I had a nice discussion today with a friend from Philly about the Strategic Sorcery Course. After covering some details about the origins of the course, the material, the current state etc my friend pointed out that some of what I think might be common knowlege about the course actually is known widely. So here are some highlights from the conversation about the SSC.
The Course Repeats Almost No Information from the Book or the Blog: I refuse to have people pay for material twice or for material that I have already put out there for free. There is almost no info in the course that is from the book or the blog. Even the lesson on the principals of Strategic Sorcery is very expanded from the article and explains things in a more detailed way.
The Course Is Still Not Completely Written Yet. Yep. I am still writing the last few lessons. I finished lesson 48 this week. Cycle 2 has actually caught up with Cycle 1 and has to wait longer than a week for lessons. I kind of knew that ahead of time though and prepared people for the delays. Why is this? Because I believe in crash marketing. I did not start writing the course until enough people had signed up to make it worthwhile.
There AreTwo Layers of the Course, the Application and the Arcana The top layer is the Strategic Sorcery approach, which can be applied to more or less any other magical paradigm or religious background. By focusing on: how multiple levels work in conjunction with one another, the use of subtle key methods that give large payoff, tactical blending of magical and mundane methods, aiming at concrete and measurable goals, and developing long and short term strategies for our success we can improve our results no matter what symbol sets or religious system we come from.Beneath this level is the Strategic Sorcery Arcana, which consists of certain symbols, spirits, and rituals that you can opt in or out of. Those that have usedthem have generally found them to be potent tools, but they are not necessaryfor the overall Strategic Sorcery Approach. The ritual below is definitely one partof the Strategic Sorcery Arcana.
Though there is not any Tibetan specific practice in the course, Tibetan Buddhism is probably the biggest influence on the work. It is no secret that I am a Ngakpa. Whatever it may seem like I am up to from my writings or what I might be playing around with on the side, the bulk of my personal practice is fairly straight Tibetan Buddhist Tantric Practice. It is in Tibetan Buddhism that I saw the levels being co,bined and used simultaneously to great effect. It is, dare I say it, the most complete and far reaching view and system I know of. Given the choice between the Grimoires and the Tantras I will take the Tantras every time both for realization and for magical power.
Though I was fairly content doing nothing but straight Dharma practice for a while, I came back to the wider world of magic because I needed someplace to express magical creativity and because I felt like I could be of greater benefit to sentient beings taking what I had learned in Tibetan Buddhism and applying it elsewhere. A lot of the magic in the course comes from that.
Beyond All That, the Course Was Designed To Answer One Question. That question is: Why is is that most magicians can attain results with their magic yet still not have it be of real benefit to themselves and others? The answer I came up with was that magicians were so obsessed with magic that it overshadowed the mundane. I know it did in my life. I did not complete college or even attempt to grow in a good career because all my energy was focused on magic. Strategic Sorcery puts as much focus and thought on the non magical aspects of an issue as it does on the occult side. This has been of enormous benefit to some, and enormous consternation to others.
There are People Who I think Will Not Like The Course. If you are expecting to summon treasure spirits that will make you rich but would rather remain ignorant of the magic of compound interest and debt reduction – this class is not for you. If you want to magically make women your love slaves but do not want to work on your physical appearance or examine uncouth behavior this class is not for you. If you only want to read about more and more spells that do the same stuff as the last 10,000 spells – this is not the class for you.
If however you think that these things are just as important as choosing the right spirit or projecting the right elemental fluid, this might just be what you have been looking for!
I can say that I’ve certainly enjoyed the course so far. It definitely further expands upon the Strategic Sorcery you’ve outlined in your book. I’ve included some of the practices in my own work. I can’t say I’ve taken on the full system, but I’ve found great inspiration and lessons that are both sagacious and practical.
“Though there is not any Tibetan specific practice in the course, Tibetan Buddhism is probably the biggest influence on the work.”
I can notice that from your writings in the course, and I appreciate it
. I am not a ngakpa myself, yet, because my lama will not ordain anyone until after many years of solid practice, but your writings have influenced me to take concrete steps towards that direction.
This post was at the right time for me.I’m discovering that for my path the application part of your course is awesome,the arcana doesn’t so much appeal to me even though I’ve been working with it and you just kind of gave me permission to let it go and let it flow.
how do i contact you for courses
where do you apply for courses