“The Ego, a self-regulatory structure which maintains the fiction of being a unique self, doesn’t like the process of becoming more adaptive to experience. One of the more subtle defenses that it throws up is the sneaking suspicion (which can quickly become an obsession) is that you are better than everyone else. In some circles, this is known as Magusitis, and it is not unknown for those afflicted to declare themselves to be Maguses, Witch Queens, avatars of Goddesses, or Spiritual Masters. If you catch yourself referring to everyone else as the herd, or human cattle, etc., then its time to take another look at where you’re going.”

-Phil Hine, Condensed Chaos

It’s never too early to inoculate yourself against Magusitis.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Certain people have been telling me that they take me fairly seriously as a magician. Someone called me a Magus, someone else called me an Adept. Neither of them was using those terms remotely correctly from a Golden Dawn or A.’.A.’. grades perspective, but it sure felt nice. Maybe too nice.

At the same time, I have seen certain other people who are taken seriously as Magi or Adepts or what have you, including some who have earned those grades in formal-ass systems like the A.’.A.’., behaving pretty dang childishly.

It’s a good reality check.

I don’t expect that any of us, even the most Initiated and Enlightened, will be perfect all of the time, but if all your magico-spiritual development fails to overcome chronic jerkish-ness and frequent temper tantrums, well… see my entry, “If It Ain’t Practical, It Ain’t Spiritual.”

I am approaching my Thagirion working, which feels like a fairly major milestone in my ascent of the tree. I do not view the Klipot as “degrees” or “grades,” it’s a non-linear and cyclical system of initiation. However, Thagirion is the sphere of the Antichrist, my magical name is Antichristos for a reason, and, well… I’m hoping to attain greater knowledge and conversation of my Holy Guardian Angel, integrate better with my best self, and generally have a Very Important Experience. I believe this will probably work.

And also, as I approach what I think will be a major leap forward in my growth, the last think I want is to get big-headed. Untoward arrogance is not a sign of attainment– in fact, it’s the quickest and easiest way to destroy and negate whatever attainment one might have.

So, Satan protect me from Magusitis.