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ARTICLES
Seven of the Many Gateways
by Don Webb
(first appeared in The Ninth Night, issue 2 )
We are seeing a New Cycle begin on the world, and (as at all such times) we are seeing it call to the brave and the intelligent who will be its architects and foundation layers. We see it repulse those who are the tired and the stupid, and we see many who will blunt its novel message with petty evils or colour it in pastel sentimentalities.
This New Cycle is going to be marked by an increasing individualism and creativity. For the most Selfish of reasons, we must design this new age as one of great freedom and tolerance.
If we are to dare the black magic, if we are to try our hands at self deification, we need to seek and support that world that lets the Black Academy bloom.
If we want to participate in the cultural (r)evolution of the New Cycle, the best method is to Transform ourselves. To actively seek everyday those experiences and perform those deeds that lead to wisdom. If the magician transforms him- or herself, the actions of the magician lead to a transformation of the world around them. If one becomes as a god, one's words and deeds will have the effect of gods.
Now the question arises how do we begin this transformation? The answer
is (of course) such a personal one that even an Initiate of the Left Hand
path can only suggest some activities that might be helpful in bringing
you both the
strife and joy needed to discover your own personal formulas.
I am going to share with you seven such activities, give them a spin and
if you look at yourself honestly and critically, you may be amazed by
the results.
On a Personal level:
Review your life's history. Find a time when you began your self-creation
by doing something that was wholly your own will (not merely seeking pleasure
nor avoiding pain nor fulfilling the the desires of society). Look over
that incident. See how it made you aware of yourself and the world. See
how the results of that action, usually one of spiritual rebellion, lead
to your current self. That is becoming aware of your inherent possible
divinity. From such moments grow your Real self, it is such moments (in
Setian terminology moments of Xeper) that all your magic springs.
On a Political level:
Support such groups and laws that lead to a sane tolerant society. The
Black Academy will flourish only in a free, ethical society that tolerates
creativity, discourse and new ideas. As our ancestors knew so well, freedom
and justice
must be sought on the personal level by each generation.
Join such groups that embody the spirit of the Black Academy.
Look for places of dialogue and philosophy that resonate with you both intellectually and emotionally. Look for groups that are diverse. Idiots think they know everything (and so don't need Schools). Wise men and women look for the best schools to both learn and teach in. Without the School all you've got is society to resist. You can become a little stronger by shutting off soft drink ads, but there's only so much to be learned by outsmarting fools. Such groups may be formal (such as the Temple of Set) or informal -- a Gurdjieff study group you found at your local coffeeshop.
Push for better education, better libraries, better spending of money
for the future. If you want to take part in the revolution of human awareness
both now and in subsequent reincarnations -- you've got to work, network,
and contribute to that Future.
On a Divine Level:
Learn a magical art. Now I don't mean rush down to your local occult bookstore
and buy books on every single magical topic you can, and hope somehow
that something's going to soak in. Instead find an art, learn all you
can about it form hard scholarly sources as well as popular books. Then
practice it until you get real world results. Don't pick something that
relies on prayer, but choose something that uses your will. The practice
of magic is the beginning of the road to self-deification.
Empower yourself. Most occultniks hope that somehow, someday they'll wake up rich and famous and talented. Real magicians know that if they wish to change the orld -- they had better learn a craft that exerts an influence on the world. They take on the tough road of becoming respected scholars or solicitors or artists. They enjoy the exoteric benefits of such power, while also realizing that the esoteric truth that their rise to positions of power is a single long spell that changes the centuries much as minutes long spell might change next week.
Remind yourself that this is a New Cycle. Ask yourself often, "What is the Work for me today? For my personal goals both human and divine?" Let the excitement of what is rising up in the world be joined with your own excitement of what you are Becoming.
From these two streams you will make a new world.
Temple
of Set Australia
P.O. Box 144, Mount Gravatt Qld 4122 Australia.
© 1997 - 2008.
Updated
January 31, 2004
.
