After completing my Shadownomicon initiation pathworking, I was told to choose between the Book of Gates and the Lovecraftian current. Since I hadn’t read any Lovecraft, that left the Book of Gates. I will be working through the Book of Gates, a Magical Interpretation by Josephine McCarthy.
Belial had come to me and “suggested” I also begin working with archangels while doing these currents. To have it come out of Belial’s mouth when I worked so heavily in the darker currents was surprising. Previous interactions with archangels left a range of feelings, from uncomfortable to normal to sick. They were mostly amicable interactions and I had nothing against them. I simply never felt drawn to or any sort of resonance with them.
Apparently, it’s a way to stave off the madness that can come from working with either of those paths. This is the primary reason, but there are others that I know are there, but not being discussed by him. Maybe it will ruin the surprise.
In support of this and after starting the reading for the Book of Gates, I was impressed to call upon the archangels from Brand’s Archangels of Magick and work with them in a similar manner as the Shadownomicon entities. I do not know much of anything about any of them and expect to pick up information along the way, coupled with a healthy dose of confusion, contradiction, and, ultimately, (personal) discovery. I am aware that my views and understanding of them and what I’m being shown/told/experience will change over time.