the bell, the book, the candle, the twists, the turns, the works

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Derek said:

The interpretation I find most meaningful is the following: Be very careful when you talk about magick, and be most avoidance of quoting the teachings of your tradition. One reason or this is that it is far too easy to rely upon 'answers' we have been taught. Rather than striving to attain understandings and experiences of our own, we too often attempt to borrow the fruit of others' labors. Furthermore, so much of what seems to be stated as fact within any tradition is not much more than views from a particular perspective, rather than the very reality we seek to know. When I remain silent, it forces me to consider more carefully what I might say. In doing so I have an opportunity to confront the limitations of my answers.

One of my teachers once said, 'The secret to wisdom isn't in having the answers as much as it is in understanding the questions.'

Lux,

Excellent. And to paraphrase Lao Tsu..... 'He who talks about it does not know, and he who knows does not talk about it.'

You can only speak of science and theories, but not of the mystery itself.

No, not of the Mystery. But I can describe my experiences in great detail. Whether my descriptions have meaning to another or not is based upon his or her own experiences and prejudices. Furthermore, at this point we usually resort to metaphor and simile, and our descriptions start to take on the aspects of myth and poetry. And one person's poetry is another's drivel. So, if I chose to speak of the Mystery as I have experienced it, then I chose the risk of sounding like a fool. If so, why would I ever speak of the Mystery as I have experienced it? Two reasons come to mind: (a) it might lead to a sharing from which we can all benefit, and (b) it might spark others' curiosities to try it for themselves.

Lux, Chuck

P.S. - It's nice to see another D/FW occultist in here. :-}