Jeff Russell

Thanks very much for this, it's a position that I can understand, and is likely a safe option, but obviously is one that Brother ADA and I both don't wholly agree with, doubtless for different reasons. My current take is fairly close to JMG's (surprise) as outlined in his response to Paul Kingsnorth a while back: magic, when done properly, is not about bossing the cosmos or anything in it around, rather it is about recognizing our own agency within the wider framework, and exercising it, ideally in alignment with higher, wiser powers (the Gods). As for Brother ADA, he has a whole book explaining his position on the matter, but I haven't read it myself.

Specifically, the existence of folks, like JMG and some others I've encountered, who have done a lot of magic and don't seem beset by demons in the least, suggests to me that at a minimum, it's possible to do magic without it leading to those terrible places, which leaves open whether it's an overall good idea or not. Obviously, the Church might disagree - he worships nature and not the Holy Trinity, after all!

I wouldn't be surprised at all if, as I learn more and keep practicing, "magic" becomes less and less of a priority, and prayer and meditation more so (heck, that already seems to be happening), in part because I think the general thrust - that a good spiritual life involves lining up your will more and more with the divine, and less and less with what seems to be its interests here and now in this world, is likely largely right.

Anyhow, all of that is to say that even though right now I don't agree with the Church's position, I appreciate your sharing it, and I think the concerns it addresses are quite valid.

Thanks much,
Jeff