How to be a magician

Simple. Declare yourself a magician, behave like a magician, practise magic every day.

Be honest abut your progress, your successes and failures. Tripping on 500 mushrooms might loosen your astral sphincter a little but it will not generally confer upon you any of the benefits of the magic I’m discussing here.
Magic is about what you bring BACK from the Shining Realms of the Uberconscious.  The magician dives into the Immense Other in search of tips and hints and treasures s/he can bring home to enrich life in the solid world.

And if necessary, Fake it till you make it.

How to be a magician – 2

Read lots of books on the subject to get in the mood. Talking about magic with non-magicians is like talking to virgins about shagging. Reading about magic is like reading about sex; it will get you horny for the real thing but it won’t give you nearly as much fun.

Reading will give you a feel for what’s crap and what can usefully be adapted to your own style. Develop discrimination. Don’t buy into cults, aliens, paranoia, or complacency. Learn who to trust and who to steer clear of.

How to be a magician – 3

Put down the books, stop making excuses and START.