THE FINAL FAILURE OF “EASY” MAGICK
Occult Influencers are now asking you to be “real” about what their techniques can achieve.
One of my guilty pleasures is keeping tabs on that specific crop of “occult influencers” (and I am using the charitable definition here) that rose to prominence in the last decade before the dystopia of algorithm-fueled content distribution shoved their (simple, reductive) ideas down our collective throats during the lockdown years.
It was a perfect storm that, I am sure, will be studied in-depth by social anthropologists in the years to come. The combination of histrionic personalities, simple promises of quick results, and the ultra-polarisation reached in whatever remains of public discourse made it possible for these folks to secure for themselves the role of occultural talking heads, invading every podcast, YouTube video, newsletter, or social media platform.
The one thing in common was the drug they were — and still are, in fact — all selling. Magick as something simple, that everyone can do, and that will generate results — right here and right now, in the real world!
And while none of this was really news — after all, we had fraudsters like Napoleon Hill before, and the empty promises of New Thought, which morphed into “The Secret” — this was the first time magick reached the mainstream without changing its name to something more palatable. “Magical revivals” come and go, but this time it was on an unseen scale. Not even the “Aquarian/Arturian” craze of the late 70s and 80s, with a soundtrack from Hawkwind and its hippie vibes, or the “Pop Witch” wave of the late 90s, with shows like “Buffy” or “Charmed” propping it up, came closer.
This time, we were living in the content creation era, and we could stream it to everyone willing to listen to it and to many who didn’t care for it at first but were still chosen by the algorithm.
In this new dark age of instant gratification and algorithmic recommendations, this new breed of “occult influencers” seized the opportunity to simplify and commodify the complex realm of magick. Their weapon of choice? “Sigil magick,” a practice they touted as the shortcut to manifesting desires with minimal effort. It became the golden ticket to a world where spirituality could be encapsulated in a single symbol, hastily drawn on a piece of paper, and activated with a mere glance.
Sigil magick, a legitimate occult practice, found itself reduced to a mere caricature of its true essence. These influencers peddled the idea that creating a sigil, a symbol charged with intent, was akin to ordering a wish from an online store. The process, they claimed, required no deep understanding of the symbolism, no connection to spiritual forces, and indeed no rigorous discipline. It was, in essence, a fast-food approach to the intricate art of magick.
Similarly, the same influencers turned their attention to the concept of “spiritual healing.” In their hands, this profound and nuanced aspect of esotericism was reduced to a set of generic affirmations, visualisations, or crystal rituals. The richness of traditional healing practices, drawing from diverse cultural and spiritual roots, was condensed into a one-size-fits-all formula for the masses. Either this or they simply sold their own healing therapies based on the supposed authority granted by a certificate bought for $10k from a “Peruvian mystic”.
These oversimplified approaches not only belittle the depth of magick but also pose risks to those who seek genuine spiritual growth.
Magick, in its proper form, demands dedication, study, and a profound connection to the forces at play. It is not a hasty doodle or a quick fix. Similarly, spiritual healing is a complex process that often requires a deep understanding of one’s psyche, energy work, and sometimes the guidance of experienced practitioners.
The danger lies in distorting these practices into marketable, bite-sized content for the masses. Genuine seekers may find themselves disillusioned when their hastily drawn sigils fail to yield immediate results or when the superficial spiritual healing methods fail to address their needs.
The rise of occult influencers peddling “simple” magick is not an isolated phenomenon; it echoes the broader trend seen in the mainstream “wellbeing” scene and the crypto gurus who emerged as self-proclaimed financial saviours. In these times of information overload, where attention is a currency, these folks exploit the desire for quick fixes and instant success. Much like life coaches promising happiness and fulfilment through neatly packaged affirmations or crypto gurus advocating for a fast track to wealth in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape, occult influencers offer the illusion of mastery over the mystical with minimal effort.
The reality is that true magick and spiritual healing are journeys that unfold over time, demanding patience, introspection, and a genuine connection to the forces at play. As the digital landscape keeps being flooded with dumbed-down versions of these practices, it becomes crucial for seekers to discern between genuine teachings and the empty promises of shortcuts.
In the realm of magick, as in life, there are no shortcuts.
The ancient wisdom of the occult is not a commodity to be bought and sold in the marketplace of quick fixes. It is a transformative journey that requires dedication, respect, and a deep understanding of the forces that shape our reality. As the allure of shortcuts persists, it is incumbent upon those who value the authenticity of these practices to safeguard the true essence of magick from the clutches of those who would trivialise it for their gain.
In a fascinating turn of events within the landscape I just described, figures who once fervently peddled the allure of quick-fix magick and promised instant results are now seemingly backtracking. It’s a revelation that sparks both curiosity and scepticism. These social media “magicians” who amassed legions of followers by capitalising on the promises of immediate success are now releasing videos that urge their audience to be “real” about the limitations of the techniques they’ve been endorsing for years.
This shift hints at a dawning self-awareness previously lacking, acknowledging what many discerning observers suspected all along — that the efficacy of their quick fixes was contingent on a backdrop of stability, particularly financial stability. It appears that, deep down, they may have known that the mystical shortcuts they touted weren’t universally applicable, especially in times of societal turbulence.
Realising that the promises they once made with unwavering confidence may not withstand the test of broader uncertainties is a fascinating development. It prompts us to reflect on the ephemeral nature of trends and the evolving narratives within magick, spirituality, and personal growth. As these online gurus start advocating for a more sensible approach, the audience is left to navigate the complex terrain of discerning between genuine revelations and mere recalibrations to align with the shifting tides of societal awareness.
As I reflect on the exploration of the landscape of occult influencers and the backlash from certain legitimate practitioners for painting too broad a stroke in my criticism, it becomes evident that the discussion around magick is as multifaceted as the practice itself. The critique garnered from seasoned practitioners of sigil magick underscores a paradox within the community. While some experts may vehemently defend the purity of their craft, there appears to be a collective oversight regarding the devolution of the practice into a mere shortcut. The reality is that magick, despite attempts to systematise it, is inherently more of an Art than a Science (no matter how much Crowley wanted it to be equally both), as its success often involves an elusive element of talent.
This acknowledgement challenges the notion that everyone can wield magick with equal proficiency. I often went on record saying that “magick is the birthright of humanity”, but it still is a birthright each of us needs to first recognise and then strive to master.
Moreover, the contention surrounding the role of magick as a form of healing reveals a divergence in perspectives. Those who staunchly advocate for its historical usage as a healing tool often fall prey to the argumentum ad antiquitatem fallacy.
The assertion that magick has always been employed for healing overlooks the inherent talent required in spiritual healing practitioners throughout history. Whether through innate attitude or arduous initiations, those who emerged as healers possessed a unique aptitude that set them apart. Thus, the call to recognise the inherent talent in magick echoes not only in its efficacy but also in the historical context of those who wielded it as a transformative force. I also argue that we should take some time to realise that some of the spells of old might just be superstition — but I fear this topic alone will need a more thorough exploration than what I set up to do here.
As the discourse continues, it becomes essential to navigate the delicate balance between preserving the authenticity of magick and acknowledging the nuanced complexities that define its true essence.
