When Witchcraft was legally outlawed in England it was because midwives and natural herbalists were considered in competition with the emerging medical professionals. So the people were left at the mercy of expensive medical professionals. In modern times we now see the value in midwives and natural remedies not because of the cost but because of the efficiency.
Historically Gnostics and anyone in Europe who practiced spirituality based on personal experiences with the spiritual forces were branded heretics so that the Church could be the sole provider of spiritual knowledge. The Catholic Church actually devised a plan for people to buy their way into heaven. What a clever plan to have people pay to sell their soul.
Originally the professional priest class arose from an older necessity. Our ancient Ancestors struggle for survival was so engaging and time consuming that as tribes became more sophisticated certain individuals were chosen to spend all their time in pursuit of the spiritual. Instead of spending his time with matters of physical survival the Shamans job was to wrest the Secrets of Herbs and Spirit for the purpose of serving the people. It was not to control the people but to serve them. From this role eventually rose Science and Magick as there were always aspects that were effective but defied proper definition.
Did you know that wolves in the wild will kill or drive away a Pack member that displays any aberrant behavior because it may threaten the survival of the Pack? We live in a time so prosperous that we can indulge any aberration because it is unlikely to threaten the survival of the species. We live in a time so prosperous that almost everyone should be able to prioritize time to explore their own spirituality. We are so spoiled that most people don't appreciate what is available to them and can afford to be foolish. In ancient times foolishness was a self imposed death sentence.
It is essential to pay tuition to learn from Teachers who are offering a service to you that is unparalleled. Learning from powerful individuals who have spent their lives in pursuit of the great quest and bring that forbidden knowledge to share with us must be paid well. You still have to do the work for yourself but we do have qualified teachers at this point in time. We do need teachers and fellow students to be able to truly expand and test our knowledge base. So that we can take that into our great work that we can only do alone.
Once again a separation is occurring between the Witches that serve the community and emerging Magickal Professionals. Witches who would charge students next to nothing verses Magickal Professionals who charge in the thousands. It's not really as hard as you think to find a networking potluck at the local occult shop. If you really want to learn the universe will set it up for you, all you have to do is show up and do the work. So here we are in the age of information, more flavors of spirituality than flavors of ice cream at a Baskin Robin's and most people are still looking for someone to do their work for them. The only work that no one else can do for you. Oh they can make you feel awesome all day long, but so can drugs. So go ahead, look to Professionals to do your Magick for you.
It's one thing to get paid for selling your soul, it's another to pay someone to sell your soul. Clever Devil owns you and owes you nothing silly rabbit.
Once again I am reminded of Top Dollars rant about Devils Night Greeting Cards. Think about what I have written here. Does it makes sense or is it a bit dodgy? I hope that you will take the time to think about it and take Your Power back.
Until next time...
Blessed Awakening
by Firestorm Coraxo
