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What is Magick?

To: alt.magick
From: catherine yronwode 
Subject: Re: What is Magick?
Date: Sun, 18 Jul 2004 11:02:54 GMT

Asiya wrote:
> 
> "Alexander Mulligan"  wrote 

> > In alt.magick, Erich wrote:
> >
> > > and the extracted
> > > portions of classical thought spanning near all cultures into a
> > > viable working system of supreme initiatory attainment.
> >
> > "initiatory attainment"?  Are we talking about magick or a college
> > fraternity?
> 
> Certain systems of magick have initiation cermonies, signifying that
> the student/frater/soror is about to begin a new period of study and
> experience. Some people confuse these rituals with actual attainment
> (enlightenment, mastery, etc).

And in some initiatic lodge systems, the rituals of initiation are
only performed after the candidate has demonstrated an actual
attainment of proficiency. 

Depending on the lodge system in question, proficiency (and hence
actual attainment) may be  demonstrated in the rather rudimentary form
of recitation of a catechism. In the most traditional lodge systems,
however, attainment of proficiency is demonstrated in three modes: by
the recitation of a catechism, by the rehearsal of the signs and
symbols pertaining to the degree from which one is matriculating, and,
most importantly, by the presentation of an original piece of research
in open lodge, in the form of a lecture from notes or an essay read
aloud, which research will then be challenged by senior officers of
the lodge after the form of a defended thesis in an academic setting.
In merit-based lodges such as this, only after passing all three tests
of proficiency will a member be invited to the next level of
initiation. 

Cordially,

cat yronwode

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