If You Really Want to Do it Right
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If You Really Want to Do it Right
Linda M. Georgian’s 1985 offering, 'If You Really Want to Do it Right,' presents itself with a bracing directness that is both its strength and, at times, its limitation. The book bypasses much of the florid language that can sometimes obscure esoteric texts, opting instead for a functional, almost utilitarian, tone. This no-frills approach makes certain concepts, such as the necessity of mental discipline in ritual, immediately accessible. For instance, the emphasis on maintaining focus during visualization exercises serves as a practical anchor, preventing the reader from drifting into purely speculative thought. However, this very directness can occasionally feel stark, lacking the richer theoretical or historical context that might deepen a reader’s understanding of *why* these practices are considered significant. The work offers a clear path, but sometimes the signposts are so utilitarian they offer little insight into the landscape itself. Georgian’s focus on the mechanics of practice is commendable for beginners, but more seasoned practitioners might find the exposition somewhat lean. Ultimately, 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' provides a solid, if unadorned, toolkit for the aspiring occultist.
📝 Description
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Linda M. Georgian published 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' in 1985, a practical guide for esoteric study.
This book bypasses theory to focus on actionable instruction for occult disciplines. Georgian aims to give readers the core knowledge and techniques needed for personal occult study. The emphasis is on practical application, guiding students through the initial stages of practice with clear direction.
It is written for the serious student ready for disciplined work, not casual interest. Those who prefer directness and a no-nonsense approach to spiritual development will find its methods useful. The book supports readers seeking practical skills over abstract philosophical discussion.
Georgian's work emerged in 1985, a time of renewed interest in occultism and New Age ideas. It offered a more focused style compared to earlier esoteric writings. The book answered a need for straightforward, serious instruction in a growing occult marketplace.
Published in 1985, 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' appeared when occultism and New Age spirituality saw renewed interest following the counterculture. This period had a wealth of esoteric books, building on earlier figures like Dion Fortune and Aleister Crowley. Georgian's book offered a more direct and less flamboyant method than some earlier works. It met a demand for accessible, yet serious, instruction within the expanding esoteric field.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn practical techniques for disciplined esoteric work, directly applicable from the 1985 publication date, as detailed in the book’s instructional sections. • Understand the fundamental role of personal will and intent in occult practice, as Georgian emphasizes this as the core engine of manifestation. • Gain foundational knowledge in areas like elemental correspondences or psychic hygiene, presented as actionable tools rather than abstract theories for immediate application.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' first published and what was the general climate for esoteric books then?
The book was first published in 1985. This period saw a surge in interest in occult and New Age topics, following the cultural shifts of the preceding decades, making it a fertile ground for practical esoteric guides.
What kind of reader is Linda M. Georgian's book best suited for?
It is ideal for serious students of the occult who prefer direct, actionable instruction over lengthy theoretical discussions and are committed to disciplined practice.
Does the book offer historical background on the esoteric practices it discusses?
While the book focuses on practical application, its 1985 publication context places it within a broader wave of esoteric literature that built upon earlier traditions from figures like Dion Fortune.
What are some core principles emphasized in 'If You Really Want to Do it Right'?
The book strongly emphasizes the power of the practitioner's will and intent, alongside the importance of rigorous self-discipline and correct application of specific esoteric techniques.
Is this book suitable for someone completely new to occult studies?
Yes, it is designed to equip new students with fundamental knowledge and techniques, offering a clear, step-by-step approach to initial occult study and practice.
What distinguishes Georgian's approach from other esoteric writings of its time?
Georgian's approach is marked by its directness and focus on practical instruction, often eschewing the more theoretical or philosophical explorations found in contemporary works.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Primacy of Will and Intent
Central to Georgian's approach is the concept that personal will and focused intent are the foundational engines of any successful esoteric operation. The book likely guides the reader in cultivating and directing this internal force, differentiating it from mere wishing or daydreaming. This emphasis suggests a practical, almost magical, understanding where the practitioner's mental state directly influences external reality or inner transformation. It positions the individual as an active agent, responsible for generating the energetic impetus required for occult work, a perspective common in certain hermetic and ceremonial magic traditions that value focused consciousness.
Practical Application Over Theory
A defining characteristic of 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' is its commitment to actionable instruction. Unlike texts that might immerse the reader in complex philosophical systems or historical lineages, Georgian's work prioritizes the 'how-to.' This includes likely sections on ritual preparation, energy manipulation, and mental conditioning. The book serves as a toolkit, providing the reader with specific techniques and exercises designed for immediate implementation. This pragmatic stance suggests a belief that true understanding and progress in esoteric arts are achieved through diligent practice and direct experience, rather than solely through intellectual study.
Foundational Esoteric Techniques
The book aims to impart essential skills necessary for engaging with the esoteric path. These may include principles of elemental correspondences, understanding energetic currents, or methods for psychic hygiene to maintain a balanced inner state. Georgian likely presents these not as abstract doctrines but as practical tools. For example, understanding elemental balance might be framed in terms of achieving inner equilibrium required for specific types of magical work. This focus on fundamental, transferable skills ensures that the reader builds a solid base, capable of being applied across various disciplines within the occult spectrum.
Self-Discipline as a Cornerstone
Georgian underscores that genuine esoteric attainment is inextricably linked to rigorous self-discipline. This involves not only the commitment to practice regularly but also the internal fortitude to overcome mental distractions, emotional turbulence, and habitual patterns that hinder progress. The book likely provides guidance on cultivating this discipline, framing it as a necessary prerequisite for effectively wielding esoteric principles. This perspective aligns with traditions that view the spiritual path as a form of inner warfare, where mastery over oneself is the primary objective, enabling greater control over external forces or circumstances.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Practice is the crucible where theory is forged into power.”
— This interpretation underscores the book's pragmatic philosophy. It means that abstract knowledge or theoretical understanding of esoteric principles only becomes potent and effective when tested and applied through consistent, hands-on practice.
“Maintain your inner equilibrium; the outer work depends upon it.”
— This likely reflects a core teaching on psychic hygiene and self-mastery. It posits that a stable and balanced inner state is not merely desirable but essential for performing effective external or magical operations.
“Begin with the basics; mastery is built brick by brick.”
— This reflects the book's structured approach to learning esoteric arts. It advises against attempting advanced techniques prematurely, instead advocating for a methodical progression through fundamental skills and knowledge.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Focus your intent; it is the arrow you launch.
This paraphrased concept highlights the book's emphasis on the power of directed will. It suggests that intention, when clearly defined and focused, acts as the primary force or 'arrow' that drives esoteric work towards its intended outcome.
The will, rightly disciplined, shapes reality.
This paraphrased concept speaks to the active role of the practitioner in manifestation. It suggests that with proper training and control, the focused will possesses the inherent power to influence and alter circumstances or the environment.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Georgian's work appears rooted in the practical, operational side of Western esotericism, likely drawing from traditions that emphasize ceremonial magic and individual will-power. It aligns with a lineage that prioritizes direct experience and mastery of specific techniques over deep dives into complex theological or philosophical systems. While not explicitly tied to a single tradition like Kabbalah or Gnosticism, its focus on focused intent and disciplined practice echoes principles found across various Hermetic and magical schools that view the practitioner as an active force capable of influencing reality through specific methods.
Symbolism
While the book emphasizes practical instruction, it likely touches upon symbolic concepts fundamental to many esoteric paths. For instance, the concept of 'elements' (earth, air, fire, water, spirit) might be explored not just as philosophical archetypes but as forces to be balanced and directed within the practitioner and their environment. Similarly, the 'will' itself can be seen as a potent symbol of the divine spark within humanity, the active principle capable of creation and transformation when properly understood and wielded. The very act of 'doing it right' implies adherence to symbolic laws and correspondences that govern the magical universe.
Modern Relevance
The principles articulated in 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' remain pertinent for contemporary practitioners seeking tangible results in their esoteric studies. Modern occultists and those exploring mindfulness, manifestation, and energy work can find value in Georgian's emphasis on disciplined practice and the power of focused intent. Schools of thought that prioritize actionable techniques, such as certain branches of modern ceremonial magic or even secularized approaches to spiritual development, can see elements of Georgian's direct methodology. Her focus on building foundational skills provides a robust starting point for anyone engaged in personal occult or spiritual development today.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Aspiring occultists seeking a direct, instructional guide to foundational practices and techniques. • Students of Western esotericism who prefer a pragmatic, skills-based approach over extensive theoretical discourse. • Individuals committed to disciplined self-development who want to understand the role of will and intent in practical magical or spiritual work.
📜 Historical Context
The publication of Linda M. Georgian's 'If You Really Want to Do it Right' in 1985 occurred during a vibrant, albeit sometimes chaotic, period for Western esotericism. The preceding decades had seen a resurgence of interest in occultism, fueled by the counterculture and a broader questioning of established norms. Figures like Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune had already laid significant groundwork, and the 1970s and early 80s witnessed a diversification of esoteric paths, from ceremonial magic to various New Age philosophies. Georgian’s book emerged in this landscape, offering a distinctively direct and practical approach. It implicitly responded to a perceived need for no-nonsense instruction, aiming to provide foundational skills without extensive theoretical digressions that characterized some earlier or more academically-oriented works. While not directly engaging with contemporaries in public discourse, its utilitarian style served as a counterpoint to more esoteric or ceremonial traditions, appealing to a segment of the burgeoning readership seeking tangible results and disciplined practice.
📔 Journal Prompts
The cultivation of focused intent: How does your current practice align with Georgian's emphasis?
Reflect on the role of self-discipline in achieving your esoteric goals.
Identify one practical technique from the book you wish to implement this week.
Consider the relationship between inner equilibrium and external effectiveness.
How can the concept of 'elements' be practically applied in your daily life?
🗂️ Glossary
Esoteric Practice
Refers to the application of specific techniques and disciplines aimed at achieving spiritual, psychic, or magical development, often involving hidden or inner knowledge inaccessible to the uninitiated.
Will
In an esoteric context, the focused, directed intention and power of the practitioner, understood as a fundamental force capable of initiating change or manifesting desired outcomes.
Intent
The clear purpose or aim behind an esoteric action or operation; the mental formulation that guides the will towards a specific objective.
Psychic Hygiene
Practices designed to maintain the health, clarity, and balance of one's mental and energetic state, crucial for effective and safe engagement with esoteric work.
Elemental Correspondences
The system of associating specific qualities, symbols, energies, or tools with the fundamental elements (e.g., Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit) used in ritual and magical practice.
Manifestation
The process by which thoughts, intentions, or desires are brought into physical reality or concrete experience, often through focused will and energetic work.
Discipline
The rigorous training and self-control required to consistently apply esoteric techniques and manage one's inner state, seen as essential for progress.