Re: A Crooked Path in the Dark
Any thoughts on the recent episode of NHBW?
Something that stuck out to me were the comments on "observation." I think this is something that's easily missed 👀, even by witches. Now, I'm not a fan of the knitting circles that form around shitting on the youth and so-called "snowflakes", but I do think modern technology (especially smartphones) have stolen valuable "observation" real estate. It's something I personally try to remain "aware" about, especially as it pertains to becoming a slave to the algorithm.
It's probably not a coincidence that many magical and psychic training systems (and even rehabilitation therapies) start with some form of "introspection" and "observation". Assuming some model of reality that can be mapped to classical planets, it makes sense to call the first stepping stone the "Moon."
The Moon is closest to Earth, but has a much better "view" of the entire solar system. We often rely on the "perception" principle embodied by the Moon to cast glamours. Extrasensory "perception" skills are often associated with the Moon, but with little elaboration as to why. Denning and Phillips described all foundational psychic skills as being essentially "Astral." Yet another hint as to why the Moon has these popular correspondences. Then, there is of course the internal "sensory" experience. We might refer to these observations of our internal state as "feelings" or "emotions."
We also sometimes say that all physical manifestations must pass through the Astral. This reminds me of another phrase, "If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"
Anyone else care to ramble about an "observation" from this episode?
To further The Map Makers point the observed is often observing. Chimps in a zoo often copy the behaviour of the visitors and captors.
I know a witch who can manipulate their body language, but they do so in such an obvious way. I also deliberately ignore their prominent body language because they are rude and one manipulates the inept by mirroring their poor skills.
When observing speech and linguistics one should remember that primates can communicate perceived danger.
The division of environmental, semantics, pragmatics and the environmental contexts are important in observation.
Who am I calling a Monkey?