I have always had a geeky disregard for the physical body.
The Church Fathers are probably to blame.
I think of the magician as self-neglecting garret-dweller- like a Christian saint without the Christianity. That he might be a person who cultivates and trains his body is a new and challenging thought to me.
Why without the Christianity? Systems like John Dee's, for instance, are more-or-less respectably C of E, with a bit of sex and goddess worship thrown-in to leaven things a bit.
Physical development has been best-practice since at least Crowley's A.'.A.'., to my mind, which of course he developed with considerable input from other alumni of the Golden Dawn. I've known three magic types, my own teacher among them, that began their path in martial arts.
At a minimum I'd advise some solid attainment in two of the eight limbs of raja yoga: posture and breath control. Personally, I'd strongly recommend hatha yoga as well. It is effort very well spent for a host of reasons.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2012-10-31 10:20 pm (UTC)The Church Fathers are probably to blame.
I think of the magician as self-neglecting garret-dweller- like a Christian saint without the Christianity. That he might be a person who cultivates and trains his body is a new and challenging thought to me.
no subject
Date: 2012-11-02 02:49 pm (UTC)Physical development has been best-practice since at least Crowley's A.'.A.'., to my mind, which of course he developed with considerable input from other alumni of the Golden Dawn. I've known three magic types, my own teacher among them, that began their path in martial arts.
At a minimum I'd advise some solid attainment in two of the eight limbs of raja yoga: posture and breath control. Personally, I'd strongly recommend hatha yoga as well. It is effort very well spent for a host of reasons.
no subject
Date: 2012-11-03 10:23 am (UTC)It's a personal thing. I've had enough Christianity in this lifetime to last me for several.
no subject
Date: 2012-11-03 11:36 am (UTC)