Subject: Skepticism, Magick and Thelema (was Liber Al and the Beast)
From: nagasiva@luckymojo.com (nigris (333))

Orig-To: thelema93-l@ now at egroups.com

50000123 IV Hail Eris! om Kaos Day!

a correspondent wrote:
> The book of the Law is a load of crap, people. 

the Book of the Law is the manifest cosmos. its truth and beauty
are unparalleled and without question worthy of intense study.
far from being a "load of crap", it is filled with That which
encourages wonder.

> What is necessary to ask, is that if you realise this, what 
> would be left of Thelema? 

realizing that the Evul Book (Crowley's Bi(b)le) is a load of
crap, Thelema remains a Law of Nature and a principle capable
of being used to one's advantage.
 
> Could you maintain your ideas of freedom and magic WITHOUT
> the Book of the Law?

of course not!

> Would you be inspired without it? 

of course not!

> How do we get inspiration anyway?

focussing on That which fulfills our deepest and most
long-standing needs.

> Can you think on your own, without some divine voice validating you?

yes, but it is nice to have Kali smile and nod occasionally.

> Can the actual performance of magick teach us to think? 

it can but it need not.

> Independent of dogma?

I think that the performance of magick is far more likely to 
lead us to be ignorant of skeptical thought. it is easier to 
get caught up in the spectacle of our ability and shut down 
our perceptual and critical faculties, fearful that turning 
on doubt and criticism will 'spoil the use of our ability'.

blessed beast!

nigris (333)