Alchemy

[close] Black Maven is discussion group dedicated to the discovery and exposition of occultist literature that would appeal to the late Aleister Crowley. Everyone is welcome, especially transhumanists, alchemists, astrologists, dowsers, egyptologists, freemasons, kabbalists, gnostics, magicians, metaphysicists, ninjas, numerologists and the like. So, you may first ask, what is a maven? A maven (also mavin) is a trusted expert, often self-proclaimed, in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others. The word maven comes from the Hebrew, via Yiddish, and means one who understands, based on an accumulation of knowledge.1 Moreover, maven knowledge is typically gained outside a culture's traditional educational apparatus. For example, college or university degrees in Alchemy just aren't to be pursued anywhere in the Occident. A Black Maven is a particular kind of expert of "occult" knowledge. More often than not, a cultural taboo is associated with occult knowledge, and sometimes quite perniciously. Well, you don't have to look far for examples of that kind of cultural phenomenon--simply reference the Spanish Inquisition as a prime example. Ironically, if we take stock of the hugely popular Harry Potter phenomenon, we surely must reach the prima facie conclusion that occultism has captivated the minds of young and old alike (the old are at least paying for all the Harry Potter media and spinoff merchandise their children are clamoring to purchase). Perhaps the polemic that naturally evolves from that realisation is something that can be pursued through this group. In summary, the purpose of this group is to entertain. If it does something other than that, such as enlighten, so be it. 1 Dictionary.com

[close] A venue to discuss traditional and new books on the occult arts, including but not limited to ceremonial magick, enochian, goetia, thelema, golden dawn, alchemy and the people who practiced and/or wrote about these arts. We will select a book each month (or longer depending on its size) and discuss it. Given the subject matter and the very real dangers some of the topics bring to table, this group will be private and you will have to be individually approved by the moderator(s). Apologies for any inconvenience.

[close] School of Witchcraft and wizardry, school of divination. School of alchemy and magicks. When Mages and Alchemists, Wizards and Witches alike come together, they can do the near impossible. At the Academy, one's desire for knowledge can be satisfied. It not only teaches the old-age art of Alchemy, and the hunt for the Elixir and Stone, but magic, spell-casting, summoning and even Worship of Gods long forgotten. What power that courses throughyour veins? What ever it may be, what ever you are, something within you.....stirred. Soon you will Awaken and feel the hunger for knowledge, as many before you have. But at the Academy, we can assure you, you will (probaly) not meet the same fate, the same end. Here we will teach you to master your gifts and train you with new ones aswell. Welcome, all. Welcome HOME.

[close] This group is for sharing blogs. Specifically occult, supernatural, science fiction or magical blogs. Astrology, Numerology, Tarot blogs are encouraged. All blogs are welcome.