August 1st, 2022
Over the weekend, I received two books that I ordered: The Red King by Mark Alan Smith and Thaumiel: The Dark Divided Ones by S. Ben Qayin.
Lately, I find myself hesitating to throw myself at whatever book seems interesting and that struggles with the want to explore each author, allowing myself to judge the authenticity and efficacy of their work. In a path with limited reference, compared to others, I feel like it would be a waste to not at least skim through and make the call for myself. Though, it’s hard to ignore personal accounts and reviews, in plain sight, of the author themselves and/or their works.
Would that constitute me a “dabbler”? Maybe. I do this to see what fits in my path and I feel like that shouldn’t be a crime, in and of itself.
The first book, The Red King, was bought per referral. I was told that it had value, even if I didn’t find myself resonating with the work entirely, that I could take something from it. Now, I see why that may be the case. To preface, I’ve made the grave error of buying this one alone, as it seems it is the second in a three-part series, but I have no wish to fully immerse myself in this “primal craft”. Nor, do I really have the budget to do so.
After a skim, it does seem to reference the first book some, in terms of tools created and some jargon, but that shouldn’t be too much of a hinderance. I was not aware that this was by someone who seems acquainted with the Temple of the Ascending Flame (I think is what they are called), so that’s interesting. Likely out of ignorance, I am bad at following which groups people write for. The hymn-like evocations and sigil artstyle was a dead giveaway, so this book should not have workings that I would be totally unfamiliar with.
Taking into account that this book is purely written within the boundaries of Smith’s gnosis, it has some teachings that make me scratch my head a little. Especially the everything about Atlanteans (I’m none the wiser). Since it all seems to align in foretelling the creation of the Draconian path, I suppose it has value in its own right to the right people. Of course, ToAF’s teachings focus on the search for universal truths and personal ascension, which this book definitely capitalizes on.
Should I work through the rites and proceedings of this book, I’d have to alter it quite a bit, both due to limitations and unwillingness. To which, I wonder if that would void the purpose of following the book of all by not following the gnosis of this author as he intended. I could view it as, I am not Smith. Even if I were him and work it exactly down to the T… I would not have the same experience. Perhaps, it is fitting to work it as I will, take his sigils and find my own truths. Isn’t that the goal of individual ascension? Likely a philosophical debate with no real winner. Or maybe there is a correct answer, and I am a foolish novice who knows nothing of magick.
That said, some of the workings calls one to work outside, with specific tools some of which would be expensive to acquire in modern time. I feel as if I can substitute these things with something that has value and meaning to me to better amplify the goal here. Paper instead of parchment, etc. I cross the line on sexual magick when pertaining to deities. I have no need nor want nor will to placing any part of my orgasm for ritual with higher beings. No thanks. I also draw the line at pacts. I’m not binding myself to any one deity in the name of personal ascension, that is a bit overkill.
The book is in-depth and thorough, it would be a shame not to at least try to work through it, even if it’s a very vanilla, bastardization of it. It may result in utter failure, but I can’t say I didn’t try.
The second book, I bought out of interest of wanting to start a Qlipphotic journey. It only details Thaumiel, in terms of actual workings, but provides nice foundation about the duality of the Sephiroth/Qlipphoth. Albeit, a bit abridged, but enough to be concise. It has discussion of the beings it places within that sphere (Satan/Moloch) and why their alignment is within Thaumiel. It is quite short as well. I’ve only skimmed it, but it seems promising. At least, I say this without knowing anything about the author, so don’t take this as genuine endorsement.
Book club aside. I managed to do one working with selected spirit, evoking them, working on clairsenses. I find he has taken up whistling at me, like one would do to get someone’s attention, also that he smells of cigarettes. There’s some minor progression in my clairvoyance, however my clairaudience and clairgustace (is that what it’s called? I’m too tired/lazy to Google it) is improving much faster.
I feel myself gravitating towards King Paimon some more. Some time needs to be set aside to work out the details of what I wish to ask of him then I’ll work into structuring an evocation. TBA on that.
I’ve written myself empty of thought, so I’ll stop myself here. Have a nice night. (:
If anything, it kept me going through the night to sleepily fix all the problems that arose. Making positives out of negatives or whatever gratuitous thought pattern one should follow.