Will and Want

Back in my Thelemic Days it was driven home that Do What Thou Wilt did not mean do whatever you wanted. This point was made over and over again so strongly that a kind of dichotomy was set up with WILL on one side and WANT on the other. It was not just that they were different, it was as if they were opposed. As if acting on your wants would keep you from realizing your true will.

Sometimes of course they are opposed. It’s true that if you focus on whims of the moment rather than on your true will that you can get distracted from your true will. If your true will involves losing weight but you want to eat a bacon double cheeseburger, clearly the will and the want are at odds.

The mistake is thinking that they are always at odds. If your want is not in conflict with your will  there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting things. There is nothing wrong with doing magic to attain those things that you want. It does not have to be something that is necessary. It does not have to have an altruistic motive. It does not have to be something that will support your true will, innermost soul, or anything else. Wanting it is enough.

Personally speaking, being a Sorcerer and Spiritual teacher is my true will. Making it my occupation is also my true will. I WANT in the future to make a seven figure income doing it, but I recognize that desire is not really part of the true will, it is simply something I want. The thing that took me a long time to understand was that what I want is in no way unworthy of my time, effort, or magic.

I was reminded of this today while talking with one of my apprentices. His Patron asked him what he wanted. I told him not just to think about his True Will or Spiritual Path but to take a look at his wants and desires. If it is not in conflict with the will, and its not seriously harming anyone, then go for it!

Do Want.