It’s important to acknowledge that many newcomers tend to explore Thelema’s Deep Wisdom through the lens of occultism, which can sometimes limit their experience. However, Thelema offers a wealth of knowledge and insight that extends far beyond this initial approach, and discovering these deeper aspects can be indeed enriching!

In contemporary discussions, occultism encompasses a fascinating blend of alpha-numerical puzzles and symbolic elements. It invites exploration within the metaphorical dark room of knowledge, where practitioners engage in rituals in black robes and delve into the astrological significance of houses, degrees, and hours. This rich tapestry includes diverse correspondences, combining various divination methods with elements of Eastern philosophies and Western intellectual traditions, creating a unique opportunity for misunderstanding and personal escapism.

The occult encompasses a mixture of various beliefs and practices developed by Western mystics throughout the centuries, often without access to the original Kabbalistic teachings. This collection has been shaped into a somewhat vague system known as Hermetic or Mystical Qabalah. Additionally, these concepts have an inherent elusiveness and mysteriousness that can be difficult to comprehend fully.

What we see here resembles a childish game, lacking any true purpose aside from indulging in the allure of astral attraction and a seemingly delightful perception. However, it’s clear that this approach might only lead to superficiality, where meaning is artificially assigned, and genuine progress—such as enhanced emotional intelligence, broader life choices, and more profound personal and transpersonal relationships—remains unachieved.

Sitting here, writing and thinking about this, how many occult pentagram rituals, divination methods, and alpha-numerical riddles are there in the original Abramelin operation? None (according to the new translation of The Book of Abramelin, amazon >>).

It makes one wonder why.

I assert that I have dedicated a significant amount of time delving into the darker realms of occult practices. Let me be clear: I am not talking about the angry, rebellious mentality of a modern occultist or superficial mix typically seen in the New Age movement, which is often overly sentimental and lacking in depth.

It was a strict and focused practice directed by HGA (in Her various emanations): Goetia evocations and Grimorium Verum operation.

The occult practices I engaged in significantly enhanced my overall development. My core intention has always been to open up and connect with Reality on more profound, intimate levels. Every operation I undertook served my Holy Guardian Angel, and I dedicated years to this journey. 

I didn’t seek to invent anything new; no additional sephiroth were added to the ancient Tree of Life, and I didn’t create novel interpretations of existing systems. On the contrary, I embraced the process of shedding much of the unnecessary (intellectual) weight accumulated over years of study. It was about confidently deconstructing my perception of Reality and dissolving self-centeredness through dismantling my mental barriers.

It was about opening up to a new, unknown, and deeper Reality above reason.

What am I saying here? Is my way the right one, and are all other students wrong?

Of course not.

What do we want, though? What is our deeper intention? 

The intention makes all the difference. The stakes are high at the bazaar of genuine spirituality, and it is not about the action. It is about the intention.

In the Temple of Nuit, occult practices are unimportant in themselves. Getting involved in them without a profound understanding and a view of the broader picture is an immense oversight.

Occultism is only a path (like the Left-hand path or any other tradition), one of many, and a mix of methods that ought to lead ahead (does it?).

It is not a goal in itself; it is only a process, a path.

Even authentic magical feats do not yield much; what to speak of occult hocus-pocus?
Yes, it is indeed exciting to heal a stomach pain instantly, return lost items, or get that hot damsel laid. It is helpful to see the future or the forthcoming sorrows, and getting relevant info about the past can sometimes prove invaluable.

However, none of the above will produce the K&C of the HGA, and most definitely, it will never secure the permanent crossing of the Abyss.

It all depends on the intention.

In our Temple, we tolerate occult practices as long as they serve the profound development of identity, the deconstruction (or rather, reconstruction) of relative perception of Reality, and the attainment of the embodiment of that Will that lies above reason.

There is no ambiguity here:

It should never be forgotten for a single moment
that the central and essential work of the Magicians
is the attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel…

…who can be invariably and inevitably relied upon to lead him to the further
great step-crossing of the Abyss and the attainment of the grade of Master of the Temple.

Anything apart from this course is a side issue and unless so regarded, may lead to the complete ruin of the whole work of the Magician.
– Master Therion, Magick without tears

Frater 418.’.