TRANSFORMING ALLEGORIES INTO LIFE-CHANGING ACTIONS

Overcoming Common Pitfalls and the Trap of Expecting Instant Results

In the fast-paced world of instant gratification, it’s easy to get disheartened when spiritual progress seems elusive. Many of us, as practitioners, find ourselves stuck, unable to achieve the growth we yearn for.

If you find yourself in this situation, know that you’re not alone.

Let’s explore some common reasons we might not progress in our spiritual practice and how to overcome these obstacles.

Expecting Too Much Too Soon

In an age where everything is available at the click of a button, it’s no surprise that many people approach spirituality with similar expectations. I, too, once felt frustrated when I didn’t see immediate results from my practices, whether meditation, ritual work, or study. As I discussed in my latest Substack article, “Bridging the Gap: The Challenge of Spiritual Progress”, this impatience is a significant barrier to growth.

Spiritual practice is a journey, not a destination. Expecting quick results can lead to discouragement and abandonment of the path altogether. Instead, approach your practice with patience and a willingness to experience gradual change. Remember, the most profound transformations often occur slowly and subtly over time, leading to a version of yourself you never thought possible.

Lack of Formal Schooling

In the same article, I hinted at the importance of a solid educational foundation when approaching complex spiritual systems like Thelema and its magick. Concepts such as Nuit and Hadit are profoundly philosophical and require a certain level of understanding to grasp fully. Without this background, making sense of these ideas can be incredibly challenging.

Crowley himself expected this type of background from his students, and while I am one of those trying to make things more accessible for those who are sincerely willing to put in the work… well, this is part of the work you must put in.

If you struggle with these concepts, it might be beneficial to seek out resources to strengthen your philosophical knowledge.

Studying philosophy, history, and literature can provide the context needed to understand and appreciate the deeper aspects of your spiritual practice. You can start with the famous “Dummies” series, which offers free cheat sheets online nowadays. Here’s the Philosophy one.

A well-rounded education will enrich your understanding and enhance your ability to engage with advanced spiritual concepts.

Inconsistency in Practice and the Burden of Early Excitement

Consistency is crucial in any long-term endeavour, and spiritual practice is no exception. Many practitioners expect immediate results and, when they don’t achieve them, become inconsistent with their practices. This inconsistency hinders progress and creates a cycle of frustration.

I’ve often compared spiritual practice to training for a marathon, not a sprint. This analogy is detailed in my first book, where I emphasise the importance of endurance and persistence. Just as you can’t become a marathon runner overnight, you can’t expect to attain spiritual enlightenment quickly. Regular, consistent practice is the key to long-term growth. Embrace the journey, and be patient with yourself as you progress.

Early successes in your practice can be incredibly encouraging, but it’s important not to mistake them for the ultimate goal. You might experience synchronicities, moments of deep connection with the divine, or other profound experiences early on. While these are significant milestones, they are not the end of the journey. Even thinking there IS an end to this journey is an illusion you should best get rid of as soon as possible.

As someone who has been practicing for 30 years (give or take, I am really getting old! ), I can attest that the deeper you go, the more you realise how much more there is to learn. Spiritual growth is a continuous process; there’s always more to discover. Avoid becoming complacent with early successes. Instead, use them as motivation to delve deeper and continue your practice with renewed enthusiasm.

The Illusion of Ultimate Success

The idea that there is a final point of success in spiritual practice is a misconception that many practitioners struggle with. This belief often stems from hierarchical structures within traditional Orders, where reaching a particular degree or title is seen as the pinnacle of achievement. However, actual spiritual growth is not about attaining a specific rank or title.

The goal should be to live a healthy life with healthy relationships. Often, what we perceive as spiritual deficiencies are actually personal issues that need to be addressed through self-care and, in some cases, professional help. For instance, a constant reliance on external validation and being recognised as “one of the group” is one of the red flags you should look out for yourself. External validation can be affirming, but it’s not an accurate measure of progress. Striving for hierarchical titles can distract from the real work of personal and spiritual development.

Moreover, if you’ve been involved in Orders with strict hierarchical structures, you’re likely familiar with the internal politics and pressures to climb the ladder. To give you an example from my own experience, in O.T.O., you are literally told, at the end of the Man of Eart Triad, to “strive towards the Lovers Triad” because THAT is what will set you aside from your fellows. It’s obviously a crock of shit, you just need to take a quick look at all the failed Lovers in O.T.O., but when you’re in the cult, it’s a powerful tool for control, especially if you do not know any better. This focus on advancement can create a toxic environment that hinders genuine spiritual growth.

It’s essential to recognise that progress is measured by personal development and inner peace, but this peace does not mean eradicating any negative emotion or feeling. I often hear things like, “I still feel anger, sadness, and anxiety despite my spiritual practices. I must be spiritually deficient.” Negative emotions are a part of the human experience. Spiritual practice helps manage and understand these emotions, not eliminate them entirely.

Mistaking Allegories and Metaphors for the Message

Allegories and metaphors convey deeper truths and insights. Alchemy is based upon them, from the use of “silent books” such as the Mutus Liber to the idea of the Language of the Birds. However, it’s easy to become fixated on the literal aspects of these symbols, losing sight of the underlying message. This can lead to overthinking, anxiety, and a detour from genuine spiritual progress.

One example is the Magical Pyramid metaphor from my book and courses. This image represents the structured and progressive nature of spiritual practice. It is not a physical structure but a conceptual framework guiding the development of your practice step by step. However, some practitioners become so obsessed with the details of this metaphor that they miss the essence of the message.

The Magical Pyramid is an allegory for gradual, structured progress in spiritual practice. It emphasises the importance of building a solid foundation and advancing step by step. The focus should be on the principles of steady growth, not the literal construction of a pyramid.

Other common examples include the aforementioned alchemical processes, the Hero’s Journey, and the Ladder of Enlightenment. These metaphors represent personal transformation, spiritual purification, and ascending through various stages of spiritual awareness. Misinterpreting these stages literally can lead to confusion, diverting attention from practical spiritual work.

When practitioners fixate on the literal aspects of allegories, they can fall into patterns of overthinking and anxiety. Overanalysing symbols, fearing imperfection, and becoming overly focused on the details can create stress and hinder genuine progress.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to understand the purpose of allegories and metaphors. Recognise that they are tools to convey deeper truths and focus on the principles they illustrate rather than the literal details. Keep your practice grounded in practical actions and daily mindfulness, using metaphors as guides, not as rigid frameworks. If you find yourself overthinking, take a step back and reflect on the core message. Balance theory and practice, and seek clarification from more experienced practitioners or mentors when needed.

Allegories and metaphors are invaluable in spiritual practice, offering profound insights through symbolic language. By keeping a balanced perspective and remembering the true purpose of these symbols, you can avoid the traps of overthinking and anxiety, ensuring a more meaningful and progressive spiritual journey.

And remember… you can always banish the Element Air, too. You’re a magician, after all.

Moving Forward

Progressing in your spiritual practice requires patience, education, consistency, humility, and a clear understanding of what true success means. Addressing these common obstacles can create a more fulfilling and sustainable practice.

Embrace the journey, seek knowledge, remain consistent, celebrate small victories, and focus on genuine personal growth. With these principles, your spiritual practice will become a source of transformation and lasting fulfilment.