A Word of Warning

United States
July 26, 2010 10:53pm CST
"The occult in any form is not universally well thought of, and so must essentially remain a private affair. It is not a subject that one can with confidence introduce into general conversation, and an interest in it will not endear you to the corporate world at large. Be careful. Don't lose your promotion, or antagonize your workmates or neighbors by talking about it when neither the time nor the place is suitable. Remember that there are still some people who find the whole field abhorent, offensive, or unnatural, and bear in mind that while the occult can be absorbing, and exciting-and rewarding-it is not intended to replace ordinary life as a source of excitement or to become anyone's sole interest. Keep your sense of proportion, and learn to keep your own counsel-you will be the better an occultist for it". ~Emily Peach When reading through some information on the Tree of Life as it relates to the Major Arcana, I came across this ending statement by Emily Peach in her book The Tarot Workbook. I felt it held a great deal of well spoken truth in regard to the occult, studies, our life in general. What are your thoughts? What has your experience been in the area of silence and sharing? Namaste-Anora
3 people like this
8 responses
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
27 Jul 10
Yup have to be careful of who ya talk to about things lie this and there are more out there than ya think there might be. Not usre if I am talking Occult or wiccan or what lol
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
28 Jul 10
Glad I could pick you up. yup cant and dont judge !
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Jul 10
Lakota- Your humor always picks me right up! I agree, it's difficult to know who one can speak with. I suppose that is where the development of long time friendships comes into play, for those are the people (most of them) that you can find a safe place to share your thoughts. Of course, perhaps that is the plus of groups or covens or lodges, that one may have those to share with in safe settings, where one will not be judged. Thank you for sharing! Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
27 Jul 10
I think the part where she says '...and keep your own counsel' is very profound and very good advice. Even in this day and age the word 'occult' and 'witch' brings about some raised eyebrows. Sad that we can't be more open minded and live and let live. I try to live by the Golden rule and figure if it doesn't hurt me or isn't against the law(Ikes!) then let it happen. Good to see you Anora. Hope all is well in your life.
• United States
27 Jul 10
CE- Always good to see you and blessings. I agree that it is a most pround statement, and at times probably the most difficult thing for us to do. We all want to be a part of a community, and sometimes we misread a community situation and share things that perhaps are not accepted well. And it is very sad that we all cannot be more open. Most, if not all, of the major faiths teach the Golden rule, and yet so few follow that that rule or even observe it. Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
29 Jul 10
Agreed and look how long the craft has been in existence. Amazing how backward mankind is in certain areas. And, it just makes us that much more blessed to have open minded friends who love and support regardless of the path we chose to take. Take care my friend and peace be with you and yours.
1 person likes this
• United States
23 Aug 10
to know,to dare,to keep silent. yes.unless you're sure you have a kindred spirit. i've ran into more than my share of not as open minded people than i would have suspected.and it's funny.they preach tolerance in other ways,but if they find out you're pagan,here come the "witchypoo" comments. but on the one hand,they have shown me they are not good friends. a good friend does not make remarks around a friend's back.
2 people like this
• United States
24 Aug 10
Scarlet- I've seen it both ways and that's what is sad. I so love the saying to know, to dar, to keep silent because even when others may entreat you with "I will not judge", they don't always do that. I've come out more and more, simply because most of the time it doesn't bother me, but it's always in a generic way. I will not go against my organization by sharing our private rituals, etc online or offline in the open for all to see. Of course, that said, I've seen others who proudly display their ranks within their names, and I do say I admire them for that tenancity. Though, I feel no need to do that personally. LOL. Namaste & 93 Anora
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
28 Jul 10
The occult is not an area that I have had too much experience with, although I have spoken with several online friends who have had some very unusual experiences. Since they were all people I respect tremendously, I listened to them with an open mind, something I might not have done when I was younger and willing to consider things that can't be seen and felt, so to speak. At any rate, I'm not quite sure what I do or don't believe, but I do feel certain that there is more to the world that can be tested in a laboratory. But as far as silence and sharing, I guess I'd say talk about such things at your own risk, you are liable to run into some people who are not only very close minded, but who are very aggressive about putting down any ideas that might appear to threaten their own belief system.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
28 Jul 10
oops "less willing"...
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Jul 10
Dawn- It's funny, because I had the same change of mind after studying said things for many years. When I was in my teens and early twenties, I would have said a great deal of mean things, and very judgemental things. As they say, experience does wonders for the brain! And yes, it is best to always keep in mind the risk when one shares such things. Thanks for sharing! Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 Jul 10
Hi Anora! I think that anything new and different can be exciting and I also think that when trying these things out...whatever they be...it is important to keep your head on your shoulders and make your own choices about them. I think that Emily Peach was giving very sound advice and not just in relation to the occult. This is advice that people can use on most any level or situation.
2 people like this
• United States
29 Jul 10
Jen- I agree! This sort of thought works very well in the business world. An employee working at one plant, for example, would not want to share trade secrets with the competition-it's bad business. Even though it can be very exciting indeed! Thanks for stopping by! Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@hvedra (1619)
28 Jul 10
I think it is a good statement. Some folks do use the occult as a way to appear "windswept and interesting" - often the same folk who will scream they are being oppressed when told to shut up about it. I will talk to people who I have gotten to know and have an interest, I don't blabber to all and sundry and have little respect for those who do.
• United States
28 Jul 10
Hvedra- Thank you for sharing. I agree, it sometimes is best to keep things simple until one knows another person. I appreciate your input on "windswept", that's a good way to describe it. Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
27 Jul 10
Namaste Anora, Well this unknown to most of us world called occult has really been a matter of doubt and mixed feeling among people who are not settled as yet on any religion. Me an atheist would out and out rule out such thing. But still O have some numbed feelings. India as a whole is a country where occult practice is more than anywhere else. The saints or BABAa are related to such things and I can see them performing this or that act which send you crazy that such thing s also could happen. I have not encountered any of such but sometime I feel there are elements which make their existence felt. But this occult practice is a banned thing. You would get this in the play "Dr. Faustus" by Christopher Marlow where the protagonist is shown taking up practicing occult or black art and ending up his life in horrible condition. The theme is tat God do not permit any one to practice black art. Now I ma confused.
1 person likes this
@formidexo (1351)
• Canada
9 Sep 10
The occult is dangerous and I would not get involved in it one bit. I'd keep as far away as possible from it.