Pagan Issues
Some do, some don't. I have students who are pagans and we have no problems. As far as I know, my teachings do not conflict with any other belief systems, with the exception of Roman Catholicism. Some Occultists cannot accept the idea of Masters and resent the power they think we exercise. They have been Occultists for so many years, they have served their time and completed their apprenticeship. They have climbed a ladder or hold senior grades in occult orders. I can understand how they might see me as a jumped-up newcomer. I was unheard-of for years so I must seem cheek, loud-mouthed, and clumsy. But I never said I was a ballet dancer. It would surprise me if anyone accepted me without any animosity. Even if I am Aleister's son, it does not mean I am any good at the job. The Crowley name guarantees nothing-blood may be thicker than water, but do we inherit brains?
backHave pagans discussed matters with you?
No, but to be fair, discussions can only be held with people on the same wavelength. To be a Church of England vicar, you need a university degree and ordination by a bishop, but to be a pagan priest, all you need is the inclination, a home-made robe, and a few good friends in Glastonbury. Many pagans are self-proclaimed and deny that any other authority is required. I believe in something 'other', a beyond, and divine power. If the gods exist then they must be consulted. A man may feel and believe that he is called, but if the gods did not call him, was it imagination-or something else?
Paganism is a vague term used as a label for any loose structure of eclectic beliefs that people have chosen themselves. This kind of pagan values 'individual freedom' more than he values truth, and nothing is true unless he agrees with it. This prohibits any useful discussion. One cannot get very far when time is spent on trying to establish terms. If God sends a burning bush, then pagans prune it to a shape they want. Consequently, their beliefs are illogical, unformulated, and difficult to defend. Instead of arguing their case, such people resort to shouting. They believe in silencing their critics-literally. They may claim to be anti-Fascist, but do not hesitate to march rough-shod over any opposition.
As people go, they are pleasant and attractive. The problem is that they put their feelings first and leave little room for reason. They cannot grasp that they might have got it wrong or the gods might not approve of what they are doing. They 'know' that they are right and therefore anyone who disagrees with them is wrong. Instead of searching for truth, they are like Pontius Pilate's bodyguard. They have seen what they have seen, heard what they have heard, and their minds are made up. Truth is whatever they decide it is and anyone thinking otherwise had better not come to their meetings.
backLive and let live, but I cannot accept that all religions are either equal or valid. Men are free to choose, and they often choose wrongly. Like a father, Masters respect their children's wishes, but should we let them play with live explosives or rot their teeth with candy bars? Authority has to be used responsibly even if this makes you unpopular. Pagans lack the insight to realise that I am merely doing my job and, instead, they take it personally.
Most pagans are fond of cloaks, jewels, robes, mantras, paraphernalia, and ritual formulas. If I may put it this way: they like veils of mystery, whereas I like to get at the naked truth. I do not much approve of inessentials and accessories because these matters take over and become a major concern. They then distract attention from the central issues and turn the spiritual path into something that resembles an Amateur Operatic Society.
backWhat have you got against Amateur Drama?
Nothing, but will it solve any of life's more serious problems? Actors, dancers, musicians, and singers are noisy in their demand for greater rewards. They harangue the Lottery, the Arts Council and Local Government, citing all manner of cultural justification. Well, they would, wouldn't they, but do we need art? I do not know the answer, but I am willing to raise the question. In doing so though, missiles will be hurled in my direction. There are many causes more deserving of a handout, but the few who love opera want the nation to pay for it, and the same goes for ballet, theatre and classical music. Notice how those who are "for" one thing tend to be totally "against" another. It is certainly the case with pagans.
Little fish are more at ease in little pools and are capable of convincing themselves that their pool is the universe. They are less interested in the rights and wrongs, and more in getting their way. Like Henry VIII, creed and conscience can be bent to fit their purpose. An Occult Master says that truth must be discovered and, whatever it may turn out to be, we have no choice but to accept it. We cannot change it. We can only remove the blinkers from our eyes.
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