Subcultural engagement for the 21st Century...
Barbelith is a new kind of community (find out more)...
You can login or register.

Underground > Temple >

Magical Groups and Studentship

Trijhaos

21:49 / 13.01.02

Last night I found out about a local magical group that takes on students. Becoming a student is a bit more involved than hunting down one of the group members and saying " I wanna learn magick", but its not really too difficult either. What are the pros and cons of getting a structured magical education? I know there has to be a few downsides.

Bear

21:57 / 13.01.02

The main I can see in groups are being told what to do, I like to work at my own pace take breaks and leave off for awhile I'm not sure which group your talking about if for example your talking about the IOT you have to keep up your study or risk being booted, some people also have problems with grading system etc. but I will join the IOT soon I think because I really want to get more serious - so um I dunno - maybe someone else can help better...

Trijhaos

09:59 / 15.01.02

I don't think there is a IOT group anywhere near here. I can see where some people don't like being told what to do, but I think I kind of need the direction. Unfortunately when left to my own devices I tend to slack off even if I'm really interested in whatever I'm doing. Right now, I'm blindfolded and trying to break the pinata of magick and am only occasionaly hitting it, when what I want to do is break it wide open and let the magical goodness out. The group I'm referring to is a wiccan coven and while my views on magick and the like don't parallel the views they talk about on their website, they are close enough that there would be little to no conflict.

[ 15-01-2002: Message edited by: Trijhaos ]

Dimensional Fractal Nightmare

09:59 / 15.01.02

Sometimes is necessary to get a directed form of study, a disciplined one, that's the good part of magical groups, but I think the bad part is that of follow rules, sometimes even ridiculous or tyrannical rules, or the typical, you can't do that, sometimes to maintain tight control over disciples and always I'll adhere to that famous law; Do what you will....

Seth

09:59 / 15.01.02

I think the best thing you'll get out of it is using your skills to love and support the other people in the group. Workings in community are fantastic in that they promote genuine care for each other, and I think that's worth more than most potential downsides.

cusm

14:04 / 15.01.02

Chaos preaches to take traditional techniques and make them your own, or make your own up. How are you going to do either effectively unless you learn some traditional stuff as a model? Its just like going to college. You submit to a course of study for a period of time. Then, you make it your own, and take what you want from it. Wicca is a good generic base of things, and has made for a Lingua Franca from my experience in dealing with other practicioners. When in doubt, chances are it'll be understandable to someone else you are trying to work with, and its easily translatable into other styles. Just be sure to make your dedications with your plans in mind, if you don't intend to stay with it for long before moving on to other studies. Take it one year-and-a-day at a time.

Rev. Jesse

14:48 / 15.01.02

Quit bitching and have some fun, cusm.

Well, Trijhaos, why don't YOU tell US what the pros and cons of being a student are as most of us have not had any experience in this matter. Go there, try it out and see if you like it or not then let us know.

Magical groups can vary widely, and it would be hard for anyone to pass a judgement on any given group without having had the chance to experience what it is like.

-Jesse

Gho5tD4nc3r

15:46 / 15.01.02

I've come into contact with a number of groups, but whenever I tried to work with then I found the structure constricted rather then helped me. Personally I think you should find your own truth, but if you are looking for some solid structure as a base then go for it. However make sure you know what you're getting into.

Lothar Tuppan

16:09 / 15.01.02

I agree with what Jesse said.

In a perfect situation, I tend to like working with groups. Unfortunately, finding that perfect situation can be frustrating and disheartening. But everybody'll have a different opinion, and those with strong opinions may not see the irony in telling you that their opinion will help you find your truth. (and yes, I do realize that the rest of my post is gently doing the same thing

)

Unless they want you to sign a 2 year contract or something, why don't you just try it out and see if you like it. If in a month or two you think it's bogus then quit. You'll have more experience to decide other things. For example you may think that you would like a group, but maybe just not that one. Or maybe you'll decide that you just don't want to be in one whatsoever.

You'll never know unless you try it.

[ 15-01-2002: Message edited by: Lothar Tuppan ]

Add Your Reply