#147 - Hidden Paths, Foolish Fish & The Vast Mind with Denis Poisson | Glitch Bottle
Mar 17, 2024
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Denis Poisson, practitioner and author behind the esoteric YouTube channel Foolish Fish, explores the dynamic nature of magic in this engaging conversation. He discusses how magic is more about fostering relationships with local spirits than merely following scripted rituals. The discussion spans the influence of Tantra on Western practices, the interplay between spiritual aspirations and reality, and the importance of intentionality in magical work. With insights from his book 'Hidden Paths', Denis emphasizes the significance of personal experience in shaping one's magical journey.
Magic should be understood as a relational engagement with spirits rather than merely repetitive rituals or formulas.
Denny emphasizes that reality is malleable and intertwined with personal experiences, advocating for exploration through different states of consciousness.
Practitioners are encouraged to foster connections with local spirits, recognizing their potential for more impactful and meaningful magical experiences.
Deep dives
Magic as a Relationship
Engaging in magic is framed as a relationship rather than just a series of formulas or rituals. Each practitioner's experience varies significantly despite performing the same rituals due to personal interpretation and emotional connection. The concept emphasizes that effective magic arises from genuine engagement with the forces or entities involved, rather than merely following a script. This relational aspect underscores the importance of interacting authentically with the spiritual realm.
Denny shares how his early curiosity about existence and childhood daydreaming influenced his understanding of reality and magic. His experiences, including vivid dreams and interactions with dream characters, led him to perceive the malleability of both dream and waking worlds. This understanding contributed to his belief that different states of consciousness can be explored and manipulated through magical practice. Ultimately, he views reality as less rigid and more intertwined with inner experiences than commonly believed.
Challenging Materialism
A key theme in Denny's work is the challenge against a materialistic worldview, advocating for a perspective where mind is the foundation of reality. He argues that the prevailing materialistic views limit our understanding of how consciousness interacts with the world. By embracing a philosophical idealism, practitioners can leverage their mental and spiritual nature in magical practices. This shift in perspective allows for a recognition of the interconnectedness between mind, spirit, and the material world.
The Importance of Local Spirits
Denny encourages practitioners to engage with local spirits that exist in their physical surroundings, asserting that these spirits offer valuable opportunities for meaningful relationships. He highlights the tendency to seek out famous or historically documented spirits, which can overshadow the significance of familiar local entities. By building rapport with local spirits, practitioners can foster connections that potentially yield more personal and impactful magical experiences. This localized approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting the environment in which one resides.
The Role of Specificity in Magic
Denny shares an anecdote about the significance of being specific in magical requests, particularly during prayer. He recounts an experience where specificity led to an immediate and precise response from a higher power, revealing how timely and concrete requests align possibilities favorably. This concept underscores the importance of clarity and intent when performing magic or making requests from the universe. Practitioners are encouraged to articulate their desires with precision to enhance the likelihood of manifesting specific outcomes.
The Continuous Journey of Practice
Denny suggests that magic is an ongoing journey rather than a destination, emphasizing that practitioners should never view themselves as 'advanced' but rather as perpetual learners. The nuances of magic require consistent reflection and adaptation as one encounters new experiences and insights along their path. Acknowledging that each practitioner's journey is unique fosters an open-minded approach, where experimentation and personal exploration are key. Embracing this mindset cultivates a deeper understanding of one's magical practice and its potential impact.
Why is magic a relationship instead of only repetitive formulas found in a book? Why should we engage with spirits in our actual, physical areas where we live? Why is magic about encouraging the unlikely, not conjuring the impossible? Denis Poisson - practitioner, author and host of the esoteric YouTube channel Foolish Fish - stops by the podcast to talk about the foundations of magic in his new book ‘Hidden Paths’, gleaned from his years of direct esoteric experience.
