In this module we will look at some of different types of beings, and how the magician works with them, and why. The one thing to start thinking about now is the concept of good and bad. As we go through the lessons, we will look at beings that are considered ‘bad’ and others that are considered ‘good.’ It is important as a magician to ask, “good/bad for whom?” We tend to look at the world from a human perspective, because we are humans (duh), but what is bad for a human is often good for another being or creature.

This is a fundamental question for magicians, as it takes us out of the human-centric world and places us in the midst of a community of beings, creatures, forces, and landmasses. In the last few decades, Western societies have moved from being civil societies where everyone contributes towards a greater good, to consumer societies where everyone looks out for themselves. This has seeped into religion and magic, which has in turn affected how we interact with magic, and with everything around us.

Although that self-centred perspective has always been a part of humanity (it is, after all, a survival mechanism), it has not been quite so polarised or extensive as it is today for quite some time. This has affected how magic is operated, and in turn it has also deeply affected how we interface with everything around us.

So with that in mind, when reading and working with these various lessons, keep that fundamental question in mind: “good/bad for whom?”

This module does not cover all beings, as that would be impossible and also not necessary at this stage of training. However, the module shines a light on some of the more key types of beings that western magicians are likely to come across during magical training. As you progress through the course, your understanding of the wealth of different beings will slowly widen out as you encounter some of the vastly diverse inner and outer community through your work.