Approached from a Jungian perspective (collective unconscious), I'd have to agree with Lon Milo DuQuette (Back cover, Angels, Demons & Gods of the New Millennium):
"Like it or not we all come hard-wired with a complete set (twelve six-packs) of Goetic demons. They are units of untamed natural forces within ourselves that we have ignored, denied or disowned.. They surface to work their mischief when our will is ambiguous and our resistance is low. After you have committed an embarrassing act of unbelievable stupidity you are really referring to them when you slap your forehead and scream, "I am my own worst enemy!" As long as they are ignored and uncontrolled, they are as dangerous as hungry beasts in an abandoned zoo."
Demons exist as energy, as do all things. In this case, they are negative energy. They are a part of our minds, however, we are all part of each other's minds (the Jungian perspective). The negative energy we choose to call "demonic" is, therefore, simultaneously our creation and an independant force. By learning to master these energies, we control the balance in ourselves and our lives. Things begin to work as they should. That is the point behind magic as a practice.
My opinion, for what it is worth.
Oh... and for some of the other postings... perhaps the authors let those demons sneak up and control their emotions?
C
"Like it or not we all come hard-wired with a complete set (twelve six-packs) of Goetic demons. They are units of untamed natural forces within ourselves that we have ignored, denied or disowned.. They surface to work their mischief when our will is ambiguous and our resistance is low. After you have committed an embarrassing act of unbelievable stupidity you are really referring to them when you slap your forehead and scream, "I am my own worst enemy!" As long as they are ignored and uncontrolled, they are as dangerous as hungry beasts in an abandoned zoo."
Demons exist as energy, as do all things. In this case, they are negative energy. They are a part of our minds, however, we are all part of each other's minds (the Jungian perspective). The negative energy we choose to call "demonic" is, therefore, simultaneously our creation and an independant force. By learning to master these energies, we control the balance in ourselves and our lives. Things begin to work as they should. That is the point behind magic as a practice.
My opinion, for what it is worth.
Oh... and for some of the other postings... perhaps the authors let those demons sneak up and control their emotions?
C