Zephyros
next time try making an utter fool of yourself
I object to your insinuation that I didn't.
Well, knowing me I probably did, although I can't remember what I wrote him or even why I would even do such a thing.
next time try making an utter fool of yourself
Hi smw, I PMed you I didn't want to go off topic
Belief is a strong force. Belief in, or even association with or awareness of mythic symbolism, theme, story, Gods, etc. is a primal force deep within the psyche. Its been there for quiet some time, collectively.
ravenest said:It can be used by the magician (as opposed to 'it using you' in religion) . The thing is; the more potent it is the more chance it has of taking over ... especially in a narrow field (ie. outlook, experience, education, etc ).
ravenest said:Its tricky, as if one 'pretends belief' that doesnt work. A knack of 'enflaming oneself in belief' ... like 'enflaming oneself in prayer'. Too little 'pressure' it doesnt work - too much and it can take over. A bit like having a wild horse; good for speed. stamina and courage, but harder to control.
In any case, the 'philosophical mental exercises' of Thelema, in many cases advocate doubt, not belief. (Unless one starts off full of doubt )
This thread is raising some interesting,valid and useful points isn't it?
Lon is also charming on meeting - especially kind to beginners who make complete and utter fools of themselves. You know the "ground, please swallow me up" kind of occasions.
not really sure what you mean here though thinking on it
Regards, smw
'Crowley' advocated doubt.
Perhaps because our scientific , rational, western minds are so full of being sure about things.
'Balance each thought with its opposite ... ' etc.
He also advocated balance .... so, if one 'starts off with doubt' ....
I see it as more of an emotional connection. I "officially" "love" Nuit and "make love" to Babalon but I don't see these figures as being actual women. It is, however, easier to connect to Babalon and the distilled emotion of the weight of that symbol, made up of lots of smaller symbols, each having been worked out and assimilated (to the degree one can without formal training), than it is to connect to the abstract idea of "the entire sensory experience." Of course, being who and what I am, the whole idea of the "woman" and assimilation of that symbol is among the most challenging of my whole Tarot (and, erm, other stuff) career, so that might have something to do with it.
Of course, Jesus is portrayed as white, handsome and with great abs for the same reason. Incite people to spiritual ecstasy, deny them sex and couple that with sexual and violent pornography, and you've got yourself a winning formula for a religion.
But still, that's why I call it assumption of belief. I can take up that mantle as I wish, make love to goddesses as I wish and then "stop believing." My actual beliefs are perhaps more Osirian in nature, but they are not necessarily the ones I "use," although they are sometimes, since you cannot completely disconnect yourself (nor should you, obviously).