Ahanit, I like this question. Hopefully we will get a variety of answers reflecting a variety of thoughts. Here are a few of mine.
To begin with, I am not convinced that the Aeonic paradigm of the ToS has much, if any, relevance outside of the walls of the ToS. Looking at various other Aeonic paradigms we can see a broad based cultural relevance. For example, Crowley’s 3 Aeons of Isis, Osiris, and Horus seem to fit to a certain degree the broad changes in culture and technology that are associated with the “Equinox of the Gods”. If you look at the Chaos Magic concept of Aeons as put forward by Peter J. Carroll which cycle between shamanic, religious and rationalist or magic, transcendentalism, and materialism with the sub paradigms of animism/spiritist, pagan/monotheist, atheist/nihilist, and the future projection of the pandemonaeon, you see again, a correspondence to actual cultural trends and historic shifts in life on the planet. The Eastern concepts of Yugas also has a correlation in actual cultural and technological shifts. The Aeon of Set does not seem to have much of a basis in the larger workings of the world, or at least nowhere to the degree that other Aeonic paradigms seem to. At the risk of ruffling a few tail feathers I put forward the idea/opinion that the Aeon of Set is a creation of M. Aquino and works as the foundational stones for the religion he created. I have yet to hear or read a good, solid explanation of the validity of the Aeon of Set or the ToS’s Aeonic paradigm.
Concerning the concept of Magus, it is hard for me to imagine that anyone who would claim this title or expect others to use it in reference to them would be much more than a pompous prig. It is similar to a person calling themselves a guru, or any other elevated title, in my opinion the claiming of the title is the surest indicator of the lack of those very qualities. In fact, the whole occult structure of such grades is in my opinion nothing more than the old and crumbling edifices of outdated Aeons. What function do such titles serve other than the perpetuation of hierarchy which in no way serves the goal of freedom, liberty and liberation which are key foundations of the LHP? In my opinion the only distinction is that of adept or non adept. The individual is the only one who can initiate this distinction within themselves and the only one with the authority to recognize it. Of course other adepts will recognize the qualities present in another adept but becoming an adept, and knowing it, is a function of the individual. No group, school, or religion is necessary or even of much benefit to this process if the process is genuine. Being an adept has nothing to do with being granted access to secret knowledge, being given a cool necklace or ring, or receiving any sort of title. Genuine adepthood has nothing to do with any organizational structure or group.
Concerning the Words, I think this is a concept that stands on shaky ground. Certain words will have meaning to some and none to others. I do not buy into the b.s. (belief system) that there are Aeon enhancing or Aeon defining words. Again, it is my opinion that such a concept serves largely to up hold hierarchy and religion. There are certain words that serve to encapsulate trends of thoughts that shape the course of culture and history (and perhaps this is Aeonics in a true sense). The legitimacy of these words would be indicated by their ideas being prevalent despite the general lack of knowledge concerning the word itself. The idea that someone “utters” these words and is therefore a “magus” seems a bit outdated and dogmatic. Again, I think this idea helps to solidify religion, belief, dogma etc. etc.
So, those are some of my random thoughts. Hopefully others will post theirs and we can all enjoy a good discussion.
