7/27/2019 L1 - Introduction to Magic.doc

1/2

The Order of Saturn

Probationary Lecture # 3:

Introduction to Magic

The Order of Saturn does not practice magic. This statement isfactual, but will most likely be misunderstood. It may better beexpressed that the Order of Saturn does not recognize the distinctionmade in referring to actions or other such mediums as being magic.While we may use tools and tactics found in other orders or foundwithin the occult community at large, we do not call them magical, wesimply call them tools and tactics. We do not distinguish between anyform or function excepting that they be derived from will and ladenwith intent.

It is with this understanding that you should approach what littlehas been allocated to you for performance during the probationaryperiod. There is a reason why meditation is on the same list as physicalfitness or ritual, and that none of these are given higher or lesserimport. These three venues all address the same intent through variedapproach; all three address the will and its expression. They aresuperficial expressions, but they allude to a higher understanding andillustrate the rational of our Order.

When a man claims great authority within the occult stipulatingthe strength of his will yet is obviously incapable of controlling hisdietary habits one must draw a question. How can a man be expectedor accepted in his abilities to control the universe and direct it if helacks the ability to control himself in something so simple? Being ableto engage in hours of ritual focus is an achievement in the same waythat being able to meditate for extended periods is as well, but if youare incapable of making yourself perform in the physical medium whatdo you really have? The body must be trained as well as the mind inorder for the whole self to be understood. All actions are thereforerendered equal.

Within the Order of Saturn you will be expected to challengeyourself in all venues from the physical to the social to the spiritual.You are not being extracted from the societal structure, or Order is nota place to hide from the difficulties of life in general. Memorizing largesegments of poetic verse will not enable you to succeed on a sociallevel or endow you with a renewed ability to run for any significantdistance. In order to achieve any of these things they must be trained

7/27/2019 L1 - Introduction to Magic.doc

2/2

for and allocated their share of attention and focus. The Order ofSaturn directs its focus at the self as an entirety and not as a singularaspect. We are not a mystical order, though we may practicemysticism. We are not an army while we may practice the arts martial.