The Man Who Turned Newspaper to Money

"So, how did you get started?" is a pop question. And, why not? Understandably, people who are starting out on practicing magick simply need to gather similarities in experiences among fellow practitioners. It is natural to want to map out where one has been, and to duplicate any success.

The web is so rich with grimoires of successful practioners in the past but somehow we just want to hear from someone who is not way above the clouds, someone practical and not intimidating....

There was a man who turned newspaper into money in front of 9 people. This is not street magic. That man was referred to as "Baba" who appeared at the house of my father's bestfriend. He simply said, "I'd like to live here." Somehow, he was welcomed and he formed an ashram (loosely defined as: a secluded residence of a religious community and its guru). There is a long story to it, but it sure is very real. One day, the bills came. Since everyone quit their 9-5 jobs in the ashram to study, they were faced with a pile of bills thus, they presented the problem to Baba. Baba asked them to cut up newspaper into the size of money bills and to lay it before him. He simply shook his head and said that he would change the cut-up newspaper to money but with it comes a lot of responsibility. In that instant, the 9 witnesses saw the newspaper turn into money.

This is not street magic. And, too bad I was not able to meet Baba. This however, is not just a story I read in a book. It was a real story. It was so real that it has become my obsession to learn how Baba could create something from thin air and on command.

I can create a lot of things but sometimes not in the exact way I wanted things to happen and seldom was it instantaneous. That did not stop me from thinking that what Baba can do, I can do as well. I don't know if he can do anything he desires on command. Or perhaps, he can but doesn't wish to do so. Maybe dong so would mean taking on the responsibilities that come with being God.

Let's lighten up a bit.

I went on a trip and it was one of those nights when I was alone and bored in my hotel room. I thought of the story of Baba. I realized that there is logic in easing the way for the etheric to manifest into the physical realm, hence the need for cut-up newspaper. I cut up a piece of tissue paper the size of a bill and clipped it together with my 100 dollar bills and traveller's checks. Again, this is no bullshit. I left the country the next day to go back home. When I came home, I had 100 dollars in excess. I am so sure I counted my money well. Yes, the tissue was still there.

I would still stick tissue paper next to real money and money does appear but in other ways. Now I am baffled as to how Baba created money instantaneously and how my magickal dollar bill appeared. Comments as to how this happens (I don't need theoreticals but real sucessful accounts and analysis) are most welcome.

Here's another story. I went on a weekend trip sometime in April 2001 with my family. My uncle brought his Mercedes Benz. When we reached the resthouse, I joined the rest in admiring his beautiful MB. It was around 8:00pm and I remember the sky was so clear. I have a habit of looking up in the sky and reciting the old rhyme, "Starlight, starbright..." I told myself that I would one day own an MB. And I totally forgot about the thought and enjoyed the weekend.

In May, I resigned from a job to move to a dream job. The dream job however didn't offer a car as part of the package. I had to give up my company car and look for a new one. The money I had could buy me a second hand car but I was not very pleased so I scouted around for loans. I called up my aunt who was into financing and told her that I wanted to borrow money. When she learned that I needed a car, she offered her Honda Civic at a good price. I was about to take it when she told me that my uncle wanted to dispose the exact MB I was drooling on a month ago. She would sell it to me with whatever money I had for downpayment and in whatever terms I can offer to pay the balance.

No bullshit. The car served me for the next 5 years. It was my favorite car and I have a deed of sale to the next owner to show anybody that I got the MB I wanted.

So, is this all about visulaization??? Yes and no. Visulization is the cornerstone of any magickal practice. Having a seemingly carefree attitude is another.

You will find more answers in my next Post - 'I need a LOVE SPELL'

I hope the stories I shared with you will inspire you to gather your successes in practicing. If you study your successes you will find a pattern on what works.

Day One

After reading through several e-groups related to Magick, I realize that there are a lot who simply want to know more about Magick but just can't seem to find their way around.

There are tons of information on the web --- both free and peddled.

There is a difference between people who are just simply lazy and waiting to be spoon-fed and those who just need a little working-up to get started like a patt-on-the-butt and off you go....

I welcome the latter.

I wasn't lazy. I enrolled myself in the free-schooling that the 21st century www now offers and apprenticed under people who were kind enough to tutor me. I treated anyone who knew his art as my teacher. Afterall, that is what learning is about ---- it's not about the teacher, it's about the student and his attitude towards what he wants to achieve.

Academically, I graduated from a big traditional school. In learning the art and discipline of Magick, I was blessed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity) Syndrome.... yup, to the special school you go. I realized soon enough that I was not cut out to stick to any single Big School. But, my blessed affliction is what helped me find my way fast. My way is simply ---- MY WAY. And, no one else's. That is how most of us are and can be.

Individualism is the signature of the 21st century techno-practioner of the Magickal Arts with a different set of tools around us. I live in a high-rise condominium in the middle of a big city....I can't find plant roots and oils even if I walk around for a mile (you can order from the web, but...). I cannot follow the moon and cast a spell at a specific hour because I have a 9-5 job to keep. But that didn't stop me from finding ways to cast effective spells in the middle of a busy work schedule. I use tried and proven ancient tools when available. But I also use my cellphone, my business card case (aluminum) a ballpen, a paper clip, plastic-cling, post-it notes....The pracitioners of old would have drooled if they saw what we have now.

I have so much respect for the big schools. But I was and still am so turned-off with the tendencies of adepts to display puffery and arrogance when dealing with kindergarten practitioners. I respect the school and the various disciplines but often ignore practitioners with an attitude. They simply don't have the heart to teach and my guess is that they simply want positive affirmation. Really silly and sad because it turns off and often sends a kindergarten practitioner off to never-never land. Oh, they will surely find their way back but still so much waste instead of having them off and running to find their path.

You will not find A PATH here. You will find descriptions of several paths. Choose, discover, learn then come back and choose all over again until you find out who you are and where you can be most comfortable in your practice.

A warm welcome to all.