What do you think of Chaos Magick?

[Xeen]

Well? Anybody have any thoughts?

[Rain Gnosis]

Yes, I practice it. Why do you ask?

[mol]

Have you done a search for chaos magic here? There are a few threads with some good info. In fact, the similar threads feature is listing at least one. I am moving this thread to M & R. You will get a little more detailed response there.

[Xeen]

Mol, thanks for moving the thread. I wasn't sure where to put it exactly :-/

Rain Gnosis, I just wanted to know people's views on it. It's one of those cases where I thought I was one of the few people who thought that way. Then I stumbled across a couple websites... I just think it's VERY interesting. You don't want to know how much stuff I've printed up :hehehehe:

[Rain Gnosis]

If you want some more resources I have a lot of links. I think many of them are posted over in Computers & Internet in that Pagan Resources thread stuck near the top, on the last page.

Right now I'm working through a lot of Carroll's stuff and making notes when I get time :) What have you read? What sites do you like?

[Rick]

Well, I find it to be rather chaotic...

*ahem* Sorry... I truly tried not to respond, but the Tourette's is just too strong...

[Xeen]

Rain, I've been to your site a couple of times (which I really like). And chaosmagic.com.

I read several different interpretations of Chaos Magic, and they're very interesting reads.

I'm not at my home computer right now so I can't tell ya what all the sites are that I've been to... But some of them were through your site.

Anyhow... I'll check out that thread...

[Rain Gnosis]

Rain, I've been to your site a couple of times (which I really like).

Oh, thanks ;) Now I feel silly for mentioning links in C&I, since most of them are posted on the page on my website you've already read ;)

[Lupa]

Chaos magick has been a recent focus of mine in addition to my usual Nature-based path. I'm reading Carroll's "Liber Null and Psychonaut" for the third time in a year and intend to leap back into "Liber Kaos" after I've read a basic book on physics. I've also had Phil Hine and S. Jason Black recommended to me, and I picked up a copy of Josh Wetzel's "Paradigmal Pirate" which came HIGHLY recommended. In addition, I'm currently (slowly) working my way through the exercises of Robert Anton Wilson's "Prometheus Rising" and intend to pick up Chris Hyatt's "Undoing Yourself."

Is that enough book references for ya? ;) I love the stuff. I started on this path about a year ago when I made some VERY major changes to my life--I changed relationships, jobs and a lot of viewpoints, as well and gotmyself into new situations that broke me out of my stasis. I've been forcing myself to face the demons in my mind that I skirted around for years. I think that's why it scares people so much, Chaos magick, because one of the general themes is that you don't lie to yourself. You have to be honest with yourself, even painfully, and it frightens people to realize that all of our beliefs--all of them--are purely arbitrary. The up side to that, however, is that you can adopt whatever beliefs you like--you can spend one month as a fluff bunny, the next as a Kabbalist, the next studying Voodoo, etc., and use all of it. Chaos magick is infinitely practical--your imagination is the only limit.

Lupa

[Rain Gnosis]

Is that enough book references for ya?

Yup, thank you for sharing what books you think are worthwhile here. I've got Liber Null & Psychonaut and Liber Kaos around here somewhere, on the reading list, just started into The Tao of Physics, Hawking's new physics book, and Oven Ready Chaos by Phil Hine. I've heard of Prometheus rising, and thanks for mentioning Undoing Yourself and Paradigmal Pirate as I've not heard of them. Sounds like some fascinating reading! :)

I loved the rest of your post and definitely agree. Some people are threatened by it, of course, destroying beliefs that chain us down is destructive, but it can clear the way for some amazing ideas and insights.

Thanks for posting, I'm glad there are other Chaotes around here :)

[Lupa]

That's the problem with so many religions, though. They see destruction as a bad thing and they try to protect people from the pain in life we all must face as we grow and change, like an overprotective parent. Yes, it makes life more comortable for a while, but change is the only constant and letting it build up without release only means an eventual catastrophe.

In my recent journeys I have purposefully flung myself into painful situations that needed to be resolved. It;s a slow fight, yes, but with each battle I change a little for the better, am able to engineer mysefl the way I wanta bit more. I have also put myself into unique situations not normal to my personality that let me wake up my sleeping consciousness to pay attention.

It's all a matter of learning to get rid of the fear of letting go. I'm nowhere near being over it, but I'm headed in that direction.

Lupa

[Rain Gnosis]

I agree. I don't go looking to deal with destructive stuff beyond challenging assumptions and my own beliefs, but when things happen I try to flow with them and work with them rather then fighting. I try to live even negative emotions fully as long as they're useful - anger, depression, etc. Too often people try to stifle these things or let fear rule and prevent them from moving forward. I think there are a lot of people who choke themselves emotionally because they're afraid if they let some of that out they'd lose control. If things change, they lose control.

I'm not saying it's a good idea to wallow in misery or start shooting from a bell tower, but anger and depression is natural. I just try to flow with life, even the nasty parts, without letting myself get caught by the undertow. Make sense?

[Xeen]

Rock on guys.

I admire both of you greatly.

I'd expand on that reasoning but my head is so full of snot right now, I wouldn't know what to say really.

[Rain Gnosis]

Incidentally I started a thread in the Theology & Philosophy forum about Chaos you might be interested in.

[Laurelei]

My thoughts on Chaos Magick? Well, I think it should be used properly and within reason, but then all magick should, really. As (I think) the Buddhists say, um... something about... oh yeah... "happiness is unsatisfactory because it never lasts", at least thats how I think the wording is, and I agree totally, and I think it's a good thing. How do you have new tests, new challenges, new chances to grow spiritually, when there's no chaos to tip the balance slightly and give you a mess to climb out of. So, yup, that's my thoughts.
Rain Gnosis: I'll head down now to theology and philosophy, if not just to read it. I go on Mystic Wicks a lot since I found it, but I'm always quite shy about posting.

[Niah]

New here and wanted to say that I second all of the reccomended titles/authors. I first read Robert A. Wilson back in college in 1990 and have been intrigued with the critical thinking involved in his works ever since.

[Armitage]

Another book I'd add to the roster is 'Angel Tech' by Antero Alli.