It is my firm belief that occultism is not magick, though magick is one of its tools, occultism is not the acquirement of powers, whether psychic or intellectual, though both are its servants. Witchcraft is most certainly an effective tool in the manipulation, domination, or intimidation of people or circumstances for the sake of working one’s own will.
I have been asked many a time about Religious leaders and Occultists... Are they the same? Let me clear this once and for all. There is no difference between religious catholic priests and Occultists because they both try to manipulate hidden energies that connect all life. Is praying an Occult Practice, yes it is, as it is trying to connect to that energy also. The same goes for Buddhism or Hinduism. It is the same in all religion, any connections that are made to hidden forces is the practice of controlling that energy in some way and so is determined as Occult practice.
An Occultist is one that understands the energy around us, meditates often, sees the spiritual side to life and lastly knows how to control the elements to some degree in a professional manner. Each Occultist has there own strengths and weaknesses, some may be better at healing, others may be better at manifestation, others at communicating with spirits, and so on. Interestingly enough some people wield Occult type forces and do not even know it. So then I hear you say, what is forcing powerful occultists into hiding and why? I must concur that I suffer from none of the below. As I see it, the proof of the pudding lies in it’s eating, and if someone is foolish enough to ask for some pudding from me, well, let their wish be my command … Still, here we go …
Firstly there is Public Ridicule – This is the main reason the Occult world is hidden by many that practice, it has often been seen as a joke and can bring about some backlash during your life. Even though most know deep down there is something hidden and very profound about life, fear keeps this ridicule fueled. Many do worry that negative forces may be played with, which is a common misunderstanding for those that do not understand the Occult.
Secondly, there is the Law – This is another big element, being locked up or hanged sort of had a major effect on anyone’s life. Throughout history, many have been accused of witchery, sorcery, and Occult practice and during those times many were harshly punished, some even killed. Because of the elements of these laws, Occult practice and even some religions went underground to hide those who participated in these practices. It became hidden and conditioning eventually rubbed off. Most of these Laws were enforced and encouraged by the Catholic church during these times (in history), which is quite ironic as the Catholic church has many Occult practices and still maintains them to this present day.
Thirdly we have Conditioning – Conditioning is a powerful thing, conditioning has kept Occult practices hidden. It keeps the learning safe for those practicing from public ridicule, the Law, and much more. Even though today many are more open to these understandings, ridicule is still present. Thankfully now, Laws in many countries around the world do not prosecute people for learning Occult teachings or anything unrelated to religion. This has eased the tension and allows a deeper understanding for everyone to access more information about the inner world and Occult understandings. It has even opened up new doors in science such as quantum physics.
You were told, however, that the path to Occult Sciences has to be trodden laboriously and crossed at the danger of life; that every new step in it leading to the final goal, is surrounded by pit-falls and cruel thorns; that the pilgrim who ventures upon it is made first to confront and conquer the thousand and one furies who keep watch over its adamantine gates and entrance — furies called Doubt, Skepticism, Scorn, Ridicule, Envy and finally Temptation — especially the latter; and that he, who would see beyond had to first destroy this living wall; that he must be possessed of a heart and soul clad in steel, and of an iron, never failing determination and yet be meek and gentle, humble and have shut out from his heart every human passion that could lead to evil without recourse.
Occultism is not magick. It is comparatively easy to learn the trick of spells and the methods of using the subtler, but still, material, forces of physical nature; the powers of the animal soul in man are soon awakened; the forces which his love, his hate, his passion, can call into operation, are readily developed. But this is Black Magic—Sorcery. For it is the motive, and the motive alone, which makes any exercise of power become black, malignant, or white, beneficent Magick.
It is impossible to employ spiritual forces if there is the slightest tinge of selfishness remaining in the operator. For, unless the intention is entirely unalloyed, the spiritual will transform itself into the psychic, act on the astral plane, and dire results may be produced by it. The powers and forces of animal nature can equally be used by the selfish and revengeful, as by the unselfish and the all-forgiving. Due to the power of the forces and processes put in action, the path of occultism requires a full commitment and a life consistent with the occult laws.
As a rule, Occultism is a dangerous, double-edged weapon for one to handle, who is unprepared to devote his whole life to it. Occultism is a jealous mistress, and, once launched on that path, it is necessary to resolutely refuse to recognize any attempt to draw one back from it. In another sense the Occultist is just another word, it could be replaced with Spiritual leader, Religious leader, Buddhist or even a devotee old school Christian (old school overemphasis), and many more...
It is mainly about what society excepts as a norm as to why the Occult is kept by many hidden or secret. Simply change your reference to Spiritual Leader or Buddhist and society will be more open. It is amazing how a name or reference can make such a big difference.
ii-wy em Hotep -Patrick Gaffiero
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