What areas of study do you consider key for an occultist?

[art-vark2323]

I was listening to an episode of the Glitch Bottle podcast recently and they had a guest (I believe he called himself Agrippa) on who runs a school over in Germany and has an online selection of courses for those interested in studying Western Esotericism-- it's called IMBOLC. One of the things that really stood out to me about it was the type of education he purports to give. Some of his classes and courses of study focus on astronomy and physics, which I found interesting. Are there any topics you guys think someone should study if they are, say, getting into Western Ceremonial Magick or any other types of magic you can think of? Right now, I'm trying to get more familiar with the Hebrew alphabet because I'm interested in Qabalah and that's a fairly obvious pick for a study topic, I know. I also keep up with the academic side of studying witchcraft in Western Europe and try to read books and papers written by scholars studying the topic, but I am interested in hearing your opinions on what subjects you think maybe go understudied by occultists.

 

[Morell]

Cool topic!
For something completely universal I would say that you should master proper hand writing and some basic calligraphy if possible. Having well readable journal is a plus, having artistically written (and drawn) material is gold.

Beyond that it seems to depend on what you practice and intent to practice.

 

[Aldebaran]

Astrology.

Astrology is the foundation and structure to all understanding imo. It is the symbolic and structural language that helps make up magics framework. It is foundational to almost all magic systems and lost to those without it.

I say arrogantly over my tea.

 

[Swampdweller900]

Herbology. Plants have accompanied humans and aided our perceptions since forever.

 

[AbammonTheGreat]

Liberal Arts are probably a good outline. Personally though I think... History, Philosophy, Psychology, and General Sciences are essential. Historical magus were generalists in those fields. A wizard should be able to navigate historical material, understand ontology, epistemology, and the reason behind the metaphysics of magic, psychology as it was birthed out of our discipline and is a vital tool, and some type of scientific training to help ground the magus teaching them what is measurable and quantifiable.

 

[taschr]

Interesting to see the diverse set of thoughts on this. I am certainly biased as its the path I discovered magic through, but I would say meditation is the foundation from which the actual practice of magic is possible. Well developed visualization skills and connection to subtle energies are essential and the technique of shifting ones awareness in shape and focus becomes like muscle memory with practice which allows for easier induction of trance states. One can go far with meditation alone.

 

[diego123]

A good topic would be oracles, like tarot, runes, I Ching... since sooner or later you'll find yourself wondering if it was all in your head or something occult, and besides revealing certain things, oracles can be great guides.

 

[AlfrunGrima]

I was listening to an episode of the Glitch Bottle podcast recently and they had a guest (I believe he called himself Agrippa) on who runs a school over in Germany and has an online selection of courses for those interested in studying Western Esotericism-- it's called IMBOLC. One of the things that really stood out to me about it was the type of education he purports to give. Some of his classes and courses of study focus on astronomy and physics, which I found interesting. Are there any topics you guys think someone should study if they are, say, getting into Western Ceremonial Magick or any other types of magic you can think of? Right now, I'm trying to get more familiar with the Hebrew alphabet because I'm interested in Qabalah and that's a fairly obvious pick for a study topic, I know. I also keep up with the academic side of studying witchcraft in Western Europe and try to read books and papers written by scholars studying the topic, but I am interested in hearing your opinions on what subjects you think maybe go understudied by occultists.

Psychology/ how the mind works and how you can work with your mind instead of against it. Brain development in children so that you understand how learning new things works in the brains/human mind......and singing/music.

 

[Rowena]

Meditation.
If you don't learn to control your own mind, whatever magic you practice is going to break it.

 

[glaive]

Cool topic!
For something completely universal I would say that you should master proper hand writing and some basic calligraphy if possible. Having well readable journal is a plus, having artistically written (and drawn) material is gold.

Beyond that it seems to depend on what you practice and intent to practice.

Yes!! Additionally, notetaking and organization skills. It can make it easier to go back through your records and find similarities.

A basic understanding of nature in your area: native and invasive plant species, animal migration patterns, common biomes types of trees and soil. Basic awareness of what is in the night sky when you look up, where fixed stars will be during different seasons, etc. The history of where you are, civilizationally and geologically. Small scale local knowledge, the history of your town, neighborhood, the building you live in, what graveyards are open at night...

 

[Graycrow]

Indeed, the pursuit of occult knowledge often leads seekers to ancient texts and forgotten lore, yet the most profound grimoire lies within oneself. To neglect the study of the self is akin to navigating a labyrinth without a map, for it is in the depths of our own being that we discover the keys to unlock the universe's secrets.
Many occultists fixate on external rituals and esoteric practices, while the true crucible of transformation resides within. By delving into the recesses of our consciousness, confronting our shadows, and embracing our contradictions, we forge a connection to the divine that transcends dogma and tradition.
Therefore, I concur that the self is woefully understudied in occult circles. Only through introspection and self-awareness can we hope to comprehend the mysteries that lie both within and without.