Psychological Effects of Pathworking from Problems on the Path of Return by Mark Stavish, M.A. in Vol 3 No 1 of Caduceus.

“The majority of all so-called magical, mystical, alchemical, or esoteric work, as much as 90% of it, is nothing more than glorified psychotherapy.” [via]

Consider also:

  1. “The effects of pathworking are to greater or lesser degree well documented. Once the basic concepts of what each sphere represents in terms of psychological elements on the Tree of Life is understood, then the links which they form are realized either through ritual, mythological metaphor, meditation, or a combination of the above. However, in the rush to realize magical powers, altered states of awareness, celestial beings, and interior worlds, one of the most significant and important facts of pathworking and all magical work in general is often overlooked.”
  2. “‘To the left of the house of Hades under a graceful white cypress a well offers spring water. Don’t drink there. Find the well by the lake of memory. Guardians protect the cold water. Tell them: …’ — The Hymn of Orpheus”
  3. “In this way we come to the consideration of the magical Power of the Soul: called by the Egyptians the YEKH, KHOU or Shining One. We find in nearly all the Magical Tales that it was through the initiative of the KHOU that really magical acts were performed.”
  4. “There are very many for whom in their present Incarnations this Great Work may be impossible; since their appointed Work may be in Satisfaction of some Magical Debt, or in Adjustment of some Balance, or in Fulfilment of some Defect.”
  5. “Oh! thou who leapest forth! Conductor of the Shades and the glorified Ones from the earth! Let the fair path to the Western Abodes, which is made in behalf of those who faint, and for the restoration of those who are in pain, be granted unto me.”