How to Begin?

Hello,

I have been reading some of the books by Regardie, and have just picked one up by Cicero (sp?) on 'self initiation'. One question that comes up in the context of working by oneself in a small space (as opposed to having access to a group and/or a large space)is of how much of the actual 'hardware' is necessary? The only tradition I have worked with that even comes close to the GD is certain aspects of Tibetan shamanism.

In that tradition, certain physical 'props' are more essential than others (e.g. wands or sceptres), although in most cases, the practitioner is allowed to simply visualize what he/she doesn't happen to have on hand (which can actually be better, if the visualizations are done correctly). I am wondering if a similar rule of thumb can be followed for GD work, or if the temple set up is 'essential'.

Thanks,

Dear John,

when I began work with the GD system, I was comming from a transcendentalist perspective, and figured that all physical-plane entrapments could be handled in the astral only. this definitely worked for me. I think the weapons are intended in part to get people started. the elemental weapons can actually be charged with the energy each supposedly 'symbolizes,' so they become very potent