Response to Magical Academics, Evocation Options

Dear spirit evokers,

I thought that this particular post would be interesting, and have decided to ask you all for your impressions and opinions. Here it goes! Many us live in the United States of America and as some of you may well know, live in a culture that values academics along with activites and hobbies. After Johnny or Sally get picked up from school they usually head to karate, piano lessons, football, dance and so on. In the summer they usually head to camps or to compete in sport tournaments and competitions. College students will many times be working for money, take summer classes or go back to their parents' home (and enjoy a lazy summer). But here is my question.

How do you think children and parents would respond to an advertisement (say, in a newspaper) that advertises a sacred magical education for worthy students of the magical arts? Of course some of you may be thinking "oh no, Harry Potter!" Well you may be more right than you know. Our kind (magicians and witches alike) have advanced in the recognition of the public eye through fiction that has some reality in it indeed. Now kids know what the word "divination", "history of magic", "magical creatures", "herbology", (as it is called in J.K. Rowling's novel) and "potions", not to mention the very true reality of defending one's self against "dark magic." The list goes on.

Since this particular post is in the Goetic Spirits section, I would like to also add to the advertisement the exciting possibilities of the magical art of evocation. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could teach this art and draw people in by telling them about the endless magical possibilities that can be brought about through hard work and dedication? Enticing? Does it sound like a company that could gain fame and wealth? That's up for you to decide. The vision I had in mind was not some closed off lodge that no one is able to access, but somewhere nearby and as frequently seen as state colleges. For two years I taught "magical mystical creatures" and actually gave students homework, had them invoke and work with some of the creatures, and even tested them! It was a pretty nice success because then they wanted to learn more about magic (I may be teaching the book by Oberon from the Grey Council). But evocation, would it be a hit? It would be awesome to think that you can control anything, but nowadays everything is contoversial. Imagine if the great evokers of our century (perhaps even some from this very forum) could combine to revolutionize magic and not keep it hidden away. It was meant to be shared, and taught academically by those who understand its elements. It really would be an amazing thing if people began to find an interest in what magic has to offer. Don't you think if we got kids interested in this early on it would develop an interest freely chosen by them in the future? These are things that really could be taught, starting in my opinion with the evocation of spirits. How many would be drawn to the Goetia? Evocation promises you anything. This almost like asking a genii for anything (only it's a bit tougher and more expensive). Evocation comes at a great price. How many would choose to follow this very difficult and perhaps even financially trying path? I would love to hear your opinions, thoughts, or recommendations.

Thank you for reading, and good day to you all!

Curi

Dear spirit evokers,

Thank you all for your brilliant opinions! Chaoscrowley, well said indeed! Also, thanks for the insightful quotes. It is something worth pondering. There is much truth to your argument. You said, "In the past (magical) info wasn't hidden and bound by vows to keep it from the public in a malign way. It was done so that those who truly wanted it had access and those who didn't deserve it did not. It also served as a protection of those who used the knowledge." A great point. Sacred magic should never suffer the unworthy! But the problem is that there are many worthy souls who have great potential and it is quite possible that they've never heard of, say the powerful art of evocation. Yes, it is true that many are fortunate to find magic like you and me but what about those who are not? In other words, how do we make magic attractive without proclaiming it to the whole world? Or, does magic work for itself in this regard?

I also wanted to make a comment on the last couple of sentences mystick wrote to this forum post. It says, "But. As a person who's biding his time for cultural/economic collapse and a return to tribal life, I really don't think it's the right way to bring the occult to the masses." The original intent of bringing magic to the world would certainly not be to see as you say, a cultural/economic collapse or to go back to a tribal life. First off, the world (if the proposed idea were to materialize into a worldwide occurrence) would continue on its everyday path. The world would not, in my opinion, stop to ask (us) if scientific research should continue. The Catholic Church has been on earth for nearly two-thousand years. Yes, it has had it's share of problems, but the world has kept turning. I would never call a priest tribal only because he has a certain primitive, not scientifically based beleif and wears clothing that appears to be from the early middle ages (this can go for any other faith). Ceremonial Magic, likewise, should never be considered something primitive but something noble and honourable. Everything nowadays is contraversial. But our world is learning to accept what was, in the past generation unacceptable. Economy and culture would not fall in my opinion, it would simply have to adjust.

Thank you for reading, and have a pleasant day,

Curi

P.S. Feel free to continue posting your opinions on magical academics (most especially in the area of evocation and summoning Goetic spirits).