NMR ISSUE 22

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Protection from the Intoxicated
Psalm to the Goddess
The Oldest Magick
The Witch of Wookey
Understanding Your Dreams
Why Spiritual Groups Succeed or Fail
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Why Spiritual Groups Succeed or Fail

Phaedron

A certain dynamic occurs in a Magickal Order, that makes the Order great—or in the worst instances, will cause decay. This has been seen throughout the history of some very fine but uncontrollable Orders.

Initiates of a Magickal group or Order share a deep spiritual relationship (even though separately from one another) which occurs on a sublime level. Being a member of a spiritual group, and thus sharing a common force, is like the many cells functioning individually in a human body. The human race is an example of this on a larger scale. While each group has its own characteristic energy, initiation provides the link to the source of that energy.

Each member is responsible for affecting the others, by their acts, deeds and thoughts. When good fortune befalls one member of the group, it befalls all—but it manifests in different ways. Conversely, when one member experiences ill fortune of any kind, so, too, do the repercussions affect all members. This is always the case, and most members notice it.

What one member does will affect their brothers and sisters, too. There is no escape from this natural phenomenon. To believe that the energies of one member will go unnoticed in the group, or will not affect every other member, is a mistake. Just as it is a mistake t believe that the heart acts alone and does not affect the kidneys (no matter what some practitioners claim). Thus, one is invited to undertake the serious and unbreakable bond of initiation, only if the Hierophant believes the candidates words, thoughts, actions, etc. will not be too uncontrolled and will not stray too far from what the group stands for and creates.

The most proven and potent influence on the members of a spiritual group, is any single member's expressions or betrayals of self-improvement. The obligation, then, is great—for when the initiate acts, it is never alone. The frustrations of one member will psychically spread to all others. It can take its toll on the weak. The originator of this influence may face appropriate karma. One member who holds up their end," and conquers the demons of the lower self (as gradual as it may be) fortifies every other member, helping them in their attempts to do the same.

The Hierophant, Priestess, or other authority should be powerful enough to control such influences on the organization (assuming the membership as a whole is industrious and sincere). As leader, it is their job to recognize the qualified few that deserve the opportunity to join and use the group's resources. But even in the best circumstances, an occasional aspirant might abuse or even revile them. Fortunately, Nature responds accordingly in the least expected ways, to maintain the energy of the Authentic organization.

This concept, like all magickal concepts, is simple and probably the most important for initiates to learn. Do not let its simplicity deceive you. Nature offers powerful energy and valuable knowledge to duly sanctioned spiritual groups.

Phaedron is the G. H. Hierophant of the Holy Order of the Winged Disk, and Director of its International Academy of Hermetic Knowledge. These articles are excerpts from The Practica Arcanum. For more information call (800) 827-6843, or write: PO Box 4384, Charlottesville, VA 22905.