Hi @Betalia! I have always been fascinated by ceremonial magic, but it seemed very mysterious and inaccessible to me. I associate it with dark rituals and spells from grimuars. Could you allay some of my fears?

Posted by: @mara

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mysterious and inaccessible

"Mysterious?" That's an understatement! Ceremonial magic is no fun for novices. It requires years of practice, discipline and dedication. It is not enough to read a few books and mutter a few spells to become a ceremonial magician.

Posted by: @sauwak

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It requires years of practice, discipline and dedication. It is not enough to read a few books and mutter a few spells to become a ceremonial magician.

Somewhat agree that ceremonial magic requires commitment, but let's not demonize it. @Mara, ceremonial magic is a practice based on precisely defined rituals and ceremonies, often referring to ancient traditions. Unlike folk magic, which is intuitive and spontaneous, ceremonial magic requires discipline, study of symbols and spiritual hierarchies.

Is it true that ceremonial magicians evoke some dangerous entities? Because I heard something like that somewhere.

@anima In ceremonial magic, one does indeed make contact with various entities, but this does not necessarily imply danger. It is important to approach it with respect and caution. Remember that magic is a powerful tool that should be used responsibly. Demons are not just malicious creatures from horror movies. In many traditions, they are seen as forces of nature that can be used to achieve their goals.

Posted by: @hellan

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Ceremonial magic is a practice based on precisely defined rituals and ceremonies, often referring to ancient traditions.

Does ceremonial magic originate from any particular culture?

@mara The roots of ceremonial magic are quite distant in time. One can find in it the influence of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, as well as Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Middle Ages, ceremonial magic developed in Europe, with its greatest flowering in the Renaissance.

I once read somewhere that ceremonial magic is "a denial of the essence of magic". What do you guys think about this This confused me a bit.

@mirta I don't know who or why they say that.

Ceremonial magic has a long tradition and is based on a solid foundation.

Fact some people use it to "make an impression," but that doesn't mean it's worthless on its own.

And what do you think of the claim that ritual works only once? Does this mean that rituals cannot be repeated?

@mara it's not true. It can be repeated.

And is ceremonial magic related to any religion?

@anima Ceremonial magic is not tied to any particular religion, although it may draw inspiration from various spiritual traditions. What is important in ceremonial magic is the magician's personal relationship with the forces he or she is working with.

And can you learn ceremonial magic on your own, or do you need a teacher?

@mirta You can learn on your own, but it is more difficult and time-consuming. A good teacher can speed up the learning process and help avoid beginner mistakes.

And what books would you recommend to start your adventure with ceremonial magic?

@mara I recommend you Israel Regardi's "Magic Kabbalah" and Aleister Crowley's "Golden Dawn." These are classic works that will introduce you to the world of ceremonial magic.

"Practical Magic" by Franz Bardon is also noteworthy, although some consider it controversial.

And what do you think of "The Keys of Solomon"? Is it a reliable source of knowledge about ceremonial magic?

@mirta "The Keys of Solomon" is one of the most important magical grimoires, but it should be approached with caution. It contains a lot of valuable information, but also some dangerous practices.

And is ceremonial magic legal? Can it be practiced without fear of legal consequences?

@anima In most countries, ceremonial magic is legal, as long as it is not used to harm other people. Of course, it is always advisable to exercise caution and common sense.