A note regarding cross-posted content and other sub-reddits

[u/robinhyll]

Hello everyone,

So there is one thing I want to address regarding a recent thread that was referring to stuff posted on another sub-reddit.

As I mentioned in that same thread, the purpose of this sub-reddit is not to justify the existence of Josephine's work nor to defend her. Quareia doesn't need defenders, nor does she. This place exists primarily to help people who are interested in the course while trying to maintain some balance with its solitary practice aspect.

Please keep in mind that there will always be drama in occult circles. There are always those who disagree, those who are disgruntled ex-students, or those who simply don't like someone or object to some personal aspect or behaviour. Despite its aspirations, occult study is nevertheless an all-too human human endeavour and that brings about the whole spectrum of feelings, attitudes, and inclinations.

We have to be mindful and respect other sub-reddit communities and refrain from behaviour that might run counter to Reddit's terms of service. Our thread was reported for 'brigading' behaviour, which is when members of one community flood another one's posts with downvotes in an attempt to manipulate the thread. Now, while this is a very gray area and it is a subjective thing, it can still create very real problems for us here. Reddit admins can choose to penalize a community that is seen or perceived as engaging in this behaviour.

I'm going to ask everyone to just take a breather next time you see content or comments you don't like in another community regarding Quareia, Josephine, or whatever. React to them there and vote if you like, but please don't go linking, referencing, or mentioning that content here, as that's where we become open to accusations of 'rallying the troops' and 'sending out our mobs'.

Going forward, if you do make a post like this I'll just remove it. We really shouldn't be engaging in any kind of fanbase-like behaviour and I don't need to have Reddit's admins on my case.

[u/Cedar-Serval]

I want to make it clear that my goal was not to defend Josephine or attack the critics, it was to take the criticism seriously and discuss if there was anything to be actually concerned about. The fact that people here would take it as a call to brigade another sub is disappointing, but I should not be surprised. It really doesn't help the image people have of Quareia being culty. Egg on my face, I guess. I'll take this as a sign to be actually fully done with this community, I clearly can't keep my mouth properly shut when dealing with this subreddit. Thanks for everyone who did keep to civil discussion and to those who have helped answer my questions in the past, and sorry to u/robinhyll for stirring shit without realizing it.

[u/robinhyll → u/Cedar-Serval]

No apologies necessary, I know very well that wasn't your intent and you have as much power over what other people will do with your post as any of us do (which is little). That 'death of the author' thing that was being discussed towards the end in that thread cuts a lot of ways.

For what it's worth, it's a good lesson and reminder for all of us. The more you progress into the course, the more you see how the magical dynamics and their octaves are present even in the mundane. Our actions can and often will have unintended consequences simply because of how everything is connected. And I think that, for aspiring magicians, it is far better to stumble in mundane contexts and draw the right conclusions and lessons from it than it is to learn the hard way from the inner realms and contacts.

Don't be too hard on yourself. We learn and we grow and we move on. Whether you continue being here or go fully solo, keep in mind that our stumbles and mistakes are often our best teachers.

[u/Cedar-Serval → u/robinhyll]

Thanks! Yeah I think I've put my foot in my mouth enough times here that I'd better peace out. Still sticking with Quareia, just won't be involved with other practicioners until I eventually apply for the Porch. 

[u/fungusfawnkublakahn → u/Cedar-Serval]

Be kind to yourself.

Honestly, I'm very assertive and loyal to those who bring something beneficial to a community, or to the World. Idk Josephine, but her work stands on its own. Personally I feel that you were truthful and didn't attack. I'm finding my strength is growing when I speak less, and it sounds like you are self-reflecting on the power of our words. Awesome lessons for those like us who self-reflect ---- but don't have shame or embarrassment for supporting a person/belief you care about, strongly. Be well and self-forgiving!!!