Original post: Trapezoid
Another thread made me think of this so I figured I'd post it as a new thread.
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
I thought it was kind of an interesting idea since I usually hear from lots of solo practitioners that they "aren't really into joining anything." Yet I've seen that solos tend to have a much harder time of it and that's why I'm in the ToS. I got farther in my first year than I did in the previous 15 on my own.
Fly Solo or Join a Group?
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Original post: Xeper1975
Personally I'm currently flying solo mainly because I, A) want to have at least a basic understanding of LHP concepts before trying to join a group and end up being so "green" that I'm more of a drain than is really necessary and B) I want to make sure that I'm ready to join ie.( give it 100%) so I'm not wasting either my time or the groups time.
Having said that I do think I will join(or should I say apply) to a group in the near future. I can see how flying solo can be limiting in many respects and the advantages of learning from others that have gone before you is worth its weight in gold.
My 2cents.
Personally I'm currently flying solo mainly because I, A) want to have at least a basic understanding of LHP concepts before trying to join a group and end up being so "green" that I'm more of a drain than is really necessary and B) I want to make sure that I'm ready to join ie.( give it 100%) so I'm not wasting either my time or the groups time.
Having said that I do think I will join(or should I say apply) to a group in the near future. I can see how flying solo can be limiting in many respects and the advantages of learning from others that have gone before you is worth its weight in gold.
My 2cents.
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Original post: Mystikiwi
This question goes beyond Satanism...
In my life, I have been through many groups - primarily to learn what I could from their teaching as quickly as possible ...and then I moved on to the next one. :p
But now my priorities have changed - now the people are becoming more important to me than the information.
Being part of a group that you can be an effective, worthwhile part of is preferable to going solo, I think.
This question goes beyond Satanism...
In my life, I have been through many groups - primarily to learn what I could from their teaching as quickly as possible ...and then I moved on to the next one. :p
But now my priorities have changed - now the people are becoming more important to me than the information.
Being part of a group that you can be an effective, worthwhile part of is preferable to going solo, I think.
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Original post: Pindar
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]Another thread made me think of this so I figured I'd post it as a new thread.
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
I thought it was kind of an interesting idea since I usually hear from lots of solo practitioners that they "aren't really into joining anything." Yet I've seen that solos tend to have a much harder time of it and that's why I'm in the ToS. I got farther in my first year than I did in the previous 15 on my own.[/QUOTE] Certainly groups can be of great benefit as you have seen yourself.In a group,you are connected with the energies of the group and therefore work easier and with greater success.Of course,some groups are more or less worthy of joining,but that is for the magician himself to judge.And in some groups you must work towards their goals,whatever they are.
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]Another thread made me think of this so I figured I'd post it as a new thread.
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
I thought it was kind of an interesting idea since I usually hear from lots of solo practitioners that they "aren't really into joining anything." Yet I've seen that solos tend to have a much harder time of it and that's why I'm in the ToS. I got farther in my first year than I did in the previous 15 on my own.[/QUOTE] Certainly groups can be of great benefit as you have seen yourself.In a group,you are connected with the energies of the group and therefore work easier and with greater success.Of course,some groups are more or less worthy of joining,but that is for the magician himself to judge.And in some groups you must work towards their goals,whatever they are.
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Fly Solo or Join a Group?
Original post: OndeAander
I've never been part of a group.. Not only with regards to religion/philosophy but in most everything thus far in my life I've had to walk it alone, with exception of my family. Active friendships have always become limited by living situations etc.... And you know what? It's damn lonely if nothing else. That is among my most important goals right now, to find a living situation where I'm able to see my friends more than a handful of times per year. Point is, I really can't think of any advantage to being a "lone practitioner". I think if you find the right group, there is at worst nothing to lose, and at best everything to be gained.
I've never been part of a group.. Not only with regards to religion/philosophy but in most everything thus far in my life I've had to walk it alone, with exception of my family. Active friendships have always become limited by living situations etc.... And you know what? It's damn lonely if nothing else. That is among my most important goals right now, to find a living situation where I'm able to see my friends more than a handful of times per year. Point is, I really can't think of any advantage to being a "lone practitioner". I think if you find the right group, there is at worst nothing to lose, and at best everything to be gained.
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Original post: ReapeR
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
[/QUOTE]I prefer a group (and I am a member of a lodge) couse group has many benefits. As you allready said group work shows much more results than solitary work couse humans by nature are social beings and tend to learn much faster when they are in a group. Also as Pindar said, group energies are very important, especially groups that are very old (few centuries or even more) and that have a powerfull egregore (offcourse there are many groups that claim this but they are full of s*it, if you have some knowledge you can easily see if group is a powerfull or not).
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
[/QUOTE]I prefer a group (and I am a member of a lodge) couse group has many benefits. As you allready said group work shows much more results than solitary work couse humans by nature are social beings and tend to learn much faster when they are in a group. Also as Pindar said, group energies are very important, especially groups that are very old (few centuries or even more) and that have a powerfull egregore (offcourse there are many groups that claim this but they are full of s*it, if you have some knowledge you can easily see if group is a powerfull or not).
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Original post: Stormwatch
Personally, I am glad to have knowledgable people to call on when I have a question. For instance, I may perform a Working and then have a question about it. Loners don't have this opportunity to tap anothers experience. I taught myself to play the guitar fairly well but if I had Joe Satriani teaching me I bet I'd be a better player! As long as the teachers know their stuff, I believe you're better off in a "school" than going it alone - that counts for just about anything in life.
As an example, I was recommended a book ("Mastery" by George Leonard) by a member of the ToS Priesthood - I would never have found this book on my own, and already I've felt the effects as it's persuaded me to practice my flute playing more.
Also, human nature being what it is - it's easier to slack off when you're doing it your own way than when someone is waiting on you to produce something!
Personally, I am glad to have knowledgable people to call on when I have a question. For instance, I may perform a Working and then have a question about it. Loners don't have this opportunity to tap anothers experience. I taught myself to play the guitar fairly well but if I had Joe Satriani teaching me I bet I'd be a better player! As long as the teachers know their stuff, I believe you're better off in a "school" than going it alone - that counts for just about anything in life.
As an example, I was recommended a book ("Mastery" by George Leonard) by a member of the ToS Priesthood - I would never have found this book on my own, and already I've felt the effects as it's persuaded me to practice my flute playing more.
Also, human nature being what it is - it's easier to slack off when you're doing it your own way than when someone is waiting on you to produce something!
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Original post: Torn
i am a solo practitioner, and whilst that limits myself generally to non ceremonial magic, i do have friends who are also solo practitioners, but generaly not of a satanicly styled path which wouldnt mix well ith my own, but it is good for discussions etc.
i dont know if i would like group work as my magic is entirely selfish and helping another to perform a ritual of some sort just wouldnt be me.
i am a solo practitioner, and whilst that limits myself generally to non ceremonial magic, i do have friends who are also solo practitioners, but generaly not of a satanicly styled path which wouldnt mix well ith my own, but it is good for discussions etc.
i dont know if i would like group work as my magic is entirely selfish and helping another to perform a ritual of some sort just wouldnt be me.
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Original post: Stormwatch
[QUOTE=Torn]
i dont know if i would like group work as my magic is entirely selfish and helping another to perform a ritual of some sort just wouldnt be me.[/QUOTE]
What if all parties were Working towards the same goal? One that was helpful to you? For example, kindling the black flame in more English people?
[QUOTE=Torn]
i dont know if i would like group work as my magic is entirely selfish and helping another to perform a ritual of some sort just wouldnt be me.[/QUOTE]
What if all parties were Working towards the same goal? One that was helpful to you? For example, kindling the black flame in more English people?
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Original post: theblackpeacock
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]Another thread made me think of this so I figured I'd post it as a new thread.
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
I thought it was kind of an interesting idea since I usually hear from lots of solo practitioners that they "aren't really into joining anything." Yet I've seen that solos tend to have a much harder time of it and that's why I'm in the ToS. I got farther in my first year than I did in the previous 15 on my own.[/QUOTE]
no groups to join: being solo is painfully slow sometimes.
i've thought about asking my friend, who is an amazing demonologist, though completely insane and in some aspects uneducated (he started with the hard stuff) to help me out.
[QUOTE=Trapezoid]Another thread made me think of this so I figured I'd post it as a new thread.
Do you prefer to be a solo practitioner of Satanism/LHP or a member of a group and why?
I thought it was kind of an interesting idea since I usually hear from lots of solo practitioners that they "aren't really into joining anything." Yet I've seen that solos tend to have a much harder time of it and that's why I'm in the ToS. I got farther in my first year than I did in the previous 15 on my own.[/QUOTE]
no groups to join: being solo is painfully slow sometimes.
i've thought about asking my friend, who is an amazing demonologist, though completely insane and in some aspects uneducated (he started with the hard stuff) to help me out.
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Original post: Trapezoid
[QUOTE=theblackpeacock]i've thought about asking my friend, who is an amazing demonologist, though completely insane and in some aspects uneducated (he started with the hard stuff) to help me out.[/QUOTE]
Could I suggest that it may not be a very good idea to do that.
[QUOTE=theblackpeacock]i've thought about asking my friend, who is an amazing demonologist, though completely insane and in some aspects uneducated (he started with the hard stuff) to help me out.[/QUOTE]
Could I suggest that it may not be a very good idea to do that.
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Original post: PhoenixR
I'm trying both. I've been a solo practitioner (not of Satanism but some other occult practices) for a couple years, and I just joined BOTA. If I decide I don't like it, I'll go back to solo.
PhoenixR
I'm trying both. I've been a solo practitioner (not of Satanism but some other occult practices) for a couple years, and I just joined BOTA. If I decide I don't like it, I'll go back to solo.
PhoenixR
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Original post: adeadanubis
I don't know of any local groups, maybe I'll look harder in a few years when I've downed a few spoonfuls of magic fiber that would keep my occult practices more regular. But at the moment, I'm too unstable to join a group of any kind as I go through great periods of demon-summoning and kundalini-tampering-with straight to times where I'd rather just sleep than bother with the simplest of occult activities.
I don't know of any local groups, maybe I'll look harder in a few years when I've downed a few spoonfuls of magic fiber that would keep my occult practices more regular. But at the moment, I'm too unstable to join a group of any kind as I go through great periods of demon-summoning and kundalini-tampering-with straight to times where I'd rather just sleep than bother with the simplest of occult activities.
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Original post: Lucian
Neither, if I could have it my way.
If I could have things as I've always wanted them, I would find a mentor and would become his/her "apprentice". The stories of ancient magicians who got their start by being the number one disciple of a wise teacher before starting their own school and taking their own disciple to teach have always appealed to me. I want a teacher who will give me 100% of their time and attention, and demand that I give them the same.
Unfortunately, this is a highly unlikely scenario. My second choice is to find a suitable School, for all the reasons that have already been stated elsewhere in this thread. I know that I simply cannot achieve the things I wish to achieve without help and guidance.
Neither, if I could have it my way.
If I could have things as I've always wanted them, I would find a mentor and would become his/her "apprentice". The stories of ancient magicians who got their start by being the number one disciple of a wise teacher before starting their own school and taking their own disciple to teach have always appealed to me. I want a teacher who will give me 100% of their time and attention, and demand that I give them the same.
Unfortunately, this is a highly unlikely scenario. My second choice is to find a suitable School, for all the reasons that have already been stated elsewhere in this thread. I know that I simply cannot achieve the things I wish to achieve without help and guidance.
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Original post: Torn
[QUOTE=Stormwatch]What if all parties were Working towards the same goal? One that was helpful to you? For example, kindling the black flame in more English people?[/QUOTE]#
to be honest i wouldnt put that as a worthwhile cause for any magic. if that was my aim i would go to a public event and start pronouncing how great satanism is dressed up to get some media attention. and i doubt i would do that as i really couldnt care less what anybody else does.
[QUOTE=Stormwatch]What if all parties were Working towards the same goal? One that was helpful to you? For example, kindling the black flame in more English people?[/QUOTE]#
to be honest i wouldnt put that as a worthwhile cause for any magic. if that was my aim i would go to a public event and start pronouncing how great satanism is dressed up to get some media attention. and i doubt i would do that as i really couldnt care less what anybody else does.
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Original post: witchs hammer
Fly solo feed from others .!!!!!
Fly solo feed from others .!!!!!
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Original post: OndeAander
That's what I call hitting the nail on the head! I'm terribly prone to this..Also, human nature being what it is - it's easier to slack off when you're doing it your own way than when someone is waiting on you to produce something!
It's not impossible I think, just requires more people and ehh geographic suitability. A particular spirit has been the best teacher I've had. And anyone else you meet who knows more than you is a suitable teacher.. they don't have to be some "master's degree in the dark arts" lol.If I could have things as I've always wanted them, I would find a mentor and would become his/her "apprentice". The stories of ancient magicians who got their start by being the number one disciple of a wise teacher before starting their own school and taking their own disciple to teach have always appealed to me. I want a teacher who will give me 100% of their time and attention, and demand that I give them the same.
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Original post: Trapezoid
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]Fly solo feed from others .!!!!![/QUOTE]
Hey Witch, How do you know you're doing it right then?
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]Fly solo feed from others .!!!!![/QUOTE]
Hey Witch, How do you know you're doing it right then?
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Original post: witchs hammer
Cos i was born into my " creed" and fed of others. Experience the greater from of learning.!
Cos i was born into my " creed" and fed of others. Experience the greater from of learning.!
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Original post: Trapezoid
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]Cos i was born into my " creed" and fed of others. Experience the greater from of learning.![/QUOTE]
How do you know what to do? Were you born with a guidebook to your creed or do you just make it up as you go along?
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]Cos i was born into my " creed" and fed of others. Experience the greater from of learning.![/QUOTE]
How do you know what to do? Were you born with a guidebook to your creed or do you just make it up as you go along?
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Original post: witchs hammer
No no family guidance here and past.
No no family guidance here and past.
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Original post: Xeper1975
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]No no family guidance here and past.[/QUOTE]
So...that means you make it up as you go along? Do you have anything or anyone that you draw your info from?
[QUOTE=witchs hammer]No no family guidance here and past.[/QUOTE]
So...that means you make it up as you go along? Do you have anything or anyone that you draw your info from?
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Original post: OndeAander
Somehow I think witchs hammer is either having a fun time acting mysterious and "possessing of secrets" he/she won't tell, or (no offense) still in the process of learning english usage.. Or is it just me?
How else to explain the one-liners in favour of actually sharing with us the whole story?
Somehow I think witchs hammer is either having a fun time acting mysterious and "possessing of secrets" he/she won't tell, or (no offense) still in the process of learning english usage.. Or is it just me?
How else to explain the one-liners in favour of actually sharing with us the whole story?
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Original post: Trapezoid
[QUOTE=OndeAander]How else to explain the one-liners in favour of actually sharing with us the whole story?[/QUOTE]
For I am he who never was that possesses all.
Oh, that was kind of fun. I kind of like talkiing in paradoxes.
[QUOTE=OndeAander]How else to explain the one-liners in favour of actually sharing with us the whole story?[/QUOTE]
For I am he who never was that possesses all.
Oh, that was kind of fun. I kind of like talkiing in paradoxes.
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Original post: Lucian
[QUOTE=OndeAander]
... they don't have to be some "master's degree in the dark arts" lol.[/QUOTE]
lol! That's cute. If anyone comes up to me and says, "I have a master's degree in the dark arts" I'll say, "Wow. Good for you!" and run like Hell.
[QUOTE=OndeAander]
... they don't have to be some "master's degree in the dark arts" lol.[/QUOTE]
lol! That's cute. If anyone comes up to me and says, "I have a master's degree in the dark arts" I'll say, "Wow. Good for you!" and run like Hell.