Carcosa Bound

We can do our biggest magic when we have our biggest problems.

I’ve heard those exercising this tendency pejoratively labelled “crisis magicians” – those only doing magic when in desperate need – but I gently push back on this as an immature perspective.

Everyone needs. Most – and especially those playing all out, and playing for keeps – fall on extremely tough circumstances, at one time or another.

My position is these periods of need, much more so than wants and passing fancies, are what drive deeply meaningful, transformative insight and connection.

Bonds stronger than life and time and the need itself are formed on this Deadly Ground.

Magicians are not built in or for easy, predictable, safe lives.

I know I’ve used this, and built powerful relationships. In a way, it is pretty central to my practice.

A desperate need is an opportunity to throw an imperfect situation into the crucible of one’s Arte, and with instruction, assistance and friendship of spirits, make something beautiful and exciting and new.

There is nothing wrong in asking for spiritual help – this makes the thing in itself a transcendental object, a spirit outpost in the world, an adventure that is unique and wholly yours.

A need was felt and resolved here. Something was learned here. A relationship was deepened here. We became something greater, together, here.

After seeking spiritual help with needs, I’ve found the whole matter obliquely transforms to seeking out needs so you and your crew can hang out, to explore new dimensions of spirituality, make new friends, and learn more and grow.

Perhaps, if the lightning hits just right – through explicit need and skillful means, we may even become something far greater than what we were before.