Always the purpose of Betwixt is to learn and discuss things... through the diversity of our beliefs it is a natural thing that we will view things differently. We have differing views on magic and a few other things, that sometimes require us to step back and review our reactions.
One of these things is this excerpt. You understand the piece having come at it through the book and the authors perceptions, I however understand it as I read it here. Simple. And I stand by my opinion of it. I had already stated that I was not talking about the "twits that hope to use it for fame and fortune" but in fact its everyday appeal. We are human and we perceive magic having its uses.... from the sacred and profane to the everyday kitchen witchery. Having read the passage over multiple times I still dislike the tone of it, it still smacks of elitism. I did not follow the link to find out the date or era that the author speaks of in the reference of presumptuous ignoramuses or eccentric savants, I know only that the language used bothers me, and I find the whole thing dismissive. In fact the only thing I find agreeable is the passage "True magic is a scientific force placed at the service of Reason. False magic is a blind force added to the blunders and disorders of Folly"
I have often said and will continue to adhere to this ... "mediums and spiritualist reaching beyound the human veil, using a gift that is a human birth right, one that many of us have come to accept" Yes I do believe its a birthright. The human psyche has huge potential that niether of us can cap, but I do firmly believe that mankind as a species has hidden or supressed gifts that reach beyond the level of simple matter, we CAN perceive other worlds and states. Why should we not learn to use it? The analogy of giving a gun to a child is not very relevant in this dialogue, it simply creates fear where there doesn't have to be with a knee-jerk reaction. As far as it being dangerous to explore this birthright, my only answer to that is from a parents perspective... there is danger in everything. To deny your senses because you might see, hear or think something that could harm you is hardly the way of growth. As for chasing after it? yes... I think one should do exactly that, it took thousands of years of fear, religious dogma and social breeding to to subvert parts of our humanity. We are coming to an age where anyone from teen witch to venerated scholar can seek to unlock the potential they have within and explore the unusual gifts we each bring to the table. And while orthodox religions are still very uncomfortable with mediums and spiritualists, science has turned an eye on those same gifts and seeks to understand it with various levels of success.
I believe that if we can get past a future of self-annihilation (both as a species and individual) then those same gifts I spoke off can help unlock the secrets hidden within humanity. Granted not everyone can do magic nor does everyone believe in it, but the sun does not need my belief to rise each day, it simply is ... much like the energy that I call magic.... and is there ready to provide one of many avenues towards self realization.
ANYways, enough rambling on that vein...
Nox I agree whole-heartedly with your post ... and yeah, I remember those chatters...boy were they a pain in the ass, it was often a futile exercise talking to some of them. Usually I just left them up to Badger to deal with, he was so much kinder, lol
Have a great day, everyone
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