Authentic Occult Authors and Practitioners, or Just Edgelord Businessmen?

[AxelAchiLles]

Hey guys, I wanted to ask what you think about people in the occult community who have a very large following and reach in platforms such as Youtube, Patreon etc. We all know who I’m referring to, so I’m not going to mention any specific names. This is meant as a general question.

That being said, if anyone wants to discuss a specific occultist or occult YouTuber, feel free to do so.

The only reason I’m deliberately not focusing on a particular person is that I don’t want to trigger any fanboys here and turn this into another pointless rant or argument.

 

[solxyz]

Well, no, I don't know who you're talking about, and it seems rather pointless to try to have this conversation in the abstract, since the fact that someone has a large following doesn't imply much one way or the other about whether they are 'authentic.' Some people are legit and some are not. One has to evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

And if you want to have an actual conversation about some individual, I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to hear the perspective of those who think that person is bringing real value. Or are you trying to load this conversation to arrive at your pre-determined conclusion?

 

[Digiquo]

While 'popularity' doesn't equal 'authenticity', you can determine if someone like that is being authentic or not pretty quick. If they are busy peddling their own books and services, saying things like "summon this demon for wealth, quick and easy method for beginners!", and there is very heavy editing designed to keep the attention of the younger generations who's brains are fried from overstimulation by phones and iPads, then you are probably dealing with a crook. That isn't to say the crook doesn't actually know magic, but he's not interested in actually teaching you magic, he just wants your money and engagement.
Authentic practicioners or academics are going to spend a lot less time (preferably none at all) attempting to sell you something, will lay proper foundations and understandings of systems instead of peddling "find love/wealth/success instantly!" spells, and they won't heavily lean on editing tricks to maintain your attention, letting the information speak for itself. The best of them actually cite their sources so you can do your own independent research as well to verify their claims.

 

[solxyz]

"Authentic practitioners" and academics are two very different beasts. Not that one can't be both, but on the whole their contexts and aims are very different, and expecting a similar pattern of communication from them is a big mistake. The fact that someone is making their material engaging is not a sign that someone is not an authentic practitioner or that what they are offering is not engaging. It is a sign that they want you to be engaged (and know that you don't have to be engaged for your job), and have taken steps to accomplish their will.

 

[canaryincoalmine123]

While 'popularity' doesn't equal 'authenticity', you can determine if someone like that is being authentic or not pretty quick. If they are busy peddling their own books and services, saying things like "summon this demon for wealth, quick and easy method for beginners!", and there is very heavy editing designed to keep the attention of the younger generations who's brains are fried from overstimulation by phones and iPads, then you are probably dealing with a crook. That isn't to say the crook doesn't actually know magic, but he's not interested in actually teaching you magic, he just wants your money and engagement.
Authentic practicioners or academics are going to spend a lot less time (preferably none at all) attempting to sell you something, will lay proper foundations and understandings of systems instead of peddling "find love/wealth/success instantly!" spells, and they won't heavily lean on editing tricks to maintain your attention, letting the information speak for itself. The best of them actually cite their sources so you can do your own independent research as well to verify their claims.

I agree with this

 

[Dyn Hysbys]

To what end are you asking for opinions? And about whom?

This is both incredibly vague and seemingly a deliberate attempt to start a 'rant or argument'.

 

[Jadziya]

I don’t know who you are referring to, but if someone is spending many hours a day on social media and making short videos (filters, lighting, props including crowded altars, expensive makeup, etc), then that is less hours a day they are spending on their actual practice.