What is a solitary practitioner to do?, page 1
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reply posted on 13-10-2005 @ 10:17 PM by Jeremiah25
MerryMistressMarie

I was just curious as to the nature of your practices. You said that you have had


an ongoing relationship with magick and occultism.


But do you follow any specific path - are you Wiccan, for example, or do you follow a more individual style? The reason I ask is that it seems, from your questions, that you do not have any real guidance in this area. Most genuine Wiccans I have met, for example (as opposed to angsty teens who declare themselves such), are well versed in the topics you express concern over. If you do follow a specific path, then perhaps you can meet likeminded individuals (again, people who genuinely accept these religious parctices, rather than posers) to educate and assist you.

I think it bears pointing out that there is an inherent difference between the practice of magic and those religions which are commonly associated with witchcraft - Wicca, Druidism, Asatru, etc. One is the manipulation of energies to obtain a desired reult in accordance with your will. The others are genuine and acknowledged religions. A Wiccan, for example, does not have to practice magic to still be a Wiccan, since it is a religion based on very specific beliefs. I know many Wiccans who do not practice magic.

Those who do consider magic to be a very natural force, like electricity. Electricity can help you (by lighting and warming your house, for example) or it can kill you. Magic is like that. To Wiccans, there is no white magic and no black magic, there is only the force itself. How you use it is up to you.

As for initiations, most traditional covens have three levels of initiation, but for the self-practitioner this is impossible. You don't need to join any "school of the mysteries". Most pagans in my city meet informally at a pub once a week. If you are seeking guidance, I am sure there are many places you can turn.

I would suggest a book called
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. Even if you are not Wiccan, you may be able to adapt some of its exercises to your own beliefs. It also has a good self-initiation ritual.

I hope this helped. Let me know if you have any additional questions and I'll be happy to try and answer them for you.

[edit on 13/10/05 by Jeremiah25]


reply posted on 14-10-2005 @ 12:44 AM by BlackBeard
Originally posted by Jeremiah25
I would suggest a book called
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. Even if you are not Wiccan, you may be able to adapt some of its exercises to your own beliefs. It also has a good self-initiation ritual.
[edit on 13/10/05 by Jeremiah25]


That was the first book I read and it was very informative and a great addition to any practitioners library.


reply posted on 15-10-2005 @ 01:12 AM by Becon of Light
All i can say, is study your protections, your banishing rituals and what not.

secondly.. can we get off the terms white & black magick? these two colors have more to do with magick then just good and evil, and to call left-hand ritualism "Black" magick is a great injustice.

Remember that magick is a matter of intent, if you seek to do good, then do so without selfishness, malice, or desire for material reward.. and you should find that karma favors you when the check comes to the table.

But if you act in selfishness, or greed.. or you excersise your will without regard for those around you.. karma will slap you around like a cheap whore.

As to the question "Whats a solitary practitioner to do?", dont be so solitary.. lord knows that isnt easy, we live in a world were occultists are either laughed at by non-believers or shunned and often abused by christians who assume you are a devilworshiper... as our friends here have said, check around the local book stores.. look for the used book stores.. thats what i did.. and there i not only found a teacher, minister and friend.. but i found my moms best friend in there one day getting advice of herbal remedies :-p

as to your system, work with what ever speaks to you.. i myself feel a deeper connection to Qabalism (I know i know.. madonna and demi are ruining it for us all), once you break through the mythology and get to the cold hard science of it it works real nice.

And on that note.. Mythology is good.. but dont let it rule your thought, this is the true idolatry, when that lil totem that is the godhead on your altar stops being the godhead and starts being God. remember that it is just the symbol that helps you focus your energy

And lastly.. i reccomend against summoning of spirits.. remember that the spirits we summon have their own duties within the cosmos.. and it is not for us to pull them away from their work to serve our whims, if you must do so.. then do so without interest in fufilling your needs.. but with interest in serving the macro-cosm

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