Re: Remembering Aleister Crowley

["Daniel Gutmanas" <noxerus@...>]

Dear Joa and Rawn,

As much as replying to this specific topic is not something I feel 
overly happy about (it's rarely ever a good idea to add fuel to a 
fire), Crowley always brings to mind a notion I feel much need to 
express - especially after an event earlier today proved to me that 
awareness of this notion is much below the desired.

Astral balance is of utmost importance to any kind of true magical 
progress. Without it, one is like a frail man wearing broken glasses 
stained with random colors - not only he cannot see the road ahead, 
he will be blown aside into the dark forest by the faintest gust of 
wind.
I keep witnessing relatively large numbers of people who - in their 
quest for magic - completely forsake development of balanced 
character and high morals, and choose to pursue nothing but mental 
prowess. Some stop midway, bewildered at their lack of progress. 
Others, thinking they have done it all, are later lost to a 
megalomanic frenzy of deliria.
I know very well that I do not have even a tenth of the required 
experience to speak of this with authority - but life seemed to have 
thrown everything but the kitchen sink at me, just to show me the 
importance and meaning of the astral balance towards magical 
development. Of course, it does add a lot of confidence to see this 
notion written by Rawn everywhere too ;)
Still, nothing will defeat personal experience.

I know that this being a group dedicated to Bardon's teachings, the 
teachings of balance, this whole post might be preaching to the 
choir - but I felt I should write it anyway. :)

Sincerely,
Daniel