Setting the Record Straight

Thank You, S.F. Bay!

First, I would like to thank everyone who showed up for my workshops at Ancient Ways in Oakland, CA, this last weekend. I’d also like to thank shop owner Glenn Turner for her hospitality and friendship, as well as nods to Marilee, Michael, and everyone else at the shop. If you’re in the S.F. bay area, I would encourage you to visit the shop, if only to say “Hello.” I’d also like to thank the couple who came in all the way from San Jose on their “date night” to attend a workshop. And speaking of San Jose, the 18th annual PantheaCon convention, run by Glenn and a group of wonderful, dedicated workers and volunteers, is being held February 17–20, 2012. It’s one of the biggest metaphysically-oriented festival in the world and completely takes over the DoubleTree Hotel by the airport. Already, the hotel is completely booked, but don’t let that stop you from registering and attending. Here is a LINK with information for nearby hotels and motels. I’m planning on being there and giving a workshop or two (and maybe something unusual and special). I hope to see you there!

A Bit More History

Dion Fortune wrote that there is no room for authority in occultism. By that she meant that you should look to your own experience rather than the approval of supposed authorities. Crowley’s Book of the Law says the same thing: “Success is your proof.” So I try to avoid talking too much about who I am and my own history except when it illuminates some sort of point or concept I’m trying to share. Spiritual development is not about me, it’s about you. On my website, www.modernmagick.com, I only give a brief biography that is good for people who happen to visit the site. It’s sort of my curriculum vitae. But I think there is a bit more that may interest readers of this blog, and I’d like to share it for a reason that you’ll see.

I have been having paranormal experiences since I was about six years old. Obviously, I didn’t know it was a paranormal experience back then and only understood it many years later. By the time I was in junior high school (now often called “middle school”) I was taking trainings in skills that would prepare my mind for magickal development. This included advanced memory training and speed reading. While in high school I was instinctively performing magickal rituals, although I didn’t know that’s what they were. By the time I was in college I was deeply involved in the study of UFO phenomena, ESP, the paranormal, and in mastering the Tarot.

I studied. I practiced. I communicated. I joined. I was one of the members of AMORC in San Diego who signed the documents that resulted in their local group becoming a full-fledged “Lodge.” I joined group after group, learning what they had to share. I was initiated into numerous Wiccan and Witchcraft traditions. Quite frankly, I don’t remember all of the groups I’ve been initiated into (either through an honorary initiation or as a result of doing work with that group) because so many groups come and go. I haven’t publicized any of this because I take my vows to those organizations seriously.

I have been asked, point blank, “Are you a member of the Golden Dawn?” Although some Golden Dawn groups have changed their vows, most, as part of their first initiation, have you vow that you will not reveal who the members of the group are or where they meet. So if I were to answer that question “yes,” I’d be breaking my vows. If I answered that question “no,” I’d be lying.

I won’t lie and I won’t break my vows. So I do not answer that question other than to say this:

I have been involved with several groups that have claimed to be either “the” Golden Dawn or are following the Golden Dawn’s tradition. I have been involved with several groups that are Thelemic. I’ve been involved with chaos magick groups. I’ve ben part of Goetic groups. I’ve been part of Tarot-oriented groups. However early after the publication of Modern Magick I recognized that I would need to be fair and neutral in discussing occult and spiritual topics. Therefore, I divorced myself over time from having any sort of ritual or non-ritual role with any and all groups. For well over a decade, I have not held any office of any kind in any Western magickal order, including any group that claims to be a Golden Dawn group. Although I have been asked numerous times to found Pagan groups, I have not done so (although I’ve advised and been a member of such groups) and I have not held any position of any kind in any Wiccan, Witchcraft, Pagan or similar organization. I have stepped in and helped out at some individual rituals.

Therefore, I do not represent any Western magickal group or order.
I am not a “de facto” spokesperson for any Western occult group.
I do believe any group that wants to present their position honestly should do so themselves.

Any person who claims otherwise about me is simply not telling the truth.

So What Am I a Member Of?

As I wrote, because of my vows, I do not claim membership in any specific Western magickal group. I am a member of the Oberon Zell-Ravenheart-led organization, The Grey Council, and, as such, have advised on some of his books and The Grey School of Wizardry. I have been initiated into several Tantric organizations. I did have authorization to start such a group and did so many years ago while I was living in San Diego. That local group folded soon after I left. I am authorized to be a spokesperson for another Tantric group, however for the past several years new members have not been accepted so my representation has basically been to give out introductory information and tell people that membership is currently closed.

So now you know about me. I have been and currently am a member of numerous groups including ones associated with the Golden Dawn tradition. I do not hold any sort of office in any of them. I do not represent any of them. I don’t break my vows. I don’t lie. I do openly share what I’ve learned and know works for me and many others with the goal of helping people to improve their lives, help others, and become self-empowered while becoming strong mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Call in Saturday Night

You can hear me being interviewed and communicate directly with me this coming Saturday, August 13. I’m scheduled to appear with Steve McManus on his Forbidden America blogtalk internet radio show. You can find out about Steve on this LINK. You can find out about his show, HERE. And read about my upcoming appearance by clicking on this LINK. The show is on at 11:00 p.m. Eastern (8:00 p.m. Pacific). The phone number is 1-661-449-9322.