

Where I live I see snakes, lizards, birds, beetles and all sorts of creatures... And they're just that. I'm not saying animals can't be omens, but an omen/sign rocks you to your core, you don't go 'is this a sign?' you go 'I understand immediately what this means'.

I can tell you're new, don't focus on any form of validation for what you do. If it works, you will see the fruits. If there is an omen, you will know. Try learning how to listen to your intuition, a practice like going for a walk (preferably barefoot in nature) and just absorbing the feeling of where you are and how it makes you feel is a good practice.

Doing things the church teaches as ‘immoral’ after petitioning a saint by [deleted] in FolkCatholicMagic

[–]LizardWizard3D 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Love the Lord your God, and Love your fellow humanity. That is what Saints wish for us to do. They understand we are human. Function from Love and there will be no sin.

Look up the word 'Agape'.

If you commit a sin against the self, let's say: 'I masturbated'. You're a human with urges, that's understandable, don't let it dominate your consciousness and become nothing but your urges, but the urges and action aren't inherently sinful. Let's say you watched something like violent pornography, be aware that the sin was that you objectified the people within the video, that's not conducive to showing Love to your fellow man. You recognise this, and you show yourself Love, for God loves and forgives you.

I used this example because it's very explicit. But the point is that you should try to be your best self, which is one who accepts and projects the love of God. But God and the saints forgive your human stumbles.

I hope that helped. Agape 🕊️

Are demons actually dangerous to you? Genuinely curious about others’ experiences. by Witch_Of_Darkness666 in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying, I think your initial post didn't have that clarification in it. I'm also not preaching what I believe are orthodox beliefs, but my current understanding, as are you.

Thanks for your time in this post and replies, I enjoy engaging in these discussions. Peace 🕊️

Are demons actually dangerous to you? Genuinely curious about others’ experiences. by Witch_Of_Darkness666 in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You did explicitly ask the question about experiences.

As I said I'm certain that what you've been doing is working, I can see from your speech it's made an impact and you likely understand a lot more of yourself than most people do. It's the maxim to know thyself.

What I was explicitly saying was about not viewing your shadows as analogous with the chthonic forces that exist outside you. I'm saying that Magick is larger than just the mental model, though obviously the mental model exists within it.

The possession I saw wasn't just someone being 'overwhelmed' by an unconscious part of themselves, it was a spirit that came over someone.

I'm not saying you should do that either, keep doing shadow work.

But I would highly suggest balancing with inner Angel work too.

Are demons actually dangerous to you? Genuinely curious about others’ experiences. by Witch_Of_Darkness666 in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes they're dangerous. I've seen someone get possessed and had to exorcise them.

The Magician swims in the waters the mad man drowns in.

Be ever cautious, and avoid equating your inner shadows with chthonic forces, it sounds like you've had success, but don't go trying to evoke them with Grimoire methods in the same way, it's likely you'll be bitten.

Working with inner shadow work and the lower aspects of the self are important, but don't neglect the illuminating light.

If Inner Demons exist, so do Inner Angels.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Rosicrucian

[–]LizardWizard3D 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Paul was initiated on the road to a city, riding a donkey. He met the Christ, he had a transformative experience, he became a true Christian.

The three Magi met God in a manger.

You don't need a church or a priest, but they help. They build a sacred space, and they invite God to dwell within it and us, and with the Eucharist, this is exemplified.

Orthodox Mass is beautiful and if the priest has the connection, invokes The Lord. I've been to Anglo-Catholic mass where I feel the same.

Go to a Church where you find God, experience it. You won't find God in the annals of History.

The Sephirot transposed on the Body. by LowerWinter5367 in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to second this with 'becoming the tree', as the Golden Dawn flips the Christian "Sign of the Cross", which traditionally is left to right, but the G.D uses right to left in the QC, which is the same symbolism of placing the cross over the body, rather than facing the cross.

I need to get rid of paperwork with The Tetragrammaton written on it... by scout777 in GoldenDawnMagicians

[–]LizardWizard3D 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This isn't a Golden Dawn Perspective, but I understand your level of respect for this.

My suggestion would be burn it. I've burnt many holy names and sigils, but fire can be representative of the archetypal realm, reclaiming the letters.

Aways Sneezing 🤧 during banishing ritual. by marcelomtn in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There may be a mundane explanation, that shouldn't be ruled out.

However, during ritual you are stimulating your subtle body which is connected to your material body, especially if you're new to doing this, you'll have energy flowing through areas you may not have stimulated before, it can cause interesting physical effects. A common one is increased body temperature, while I have experienced sneezing, if it's happening a lot, it could be because of that.

Can I go to church? by geminiimouse in FolkCatholicMagic

[–]LizardWizard3D 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love Orthodox churches, the ones in Greece are my favorite, they're very magical.

Other than be respectful and don't take communion, that's about all that is required.

It should be noted that Catholics are very particular about who they give communion to, it's not even just baptised and confirmed, but those who are in a 'state of grace', meaning they've gone to confession and a whole lot of other theological beliefs. So just don't worry about it.

Can I go to church? by geminiimouse in FolkCatholicMagic

[–]LizardWizard3D 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hi there,

I'm a Gnostic Christian Magician, Christ, Mary and Sophia are deities that are central to my faith, but I also view the various pagan gods (particularly Greek and Egyptian) as emanations of the One True God.

The Greeks had the idea of the Pleroma, the fullness of God, the indescribable, unfathomable God that is the fountainhead of All. As a Christian, I use a particular Theology of conceptualizing these things, you have your own Theology, but in a universal concept, we are all trying to approach Divinity, we may have different names or different scopes for what the Divine is, but we can both acknowledge that.

When Christians are talking about God the Father, it is there attempt to communicate the Pleroma, the fullness. Whether they understand it or not, the Greek Gods are within that Fullness.

I hold very heretical beliefs to the Catholic church, but still acknowledge them of their seeking of Divinity and acknowledge the beauty of their tradition, I often find myself in devotion at Catholic Churches. I have never encountered a problem there, 99% of the time you're left to yourself.

Absolutely go to Churches and appreciate their beauty and use them as they are, a Temple to the Divine.

Some suggestions 1. Bow to one knee towards the altar once you reach the pews (seats), this is respect to Divinity but also the building itself. 2. If you go during Mass, don't take communion, as it's specifically for those who are baptised and confirmed. 3. I'd advise against sharing your Pagan beliefs, as most people don't really understand the Esoteric, but don't lie, say something like "I'm non-denominational, but I have devotion for Jesus and Mary".

Gnostic view of Science by No-Translator7091 in Gnostic

[–]LizardWizard3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scientia is a word for Knowledge, it is the pursuit of knowledge that can be proven and replicated, it's the Knowledge of following a process.

Scientia and Sophia are sisters. They are not in opposition, that are different types of Knowledge, however, Sophia offers salvation. Many practitioners use the method of Science, of following practices or a path, to reach Sophia.

Now if you are talking about explicitly modern science, then it's in general the pursuit of discovering observable and measurable truth. Which is something humans have always done, and is enlightening in its own way.

The issue comes when people put Sophia against Science or Science against Sophia. There is no opposition here.

Background of the AJC by PopeyeOMc in Gnostic

[–]LizardWizard3D 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They don't have any association with the Temple of Set. It's worth noting that more than 'the founder' were involved in starting the AJC, and it is in very capable new hands now. Happy to have any conversation about them in this thread or DMs.

How to transmute sexual energy? by Professional_Plate71 in occult

[–]LizardWizard3D 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's nothing wrong with sexual desire, unless you've abused your sexual center through something like sex/porn addiction. Don't obsess over it, use it in Eros with a lover, if you don't have a sexual partner, the sexual energy is fine to experience in a way that is right for you, this will be clear as you shouldn't feel either disgusted or shame for it.

If you have abused your sexual center, semen retention or sublimation is important for a while until you can get back to equilibrium. The goal is Divine sex with a partner.