SACRED WORK-Part 2. Gatekeeping & Responsibility

Spiritual Gateways often lead to the Betwixt & Between

We live in a time of massive spiritual growth, in which humans are going through a psychic evolution of sorts; with many of us, experiencing empathic and telepathic communication, precognative knowing, and a deep sense of seeking! The tricky part is this advancement in psychic growth is happening simultaneously alongside the pandemic of social media; with it's glut of half-truths, and sensationalism!

Instagram and TicToc portray witchcraft and magic as glamorous and mystical, but leave out the snot & tears bit; that opening our consciousness in such away present! Not all magic is safe for everyone, in fact one of my favorite sayings is 'The water the shaman (witch, magic user) swims in is the same water the psychotic drowns in'! Which literally refers to the risk that diving into deep magical teachings hold for the undereducated and impulsive.

The social media interpretation of magic is often easy, flashy, and safe! Real magic comes in many flavors; with some being soft, and easily approachable by everyone, while others require developed skill, and a strong sense of self before they should be approached, as the fragile mind; still dealing with it's own wounding and shadow, can be easily manipulated and misled.

In it's worse form gatekeeping is a social club, saying who's cool and who's not, but in most situations the gatekeeping of magical information is due to a feeling of responsibility; to both the student and the subject being taught.

I like to think of spiritual gatekeeping through the example of video games. In video games there is the momentary objective of solving problems, and defeating foes, and then there are the big obstacles...the ones we face at the end of a larger development (generally every 10 levels). If we try to jump to the big guy at the end before we are prepared we generally get our asses handed to us! This ass-kicking generally sets us back, or at the least makes us feel inadequate; when in truth we simply were not prepared!

The problem with rushing magic is we often don't know what we are doing! Most magical teachings take years of diligent work to develop into skill. This is not meant to be discouraging, but more so to set the pace; so that we acknowledge the level of rearranging that is going on inside of our consciousness. Which means those who are new to the magical path need to be patient , and learn to love the journey of becoming; instead of fixating on the end result.

Not all who practice magic teach! Teaching is it's own gambit, with each teacher choosing how, when and whom they want to teach...for this is where responsibility comes in!

As a metaphysical author I choose to share my stories and techniques with anyone who reads or listens to my books, blogs, and ramblings. In this manner I am only responsible for the accuracy of my teaching. I am not responsible for the readers understanding of the material, their ability to perform the exercises accurately, or their mental health. This differs from classes, workshops, pilgrimages and retreats, in which, I am personally instructing people and gauging whether or not they are understanding the material and explorations, and in some cases how it is effecting their psyche. When teaching in person I feel a responsiblity to whether or not someone can understand and safely work with the subject matter I am teaching, and whether I feel they are ready to said information. This is not gatekeeping of the 'who's cool' kind, but of the 'who's ready' kind!

Gatekeeping is a responsiblity that teachers of all kinds face!

There is a saying that when the student is ready, the teacher will come! This does not mean the teacher opens all the doors and you are suddenly, miraculously healed and enlightened. It means you are ready to do the work!

Start with books, and Youtube videos...do your own research, gather knowledge in a piecemail fashion; giving yourself permission to explore and choose who and what appeals to you. If you choose a teacher, please remember they are humans with flaws and personality quirks just like anyone else, and that noone is obligated to share their personal information with others! If you find that a particular teacher doesn't connect with you in the way you were hoping for, or is moving to slow for you...look for another teacher.

In short, slow-down; it's important to be present and enjoy the moment we are in! Spirituality is not meant to be rushed, it is a lifestyle and a passion; in which every morsel is part of the journey. I personally am envious of those who are at the beginning of their journey, for there are miraculous, ecstatic experiences around every corner; if we simply slow down enough to witness them!

spreading love-salicrow