Previous thread(s) were lost in the wipe. There was some discussion of creating a spiritual system fit for the modern age but sadly I imagine most of it is lost. If you'd like to join us on IRC we're in #henosis on Rizon.
We did salvage the beginners guide to the occult:
First you must ask yourself why you're here? Seriously, stop for a moment and think about this and be honest with yourself, no one is watching. There are many answers to this question: Wisdom, compassion, control, power or a thousand more. All of them are legitimate, but if you do not know what you want, you are unlikely to get it. It may be, at this point, it becomes apparent to you that the occult isn't really the best way for you to pursue your goals. Great, step one was still a success, you know what you want and perhaps I'll see you again sometime. If not, keep reading.
Occult is a Latin word. It means secret or hidden. Some truths are obvious. Others are not and unearthing them is at the heart of what we do. Sometimes these are big truths. Is there a god above? What is the purpose of this world? Sometimes they are not. Why did you hesitate? Was there truly nothing you could do? But truth is truth and every inch of it is valuable and so very fickle. Always keep looking and question everything you know. No matter how smart or wise you are, there are vistas beyond what you've seen. "Trust in those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who have found it."
That, perhaps, is one of the more obvious truths but an important one none the less. On to more practical matters. It's common for beginners to ask what books they should read or what systems they should follow and the answer is whatever you like. The secrets of this universe are written on the backs of cereal boxes if you've the right eyes to see them. They're your eyes, you tell me what you should read. Shop around. You are seeking the truth and so you should trust in yourself. If it looks good, go with it. If it smells like bullsoykaf, it is. So long as you keep your mind open the worst that can happen is you'll learn from your mistakes. There are a thousand systems, each for a million eyes, but only one truth.
It would be remiss of me not to provide a little concrete direction. Learn to meditate. Again, there are many methods though here the differences between them are more relevant. Just sitting down and having a good hard think about your life is very useful and as much meditation as anything else but there's a specific technique I'd like to share. Get comfy and close your eyes. Thoughts will arise. When they do ask yourself why? Normally it will be an emotional connection. Try to stay detached from them and let them flow back into your mind. No matter how important these thoughts might seem when you're meditating nothing is more important than letting them go. Sometimes these thoughts will be "meta" thoughts. You'll think about the process itself. I need to let this go. Am I doing this right? Is this working? It doesn't matter. They're thoughts like any other, let them go. In time, thoughts will stop arising and wonders will reveal themselves. It took me more than a year of practice and frustration. Stick with it. Your doubts, your hopes, your frustrations, all of them, let them go.
Oh, and remember the first rule of magic. Never summon anything bigger than your own head. I mean, sorry, do not call up what ye cannot put down. Good luck.