Sup ladies and gents

Hey, my name is Zero and I am an Atheist (which I use to mean that I follow no theology, specific set of rules, or someone else's idea of a moral code) but I am very interested in the occult. I have never practiced, but I'm willing to for the sake of knowledge. I have studied some, but like any field there is always more to find out.
Some questions:
1. I have grown tired of reading wikipedia entries, where can I got for some hands on experience?
2. are there any practices that you may know of that combine modern technology with occult ideology?

Thanks a bunch, Zero (I apologize for using a pseudonym, but you understand my hesitation in giving away my real name on an occult forum.)

Welcome aboard!

1. I have grown tired of reading wikipedia entries, where can I got for some hands on experience?

I think this depends on what you're aiming to do. Unless you're stuck specifically on group work, you can always get some experience wherever you can be left alone enough to get to work! Getting personal instruction from trustworthy practitioners, though... Well, that one has eluded me as well so far. Actually, if anyone has a good answer to this, I'd be happy to hear it. I'm considering applying for IOT membership. Unfortunately, my only serious attempt to get in contact with a potentially suitable organization has been my A.'. A.'. application, which appears very likely to have been rejected, much to my dismay.

2. are there any practices that you may know of that combine modern technology with occult ideology?

This again depends on what you're aiming to do, and how you define your own practice. Mind machines, binaural beats, and the like have been around for a while now, for example. Computers can be used to aid memorization or concentration, puzzle solving, visualization skills... All of these things might become part of your own occult training. Coming at it from the other direction, I know that one exercise Robert Anton Wilson prescribes somewhere or another is visualizing yourself interfacing with a large futuristic computer that knows the answers to every question you might ask it, but you have to ask with single-mindedness of purpose and visualize it in full detail. This could be considered an occult practice which uses modern technology as its symbolic basis.

Hope that's useful!

Hi Zero, welcome!

1) What Wiki articles have you been reading? Has anything "stood out"?

2) IMO, chaos magick seems fairly tech-friendly...

@ Nuetral

Thanks for all of the info. I've looked a little into binaural beats, I'm thinking of trying to produce them...
What is IOT?

@Ankh

I was using wiki articles as an example. I'm really just tired of doing so much reading, I'd like to go out and experience, or at least witness.
and I've actually just started looking into chaos magic, thanks!

too much knowledge of magical concepts without magical experience is a route only to impotence and paranoia. better to go free falling in the dream mind, to recklessly invoke strange demons and gods, to scream into oblivion and expect an answer. start with sigils, cos they work so fast, or take a step into the slightly more obscure world of cut-ups, the water's fine - get in. the IOT is the illuminates of thanateros, a guild of chaos magicians, and although it's an organization with some prestige all such hierarchal organizations are unnecessary for the sort of personal evolution and attainment that is magic's highest promise. i hope that you find the forum to be useful and fun, good luck as you experiment

Zero wrote:@ Nuetral

Thanks for all of the info. I've looked a little into binaural beats, I'm thinking of trying to produce them...

There's a topic for it here, and here, if you're interested in reading past posts.

They're actually quite easy to produce with a little know-how!