[zeeed]

I just read the whole 44 pages and some years ago I spent a day or two delving into Crowley’s work. (I was curious but never had the time or need to practice any of the teachings)

There’s a spooky coherence in the descriptions and that’s what makes it such a fascinating read. The spin that this work puts on the subject - calling this “technology” and likening it to programming adds to this.

To anyone honestly wanting to take this for a spin, I recommend reading the biography of Aleister Crowley first. It’s an interesting read in itself and it also illustrates the risks/dangers. Pictures speak a thousand words.

[krzat]

The whole guide could be retitled as: how to cultivate your own psychosis. The technology is sound but does not lead to wellbeing.

I think Buddhists figured it out (at least some of them). For example metta practice could be thought of as a magick that is specifically aimed toward wholesome happiness.

[zeeed]

Spot on, well put.

Once I could personally meet or just see people (in person or otherwise) that attempted this kind of rewiring of your synapses I realized how deeply unwell they really are.

And for the untrained eye, your point takes it away: Have a hard look at folks who tried (like Crowley, probably the most documented case) and be wary of following advice on the web that puts your mental health at risk, even on HN.

[krzat]

To further emphasize the point, the author of this guide suffered from mental breakdown: https://www.reddit.com/r/occult/comments/5t66gg/comment/dduk...

One thing that makes me wonder: how does intentionally created psychosis compare to involuntary one? Can science study those things to have better understanding of mental health and actually help people?

[zeeed]

Good detective work. Second mention, some months later: https://www.reddit.com/r/occult/comments/7gi7pd/comment/dqju...

[YeGoblynQueenne]

I also spent -much more than a day or two reading Aleister Crowly; and Dion Fortune; and other lesser known authors, and all sorts of other similar stuff.

Then I read a book called Foucault's Pendulum by one Umberto Eco, and that's how I realised all the magick stuff was a circus and the people peddling it charlatans and clowns. Sometimes you just have to look at the funny side of all the self-serious mediums and gurus and teachers and spend a few days laughing at their bullshit before your mind finally decides the "teachings" are really just garbage.

[noch]

> I realised all the magick stuff was a circus and the people peddling it charlatans and clowns.

Hear hear. Your comment reminded me of when Christopher Lee said, "Never get involved in the occult. You'll not only lose your mind, but you'll lose your soul." [^0]

---

[^0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRVQD4FKPrY

[wodderam]

This is basically a chaos magic book updated for the next generation. Like an anime/video game culture version of Peter J. Carroll - Liber Null & Psychonaut.

Crowley on the other hand is basically a trust fund kid rebelling against Victorian and Christian morality. I don't think what he was doing makes all that much sense in a secular society because much of the taboo is lost.