Where to start?

[Dolorian]

I've been interested in the occult for some time now but I've never delved into it fully. I've always been attracted to 'dark arts' and I've been sharing my philosophical/spiritual views with the occult, but previously was rooted in Advaita Vedanta mainly.

My only experiences are with lucid dreaming, and now I've been looking into astral projection. I've made it a goal to have my first OBE this month.

Now here's the thing. I feel a great need to start 'The Great Work'. I wish to start practicing right away, but I'm afraid I don't have the knowledge necessary. How much should I read up on before setting up my altar and doing rituals? I REALLY want to get my hands dirty, fast. I am not in a hurry as a whole but I really do feel like I need to start practicing right away, like I'm longing for it. I've suffered great loss in my life recently and I feel like having that space where I could meditate and do rituals would help me heal faster. Also, should I just buy a wicca altar kit on ebay or what? Do all magick practitionners start there and then modify their altars to their own needs and stray away from the standards of wicca? Not really sure if I'm making sense here but I just don't know anything about neo-paganism/wicca but they are the only altar kits available on ebay.

I'm reading the Liber ABA right now as well as little bits and pieces from many other things. But I've barely scratched the surface about magick. What would you recommend me doing?

Also, I know of a musical project called Arktau Eos and I really would like to know which branch of magick they are apart of-- if any. It is possible that they are beyond magickal paradigms. Have a look and tlel me what you think... Arktau Eos (http://www.helixes.org/arktau-eos/index02.html)

[Balam_del_Monte]

yo can start up your altar however you want. you can get the kit if you want. your altar will always be changing over time.

[Fr_CV]

Well, wicca is not "the occult". Wicca is a religion started by geralg gardner in the 60s-70s based off of the golden dawn and crowley. I would start with figuring out if you want low magick (spells to get people to love you, basic witchcraft) or High Magick (the great work of becoming like God) in which case, for high magick, there are several orders you can join, and books to read. These include book 4 (crowley), essentials of the golden dawn, and others. If you want high magick, start with learning the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, and basic Kaballah, and maybe the golden dawn, or the OTO, as you see fit.

LVX,
Frater LeL

[ZeldaFitz]

FR_CV is right. It depends on what you want to learn, and Wicca is not considered occult. Are you interested in esoteric practices, basic witchcraft, High magick, spell craft etc. Give us a little insight and we will be able to help you.

[Dolorian]

I am not interested in infantile things like spells for people to love me. I am looking to transmute life itself. To work with Spirit and connect with the Absolute.

I'd be interested in your opinions about the following things;

- which items to use to setup my altar and even sources if you have them (otherwise I will use eBay as I am not aware of any place to buy them locally)

- which books to start with (I already downloaded most of the ones in the book section here on the forums)

- which 'traps' beginners may fall into or what to expect after starting.

Feel free to share your experiences as well when you started out.

Also, is there any black magic done in The Great Work or is it more spiritual work than anything?

[Fr_CV]

I am not interested in infantile things like spells for people to love me. I am looking to transmute life itself. To work with Spirit and connect with the Absolute.

I'd be interested in your opinions about the following things;

- which items to use to setup my altar and even sources if you have them (otherwise I will use eBay as I am not aware of any place to buy them locally)

- which books to start with (I already downloaded most of the ones in the book section here on the forums)

- which 'traps' beginners may fall into or what to expect after starting.

Feel free to share your experiences as well when you started out.

Also, is there any black magic done in The Great Work or is it more spiritual work than anything?
No, there is no "black magic". Yes, one may summon demons, but only to test ones mettle, since God (as Light) controls the darkness.

In any case, are you looking to join an order?

LVX,
Frater LeL

[Dolorian]

yes, possibly. I would like to find my own way later on, but if it helps me starting out and develop myself faster than I would definitely want to join one.