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

When you say "History of Magic". Mr. Curi, you are refering to European ideas of Magic, yes? I ask because if you were to teach such a course, I hope that that would be noted, as what is taught as "history" in American schools these days is rather cheesy and the omissions are huge, teaching ignorance as the truth. My personal gripe. Not saying that you would do the same.

As for college level magic, perhaps you should contact Peter Carroll. He's a magician of the chaos bent who will be starting an online school called Arcanorium College. Here is his website, and a breakdown of the project Friend.


-F.F. (P.S. That John Michael Greer article is excellent. Thank you for putting it up friend)

This post has been edited by Frater F.A.M.E.: Aug 15 2006, 12:36 AM

Good day,

Of course! I'm very much glad you liked it. Yes, allow me to clarify what I meant initially. When I meant the History of Magic as a class/course at a university, I meant that it was not only limited to European Magic (as Western magic is as equally important in my opinion).

I would like to direct your attention next to bardwood.com because they have a school of Druidry in the making also known as Avalon College that will be specializing in many, but not all of the magical arts (evocation and much of Western magic is off the list).

I've always wanted to 'teach' magic to worthy students of the occult to help them fufill their credentials in a particular field (most especially in the evocation of the fallen spirits found in the Goetia and other grimoires, in Western Magic in general, and of course the History of Magic). These subjects are intertwined and inseperable it seems. I find that these subjects are beginning to creep up slowly but surely alongside our schools in the States and Europe as well. It's just a matter of time before this dream is made into a reality. Thoughts? Comments? Has anyone ever wanted to teach an occult subject in classroom setting before? Can it be done? I heard on the news not so long ago that a class was made available in a well-known university (I can't remember which) called the History of the Devil and Possessions 101.

Sincerely,

Mr. Curi