talkmagic.co.uk

Hi All


I’m just new to this Forum so here’s a miscellaneous topic.

I have just been elected a president of my Magic Club (best of a bad bunch ). I was a member of another club and when you joined you had to show more than a passing interest and knowledge of magic and to perform something if performing was your thing.

Before you could be come a full member they had an “Initiation Ceremony” This consisted of an explanation of the symbols in the club badge as well as a sign that was derived from a time when there were deaf members of the club and was used to call meeting to order.

I now for other reasons that some of the ceremony was founded in a Masonic back ground, and in fact some of the old names for the office bearers were directly Masonic. I believe this came from the fact most of the founding member were masons and adapted the titles and ideas to suit their needs

I have no problem with the ritual or the Masonic undertones but.

I’m a traditionalist and don’t see a problem with them ever organisation I have been a member of has had some form of “Initiation Ceremony” right down to my employment.


What is the opinion of the members here of “Initiation Ceremonies” for magic clubs. I see there are people here from all over the world and from different walks of life.

“Initiation Ceremonies” good or bad

“Initiation Ceremonies” if your magic club or society has one what form does it take (I don’t want the secrets I would not like to see anyone’s wands broken or their tongues cut out)

“Initiation Ceremonies” did your club have one and stopped using it, why?

Bad. Lets face it, Lay's think we are a fairly odd bunch as it is, and have this notion that we all have to be able to take a wand up the bum before any magic club will let us join.
I know this because of comments made in semi jest by people with a passing interest in magic, and who are undecided as to wether to join a club or not.
Natural instincts tell me to go along with it and admit that we do prety unusual things behind closed doors, and i give into these urges.
They believe that these things go on!.
and some, stay away from the clubs, because they are frightened of such actions.
Truth is, it would probably be more fun if it did happen, than standing around in cardigans, sipping tea and a biscuit at half time

strange. bum looks far dirtier than b.u.m.

I don't think it is a bad thing (depending on the content of the initiation ceremony). It's just a bit of fun that adds an element of mystery to membership.

Mark

My first reaction was that it is a bad thing. I believe that Magicians have anough problems without persisting the reputation of elitism that sometimes occurs.

However, really is it that important?, as after all most people aren't even aware of local magic societies (maybe the magic circle, but not one in most large towns or cities), and even if they were aware that there are many magical societies I don't think they would give it a second thought as to whether or not they had a ceremony.

If the ceremony is seeped in tradition, and new members are going through the same procedures as fellow magicians maybe anything up to 100 years ago, then why not? it can only help as a bonding process between all at the club/society.

I don't think it's important to have at a magic society, but if it is there I see no reason not to continue with it.

I'm not in a magic club but I have to say I'm wary of such practices if they're too deep and murky. Anything involving nudity, tar and or feathers is right out. Some years ago I was initiated into The Young Gassers (OK, I was over age but it didn't matter!) which is a USA based 'Club' for folks in our trade and they organise rest, respite and social events at exhibitions etc. Translation: we all get ratarsed! The initiation ceremony was having to stand on stage, singing along to that old record of The Tequila Song, shouting 'Tequila!' at the right times and drinking shot glasses of the stuff. I can get my head round that kind of ceremony!

The only saving grace is that hearing the words 'Initiation Ceremony' always make me think of that episode of The Thin Blue Line where Insp. Grimm was preparing for his initiation in to the Grand Order of Todgers by wearing a frock and kissing a turkey's bottom. When the whole thing was interrupted the Grand Master ended the process solemnly by saying, 'Close the Turkey's legs - it's bottom shall not be kissed tonight'!

Bad.

Some people will have a problem with such a ceremony, so why put up an unneccessary hurdle.

One group that are likely to have a major problem with masonic rituals are Christians, at least knowledgable Christians that know something about the occultic foundation of such rituals. ( Any masons here please lets not get into a debate on the issue, cos I can't be bothered )

Anyhow bottom line already from this thread it's clear at least some people would be likely to have a negative attitude about an initiation ceremony.

my personal view:- a test to see what leval of magic skill you are at if any is ok as long as its not presented as a pass / fail situation.
anything else is just window dressing and completely unesissary, tradition is all well and fine but should not be a requirement to join a club, subs are ok but should'nt be prohibative.

if you want an elitist club the by all meens lock your doors and institute esoteric tests and hereadartary conscription.

if however you want to nurture young talent especialy from the female side then open your doors throw out the old boys attitude and get with the programe.
people today want to learn it all now without all the mumbo jumbo and if you want to restrict them then they will go elseware or on the net, in short open up magic is for all not just for thoughs who can afford it, its ok to protect your secrets and share them with the deserving just don't ignore the people who will be paying for your dvd's and books in the future.

daleshrimpton wrote:strange. BaBaBoom looks far dirtier than b.u.m.

ahhh you know me well