How to Act?

(10)
That one corrects another or tells them how they should act is an action that renders the subject as property with a predestined outcome - rather than allowing them to unfold in their own way. This I would tentatively say is true - although it is obviously excerpted somewhat out of a whole. I agree that by doing so you are molding someone into something they are not. I would however also add that this is not always a bad thing. I have agreed whole-heartedly with some mass murderers - but I am not one.

Sometimes some people NEED to be told how to act - simply so that they know, or indeed have an optional reference point. Scary as it is - most people don't. They have the what they know and expect and the what they believe all others know and expect. These alone are (like it or not!) offensive to someone somewhere. The best anyone can hope for is to have a range of options, to choose wisely among them and as often as is commendable apologise for the offense that others take due to your choices.

We have all heard the exhortation: "Know Thyself" - I personally prefer: "that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee". If the student would become MORE than it is meet they first know what they are - for without all effort and understanding is doomed to failure.

The numbers of walking wounded who flee from the image they see in the mirror while engaged in occult study is staggering and it should also be noted that this applies doubly so to those who leave scorning those who showed them the way. To look at the face of they who have been sent in answer to your summons to lead the way and delight not is to hate yourself before you have had a chance to get to know you. - It is a great secret but what the hell I never vowed not to reveal that one.

Also let us say that for most students that have taken incarnation at this point in the cultural cycle it is absolutely necessary to have a fairly rigid format. They require a structure wherein to safely transcend their taboos and guides to ensure all remains well. Without this "Tabula Rasa" the student most often simply becomes the temple built on a mish mash of conflicting ideals - a nexus for unhealthy
mental and spiritual confusion. A lodestone that draws to it the same with an eye for propagation.

In terms of guides we also see quite often that for a healthy growth of emotion and thereby desire and true will it is entirely necessary that the student be allowed to develop a "Guru" and "Shaitan". When this is done within an externally monitored framework there is a much higher probability that the student will emotionally survive the transcendence of these that must naturally occur in order to redefine
the adult will.

This is best done when we test all available occult information-theory-data to see if/and/or how they work. This need not be in terms of academia, or even rationality but rather in terms of whether or not the data to hand "works" well for the subject in whatever world they are "at".

I argue that one must approach skeptically and try to remain as objective as possible. Observe, quantify, qualify, assess, question, act, observe AGAIN and draw conclusions based on the evidence. I used to encourage everyone who asked to write up all their workings like lab reports - it encourages an objective point of view which I believe sets apart the seeker who is likely to succeed from the multitudes of simple believers - who often succeed only in being duped by and/or food for various aberrations.

Unfortunately this is too often obscured by superstition and personal, emotional and even sexual fantasies. (I mean its use here in all senses!) This results in long ramblings of a largely delusional nature that, while very useful on certain levels generally does little but obfuscate and mangle base level understandings. Each
thing must be known for what it is and not what we personally would like to see it as. No, it is NOT all "My Mummy the __(Fill in Blank where appropriate)___ Goddess" nor is it the "My Daddy the __(Fill in Blank where appropriate)___ God".

Each thing is simply that which it IS and to treat it any different is to show disrespect for it's essential nature. And this certainly extends to those who repeatedly make use of vague archetypical language in order to say "all is this or that". This simply shows disrespect for the essential nature of individuality. That this occurs most frequently these days in reference to higher agencies (i.e. that subsection of the Macrocosm must often labeled "Gods" displays the perpetrators as being about as far from understanding of such matters as they are devoted - let all acts of devotion be those of love which in it's basest form is understanding of the essential nature).

It is easy to see here how the "Mommie Dearest" burblings of late years has much the same effect as the "Daddy Sternest" rantings of the Middle Ages. And while one professes to be so different from the other it is not - they are the same form filled in by two different protagonists. As we can see it is indeed true that all will see what they wish to, believe what they want to and (more unfortunately than anything else to my mind) set about demanding that everyone agree with their desired vision.

How may this be remedied? Well I can say from experience that it starts by being told how to act. I agree that by having had such done to me I was being molded into someone I was not. I would however also add that this was not always a bad thing. I have agreed whole heartedly with some mass murderers - but I am not one.

Sometimes some people NEED to be told how to act - simply so that they know, or indeed have an optional reference point. Scary as it is - most people don't. They have the what they know and expect and the what they believe all others know and expect. These alone are (like it or not!) offensive to someone somewhere. The best anyone can hope for is to have a range of options, to choose wisely among them and as often as is commendable apologise for the offense that others take due to your choices.

In Summary then, how offended must we be by the old magical command:

GOTO 10

before we remember that that which offends us is important in pointing out what we ourselves must face and do?

The secret lies in the understandings that every next step is a heresy, all true path walkers are betrayers to each and every that they have transcended and they who the walkers believe they have transcended are rarely little other than the walkers' desires projected unfairly onto another. That this is often pointed out with hate and regret and sorrow is simply due to our inborn desire to not let go of things. This especially is the case when the things in question are those which it is demonstrated to us fall under the category of "never ours in the first place".

When we decide a thing is ours we negate it's essential nature - even when it is done out of love. Herein lies the necessity of observation, information, truth and courage.

Am I what I am am I what I was am I what I will be.
Reality Regret Aspiration

This is for all and especially those who will never admit to having read it.

I said I would always share that which I found.
Here I have done so with no superstition to cloud the issue.
That many will not understand is understandable.
Those with ears will know I speak to them.
Those who do not understand will simply feel.
All I feel certain will gain what they are able.
I have done all I could without making you me.

Yes - I AM a WITCH!

This was a variant I wrote a while back on a wee poem that was doing the rounds.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A statement to any who wishes to listen or needs to hear.

I do not worship Satan as some of my ancestors did; though the one who answers my call looks suspiciously like him!

It's true I have met your Satan - but I call him "Brother".
He is always amused that you think of him so much -
He doesn't think of you.

Please don't quote your scripture at me - I don't want to embarrass you by responding in kind.

I honestly don't see the point.

I don't go to church on Sunday - for me every second is holy enough.
Jesus is NOT my savior - though it's true I consider him my cousin.
It is as they say - we can choose friends but not family.

I am not afraid of going to Hell because I've been dead before.
I saw no lake of fire - just infinite chances to be who I really am.
You see I believe I have a choice in the matter;
and you have my sympathy if you can't see yours.

I am not what you call evil -
your lack of vision and my capabilities are not equal.
Telling people I am good or evil both benefit me -
Because I am all this and more - I tend not to call myself either
Such restrictions belittle me.
And I am not foolish enough to believe that I am small and powerless.
It is true that there are evil people in the world.
That some of them were people I have looked up to, people I loved.
I know it is foolish to judge people by those they have revered.
To do such denies them their essential reality.

I have heard of Laws, of upholding them and of breaking them.
Why do I always hear: "They were nasty to me."
And never "I wronged them" or
"WHY was he nasty to you?"

When Laws are spoken of it is by those who want to appear righteous. I try not to as no one believes such of me - whether I am or not.

Please don't ask me about sacrificing animals or desecrating churches.

I have a higher regard for animals than most people.
I know of religions that make sacrifices of animals.
I know you don't understand them or what they do.
And I know they don't need or seek your approval
- Or mine for that matter.

I don't often go into churches or synagogues for those places and their people are rarely those who would befriend me.
And I do not look for friends among those who would not give it.
Friendship commanded is something I leave to others.
It doesn't suit me - it simply upsets me.

The few times I HAVE entered a church,
I have felt that it's Gods and its people are not like me.
I feel the reaction and do all I can to not offend.
For their land is not mine to be free upon.
What is the point of seeking unpleasantness?

If a Christian, Jew or Buddhist wanted to do I as I do.
To come to my rites - I would refuse.
My way is mine and theirs is theirs.
I only enforce my ways when I am called to - not for petty spite.
That is what my acceptance of their presence in my world would be -
Causing both them and myself misery for no good reason.
All my gifts have a reason.

That is something I have had to think about for a long time.
I have had to both enjoy and endure it for just as long.

Wearing a pentacle is something I do when it makes sense
or it makes my point.
Wearing a cross or other kind of symbol is something I do likewise.
If you want me to take off the symbol I wear, give me good reason.
My ways; I do not care to have recognized as a religion.
That name tends to corrupt - my faith in my way is enough for me.
I need no man, no woman, no state, and no law to recognize me.

Such things rarely bring happiness
And they would destroy the happiness I have.
I feel sorry for those who feel the need to make up a shape,
A name, a form and rules for their happiness.

The five points of a pentagram can mean so many things.
When I wear mine I let people see in it what they can.
If that makes them happy or feel secure then good for them.
And good for me if that was my purpose.
I have found my tools - such as they are,
Act for my benefit and support my cause - whatever others think.

How such can offend are mysteries I have plumbed.
Like a gun.
I take their lessons seriously and use them only as needed.
Images of a tortured, dying man can be likewise be offensive to me.
Thousands of people wear crucifixes every day.
I cannot understand how dwelling on the death of my love or happiness, would bring security, peace or protection for that matter.

But as I have said - my ways are mine and theirs are not.

Ask me if I'm in a "coven" in that horrified, fascinated tone of voice.
If I am part of one at the time and can talk about it - I will.
If I am part of one at the time and want to talk about it - I will.
If I like you I may even tell you the truth -
And not simply what you want to hear.

If I bring it up at all it means I think well of you.
If I care for you a great deal I will tell you what you SHOULD know.
Even if that is nothing at all.
For sometimes that is best and the only thing to say.
No one is pleased by injurious truth.

The truth of my way is often that I use candles and incense.
But always it is that I use my body, my strength, my passions.
And my mind.
These entire have I used with such things as knives too in the past -
I have always used what I have found needful ...
Do you not do the same?

I don't drink blood now but I have been known to do so in the past.
Yes this and worse - for I know day because I know night.
I have used the name vampire before - yes and many others besides.
I used it because it was accurate - as I used all the others.
My kin at the time were sticklers for accuracy.
And they taught me to be proud to be many things.

Even if many of those names are spoken as insults by most people;
I have learned to be proud to be what I was.
And I wouldn't change it because now I am more than I have been.
Because I am proud to be what I am now and doing otherwise;
Would be belittling what I am.

I wear many colours as suits the impression I wish to make.
Often I wear a colour to present an image ...
Simply to break that image.
I am unpredictable - when I wish to be.
But most often I do so simply to allow others to learn something.
Sometimes simply because I feel like it - a right I reserve.

If you want to ask me something related to MY religion,
It will probably be without your knowledge.
Or because you have asked for my help.
Should your plight touch me.
Should I feel you should be aided.
Should I feel like it.
I will tell you little of my way.
But if you just LISTEN you will learn much - maybe it will concern me.
More likely it will concern you.

I know much about the Universe in which we find ourselves.
I feel that is only sensible - after all I have to live here.
I know much about herbs.
Many members of the vegetable kingdom are my friends.
I know much about Crystals.
Many members of the mineral kingdom are my allies.
I know much about Healing.
In my life I have had much need of it.

You may ask me to cast spells for you.
To alter your world - or those of others.
If I feel it is worthwhile, if I feel I am permitted to do so;
I may do so and you will pay me in the manner which I deem is right.
I will do so because nothing comes for nothing.

If I care about you I may even make you forget your desires.
Then provide them in a better way.
If I give such a gift it is a gift.
I'll give it because I want to.
I'll give it because I like you and
I know much about the rules governing such things.
And their prices.
And what I can cost you - simply by liking you so much.

Because all things in magic are like gravity.
By being near a thing you are in part, bound by it.
Unless you are not - and you must be not by asserting you are not.

Money, Power and Sex - Needs, Desires and Feelings.
In the end this is the stuff stars are made of and we are more again.
If we will it so.

You may ask about the past.
You may even use the fashionable words.
Say it - say "Burning Times".
Say it like it's a racial slur.
Say it over and over - say it 'till you're bored.
Say it 'till it has no effect and no hold over you.
THEN you will be ready to hear the words I have to say on that subject.

Yes, some of my ancestors were treated badly.
But many of them were not.
Some of them gave as good as they got - and not always with cause.
Some of the church stories were not too far from truth.
It is sheer coincidence that they came up with them.
Concocted to legitimize the slaughter of their religious enemies.
I am ever thankful that most often it had nothing to do with us.
That they missed the witches.
That their purges in some cases helped sway allies to the cause they made for us.

It is said we were evil and maybe to them we were.
It is said we resisted and wouldn't you?
It is said they tried to wipe us out.
Their actions defined them, and sometimes they defined us.
Now thanks to their efforts we have "Rights".
I don't ask for them for I know they are not real.
I don't ask for pity because it was little to do with me.

I have learnt many lessons on who to trust.
Jews, Protestants, Catholics - whose deaths tell the lesson is not the point.

Some places like Salem fancy themselves strongholds.
Territory reclaimed, perhaps they help some but they are not like me.
I've never been there so it's not my concern.
I don't know anyone there so it's not my concern.
No one asks me so it is not my concern.

Never attempt to make me ashamed of who I am.
You will not like my response.
Please don't try to convert me or "save" me.
You will not like my response.
Don't leave little pamphlets on my desk or windshield.
I don't need to be saved by you.
I don't need lessons in fear, anger, hatred or shame.
All these are friends of mine - if you attempt to introduce me to them you'll learn how long and how well I have known them.

I don't want to do these things to you and I won't unless provoked.
I don't need the fearful, slaves or converts.
The most amusing people often get in the way of real progress.
Should you ask me how to become like me - I will tell you not to.

If you are sincerely seeking I will direct you to your own path.
I will direct you and correct you and you will discover how to be you.

When someone says "how do I become a witch?"
I'll discover whether or not you have a choice.
If you do we will not talk further, if not you will learn what is needful.

My religion; should you insist on calling it thus.
Is no concern of yours - you wouldn't like it I think.

If you ask me to make you UNDERSTAND;
I will tell you that you'd like that even less.
I will then ask you if you WANT to understand.
If you say you do I will perhaps let you see something as I see it.
Feel something as I feel it - Maybe then we will become friends.
Family we all have - friends involve choices.

Friends have no need of conversion.
Neither do I. Am I a friend?
Perhaps I am and if so let us walk our own ways.
If not - don't stand in my way.
As my path is not for you - I won't stand in your way.
Perhaps you hear me already - perhaps you are deaf.

If you don't want to understand, I will understand.