Having tread the path of Magick for roughly 8 years, followed by a (very unexpected) switch to the path of the Mystic for the past 15 years, I think that the difference between esoteric/magick practice and mystical practice can be summed up with two very simple symbols from the Tarot: The Magician and The Fool. Both lead to Kether (and therefore through to Ain Soph Aur). However, their approaches are very very different. The practicioner of magick applies his/her WILL and uses the tools of symbolism. It is a mindful approach to the divine. The mystic, however, abandons him/herself to direct connection with godhead with no thoughts, no concepts, no application of will. The Magician is Yang, male, active--force bound by form. The Fool is Yin, feminine, passive--form transfixed by force.
As I've grown, I see that there are elements of The Magician inside The Fool, and vice-versa. As with all things below the supernals, duality is a fact of existence and there are reflections within reflections. But the basic approaches do indeed differ. Mysticism is purely devotional and you must empty yourself completely to make room for god-consciousness; yet you must actively discipline yourself to remain so empty and receptive. Magickal practice is largely active and requires the learning and application of much mental symbolism and imagery, yet you must at the same time remain sensitive and open and aware of subtle currents.
Life is pretty fucking cool, either way. What an adventure this all is!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2003-05-27 12:49 pm (UTC)As I've grown, I see that there are elements of The Magician inside The Fool, and vice-versa. As with all things below the supernals, duality is a fact of existence and there are reflections within reflections. But the basic approaches do indeed differ. Mysticism is purely devotional and you must empty yourself completely to make room for god-consciousness; yet you must actively discipline yourself to remain so empty and receptive. Magickal practice is largely active and requires the learning and application of much mental symbolism and imagery, yet you must at the same time remain sensitive and open and aware of subtle currents.
Life is pretty fucking cool, either way. What an adventure this all is!