Is it enough to know that in working Magick we are taking upon ourselves the power to bring about change, when change without direction can result in chaos and become nothing more than ennui?

In Magick one must Choose to Act

Choice itself implies that there is more than one option available. Why do you choose this path or to act with Magick rather than by openlyconfronting your obstacles? At this point in educating yourself to the art and practice of Magick you need to become aware of the vast number of possible decisions and choices that you are faced with everyday.

Think about how and why each habitual decision occurs, then decide if that is REALLY the decision you want to follow rather than just allowing habit to direct your choice. Pay attention to the 'Why' of every situation and try to remain objective. Is it a Want or a Need? In the little decisions, choose to act differently than your habits normally dictate. For example, drive to work on a different route. This is to get you out of your rut, if you happen to be in one, and to show you how different experiences can come out of changing a habit.

There is no one peroson alive today who does not have that singular survival instinct of Determination. And while there are many that think covering this topic at length to be a waist of ink, a waist of paper or on occasion a waist of pixelated ciber-space. Many accept it as simply a part of the human condition.

That stuborn edge in an argument the tenacity to cling to something until research either prooves you right or wrong. The Iron Will to overcome all obstacles. In some of these cases the goal is more important than others and we may consede defeat out of simple exaustion.

The importance of Will in Magick is in that alternative avenue to obtain what you desire, and the skill itself is not so easy for everyone.

Will Exercises

1. Never lie; therefore, be careful of your motivations. If you lie to others, you will lie to yourself. If you lie to yourself, you cannot have confidence in yourself.

2. Follow through on all your decisions, therefore, be very careful in your decision making processes and what you agree to do for others.

3. Use a physical discipline to create a pattern in your life - yoga, meditation, t'ai ch'i and ballet are good ones. Consider the time element. Don't set it up at a time or place which will be difficult for you, thereby undermining this lesson.

4. Develop self-awareness as to your thoughts, words and actions. Understand your motivations.

5. Consciously choose to accept responsibility for your actions and decisions each time you act or make a choice.

Notice the effects on your life from following these ideas. Notice the increased strength of will as a result of exercising it. Learn to recognize that you can choose to be or not to be responsible to or for other people. Don't let others put you on a 'guilt trip'. If you are choosing your course of action consciously and are responsible for the results of your actions, then you are not subject to other people's whims. You and only you are in charge of your life.