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Originally posted by Motion-Man
Personally, I wouldn't go seeking for Angels or Demons because I believe the very sight of one could drive a man insane. But thats just my opinion, do with it as you will.
I mean, are gaining more and more knowledge and meditation the only ways?
It happens but in my opinion most of the people can learn to get into contact with other beings.
Also, is it possible that there are people who simply do not have the capacity to do such things, and must therefore utilize a third party, (i.e. a medium)?
Originally posted by Enyalius
If you want to learn more of what Dee was involved with study anything relating Enochia(n).
Originally posted by an3rkist
I began research on Enochian practices, and have discovered that it is well beyond my capabilities both supernaturally and intellectually. It's a ridiculously complex practice, the likes of which I doubt anyone could understand without beginning with something far simpler and working their way up.
If you want to start with something quite safe, why not try dream incubation. The more hits you get the more confident (and convinced) you'll become. You'll get answers to questions in your dreams and you'll probably start getting precognitive dreams too. I started a thread on it recently. It's dropped down the list a wee bit but still easy to find.I understand your nervousness. I've been interested in everything paranormal all my life but it still gives me massive creeps at times.
Originally posted by an3rkist
My question is: Is there anyone here who has used paranormal means, such as contacting spirits, to gain knowledge and/or wisdom? And if so, how do you go about it?
My thirst for knowledge is sometimes insufficiently quenched by conventional means, so I'm always open to new ideas. Any thoughts?
Originally posted by an3rkist
Perhaps this is an unusual question, but as an atheist I think there is something...missing - in all of this. I mean, this is about contacting other-worldly entities, and it seems that most people refer to them as "angels" and "demons". Because I do not believe in God, I do not believe in angels or demons, atleast not in the literal sense of those terms.
Originally posted by SpeakerofTruth
Now, that is not to say that unbelievers don't experience supernatural events, but in order to gain knowledge from entities, one has to believe it's possible.
Also, you have to spend a good amount of time in solitude and silence... One of the arts that have been lost through the centuries is the art of listening.. Listen to not only exterior sounds, but inner as well.
Originally posted by an3rkist
My question is: Is there anyone here who has used paranormal means, such as contacting spirits, to gain knowledge and/or wisdom? And if so, how do you go about it?
Originally posted by an3rkist
As for those who say it is possible, I do have another question. What are some things I can do to open my mind up to these things? I mean, are gaining more and more knowledge and meditation the only ways? And if so, what sort of places should I look for knowledge that will help me in these regards?
Also, is it possible that there are people who simply do not have the capacity to do such things, and must therefore utilize a third party, (i.e. a medium)?
Originally posted by an3rkist
I began research on Enochian practices, and have discovered that it is well beyond my capabilities both supernaturally and intellectually. It's a ridiculously complex practice, the likes of which I doubt anyone could understand without beginning with something far simpler and working their way up. Perhaps in the future I will delve into it some, but perhaps for now I'll stick with something simple, like sex magick or something.
Originally posted by an3rkist
Will the lack of belief in God prove to be a hindrance in this? I'm open to the idea that there are other-worldly or other-dimensional beings, so I don't see this as a problem, but I just wanted to make sure.
Originally posted by an3rkist
I'd like to point out that I'm very hesitant to use the words "paranormal" or "supernatural" in reference to these things we're talking about. I do not believe these things are NOT part of Nature.
Originally posted by Cug
I would like to recommend Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig as one of the best intros to Ceremonial Magick. Reading this book will give you a jumpstart to understanding what people like Regardie, Levi, Crowley, Dee write.
Originally posted by Cug
I have been doing that for 20 years now. How to go about it has filled many books with thousands of pages.
The number one thing IMHO is Yoga. (real yoga not just the exercise)
Sex Magick can be way more complex than Enochian at times. in any case magical ritual is really pretty simple once you know the basics. Everything uses the same basic steps.
I have no problems invoking the Jewish holy names of God, Egyptian Gods, whatever... they are just words/ideas that effect certain portions of the mind.
Originally posted by an3rkist
Does that not seem hypocritical to you? I don't believe in speaking falacies, whether I believe them or not, in order to achieve a state of focus or whatever. I wouldn't dare input names of entities I don't believe in into any "rituals" I would perform. I would think that if these effects can be attained through the invoking of false deities that there is no valid reason to presume the effects of the invocation are real.
Originally posted by Cug
Humm it's sounds like you really are more anti-religion than an atheist
It matters not one bit how any particular religion uses a term.
The basic idea is there exists certain basic truths.. the religions of the world have all incorporated bits and pieces of the truths, and hid them inside their religion.
If a religious group decides that stop signs are in fact physical manifestations of their god, would you stop at intersections or start ignoring stop signs as a silly religious belief?
They are just names that represent certain ideas, and if I call upon those names certain results will follow. The names themselves just don't matter. If I call upon the holy name of Wile E. Coyote I can have any "traps" my enemy sets for me backfire and ensnare them.
Originally posted by an3rkist
I beg to differ. As an example, the Christian religion uses the term Satan to refer to an actual being. From my understanding, "true" Satanists use the term Satan as a metaphor for individuality, and do not actually believe in Satan as an actual entity or being.
If that is the case, I suppose it could be justified to use such terms, but then I would raise the question of why you do not just design your own words to use. It would seem lazy to me to just use pre-made terms, and I would even consider it blasphemous to your own sense of belief.
I agree with this one hundred percent. I believe that each of us is a "god" of our own realities, and that the God/Allah/etc. of each religion is a metaphor for our inner selves, if you will.
I don't fully comprehend your analogy, which may be the fault of my own ignorance. I interpret things the way I interpret them. The way in which any given religion interprets an object is irrelevant to me.
This is not because Christians DO use it, but because I have no reason to. If the cross meant something to me, I would not stop carrying it just because it means something else to other people.
Why do you choose to use the names of Christian deities as opposed to others then? If it doesn't make a difference, what has inspired you to use the names of those specific deities in which you don't believe in? Is it merely convenience? And if so, is this a valid reason for you?