Free Form Magick

In order for there to be any religion, there must exist in the world fundamentalists of that religion.  They give it form, create its tenants, formulate the paradigm, and shape the worldview of that religion. There also exists in the world religious and spiritual seekers and people who take a more eclectic approach to religion.  They sample from several faiths, moving through them as if trying to find the best fit. Though there are a great many of these eclectic seekers they would have no material to work with were it not for fundamentalist and their creations.  Without a group of people who have dedicated themselves to one path, perceived by them as the only “true” path, the eclectic seeker would have no frame of reference from which to begin and continue their journey.

              The absolute same principle exists in the realm of magick.  There must be fundamentalists who create systems of magick in order for there to be material for the more eclectic, or Hermetic, magick users. The knowledge, wisdom, theoretical, and functional advantages of such rigid systems as Wicca, Classical Thelema, and Goetia, are all examples of such fundamentalist systems.  If one makes an in-depth study of most forms of magick, like ceremonial magick or chaos magick for instance, one will discover a great many persons who believe that only their system (ceremonialists), or the rigid denial of a system (chaos mages), is of any use or importance. While the value and potency of these systems is undeniable, it is important for those of a more informed and eclectic way of being to not allow themselves to be trapped by rigid magical systems or the denial thereof.
              Magick is a very vibrant and versatile art, one that cannot be contained, defined, or encompassed by one system alone.  Also remember that even styles of magick, when viewed as the “only” or “superior” way, can lead to stagnation, a shutting out of the potential for growth.  It is possible, if one chooses, to combine paradigms, such as the Wiccan earth oriented path and the Thelemic true will/ego path, and create an entirely new paradigm.  Or one can switch back and forth as one sees fit.  This can also be done with styles of magick.
              So long as one has studied, truly delved deeply into the various traditions, paradigms, and styles of magick, a true and enlightened style of free form magick can be transmuted from this patchwork collection of ideas and techniques.  The primary key is that all elements of one’s tradition, paradigm, and style of magick is that they are personally relevant.  If one part of a ritual is relevant and another is not, remove the irrelevant element and replace it with something better.  In essence, use what works for you, and do not worry so much about protocol, dogma, or tradition. Versatility is the very evolutionary essence of magick.
              The end result of an approach such as free form magick is that the student becomes the “Jack of all Trades and Master of None”.  This is one of the two paths of magick available to any neophyte or adept.  The other path is that of the master.  The master is a magus who devotes his or herself completely to one school of thought, magical tradition, or any other singular and rigid pursuit.  In time that magus will become a most puissant practitioner of their chosen art, though will not have much in the way of flexibility or the ability to evolve beyond their own paradigm.
              The “Jack”, the post-modern magus, is the harbinger of magical evolution.  This magus studies the workings and advancements of the masters, then uses this knowledge interchangeably to forge ahead into new territory. Though never becoming a master of anything, the post-modern magus becomes competent at everything, and thus always has the ability to overcome.  This is truly the path of those predisposed towards innovation and research, instead of refinement and the progression of traditional initiation. 
              Post-modern free form magick is indeed the middle path, with Attitude.