By Frater Serpentis Satori 9=2
16 jan 02
ve: Sun in Cap; Moon in Pisc.
Somehow you have entered into the realm of the Occult, Mysterious, and
Majickal. After facing The Lie of The World, and escaping from every
over-simple soapbox solution- one then must choose. Sifting through the volumes
of lore, and studying assorted methods rarely produces significant results.
Thus
the next test, seeking a Path. Each Gateway and School is truly filled with its
promised Wonders, for a select few. Most who wade into the rivers of Mystery
either nearly drown and retreat or become masters of the easy waters. This is
as true of Wicca, as Crowley.
But
those wallowing in the surfaces of the Traditions at least have entered the
waves of current. Most would prefer to do neither, and prate prattle and dabble
themselves into many positions unattainable to someone on a path. These are the
Armchair Wizards, HPBS’, and Khaomancers so frequently encountered online.
This is different from Seeking. As
reading the Holy Texts of different Faiths is different from lip service and
self-righteousness, in those Sacred Names. Seekers believe in Truth, Right and
Light but have yet to find a Temple, Tradition or Path. But they await the
proper Gate, not joining for sake of membership certificates, uniforms, or even
group reputation.
But
that should be the need, and actual availability of The Path. True Initiates
have always been rare, even in Humanities Greatest Periods, and they have
hidden away so only those who seek may find. Do not be dissuaded by the false
teachers, blind masters, and egocentric specialists, for it has been said,
"the true initiate always hides among the false”.
That
said, it becomes a matter of Aesthetic, Mythic and personal taste, which Path
is right. Being drawn to images of any pantheon, however unusual is a calling
to its Path. So is love of the Culture and Art fermented by a way. It may begin
as the most shallow and superficial interest, in say Chinese Art, then food,
movies, music and ultimately Taoism and Ti Chi. Such is the first steps on
every path.
The
Mythic interest, again grows as an attraction, and is often echoed in one’s
video collection. Being drawn to Myths of Dragons and Elves, like Vampires are
a good Mythic Foundation, but a poor attempt at a system. They merely show what
type of energies and spirits, one is comfortable with, and a hint as to the
right kind of Symbols and Tradition to draw from.
The
last aspect of The Path, is Spiritual Kinship. Only join any Path or Tradition
that you would want to be seen as a member of, with full awareness of its
image, history and social functions. Many join Neo-pagan groups for just this
reason, and several Orders use this as a major point of the sale. Look at
Practitioners and Elders of the path in your community or online, before
deciding.
For
without a Path one is Lost; with the wrong path one is made to feel like a
sideshow freak; and with The Path, one has returned again without leaving. This
should be felt with every Symbol and Aspect of The Path. Otherwise continue
Seeking.