Making Contact
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There are many paths and it is not for me to judge
another's way through life, other than to say that if you harm another
person, even thoughtlessly or unintentionally, you harm yourself and your
own immortal soul.
Most Christians seem to think we have just the one
chance to achieve unity with the Godhead and that 'heaven' follows directly
after death for the 'saved'. Those who believe in reincarnation generally
believe that every action of our lives, takes us nearer to, or further
from, oneness with the God from whence we sprang. The belief is that we
must live again and again, learning the lessons of perfection. What we
suffer in a given life is the lessons we choose to learn.
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It was always said in the Western Mystery Tradition that a teacher will
appear when the time is right for you - and this is more true than you can possibly
realise: maybe something to do with sychronicity. In a more primitive society,
many teachers took on one or two apprentices while they made their living in
other ways or, like Shamans in a simple tribal situation, they were supported
by the whole people.
In the past, the custom was that you did not charge or in any way make money
from your psychic, occult or esoteric knowledge or skills. Now, you can read
and listen to tapes to study, as well as listen to a teacher. Those who
do teach sometimes have to charge to live, to pay their travel expenses or for
the hire of venues. I don't have a problem with charging if you have to (though
I wouldn't myself if I could possibly avoid it) and I think you need to make
your own mind up as to whether the charge is reasonable and appropriate and
whether 'the labourer is worth his hire', so speak. If you are a teacher yourself
... remember Karma!
Some starting points for everybody.
I think the most valuable start to my own learning was the discipline of the
correspondence course run by the Society of the Inner Light (The Group set up
by Dion Fortune in the 1920s) Even if you don't go on to apply for membership
of the society (I didn't back then), the value of medititation diaries and the
thought-provoking essay questions of the first year is hard to overstate. [see
below for details] Next best thing, if you're inclined to follow the Golden
Dawn path is Chic and Tabitha Cicero's book on self initiation ... but you will
need an enormous self discipline to read the lectures, study the huge range
of topics, make the equipment you need, do the spiritual exercises and carry
out the rituals. Do it, and you'll be well on the road to being a true adept.
However, don't pretend to do it - really do it. If you don't, you're
only pretending to be an adept.
Can I labour the point and say that titles are unimportant, unless they're
backed up by learning, wisdom, experience and so on. I reached a very
high grade in one Order I've long since left, without doing anything to truly
earn that status. I actually have the title Adept in one of the Orders I belong
to: I hope I am reaching that level, but I don't want to be called one,
I want to be one.
To contact the Society of the Inner light, go to their website;
www.innerlight.org.uk
More places you could start
Both AMORC and Builders of the Adytum (BOTA) offer correspondence courses.
I personally dislike the AMORC 'lessons' because they add to one's learning
in a very slow 'drip' and with very little supervision.
(As always, I stress that this no more than a personal opinion and you
may not agree). The Builders of the Adytum give similar lessons but do have
exams which are marked, instruct you to keep a diary, colour your own Plain
Tarot, etc. Societas Rosicruciana in America (not linked to the SRIA) also offer
courses and involves people I respect, but I don't have any details for you.
If you google the word 'Rosicrucian' you come up with dozens of different orders:
there is no criticism inherent in choosing or not choosing any of them: I write
about what I know, any the limits are in me.
(Note that for Masons in a Lodge of the United Grand Lodge of England, AMORC
is an organisation "incompatible with Masonry", though nobody seems
to know why.)
To contact AMORC or SRIAm, or BOTA try their websites (see links
page) To contact theSocietas Rosicruciana or the Order of the Rose and Cross,
click the link
If you live around London, UK, if you're basically Christian and if you're
serious about starting out you could email me (see below) and I could consider
meeting up with you to discuss introducing you to someone appropriate.
Making Contact with the Golden Dawn
The Golden Dawn blew itself apart in the early part of the last century, but
it didn't entirely die. Dion Fortune founded the Society of the Inner Light;
Crowley formed the OTO; Paul Case formed the Builders of the Adytum and A.E.
Waite formed the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross - all of which function today.
The full rituals and teachings were published by Israel Regardie, who thought
they were too important to be lost. Several temples continued into the latter
part of the 20th century, by which time, Israel Regardie, now living in the
US, initiated Chic and Tabitha Cicero (and others) into the Hermetic Order of
the Golden Dawn. The teachings were widely known by now and several independent
temples and at least three orders were founded. It is growing again today with
2 or 3 UK temples of the H.'.O.'.G.'.D.'., several independent ones and at least
1 of the other orders. Interested? Read Chic Cicero's self initiation book (that
should put off dabblers).
E-mail the G.'.D.'. with a good reason why they should be interested in you.
Suitable candidates will be contacted by e-mail by their nearest temple and
asked for a telephone number. This may result in an application
form. Their website has a whole list of useful links for any student of the
esoteric, hermetic or occult. URL? Use this link:
Also with a presence on the net and the astral is the Esoteric Order of Golden
Dawn. They may have a temple nar you if the HOGD doesn't, and the do astral
initiations too (though they recommend you do a physical initiation as well
as soon as you can) Contact them at:
For self-iniation in the Golden Dawn current for individuals and independent
groups you could invesitgate the Sanctuary of Ma'at at:
Another place worth considering is the Pennsylvania based "Institute of
Hermetic Studies". There is physical group presence, but and interesting
web base and e-newsletter. And you should certainly look at what is on offer.
Director of Studies, Mark Stavish, is a person I admire. Click their logo to
visit their site:.
Another site to be considered is the Triolite Foundation, describing itself
as "A seminar for the New Age of Light". You should re-read my remarks
about charging. The Triolite foundation holds courses and seminars on some interesting
sounding courses, mainly (but not exclusively) in the mainland USA and you may
feel that the cost is reasonable for what you want or need. Remember that prices
are in US $ and there's a very good exchange rate at the moment (though that
could always change.) Clock the logo and have a look for yourself if you feel
inclined:
Regalia and Magikal Equipment
It was (and in some quarters still is) the rule that you made your own equipment.
It is said that some of the adepts of the original Golden Dawn had decidedly
'unartistic' tools they had made themselves. The point is that you put a lot
of your own personality, self and committment into the work, and that is what
gives the tools their strength. BOTA asks you to colour your own Tarot to impress
it better on your mind
It is possible for someone good at visualising to carry an entire ritual inside
their head and Chic Cicero writes of makeshift tools in a book I would recommend
- Secrets of a Golden Dawn Temple. However, if you make this an
excuse for not doing the best you can, it is just that - an excuse!
Incense
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There are lots of places you can buy incense,
some of them, let me say, very sound. However Helene imports her own raw
materials and blends virtually to order - anything you buy from her is
fresh.and she will blend to order for specific purposes. You could do
worse - a lot worse - than consulting her website! |
PeacockAngel |
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Psionics & Techno-Shamans
If you haven't come across the expressions and can't figure out what they mean
you might well give this paragraph a miss. Want to know more? Read the books
of Charles Cosimano, especially 'The Psionic Magician's Gadget Pattern Book'.
Another possibility is the book 'The Crystal Warrior' published by
Llewellyn. For a more serious overview of the thinking which lies behind these
ideas, either read 'Vibrational Medicine' by Richard Gerber MD or Footsteps
in the Psychic Wilderness' by Dale Graff MSc (former Director of the US
Military's 'Project Stargate') You could well look up psionics and psychtronics
on the web. There are several hundred entries, some of which are irrelevant
... but some are well worth following up.
Shamanism
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The shamnic path is one I have never had any inclination
to follow myself, but the avid readers of books by Carlos Castenada and
Théun Mares possibly thirst for information. One of my daughters
lives in southern Spain and follows just such a path, apprenticed for
10 years to a Shaman who learnt his trade in Mexico and now herself a
shaman..
Joanna's house and land, overlooking the sea on the
Costa de la Luz, see frequent activity such as the 'corn buriel' inititiation
ritual from northern Mexico. These are mostly just gatherings of friends,
but Joanna is willing to tell you about courses and gatherings in Spain
or Mexico
In addition, I have a very respected friend in the London
area who is very skilled in Shamanism and has plenty of contacts. I will
pass on your emailed contacts to him if you like. |
Freemasons
If you just want to know more about freemasons, go to http://thefreemason.com
This is an unofficial site with lots of Masonic links to answer your questions.
Interesting to Masons too
http://the
freemasons.com
Paganism
Pagan is a term I don't really like - it's a Christian term for anyone not
a follower of any of the major world religions (rather like 'infidel' for Moslems)
and many 'pagans' seem to use it just as vaguely. That said, there are plenty
who do know what they believe and one can assume that the key lies in the nature
religions - any many of them seem to have greater regard for the earth and the
environment than official religion. If you're interested in what is happening
in the UK pagan world, follow this link to the eZine pages of a good friend,
Helene ...www.peacockangel.net/eZine.htm
or, better, her diary pages: www.peackockangel.net/diary.htm
Need a Psychic?
I make it clear on my help pages that I don't do any sort of psychic reading
- I could but it's not what I offer. I came across an interesting site
that offers free psychic consultancy, along with chat and a forum for the exhange
of ideas. Remember Kahlil Gibran's words: "{Do not say 'I found the truth',
rather say 'I found a truth'. I hope you find yours:
School of Life
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The School of Life is being established as an educational
network that can inspire individuals, whole communities and even society
itself to think and act creatively to secure the future of ourselves and
the planet.
To this end it will study, research and teach anything
which will enrich the person, the community or the planet. The school
itself is in Southern Spain, though the founder is Norwegian, the organiser
(see pic) is English and the economist behind it is Spanish - visit the
website via the link below! Courses are occasionally organised in Norway
or the UK.
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School of Life Publishing
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Star of 13
The Key to the Universe is YOU - This is a set
of cards, painted by Artist Katrina Vrebalovich and based on images in
the shamanistic tradition channelled by psychic Selja Winter, along with
a book by Joanna Crowson and Selja Winter, enabling you to take charge
of your own destiny, path and universe ... not a divinatory system it
explores yourself and helps you understand the 13 energies of the Mayan
tradition.
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Order from www.omnigen.co.uk
or direct from your favourite bookshop in the UK, or direct from School
of Life elsewhere in Europe. |
Order from www.omnigen.co.uk
or direct from your favourite bookshop in the UK, or direct from School
of Life elsewhere in Europe. |
The Shaman's Garden
by Iztcoatl Papalotzin - a Mexican Shaman in the
Toltec tradition. Originally Published in Spanish and translated
by Joanna Crowson, for 7 years an apprentice of this remarkable individual.
More practical than the works of Carlos Castanada or Théun Mares
this is a combination of a book to explain his ideas and exercises to
set you on the path to Shamanism yourself.
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Daughters in Flower
by Itzcoatl Papalotzin and Ivonne Delgardo Orea
Book and cards designed for girls and young women, with artwork by
a young and very talented artist. Book for adults and another for girls
6 - 14 translated by Joanna Crowson.
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Order from
www.omnigen.co.uk or direct from your favourite bookshop in the UK,
or direct from School of Life elsewhere in Europe. |
Ladywood
This as interesting project, with a stretch of woodland in East
Kent (S.E. UK) being developed as a sacred space and already has a fire pit,
carved standing stones, a story telling circle an altar and a throne. It is
availble for groups who want to meditate or practice in peace. For details contact
the website at the link below.
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Symbol of Ladywood - a live and sacred
space |
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Planting an apple grove |
http://www.peacockangel.net/ladywood.htm
An Interesting Caution
A cautionary tale of the hijaking of well known warnings for other purposes
comes from this site, the purpose of which is to sell the book. The site is
narrow and targetted but the ideas are interesting (reminiscent of the ideas
behind the otherwise quite different Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto
Eco). However, the site has some useful links, particularly to organisations.
Click the image for a link
Masons will know where to find research - there are research lodges
in several countries, most of which have web sites.There are a number of Masonic
chat sites and sites for the exchange of views. Worth a visit to the web site
(and a closer look at the real thing, if you're within travelling distance),
is the Canonbury Masonic Research centre (CMRC). They are a NON-MASONIC organisation
involving a good proportion of women, including female 'co-masons'. There are
lectures costing only £7 as well as fuller courses. More details from
mcgilvery@canonbury.ac.uk Alternatively you can visit the CMRC website
at:
www.canonbury.ac.uk
Need to Consult a Psychic?
UK based Debby has her own websiteand I have a lot of time for
her. She will use astrology and the Tarot study a range of problems and past
life situations. She does charge, but she's very upfront about costs - you know
exactly what you're going to get and how much it will cost you. Try:
www.debbystars.com
An this website (I think it's UK based) offers free consultations
by email (but beware, phone consultations are on a premium rate number so they
may cost you a lot!)
Scorch Pyrography
Pyrography is writing and designwork with fire (well, heat anyway)
on wood, leather or other appropriate materials. Amongst many items are some
of an esoteric nature, such as runes and pentacles, done as a commission for
wiccan and other groups and sale from stalls at pagan functions. Visit this
site purely for the delight of it! Here's a sample of scorch's work - a set
of runes for those who cast them for divinitory purposes. I've commissioned
various things from Tracey - she's an incredible artist who's produced some
amazing artwork for me.
If you're interested in casting runes, look
at these
www.scorchpyro.co.uk
