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Hello everyone, I have a few questions about where to begin with practical study. Is there a certain hierarchy to it, like I need to be skilled in X and Y before I can start Z? Or should I just pick a system and run with it? How should I pick a system to begin with? With so many options, I would like to hear what you guys can suggest to a simple n00b such as myself. Thank you in advance.

Hello Hexi,

Lets see what we can do for you:

Well, you already mentioned, there is a variety of options you have. And yes, there is a couple of skills which are an advantage if you want to go into practice though the might vary a bit depending on the way you chose and the people you ask. Most are mundane, stuff like patience, being a bit creative and self discipline as well as curiosity are never bad I suppose.

Then there is more specific stuff, like the awareness and a certain level of self reflection or what elements build up a ritual.
What is often recommendet is Bardons INIH. One does not necessarily have to adapt his theoretical system, but the first 3-4 levels in his book cover pretty much the basics.

Additionally Jan Fries is pretty good, not only because of his very simple and free writing style but also because he gets ass your up:
http://lukriss.files.wordpress.com/2012 ... magick.pdf

Now, that is the easy part, the more problematic one is the second choice. Many ways lead to Rome (or up the mountain [crazy] ), they just come from different directions.

We won't be able to make that choice for you, that you have to do on your own. Look where your interests are, where you come from and where you are going, what "calls" for you. Look for what you want to know, for what you want to learn. And look for people and places who know what you want to learn and learn from them. Each way has his own little difficulties and treacherous corners. It`s up to you [thumbup]

The forum has a whole lot on information to offer, you are well off if you take some deep looks and the additional links leading to literature collections and such (there is an own subforum for that: http://www.occultforum.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=57). Take your time and ask nicely if you have difficulties, it is a forum after all. I wouldn't dare to speak for everybody, but I bet some of the guys have the one or the other helpful advice in times of madness.

All the best
Ramscha

Ramscha's answer is basically what everyone is told and is very sound advice. I figure that somebody should mention the search function in the upper right hand corner too, search using key phrases.I personally didn't start practicing rituals until very recently but instead spent a while meditating and reading the forums before I chose a path I found interesting. Do some research. There are structured orders in most areas of the U.S and Europe as well as many people who are self taught. Find out what you are searching for and aim for that goal, as Ramscha said "many paths lead to Rome" so pick one you like or find interesting.

Breathing exercises.
Sleep journal/ dream journal.
Guided meditations, (search for it on youtube)
Deep contemplation and visualizing exercises.
Some sort of physical exercise.

Tarot cards. Both for divination and for contemplation.
Chakra cleaning and balance.
Deep meditation.
At this point you should probably go see a psychiatrist and make sure you don't have any old emotional baggage.
Make sure that you sleep well, eat well, exercise and can control your own emotions,impulses and senses.

Kundalini.
Self hypnosis.
Lucid dreaming.
Time to get some magical tools and learn how to charge them.
Healing.
Sigil magic.

And about here is where you should probably start looking into a specific system to follow.

Also strengthening, practicing and working with any psyionic abilities you may have.