QUOTE(Harkadenn @ Sep 24 2011, 09:40 AM)
So far what Magick is all about is to know yourself as in (knowledge and conversation with your holy guardian angel), and after that to confront your inner demons with Goetia and make them work for you?
Is that what it's all about?
Of course I know Magick is much more than that, it's what you are but still would like to know what you guys can answer me.
Mmmm.... I don't see magic as being drastically different than living life. I think it's an approach to problem solving, a philosophy regarding how to derive some meaning in our lives both on the lower material level and the higher spiritual level, as well a kind of natural philosophy. I've heard people say that you have to find a balance between practicing magic and living a 'real life' - personally I live a magical life all of the time.
Goetia - Goes - Sorcerer, Goetia is just an old word for sorcery. So, although that may be a possible long term goal for magical practice, be mindful of the terms you use only because they may indicate a misunderstanding of art vs. tradition. It's not a big deal, I'm just a language person and see the reassignment of terms take place usually under the auspice of redefinition when none is, usually, necessary.
Some traditions focus on conversation with the Holy Guardian Angel, but not all. This is sometimes compared to enlightenment, and sometimes differentiated. I'm under the long suffering impression that most of the authors that write about this process have themselves only heard about it from others and that few, if almost any, have actually done this. If it is a deeply personal and unique experience, then possibly there is no good way to write about it because it cannot be expressed accurately in a universal way. If this is not the case, then a lot of people are selling books because 'Holy Guardian Angel' is a fantastically attractive and iconic phrase.
I believe, like most everything else is, Magic is about living a fulfilling life. Some people have the magic of charm and clever words; some people have the magic of innovation; some have the magic of abstract reasoning; some have the magic of implacable will and hard work; some have the magic of genius. Magic is not just about rituals, or attainment of the 'supernatural', or hexing your enemies, or commanding demons (though one might say that the implacable will intent on achieving its goal does in doing so conquer those demons which otherwise would distract from accomplishment towards the betterment of self and the true embodiment of personal and/or divine will.) The ability to identify a goal, act impeccably to achieve that goal, and let no thing deter from this is perhaps the most Magical thing you can demonstrate. To do so without harming any other being the process is practically miraculous in this world - to do so while gaining the respect and admiration of those around you while inspiring similar character advancements in those onlookers is perhaps the most influential and powerful act of 'white' magic you can achieve.
Broaden your idea of what Magic is, and your life will change. When Magic is Life, and Life is Magic, magic does not stop with Guardian Angels and infernal powers. Magic becomes ever present and accessible at all times, under all conditions, and the world you live in unfolds before you. In my opinion, to live in communion with one's own spirit, and the spirit of the World (not 'earth', Gaia, etc. but Creation itself and all of its parts) is the attainment of the communion of the HGA. But, that is only my own experience and opinion. I didn't get there by lodge work, so it might be different.
peace