There are a near infinite number of ways to come to walk the path of an Initiate.
Some are drawn to it by life events and an innate craving for something more. Others stumble upon it, not fully aware that they’ve even begun until they look back on the lessons they’ve learned.
Among those myrid reasons, there are some that seem more common than others. This is a partial list.
1. Knowledge
The arcane world claims many secrets that even modern science can’t quite grasp. Perhaps it is ancient knowledge, long forgotten or kept secret by mysterious powers. Perhaps it is nothing more than misrepresented folklore. Those on this path tend to be methodical and willing to put in long hours learning obscure languages and traveling in search of rare manuscripts. Regardless of where the search takes them, Initiates who begin their path looking for this hidden knowledge take more pleasure in the journey than the destination. They may be laughed at by their more conventionally scientific compatriots, but they are no less thorough or meticulous in their work.
2. Wisdom
Very similar to those who seek Knowledge, those who seek Wisdom may forgo logic and sensibility all together, instead relying entirely on intuition and “gifted” messages from the world around them. This path has the added pitfall of often leading quite close to what outsiders would percieve as insanity. The rewards, if and when they are realized, are hard to deny–a lasting sense of inner peace and understanding.
3. Power
Many are the stories of powerful sorceres who do good or ill in the world around them. Those who feel trod upon may begin their path to power in order to assert themselves more fully on the circumstances or people who push them around. Others may see it as a venue for righting other wrongs. Ego can be a dangerous pitfall for those who come to the mystical arts seeking only power. They can become disheartened and bitter when they discover it doesn’t work like in the fairy tales or movies. They can also discover the strength within themselves to manifest their will in the real world. Hopefully, they will also discover the Wisdom to use whatever power they gain in a reasonable and beneficial manner.
4. Control
Much like the motivation of Power, the impetus of Control can be the seeking of an internal or external influence. Esoteric forces can be used to help the individual control his or her own mind better, leading to better focus and productivity. Meditation and phsycial exercises are often a big part of the pathwork those seeking control utilize. But control can also be sought over others, learning the lessons of manipulation and subterfuge, toying with the energies of those around you for your own benefit–or the benefit of others. Anyone who walks the path toward control will find it in their best interesst to do so with the goal of wisdom in their perfiery.
5. Enlightenment
The loftiest of all goals, Enlightenment is about transcendence and evolution of the spirit. Those who come to a path seeking enlightenment will undoubtedly find themselves delving into all schools and being tested by many forces, both physical and metaphysical. There is no One Way to journey to the pinnacle and beyond, and none of the ways that exist are quick or easy.
I originally came to my path seeking knowledge, then wisdom. Now, I hope to dedicate myself more fully to a path that will enlighten me and better allow me to help ease the transitions of those around me.
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