Discussion Prompts for Letter XV: The Devil

Questions for personal reflection (and, if you wish, communal discussion on our Course Forum):


1. The author suggests that it is inappropriate to design a spiritual exercise in response to the Devil arcanum, since such exercises lead to a kind of identification between the exercitent and the archetypal subject of the meditation. Put it this way: it would be one thing to meditate upon Temperance to achieve a sense of “union” with your guardian angel; but who in their right mind would seek “union” with the devil? Do you agree with this idea that we have no business meditating on the devil, or can you think of an appropriate (and safe) spiritual exercise that could accompany the lessons of this Arcanum? (Hint: could it make sense to create an exercise based on setting boundaries with the spirit of evil?)

2. John of the Cross suggests that the presence of a hostile and unfriendly spirit will result in “dryness of spirit, in a tendency to self-esteem, to accept and make much of visions; and in no degree whatever do they produce the gentleness of humility, and love of God” (page 416). Do you think this is a helpful description of what it is like to encounter demonic or unfriendly spirits? What other qualities do you think would be indiciative of an encounter with evil (or, for that matter, of an encounter with good)?

3. Our author suggests that “sacred magic” is necessary for protection against demons and/or for combating demonic energy. But is sacred magic the same thing as prayer? Do you believe prayer is an effective form of spiritual self-defense? If not, then what is it that sacred magic does, that prayer cannot do?