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Alchemy vs. MagicFrom: Michael Winn
Subject: General
Date/Time 2006-09-14 06:13:16
Remote IP: 66.32.50.129
MessageThe question here is one of intent (i.e. will). The alchemical practices are focused on restoring old patterns or creating new patterns in the personal and collective chi field of unity (yuan) ,balance (yin-yang), and harmony (five phases). I personally do not practice formal magic, and even in doing healing work keep to the alchemical model and attempt to activate the alchemical process in the client rather than invoking elemental forces that will come in and do the job.
The tools a magician use employ exactly the same principles, only they are directed at a particular end. If the end is selfish (in the negative sense) and harms others, the effects are mirrored back to the magician - but others meanwhile may have suffered.
A lot of what is called magic in the Taoist magical traditions is simply what medicine or politics is trying to do - restore health and create abundance. But there are famous "demon busters" who work with the dark side and can turn it towards "good" ends. This is a legitimate part of learning to harmonize the dark and light sides, rather than merely exploiting the dark side for personal power. And of course China is filled with tales of black magicians who abuse that power, or attempt to.
As N says, just focus on fulfilling your destiny and cultivating your essence, and the issue will not become a problem. Certainly I wouldn't let it slow me down from diving in deeper.
michael
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