The Life ..

The Life is the Life and we live it ...

Once upon a time some were interested enough to want an over view to identify with or ponder upon.

They were given this.

Mayhap you will make better use of it.

THE LIFE OF THE OPERATOR

The life of the Operator is a complex thing. Here we shall be addressing the notion of the "Operator as Witch or Warlock". Again, at this point I should like to stress that this is not a book of "Wicca". Wicca and Witchcraft are two separate subjects and should never be confused.

The Operator will probably always have felt that they were "different" in some non-specific sort of way. This is not to be taken to mean as referring to some latent "Insecurity Complex manifesting as overcompensation" but rather a subtle confusion stemming from a "gut feeling" that they "just don't seem to "fit in" anywhere".

Their childhood is regularly a "hard" and "dangerous" place that is beset on all sides by "imaginary friends", "inexplicable feelings of dread", "magical" coincidences and influences and lastly, quite often recurring physical danger from freak occurrences and influences. This is quite often all accompanied with terrifying "visions" and "dreams" that although inexplicable seem to be very real and quite often manifest in future happenings.

All of this will affect the child in a very real way. It will cause great confusion and any number of mental and emotional effects that the psychological profession just love to debate endlessly. Quite often it will result in the child being very literally emotionally isolated from what they perceive as "a world that makes no sense". The children thus affected will quite often go through periods of investigation into various religions - looking for the answer to their problems.

It is a terrible fact that it is at this time that many children are "lost". Many "latch on" to one religion or another as a sort of "emotional lifeboat" and set about mentally "rewriting" their memories in order that the "lack" that they experience may be "satisfied" by the religion of their choice. Many others again simply are unable to withstand the onslaught and are permanently mentally and emotionally damaged. It is a sad fact that most operators bear deep emotional and psychological trauma as a result of their childhood to puberty experiences.

The child that experiences "magical occurrences" or discovers "latent abilities" within themselves generally "learns" over this time to keep them "quiet". They will be oppressed by what they are taught is "real" not only by well meaning parents and friends but also by the western education system that will empirically flatten and disallow such memories.

Very few will "survive" this period of trial "intact" as it were and continue their search. By the early teens most will have repressed any and or all memories, knowledges and abilities - merely to be able to emotionally cope with the world that they find themselves a part of. It is by this stage that a very strong wish to "belong" will have occurred.

It is important to remember that this urge is very pronounced in the "magical child". By this age they will have experienced a complete lack of "belonging" and by this stage crave such things as though their survival depends upon it, which, emotionally speaking - it does. The "teenage" years are a difficult enough time for the young adult, being as they are, a time of questioning authority and suffering the consequences of disobeying the "implicit social contract" (Black and Hyatt - Tree of lies) and burgeoning hormonal responsibility.

The magical youth has probably, by this time; been very aware of the difference between the sexes and the pleasure fulfilment that may be derived from all fashion of sexual experimentation (both through auto eroticism and experimentation with same and opposite gender investigation) for some time. It is at this stage of development however that it will become an imperative for many as they instinctively feel the urge to select a "mate". The fact is that the magical youth will be well aware of their "roots" as an animal that is human. As such, the stage of sexual ability will be an instinctual sign for them that they should mate and reproduce - even though they may be patently incapable of the responsibilities of such an action in today's society. When this powerful urge is added to the already virtually overpowering wish to "fit in" a new set of problems arise.

The onset of impending sexual maturity floods the body with a powerful set of hormones and these hormones will cause a "second awakening" to the magical youth who may very well at this time discover, (or rediscover) their magical potential in certain "vulgar" or spectacular ways. This may be quite frightening and or confusing to the youth who will generally not have "taken on board" the programming that is delivered to all children. Socialisation will make "boys" into "men" and "girls" into "women"; but the magical youth will have experienced all of this to a lesser or distorted fashion and by this time may well have rejected much of it as "intrusive and faulty" information.

The teenage years are a time of reassessment for the human animal and the magical youth is no exception. During these years the magical youth will generally experiment with all forms of emotional/psycho-spiritual enhancement and development. This is also often combined with a tentative trial of "making their magic work for them". As the youth observes others of their gender making use of their new found bodily maturity in order to enhance their popularity, (and thereby chances of selection as a mating candidacy) the magical youth will discover that they have something that "the others don't".

This "experimentation", (the use of magic as a tentative "lure" to prospective mates) quite often fails dismally. The fact that many utilise their abilities "upon others" at this stage as opposed to "upon themselves", (as in glamour etc) is a grave problem which has some far reaching effects upon the demographic of the "magical community". It is much more likely that males will take the option aforementioned and "there" and "furthermore", will be liable to suffer greater ego dissolution as a result.

A major cause of this is the subconscious programming of childhood - the female is taught to use whatever tools are at her disposal in order to enhance her appearance and desirability as a potential mate; while the male is taught that such things are "sissy", "girls stuff" and thoroughly unsuitable for a "young man". While this may work in the western socialised demographic - it is not helpful to the young male of magical ability. This then, is another age in which, many potentially great magicians are "lost". The few males that "survive" this time of ego assault generally find themselves reviled by their fellow gender and either suspiciously avoided or overtly lusted after by an opposite gender that they tend to have some difficulty coping with in a mature fashion.

The late teens also herald the desire to "leave the nest" and escape the "rule" of parental supervision. This, again, is likely to be more pronounced in the "magical teen" who may very well have had to keep their ability, understanding and studies strictly hidden from disapproving parents for (perhaps) their entire life. The mental, emotional and sometimes physical hardship that this often tumultuous issue causes upon the magical youth is again, quite often one which leaves lasting "scars" that often never heal.

Often at this stage of development, the youth is "torn" between their "gut instincts" which may "think nothing" of not contacting family etc for months on end and the socialisation which demands that they remain in constant contact. The damage that this causes within the "family unit" and the effects that this has on the sense of "belonging" craved by the budding operative is liable to cause great confusion and an overcompensatory suspicion towards any form of social group that "smacks of family" or "authority". This is another stage at which many are "lost".

At a stage of development where advice and sometimes direct supervision is often required; the operator will openly and sometimes violently reject any such notion - all because of their past experiences. This is a crucial time for the budding operator who will generally latch on to a "role model" or "guru figure".

This "Role Model" is generally a version of their parents that is repackaged in such a way as the operator can relate to. The effects of the role model cannot be overstated as it will be a melange of the operator's then way of life and disrespect for authority while; at the same time; displaying authoritarian personality patterns. It is this figure that will tend to determine the borderline conscious and subconscious behavioural patterns, (at a secondary level) for the rest of that operator's "career".

Many operators will not ever leave this level of development. A large number will be "broken" - disillusioned by internal or external influence they will "give the game away" and become "respectable". This is a terrible shame and is generally the result of western civilisation's inability to accept any form of "religious person" that is not of the Christian persuasion. In the modern day many are also lured because of this to the "New Age Movement". This "New Age Movement" promises, (but rarely delivers) a diluted form of their life that is acceptable and recognisable to them; (minus much of the responsibility) while still offering the level of "respectability" that is required to be a functioning and "acceptable" member of western society - all of which is presented as "misguided but normal".

In this fashion the adherents are still given all the joy of their "specialness" while not actually having to deal with any of the "messy" or "undesirable" side effects thereof, such as social or personal responsibility or persecution. It is for these reasons in the main that the "New Age" is considered by operators as "the Diet Coke of Magic". While much of it may undoubtably be a "step up" from conventional thought and in some ways a constructive step forward; it still remains a woefully mismanaged, poorly handled and terribly naïve "cop out" in many ways. This is seen in sharp focus when the "New Age Movement" comes into contact with any form of "native" or "tribal" based thought or spiritual tradition.

These brief moments of contact are generally viewed by all as "disastrous" to say the least. Although well meant on both sides, these meetings generally dissolve into confusion, suspicion and lasting enmity as each refuses to "give way" to the other. As was heard by the Author several years ago at a speech : "I have NO interest in the so-called "New Age" - I am TRADITIONAL - I do things that way my Grandfather did! I have no interest in the people who have turned my way of life into some sort of tourist attraction to be sold at roadside stands!"

The flip side of this is that adherents of the "New Age Movement" generally only know a very limited and selective historical aspect of the "Art" and even that has generally been romanticised a great deal. As such, certain aspects of "Native/Tribal" or "Traditional" societies and their beliefs and philosophies, are viewed as "abhorrent" in the worst case and "quite frightening but curiously fascinating" in the best instance. Both of these are viewed as entirely insulting points of view by many traditional modes of thought.

All of this can have a devastating effect on the young operator who can very easily find themselves "outcast" and considered as "traitors" by the some of the only people they ever felt "true kinship" with. The ensuing confusion that this breeds often leads to a state of mind that is entirely conducive to the "political" squabbling that often goes on between different groups. While it is true that if this settles well in the psyche and is well handled it may be very conducive to a well rounded and adjusted operator; it quite often does not and results only in large does of paranoia and xenophobia.

Those that survive all of this tumult and still persevere are the "walking wounded" of the "Art". They will either learn to "heal" themselves or slowly fade away by various means of "burn out". It is at this point that the operator either "sinks or swims". Those that "survive" are a "testament" to the adage "survival is the ability to swim in strange waters". Those that "drown" are a grim pointer to the fact that this whole litany of woes could conceivably be avoided entirely.

This issue has been the point of much debate over the centuries. The problem has still not been settled as "grim fanatical hardliners" on both sides have argued points such as "Children of exceeding magical potential should be placed in the care of those who can nurture their talents!" to the equal and opposite: "Children of exceeding magical potential should be avoided by all so they make it without help - thus ensuring that those who survive are the strongest!" All such "extremes" aside, there is a better system that works better than either and it is to follow and understand fully the methods of our forebears.

In any tribal society, it is implicitly understood that there are a number of stages to life and that each has it's own particular understandings, lessons and trials. It is for these and other reasons that any tribe has certain "rites of passage" that all of that tribe must undergo. Tribal life is exceedingly permeated with rituals of various kinds and it has been long quietly suspected that this is one of the reasons endemic to their general social harmony.

Take; for example, one of the simplest problems affecting magical groups today - that of insubordination. How does insubordination occur with rigidly defined social age groupings that are based on wisdom gained through life experience? Simply put - it doesn't. Such instances are immediately recognised as the "insubordinates inability to grasp some aspect of their present level of development" and this is speedily remedied by one or more of that and older social groupings who remedy such "infractions" by way of teaching the neglected or missing information.

Now consider the example of the modern western family unit where children are often told "One day, when you are older; you will understand" by "elders" who then make no move to actually explain the matter. As a result of this, the child grows up, sometimes only to realise in their dotage that they still don't understand that issue - because they were never given the chance to learn about it.

We believe that the problems here stated could be remedied for the most part by all re-instating and insisting upon the rites of passage and putting more effort into more fully "taking to heart", the "responsibilities" of their individual positions as opposed to enjoying the "rights" while turning the focus to the "jobs" of others. When "everyone does their job to their full ability and responsibility; there is very little time for casting stones at other's for their work". Take for example the rise of groups with false, invented lineage - this patently could not happen if operators insisted lineage being stated clearly by their associates. No more unverifiable "Charters" from equally "mysterious groups". Let each stand upon their line and achievements and speak or be content to sit and listen.

The Rites of Passage generally include some or all of the following:

Birth Rite, Dedication (Acceptance by the Tribe/Group etc), Rededication at end of Childhood Rite, Initiation at end of Puberty - "Coming of Age" Rite, Various Rites of Wo/Manhood and associated Initiations into the mysteries thereof, Elder Recognition.

The Birth Rite is generally a series of rituals done by various factions of the society in question to ease the transition into the tribe. This includes such traditions of "Midwifery" to aid the actual birth, rituals done to ensure the safety of the Mother and child, and rituals to the ancestors of that group so that they may be accepted by the ancestors as a part of their tribe. Once the birth has taken place there are generally a number of rites and so forth that herald the return of the mother from the seclusion of the birth back to the group as a whole and the introduction of the child to the Elders of that group (at the very least). There follows a ritual wherein the child is officially welcomed into the Tribe. This is the Dedication where the child is given it's name and formally recognised by the whole tribe in the presence of that tribe's ancestors.

During the maturation of that individual through it's childhood it is taught all that it should know about it's people and their customs. Basically, this is a time of learning the "lore and laws" of their people and those that will be required in it's life. It is important to note here that there generally is a difference between the teaching towards each gender because it is necessary. (A young male does not need to know what to do when they have a period!)

At the end of this time, they will be subject to a rededication which marks the end of their childhood. It is at this point that the reason for the gendered education is made clear. It is at this point that the boy learns to become a man and the girl to become a woman. Many declare that this is "sexist" and this is generally because they have not been told that it is not that a male will not be taught about the female period (to use a handy example) but rather; that it is by far more important that he learn his body and duties - and let the women take care of their own - which; (again it should be pointed out!) in this form of society they DO!

At the end of puberty they will undergo a rite or series of rituals which mark them as no longer a child. Now the boy is a man and the girl is a woman. The rites at this stage of development are so that the tribe can welcome the newcomer as they should - no longer a child but as an adult. It is at this point that they are also presented to their ancestors as having passed all the tests of childhood - as a member of the tribe who is worthy of the respect that is coming to an adult - rather than the level of respect that is due to a child.

It is after this, during the adult life that they, having been observed and taught by the Elder caste and parentage their whole life, will begin an occupation. It is at this point that the aforementioned level system of the Wiccans; just does not make sense (to quote but one example). The child who had a talent for the stories of their ancestors will be taken into the storyteller profession and will endure all the trials and initiations thereof. The hunter caste will do the same with those who have that ability. The home maker likewise and etc. In this way each part of the tribe will be served by people who are actually qualified to do their service well. While it may be all wonderfully democratic to "vote" on who should lead, and who should cook etc. - it isn't very effective. In the traditional system the idea is a "Meritocracy" - those who can hunt well do so; they take it to those who prepare food well, who do so, Those who call the Ancestors well do so and so on. In this way a high quality of each is ensured.

And before any statements such as "Well I am a Wiccan and we are based on the Keltoi, (yes the word "Celt" as we have it today was based on the Greek "Keltoi" which has NO soft "C" sound! It is a hard "K" sound !) Societal Structure" breaks out - be warned. Most of Wicca bears NO RESEMBLANCE WHATSOEVER to the Keltoi way of life! Be warned further that even in that society it was considered only prudent to foster children who were not especially good at the "family unit's trade" out to families who specialised in the field of endeavour to which the child showed aptitude.

It stands as FACT that in Tribal Unit based societies - it is MERITOCRACY that is used as the balance of power - not democracy. As virtually ALL civilisations start out in this fashion; it means that everyone is subject to this leaning. It is only in the recent times that meritocracy has been overturned in favour of democracy. While this has undoubtably made many people feel "better" about themselves - it does not work as well and lowers the general standard of life.

While most of modern society will not accept a return to meritocracy over democracy; it is a complete mystery as to why, societies such as the "magical community" who supposedly are "closer" to our collective communal "roots"; seem to have such difficulty understanding that many of the problems concerned with the modern world are due to the abandonment of the system that worked! In this system those of magical ability are nurtured to full potential. They are not "molly coddled" or "left in the cold"; rather they are cherished for what they are and bought to their full potential - as are all other life paths.

It should go without saying that some will never get beyond any of these stages - no matter what stage of life they are - or believe themseleves to be.