On the Threshold
The Nice-to-know-about-Magic

By Goeran Groenvold, 1997

May be distributed freely as long as it stays in its original form.

Magic or Magick
Some spell magic with a -k at the end, for various reasons. Either to differ between theatrical magic, like the illusions of David Copperfield, and ritual magic. While some to indicate the use of sexual magic. When and who came up with the idea of the "K", is unknown to me, since so many have claimed to be the inventor. Either way, magic and magick is the same and can be spelled both ways. I prefer the former and original spelling, magic.

Can I do magic?
Everybody can do magic. But if you are mentally unbalanced, I wouldn't recommend it. This is because some of the processes you'll get involved in, can be psychologically wearing. If you should suffer under such illness you would be well advised to consult a doctor or some other professional about their advice, before you jump into it.

Ritual Sacrifice
The sacrifice of living creatures is a topic often linked to Ritual Magic and well favored by the media. However, the sacrifice of blood and life goes way back in history and has been a part of almost every religions, cults or sects except from the more recent ones. The sacrifice was a gift to please the God or Goddess of the specific religion and is found even today reflected in the rituals of the churches around the world, although in a symbolic manner. So according to history it is just as fair to link the bloody sacrifice to the Christian Church as to Ritual Magic.

Of course there have been some magicians through history who have sacrificed animals and probably some lunatic who has sacrificed humans, just as the Church have done. But that is ancient history, and the no one today should have to answer for the crimes of our predecessors.

The spilling of blood releases a power that lends itself particularly to materialization work. It enables the astral form to assume bodily appearance within the Triangle of Art. However, the use of incense seem to cause just as good effects, or the cracking open an egg. Breaking an egg gives about the same result as cutting someone's throat, and, it's legally too. But, if you insist on using blood you can make a little scratch in your own arm, no more than you can squish out a few drops.

According to Crowley's Book of the Law (Liber AL vel Legis) the best blood is menstruation blood, then that of child, then from the host of heaven, then of enemies, then of the priest or of worshippers, last of some beast. This is taken from the recipe of the Cakes of Light, which are sometimes used in the Thelemic ceremonies, and are not to be mistaken with the sacrificing of the beings mentioned. There is a difference between sacrificing a woman and asking for some of her menstruation blood.

Sexual Rituals
I'll bet that caught your attention. :-)

Rituals involving sexual acts is even a hotter topic in media than the sacrificing of a person. (Strange, isn't it? How we're more interested in if someone is having sex, than if someone is being killed.)

Sex, however, is used by some as a tool to reach the climax of a ritual. It is believed by those who pursues it, that the sexual act releases a special and very strong form of energy that enables you to "trigger" the ritual. In order to make it work. But, this, like sacrificing living creatures, isn't necessary. Amongst the more "strait" occultists, other ways are used as a trigger, e.g. the repeating of a certain mantra usually linked to the intention of the ritual.

It is however important to notice that sexual symbolic are frequently used in some of the magical philosophies, and most of the time it is only a symbolic representation rather that actual sex.

Of course there are probably a few out there who sees the opportunity to get satisfaction of some of their more obscure lusts, but their intentions are easily "undressed".

Personally, I do not practice any rituals involving sexual acts. I believe such an act would turn my focus on other areas than my ritual intention.

The use of Drugs The use of drugs in rituals, is another aspect that has played a part in making an already bad reputation worse. The common belief of a magical ritual is that the occultist gets "high" on drugs, sacrifice someone and finally have a repulsive sex orgy while they are covered with blood.

I'm not saying that there isn't anyone who use drugs in rituals, but this is not a common phenomena. At least not among the more serious occultists. Drugs, however, can be employed to make the visualizations easier and to "trigger" the ritual. But luckily, this too is optional. It's not always the easiest way that is the best.

Drugs can be found in many spiritual connections in the earlier days, both in the East and West. In many of the recipes of medieval witches, herbs and plants with hallucinating effects where used in ointments, salves and oils. The Indian Shaman's used them. And a former Queen of England did too. It is not until recent time that drugs have been categorized as illegal and unethical.

Personally I believe that the use of drugs can be very dangerous, not only to your body, but especially under ritual circumstances where the will plays an important part. Drugs in rituals may bring some non-pleasant side effects. Someone once said: "Magic is controlled madness. Magic under the influence of drugs, is just madness." I agree!

A thing or two about occult communities There are many societies and orders that teaches the secrets of magic. Many of these claim to be the One True way of reaching enlightenment. Which is? How do we know what lodge or temple to enter?

What seem to be the commonly two reasons or qualifications to why to join their club, is :

1. How far back goes their roots and what tradition do they carry on.
2. They also claim to know some big secrets that you will get to know if you'll join.

1. The weird part about the claim of tradition, is that most of these societies basically derive, and are based upon, the same traditions and most are just off-shots of the same society. There is also some who claim to continue traditions, but have no evidence or proof of this connection.

2. The "if you'll join you'll see" concept is a thing to be taken with caution. Because knowledge is usually based upon a grade system, where you only get to know what is appropriate for your level of advancement. What goes on behind the curtains are only for those chosen to be part of the higher or inner circles. Of course there is the issue of protection. It could be dangerous for you to explore areas of magic that you're not yet ready for. And the society gets to keep some of their secrets.

Then why join a magical society?

There are many positive things about belonging to such a community. For instance, you'll be guided through the mysteries and doesn't have to stumble alone on the way of understanding. There is always someone to discuss your progress and achievements with, or your problems for that matter. The society usually have a library of occult resources at your disposal. And many claim that magic works better in a group, where the group-mind evokes stronger energies than by doing the rituals solitarily.

So if or when your are ready to take your first steps into the world of magic through a society, here's some advice that hopefully will help you on your way:

· Before you join a mystical society, research it thorouly first. Don't just join the first or closest you can find. Try to find out all you can about what they stand for and what traditions they teaches, and if there's something about it you don't understand, ask them before signing up.
· A must for every to-be-born-magician is to familiarize himself/herself with the common concepts and traditions of magic. There are plenty of good (and bad) occult literature on the marked, that will give you an insight into the occult. By doing this you are much better prepared to join a mystical society and you will better know what to ask of that society.
· And there is always the question of the membership payment. Now, some claim that "selling" magic is wrong, but of course one have to pay for a membership. In what other way is the society suppose to get the money that it costs to keep a temple/organization running? The thing to worry about is if the membership is really expensive. Then there may be someone running it who is only interested in some "quick cash".

If you cannot find a society that suits you or if the society you're in doesn't quite stand for what you thought they stood for, then it's much better to explore the roads of magic on your own. To quote the words of the brilliant David Conway (who ever that may be, since the name is just a pseudonym): " I know only too well that the path to high magic can be a very lonely one, but it is far better to tread it alone than in unsuitable company."