Ep. 156: Angel Millar on Initiation & the Ice Magick Wars
May 1, 2023
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Angel Millar, personal growth mentor, discusses initiation, the dynamics of magical groups, and the transformative power of tragedy. They also explore the lack of transcendence in Western society, the vulnerabilities of static online identities, the importance of books, and concerns over AI-generated writing. Additionally, the limitations and dangers of AI programs in coding and journalism are discussed, as well as the historical association between language and magic.
Initiation offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a deep understanding of oneself and the world.
The counter-initiatory mindset hinders personal growth by avoiding discomfort and seeking constant validation.
Language has become a powerful weapon in the modern age, blurring the line between truth and AI-generated content while emphasizing the importance of books and physical reality as a counterbalance.
Deep dives
Initiation and the Journey to Mastery
Initiation is the process of becoming godlike, embodying archetypal qualities, and transcending the limitations of the contemporary age. It often involves a ritual or transformative experience that sets individuals on a path to embodying a secret or archetype. Initiation can take various forms, such as transitioning into adulthood, shamanic initiation, or undergoing significant life events like marriage or the death of a loved one. Initiations throughout life offer opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the self, the universe, and fellow humans. They challenge one's limits, resilience, and ability to adapt to change. Initiations can break down old identities and lead to personal growth, completion, or a new sense of purpose. The modern world may lack initiatory processes due to a cultural aversion to suffering or discomfort, favoring comfort and protection over challenges. However, embracing initiations and the transformative power they offer can lead to a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
The Counter-Initiatory Attitude and the Anticipation of Discomfort
In contrast to initiation, the counter-initiatory attitude rejects discomfort and challenges. It seeks comfort and avoids situations that may cause discomfort or conflict. This perspective stands in opposition to the very nature of initiation, which often involves confronting the unknown, experiencing discomfort, and embracing challenging experiences. The prevailing sentiment in contemporary society is to avoid discomfort and demand that others cater to individual sensitivities. This anti-initiatory mindset inhibits personal growth and stifles resilience, preventing individuals from experiencing the transformative power of initiatory processes. Initiations offer opportunities to push boundaries, grapple with the unknown, and develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. By actively seeking and embracing discomfort, individuals can embark on a path of personal growth and self-discovery, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and integrated existence.
Initiation as a Journey of Self-Expansion and Integration
Initiation, at its core, represents a beginning or entry into a new phase, often involving a process of self-expansion and integration. Examining one's identity and encountering diverse experiences contribute to the initiation journey. This process may involve shedding old personas or adopting new ones through exploration, travel, and various life events. By engaging with different aspects of life and embracing change, individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of the universe, human existence, and themselves. Initiatory experiences can catalyze personal development, allowing for the cultivation of resilience, adaptability, and wisdom. Moreover, initiations provide individuals the opportunity to connect with the sacred, the archetypal, and the transcendent, leading to a more profound and meaningful existence. Initiatory journeys challenge boundaries, transform perspectives, and open the door to new possibilities.
Initiation and the Counter-Initiatory Mindset: Exploring the Paradox
Initiation encourages individuals to delve into discomfort, confront the unknown, and challenge their limits. It involves stepping outside comfort zones and embracing transformation. In contrast, the counter-initiatory mindset rejects discomfort, emphasizing comfort, ease, and avoidance of challenging experiences. This mindset expects support and acceptance from society while rebelling against its norms. However, initiation and the counter-initiatory attitude are fundamentally contradictory. Society cannot embrace rebellion and support simultaneously. Initiatory experiences often involve profound personal growth, while the counter-initiatory mindset hinders growth by avoiding challenges and seeking constant validation. Initiatory journeys offer opportunities for self-discovery, expansion, and integration, guiding individuals towards a more holistic and fulfilled existence. Embracing the initiatory mindset allows for embracing discomfort, embracing change, and uncovering new aspects of the self.
The Power of Language in Today's World
Language has become the ultimate reality in the modern age, creating its own reality and authority. People's identities are formed and judged by language, and language is used to attack and cancel others. The internet has become a platform for this language-driven reality, where language itself has become a powerful weapon. The rise of AI language models like Chat GPT and Google's BART further blurs the line between human-written content and AI-generated content, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of information. The importance of books and physical reality is emphasized, as they provide a connection to truth and offer a counterbalance to the language-centric world.
Navigating the Future: History and Physical Reality
To navigate the challenges of the future, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of history. Reading old history books that present actual facts can help counter the narratives and sanitize versions of history prevalent in today's society. Additionally, reconnecting with physical reality is essential. This involves focusing on physical health, engaging in activities in the real world, building offline communities, and creating art in the physical realm. By shifting the focus back to the human experience and tangible realities, individuals can navigate the increasingly language-driven and artificial world more effectively.
Angel Millar is a consulting hypnotist and personal growth mentor (with more than two decades of experience in meditation and related mindfulness training techniques, over a decade of experience in the martial arts, and several years as a public speaker on self-development, symbolism, and spirituality). In this episode, we zoom out and talk about the big picture of Initiation—magickal and otherwise. We also revisit the so-called Ice Magick Wars of the early 1990s, an infamous episode of occult history that Angel was involved with, and has remained shadowy and mysterious... until now. Enjoy the show!
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