In The Glow of Collective Empowerment ~ with Aaron Gach, Center for Tactical Magic ~
~Fall 2006 ~ 2:00 - 7:00pm _ 09.26.06 ~
Part laboratory, part mystic parlor, this class will provide participants with practical tools for developing a working knowledge of tactical magic basics. Specifically, the workshop will be structured to develop collaborative projects oriented around notions of magic as it relates to: technologies & sorcery; past & present military research; metaphysics & aesthetics; advertising & spells; and other enchanting topics. Ranging from audio/visual surveillance to astral projection, participants will examine diverse methods for expanding the limits of ordinary awareness while exploring the tactical applications of extra-sensory perception. Additionally, we will discuss common objectives and create projects designed to amplify, enhance, and augment social situations.
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Aaron's teachers, past and present, include ninjas, locksmiths, magicians, and private investigators. On September 26th Aaron visited the Sundown Schoolhouse as one of our teachers.
"Magic," we read, "is about change." (Ibid)
And so it is, as well, with The Center For Tactical Magic. Their particular breed of change is in dispelling the myth that certain distinctions in the arts actually exist and in redefining the role of "artist" at all so that artists are no longer just commenting on culture, but situating themselves within the culture by creating their own alternative. Perhaps none of us will ever look at an ice cream truck or a parade of kites in the sky the same way again.
Like any magician, Aaron was very generous in his offerings. He brought with him large ropes for us to tie each other up in. He brought with him his very own ninja ensemble, which he wore as he demonstrated what to do in situations that call for masters of Martial Arts. And he brought with him potion, brewed using damiana and galengel.
All nine students, plus Fritz, were successfully able to untie ourselves from the ropes. "You have more power than you think," Aaron said. We loved the potion. We thought of calling up different psychics in the area to see about the upcoming election, but then fell short on time.
"My favorite thing Aaron said," Sarah wrote, "is that every intentional act is a magical act." This then became the seed for Sarah's healing project. (see the projects page)
"His workshop introduced us to the tactics of trickery in art," Pablo said, "but also in life." Michael's sentiments pretty much confirm
this: "no ice cream, but a great method of looking at life-long learning."
Mark told me only that, "Aaron Gach fooled me into believing..."
Believing what? I asked him.
"That's it. Just believing. Dot dot dot."