Unexpected turns

[tahkhleet]

in Mage the Ascension the proagonists normally are ultra-powerful mages from "the Nine Traditions", mystical paths of philosophy and power seeking to reunify the sundered One that predates the universe. Their outlooks vary wildly. When I first heard of it, I was drawn predominantly to Euthanatos (bring ascension by forcing champions through

Comments

[the_vulture]

Yes, religion has a functionality in culture that many overlook or try to dismiss. Looking at it from a functional structuralist point of view (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_structuralism), religion can be seen as the 'endocrine system' of the cultural body.

(nods)

[tahkhleet]

For me this is pretty much where all of the remaining power for Judaism comes from: awe and wonder at the functions they discerned and described in great detail and addressed with keen perceptiveness as to the best procedures and ideas for working with. that and the faint echoes and hopes there could be something like Y*VH lurking somewhere above and beyond it all.

[lucretiasheart]

*nods thoughtfully*

That's very interesting. I know the game very well-- and I'm definitely the "Verbena" mage type. (So cliche, I know-- but!)

Celestial Chorus, huh? That's so cool! =^D

[tahkhleet]

A cliche is defined as a tired, banal execution of a common narrative. There's only 42 types of stories. I haven't seen much tired or banal about your story so far. I like Balance. I just don't seem drawn to it as the center of my spiritual focus. I'm still boggled I've learned Moderation at all and some initial stabs at Mercy. I don't think Balance is the exclusive province of Verbana by any means but I think that Balance based on Nature is probably the most accessible path to the transcendant and one with the best self-regulation against excess.

On the other hand, sometimes it's important to be unbalanced and I guess that's what the Chorus is for. "Screw Destiny/Tradition/Reality, explain to me how X can be allowed to continue!"...just heaven help you if you're wrong in getting that all fired up ...I do sometimes wish I had the temperament to go Daoist and embrace the Art of Constructively Doing Nothing

[lucretiasheart]

Thanks, Tahkhleet! I appreciate your insights here. You have some excellent points, as always (and rather soothing to my oft-beleaguered ego, I might add!) Balance really is my goal-- and one I think I manage to meet most of the time.

But of course you're right. Sometimes you need to get off-kilter and say "Screw it!" Indeed!

I suppose in my case, the craziness of some of my experiences and the stress of dealing with a chronic illness have made me crave an evenly keeled approach and reaction to things. I fall apart and am rendered useless when I go to extremes. I envy those who have the choice.

[the_vulture]

Interestingly, I have to say that, despite being Wiccan, I wouldn't be Verbena. Rather, given that many of my more palpable experiences in manipulating alternative energies seem to come through my martial arts experiences, I seem to be more Akashic Brotherhood inclined.