OccultForum.org

Hello everyone,

It's been some time since I've posted, and, I think it's time I get back into the habit of studying occult material, though not strictly practical works. I would be perfectly fine learning about self control and self mastery. Anything of benefit is welcomed, but my particular concern is working within my limitations. I'm rather broke and, since some bookstores have closed around town, I'm finding it harder and harder to find reading material. But then again, I have alot to begin with, I'm just too distracted and lazy to read onward.

I've ordered the Book of the Law, as I needed to replace the one copy that I lent out and did not receive. I am picking it up from the bookstore I volunteer at by tomorrow. I thought it might be interesting to read, as it is short and can hold my attention but I suppose alot of the Thelema concepts and terminology would be lost on me.

I am most interested in self development, practical works (if I have materials I can actually work with, remember, I have limited funds and almost no stores I can buy supplies from), being better at achieving goals, perhaps defensive magick/protection against disturbances or other people's negative influences, etc. The list could go on. Right now I just need some ideas of what would be useful to me.

I'm trying to get over my obsessions with revenge and an obscuring negative view of other people. I feel immature. I had a big falling out with my friends and as much as I wish I could fix things with them, it might not be an option. So anything to help me move on, find new friends, correct myself and to improve my sense of judgement and acting would be helpful.

Also to those who remember me, I have improved in some ways and have declined in other ways. I will look back upon previous threads I've posted in to consider what suggestions I've received but I'd like to see if anyone else has something to say or if there is something new to be said.

I have no idea who you are, but as always, I maintain that the single best book for training without a teacher (in fact, the only book I'd recommend for training without a teacher) is Bardon's Initiation Into Hermetics. It's the complete package, self-development, spiritual development and practical magic, and will take you further than any dozen other published books combined. A good chunk of the techniques contained within can't be found anywhere else in print (as they were either kept bound within secret initiatic lineages or had dissapeared from the West alltogether), and it was written specifically with the goal of training those with no teacher available. Also, the majority of the techniques don't require tools, he gives instructions for constructing wands, amulets, mirrors, etc. in the later stages of the text, but these aren't absolutely necessary for your progress, just side projects if you wish to delve into that side of practical magic, so you don't have to drop hundreds on ritual tools and garments right off the bat.

As complementary reading, I'd strongly recommend Fra. Veos' "IIH Commentary," which can be found for free online (it provides some advice on the exercises and the system in general which is invaluable), and The Kybalion, which is a decent overview of the metaphysical laws which govern spiritual and magical practice and is in public domain, and so also free online.

So all you're looking at is $30 is for the book itself and whatever the shipping costs are. If you're serious about magic, it's the single best $30 you'll ever spend.

Hey sweetie, long time no see. I was wondering about how you were doing the other day and hoped that things were going well for you.

I can't say I'm surprised to hear about the falling out. That's usually what happens when we reach out to the darker side of things and embrace that anger and sense of not having personal power.

I almost can't believe I'm about to say this but I'm gonna anyway. Have you looked into any of Silver Ravenwolf's earlier books? She's pretty big on the Love & Light in her earlier work (I haven't read the newer stuff). I'm thinking that maybe that could help you get past this whole 'using magic for power, revenge and putting your anger to work' thing.

Those that have the power to Curse also have the power to Bless. You've been lost in the dark for quite a long time now. I think that maybe looking towards some lighter things could be quite helpful for you.

Hello Rin,

I've heard of Initiation Into Hermetics, and the author, when I was once recommended to look into his book on Elemental Magick, I believe. Sounds like the ideal sort of book for me, considering I don't know where I could find a teacher. They offer a few courses around town but I'm hesitant to spend that kind of money for what they're offering. -Update- I found all three books on pdfs. Thank you for the recommendations.

Hello RoseRed,

I appreciate that you were thinking about me. Well, it seems that though the damage of the falling out has be done, I've been given another chance, and my therapist recommends that since I have a habit of pushing people away and then being desperate to find other friends, that I make amends and work hard on preserving these friendships.

I've heard of Silver Ravenwolf, yes, and I know she doesn't have the best reputation necessarily but if you are honestly recommending her to me I will take your advice. I'll look into her earlier books. I've seen some of her books at the larger franchises of bookstores in my area. I really do need to get over this anger and revenge obsession. I feel polluted. But yeah, I must have the strength to push forward and work hard or I'll get no where.

I think your therapist makes a good point. It's good to hear that you're taking the advice.

I can't believe I am but yuppers, I'm honestly recommending some of her earlier work.

I really do need to get over this anger and revenge obsession. I feel polluted. But yeah, I must have the strength to push forward and work hard or I'll get no where.

I am soooooo happy to hear it. [yay]

Yeah I was wondering how you were getting on as well, glad to have you back and posting.

All the above are great suggestions. Im usually always the one to suggest darker workings, but in this case, I think the others suggestions for grounding in that light is great.

From the tone of your post it does actually sound like you have actually made quite a bit of progress personally, so keep it up!

I'd just like to mention that I've gotten back into the habit of studying, practicing and observing the occult. I think I've found my particular fondness for amulets,charms, doll magick/poppets and such. I'm getting better, and I'd like to mention that I've finally got a new job, and I'm looking into Bar Tending school.

I'm feeling much more secure and confident now that everything is working a little better in my favor.

I think Low Magic is a better fit for you than Ceremonial. I'm glad you found something you work well with so far.

Thank you RoseRed,

Yes, I agree. I feel more comfortable working in such a way that I don't have to worry as much about things like fasting, long spells/speeches and such.

I just want to say that the secrets of the universe are within us and without.

Therefore all the lessons we could ever learn exist within us. However, they are also outside of us as well.
The nature of these lessons being within and without lead us to believe that they transcend our experience of duality.

However, this doesn't mean that you can focus on whats going on within us to learn all the lessons. Sometimes we must reach out to the world outside of us.
A good reason why most mystics wander.

Ask yourself what patterns you're displaying in your own studies. Are you one-sided? Have you chosen a path because its easy? Have you shied away from lessons due to fear?

The best way to start from scratch is to get out of your own shell.

I'm an extreme example, but when I gave up on magick I was a computer geek who weighed 118lbs with hair down to his shoulders and skilled only with my words. Then I joined the Army, became a paratrooper, then a sniper. By the time I had a chance to consider magick again, I realized I had learned many lessons that before were preventing me from my spiritual progress.

At that point lessons that I would have chosen to learn through meditation and reading appeared to me as common sense.

The fact remains that progress is inevitable, however time is limited to perspective. You'll never stop progressing, however perhaps you were learning lessons you haven't realized yet during the time you weren't studying.

All studies are spiritual studies.