Im not sure i would be able to tell the difference. In the begining i only saw slightly larger than human black feathered feathered wings directly behind me. Over time they turned to white. Now i just take for granted i will be aided in my task.
Re: "Do What Thou Wilt" By: AwakeTooLong / Knowledgeable
Post # 14 Mar 25, 2014
With time and experience that which is an external spirit and that which is a manifestation of the internal becomes quite distinguishable.
The "Higher Self" aspect of the H.G.A. expression is a connection to all that you ever were and all that you ever will be. In some schools of high magic there is described a conscious awareness, a subconscious awareness, and the sensor that exists between. In connecting with this "Higher Self" or the H.G.A. in this way, the censor all but ceases to exist within those moments where your awareness is so expanded.
The H.G.A. as an external being has little to do with this, and is simply a spirit with which one communes, learns, works, etc. Though, I might add, that to my own experience it will not always offer aid; it is not its place to assist with all things, but to instruct and guide in seeking "True Will" - or in the case of the very deliberate Abramelin Operation, wherein discussion of the H.G.A. originates (I believe), to guide practitioner in the methods and implementation of that particular working.
An excellent post I've stated before that people seem to feel they can and should do whatever they wished simply because they can or because they've twisted ideals such as this to suit their agendas and it bothers me greatly. This lack of forethought and consideration not only in the area of magic but in all aspects I really think is part of the problem with our modern world. All people would benefit from this lesson and I only hope that it hits home to some.
Re: "Do What Thou Wilt" By: AwakeTooLong / Knowledgeable
Post # 17 Mar 25, 2014
Any resemblances of Wicca and Thelema stem from the fact that Gardner drew heavily upon the influences of Crowley and the Golden Dawn in his foundation of Wicca.
They are certainly not incompatible. However their inherent beliefs are slightly different and the rituals which many Wiccans incorporate are different to that which many Thelemites incorporates, of course these rituals are not part of the religions per se.
We have our own set of holy books, our own beliefs, and a set of deities which we can work with or not. This is the religious side of Thelema.
Thelema as a philosophy has only one rule "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." That is find out what your innermost nature is, what you were incarnated to do i.e. your destiny that part of God which is to be expressed through you and thendo it. It sounds simple but discovering the true will is a massive task in itself for most people.
If a wiccan seeks to carry out there task they are technically a Thelemite, as Thelema means Will in Greek and anyone whoseeks to carry out this task can be considered a Thelemite. However they do not have to follow the religious doctrine, beliefs and practicies set down by Aleister Crowley and his subsequent followers.
A wiccan can be a Thelemite philosophically speaking, they could also incorporates some Thelemic teachings, however their core beliefs are different. A Thelemite can often take teachings from anywhere and incorporate them, I myself am friends with wiccans we respect our beliefs and see much more similarities than differences, but the differences are still present and they are important.
When I speak of wiccans I am also not including the majority of young peopleo n this site who claim to be wiccan without thoroughly understanding what the religion is, nor am I included those people who believe witchcraft and wicca to be the same thing. I am including members of a specific belief system, who practice a certain set of specific beliefs who are also seeking spiritual expansion.
Gerald Gardener was also part of the OTO for a short time and that is probably where he took on some of Crowley's beliefs as the O.T.O was headed by Crowley for a long time and took on the book of the Law and became the first old aeon order to accept the Thelemic principles.
That link is for the Sacred Magic of Abramelin, I will state that it is a ritual which lasts six months I believe.....it is not necessary and Crowley replaced it. Also magicians out there have achieved knowledge and conversation other ways. The vessel has to be ready for this endeavour which is the reason for the training systems of the A.'.A.'. and Golden Dawn.
