The Zelator - III

 The series of confessions and advice from a Zelator continues.

Magic wands of the Golden Dawn (source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-different-wands-used-by-the-Golden-Dawn-Order-and-what-are-their-specific-uses)

Ceremonial Magic

The concept of ceremonial magic only makes sense as long as it is the 'nothing' of someone. I have concluded my last entry in the series by indicating that 'doing nothing' is the essence of Magic. Now, depending on your progress on the path and your potential for Initiation, you may or may not be attracted to ceremonial magic. In any case, it should not be taken up like a task or duty. The point made by the Magical Theory is the futility of pain and boredom. Getting results from Magic and being inclined to it are one and the same thing. The common man knows it by heart that his struggles and joys will never leave him. For the initiated Zelator, his mind freed up from internal oppression, he needs to practice serenity in order to tune in with the world. His task transforms from enthusiasm to Faith. Now, faith comes with a lack of purpose whereby purpose is surrendered for the Will. Men are not solely governed by the Elementals, but also crave leaders. The Zelator knows that he cannot 'ask' to be made a leader. However, destiny requires him to be so, among other things. I have mentioned before that success has very little to do with hard work. A leader might be seen as brave, but behind the veil it might be unwavering support that makes him bold. As a form of 'doing nothing', ceremonial magic still harbors a lot of 'awareness' in it. I suspect that joyful and effective ceremonial magic can only be possible at a higher initiation.

The Magician - Tarot trump #1 (source: The Hermetic Tarot)

Everyday Aspects of Zelator Life

One of the obstacles in achieving Zelator consciousness throughout is Work. If one is not born rich, he has to work. There is a good deal of energy reserve for such mandatory work that would still leave enough peace of mind for 'doing nothing'. The Zelator naturally is not an ambitious person in the sense that he will not seek the positive opinion of others through uninspired endeavors. One problematic phase of life is studentship. Most students are subjected to ten times more mental pressure than the same people actually practicing the profession. As well, many people use only a fraction of the knowledge they attain in college. In our age of digital resources, quality automation, connectivity, etc., burdening young minds with unnecessary amount of professional detail is anachronic. Yet, most men are adaptive to any useless taxation of their mind as they hardly keep anything of value there. Idleness is hardly enjoyable to common men, he immediately slips to a self-destructive routine either through drugs, sexual mania, or fighting. Mental resource is the resource most easily exploited in common man as he is more than willing to give it away. For the Zelator, the mind is necessary for him in totality in order to transcend it towards the higher aspirations. Resultantly, he has difficulty adapting to student life. The Zelator is a Bohemian, an outsider, an anthropological wonder. His life is squarely against common sense. This is another reason the Devas limit him through ostracism, unconformity, and dullness. 

Some final words of advice for the Zelator: Let Magic gradually become a part of yourself. Do not strive to become a spiritual 'character', but stick with the Higher Genius to rid yourself of unessential mental constructs. Embrace the immense Joy in immense nothingness...