{Mysticism, Witchcraft and the Occult [continued(3)]}[4th April 1987]

[Redbook3:116-117][19870404:1821l]{Mysticism, Witchcraft and the Occult [continued(3)]}[4th April 1987]

.1821

[continued]

*Names are often misleading: although I do not know much about the Spiritualist Church, what I do know suggests that it has more in common with Occult practices, possibly even Witchcraft, than with Mysticism.

Appearances are often deceptive, at least at first.

Certain rules of thumb may be deduced, and these may assist identification. For example, just as Witchcraft seeks power**, Occultism investigates it***, and Mysticism ignores it (this is what makes Gurdijeff suspect); so Witchcraft generally relies heavily on material objects, Occultism also uses them where necessary, and Mysticism may teach with symbols but never uses a material object as a tool through which to achieve its Spiritual objectives. On the whole, Witchcraft has more in common with some primitive religions; Occultism, perhaps, with aspects of Science; and Mysticism reaches towards the highest and most advanced forms of religious awareness.

A recognition chart might help:

Signs	Witchcraft, Black Magic, Sorcery	Occultism (tends often towards witchcraft)	Religious Mysticism
Power	Seeks	Investigates	Abjures and ignores
The Self	Inflates	Tends to inflate	Abnegates and diminishes
The Soul	Stains	Sceptical	Clears, Brightens
The Spirit	Veils	Sceptical	Unveils
Material 'tools'	Depends upon	Uses [=verb]	As symbols only
Human frailty	Exploits	Ignores	Cherishes and understands
Extreme Separation (Devil)	Worships	Sceptical	Recognises and understands
Ultimate Union (God)	Hates	Sceptical	Aspires towards
Love	=Sex	-	Crucial motivating force

/****Obviously this is based on a limited knowledge of the three subjects, and the signs or indicators are not infallible, exclusive, or complete. Appearances can often be deceptive.****/

*[See last previous entry.]

**(e.g. Scientology)

***(e.g. Gurdijeff?)

/****/<c.[19870405.]0050>

[PostedBlogger09022016]