High and Low Magick-- Is one better than the other?

[DarkSchneider]

So I've been considering the paths of High magick and Low magick. I'm pretty sure not everyone agrees with these categories in the same way with "white and black magick". I am, however, curious if there is within the occult community a perception that one is better than the other?

In my earlier days of exploring the occult... when I was 18 (5 years ago, not long lol), I've been drawn to ceremonial magick, calling angels, using seals, etc, essentially Solomon Grimoire magick was very impressive for me. But now I'm finding the opposite. Simpler, more grounded, magick without much need for ritual, or purification or heavy studying seems more appealing to me. This is what I feel inclined to, and better with. I just can't help but feel a little bit more, inexperienced, peasant-like and simple.

Are so called low magicians inferior in any way?

[Desecrated]

Is north better then south?
High and low magic is Not a definition of value. Think mountain high, valley low.

[DarkSchneider]

When you put it like that, you're right. I suppose both serve their purposes. Good call

[BrokenSeeker]

The general sentiment I have seen, and tend to share, is that it's all great, and you should just the magick that you resonate with the most.

Right now I am starting off by studying the general principles of chaos and ceremonial magick, but I also feel a desire to, at some point, study celtic lore and druidic magick. Since I am just beginning my journey I strive to remain open to all possible paths.

[RoseRed]

Do you believe I'm inferior because I'm much more naturally inclined towards Low magic?

[DarkSchneider]

@BrokenSeeker

My first interest was ceremonial magick, then I moved into chaos magick for a bit. Realizing I'm probably not meant for either, I try my hand now at poppets, gemstone, elemental and such sorts of magick. Ritual and studying is not a problem for me so long as it's not so heavy or demanding on myself, as I'm presently struggling with my well being. Perhaps this all has to do with my lack of experience, but I don't think I should look down on low magick just because I find it easier for myself to do. I would like to be open to all paths in the same way.

@RoseRed

Not at all, I'm just... insecure a lot of the time. I'm working on that lol. But someone made a good point the other day I think it was actually BrokenSeeker and if not another user, but they said they do not like the terms "low and high magick" because it suggests inferiority. Maybe they're not the best terms to use to begin with but I question it. I've found more success with my low magick operations than anything else. That, and I've had success with the Simon Necronomicon. But usually I work with simpler forms of magick than spirits these days. I like the Tarot, and apparently people respect my skill and I've seen the patterns work in my favor. I often get good results compared to the bad results (by that I mean it's often accurate).

I guess I thought the attraction to high magick was the supposed advantage to working with godly and spiritual forces, the desire for power, and being a celebrated magician. These are desires that still tempt me but I am working towards self improvement mostly. I try to assist people whenever I can. It would be a lie to say my intentions are perfectly pure as a magician but I do, often consider the struggle within and my desire to often be good or evil (terms I struggle with that are, admittedly, immature).

Lately I've been praying in the dark, by candle light, to what I call the "powers that be", so I do not specifically ask the assistance of any gods or such, but I do pray for help and guidance, maturity, wisdom and support. I need vision these days, and help seeking my path. All my life I've struggled, feeling weak, pathetic, hated, and I want to be better. Whether that means becoming enlightened, or purer, or stronger, I'll work on it. But essentially, I want to be redeemed. In my present state I feel wretched.

Anyways, I feel best working with what I've got right now. I doubt I will pursue the high magick forces considering they take much work for me. I like the elements, plants, animals, stones, etc. Those seem far more welcoming to me.

[RoseRed]

That's easy. Do you want to impress people or be happy?

It's called high magicks because it works with the higher/heavenly realms. Low magic is down here on the earthly plane. I'll tell you a secret, magicians live in/on the earthly plane too.

You're a Seeker. You're currently seeking. That is your path silly. It's so simple and right in front of you that you totally overlooked it.

And a lot of times when the grass is a lot greener it's been fertilized with bullshit. Lol. You've been so busy looking over there and yonder that you forgot to look down at your feet. They're already on your path. Life is all about the journey. don't lose now because you're too busy looking ahead.

[DarkSchneider]

Frankly, I do not want to impress people to be happy. Though I've a habit of doing so. I do not want it anymore.

Yeah I am still a Seeker. I sign my spellbooks with that title now

That's a good way of looking at it. I understand the comparison.

You're right as usual RoseRed. Thank you for your guidance.

[the_spiral]

I use "Low" magick because it works, and because it kept my ancestors alive when death was otherwise imminent. The reason it's slated as "inferior" by some is because it's historically been used by people they consider inferior. I reject such elitist classifications and practice what works for me, calls out to me, and/or advances my spiritual development. If you approach your path with an ego-driven need to impress others, you'll soon run into trouble. Go with what works.

[RoseRed]

Beautiful post spiral. Truly.

Just don't forget that there are times that I'm wrong. K?

[DarkSchneider]

There are times I truly want to be driven by my thirst for power. Then there are times where I'm regretful and sad for feeling such ways. It's a struggle to say the least. Thank you for the clarification the_spiral, on what you meant.

I won't forget I just trust your experience and wisdom and often it makes sense to me RoseRed.

[Desecrated]

Low magick draws power from the earth. From the entire fricking world! Compare that to some fairy flying fucking angel.

[DarkSchneider]

Good point yet again, Desecrated Lmao I like your sense of humor.

[Shinichi]

Both are two halves of a whole, as far as I am concerned. Picking between them is like saying arithmetic is inferior to algebra. They are both "math," and while algebra is more sophisticated in some respects, most people can get by just fine by mastering arithmetic alone.

My own work includes a synthesis of both, for the most part. Because high or low, they are both "magick." It's like upper body and lower body. They're both your "body."



~:Shin:~

[Desecrated]

Both are two halves of a whole, as far as I am concerned. Picking between them is like saying arithmetic is inferior to algebra. They are both "math," and while algebra is more sophisticated in some respects, most people can get by just fine by mastering arithmetic alone.

My own work includes a synthesis of both, for the most part. Because high or low, they are both "magick." It's like upper body and lower body. They're both your "body."



~:Shin:~

If we are going to be serious, This is actually 100% true. I agree fully.