I did a search on greater magic, and while I'm sure there are topics available on the subject, I couldn't find them. Basically, my question is this. Is there anything more to greater magic that to alleviate the pressure of the items dealt with in ritual. In other words does the CoS believe in actual effectual magic or is it simply psychodrama to soothe the "spiritual" (needy) nature of us humans. Thank you so very much.

Please define "effectual" magic.

And you need to understand that the Church of Satan doesn't hold any beliefs.

I guess my definition of effectual magic is that the ritual performed has an effect in the world other than to give an outlet for the magician to exponge their desires.

If your purging of your desires makes you act differently in the world, or even just look at it in a different way doesn't that affect the world itself?

This becomes an issue that only you will be able to test and verify. There are two worlds to consider: the one outside the ritual chamber and the one inside the ritual chamber. Re-read The Satanic Bible regarding this.

After you have performed your ritual you just might discover a third world.

Do or do not. There is no try. Only experience will answer your question.

Read the history regarding the founder of the Church of Satan, who was a self-proclaimed sorcerer and who laid claim to effective magical results in the real world.

Then ask yourself if he might possibly have meant what he said.

Then ask yourself if you can allow yourself to determine if this could be true for yourself as well.

The Church of Satan is not just a gathering place for would-be omniscient materialists.

It is a religion based on doubt and personal skill acquisition once doubt has yielded to knowledge.

You quoted my favorite movie. Seriously though, thanks for the advice. Both you and Nemo. You guys can close this topic now if you'd like.

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