“Pathology of the Sublime” from Problems on the Path of Return by Mark Stavish, M.A. in Vol 3 No 1 of Caduceus.

“This is not meant to detract from the genuinely ‘magical’ results that can occur from esoteric exercises, but instead to show that true spiritual development can only occur in a conscious complex where psychological health exists.” [via]

Consider also:

  1. “In What We May Be, Ferucci describes seven basic forms of spiritual pathology, or psychological dysfunction which may occur during periods of psychological integration and awakening of consciousness to spiritual realities. While it would be easy to suggest that each of the following forms of dysfunctional response to the awakening process can be assigned to either a planetary or sepherotic function, in truth, they may occur at any time, and more likely have their occurrences during the Paths more than the Spheres.”
  2. “Dr. Israel Regardie stated that it is important for the would-be magus to undertake psychological counseling prior to, or as an adjunct with, esoteric training. Unfortunately, this is rarely done, and few psychotherapists are qualified to undertake the dual task of mental health clinician and initiator. The reverse is also true of many would-be initiators and their qualifications, or lack thereof, to be a valuable psychotherapist.”
  3. “However, as Ferrucci states, journeys into the Inner Worlds are not without their own dangers, even into the higher ones. ‘Intense spiritual stimulation may bring inspirations, but may also penetrate directly into the lower conscious, where it throws light on and excites demons, instinctual energies, forgotten memories, and so on. These then tend to rise to consciousness, causing all sorts of trouble to the surprised conscious personality. When the demons are thus aroused, the contrast between different sides of our nature is felt with particular intensity.'”
  4. “Projection results when we encounter the divine, accept it as real, but refuse to make it part of ourselves, and instead, see it as a manifestation of another person, place, or thing. This is the belief in a savior without having to do any work on ourselves, or guru worship in some form. However, it also includes the obsession with ‘spiritual technologies’ such as aura meters, ‘energy field enhancers’, crystals, or the mythological idealization of native or indigenous religious forms. Messianic protections either in the form of a returning Christ, a new avatar, or extraterrestrials also fall into this category of pathology which they take the place of psycho-spiritual development instead of supporting it. This form of spiritual laziness is accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, anger, frustration, and low self-esteem, as we do not feel capable of being the qualities idealized and instead see them only as possessed by another, resulting in anger at our own unworthiness. (Yesod/Luna)”
  5. “It may seem strange that someone who has entered onto a spiritual path, or at least one of self discovery should seek to avoid the very thing they are seeking. However, the human ego is a strange and complex creature, and like any living organism, often fights change.”