REACTIONS TO THE OCCULT CENSUS

Response has been tremendous. After so many centuries of hiding away in fear, Occultists are beginning to realise that the New Age will come about through their own efforts. Since DL has been actively involved in assisting the Sorcerer’s Apprentice to promote this project, we have received quite a few reactions from readers…

“What use is it?”

Inestimable. And, the more who participate, the greater the power.

“Is there really no danger of breach of individual confidentiality?”

None whatsoever.

“How can I help?”

Fill in a form. Get all your associates to fill in forms.

The response continues to grow, demonstrating the integrity and commitment of many thousands. However, there are people (even some Occultists) who are very good at lying to themselves, and a miscellany of excuses has been paraded. The only reason for refusing to participate in this project is, quite simply, cowardice. If YOU will not fill in a form, at least KNOW YOURSELF clearly enough to understand why.

The next step is to come to terms with the situation. Shame caused by, for example, lack of courage is a time-wasting emotion; resolving to amend one’s constitution simply because one believes the popular view that courage is a Good Thing is unlikely to be productive. Those who are able to accept what they are and fully understand the reasons why, are then in a position to assess whether, in their opinion, any aspect of their character requires improvement and, if so, how the improvement should be undertaken.

To quite a few people, the question of the Occult Census has been a catalyst in forcing self-examination. Very useful, providing they have sufficient wisdom to avoid over-reaction. One of our correspondents has announced her intention of retiring from Occultism altogether because she is unwilling “to stand up and be counted” [her phrase]. That will increase, not solve, her problems.

Does one need courage to be an Occultist? Don’t give the obvious answer; stop and think. Courage is not equated with foolhardiness, disregarding or refusing to face facts. It requires intelligence and that grows with knowledge.

The Occult Census has confronted us all with a challenge. Just one of the many that we have to face, but, for some, it was too hard a test and it came too early. Their task now is to avoid regarding one failure as an insurmountable barrier to future progress.

Taken from the Dark Lily Journal No 8, Society of Dark Lily (London 1989).