I think the only way I can answer you from my perspective is which occultist I would most wish to hold conversation with. They are two, Dr.John Dee and Francis Barrett.
Pythagoras.
Francis Barret would have to come close in terms of a real person.
Galdalf is fictional, and Merlin, aka Taliesin, is a title more than a name. Whoever held that title could only do so if they were the most skilled at their art.
In terms of fictional characters, it'd be a tough call between Gandalf, Pug (or Mithrandir) from the Raymond Feist novels, Belgarath from the David Eddings novels, or Sparrowhawk (Ged) from Ursula Le Guins Earthsea novels. All have different styles and talents.
In the same way it would be difficult to pick among real humans who had achieved great skills as wizards / sourcerers. Many, such as tribal shamans of the Sth American jungles, we would not even know of.
Regards,
James.
Dude, I haven't heard anyone mention Belgareth in such a long time! That's such an awesome series. The "Will and the Word". Probably as close to real "magic" as it gets in a book.
Blackstream,
I agree totally!
The whole idea of "will and the word" I think is the ultimate realisation of what we're all trying to do here.
[:)]
James.
Hermes or Franz Bardon. Fiction, neo.
On a side note, I was so disapointed with Gandalf in the LOTR movies... watching the powerful wizard swing a sword and hit some monsters on the head with his staff instead of casting some nice spells...
Hmm Fictional would be Fizban from the Old dragonlance saga.
About "will and the word" i liked it very much(the idea and the books) . Thought i think "the witt and the skill" from Robin Hobbs farseer triology could also describe what real magic could be like.
Thinking back i guess the "emotion river" accessed when doing "the skill" bears a striking resemblance to kundalini experiences .
As to real character , perhaps Nicolas Flammell or Newton (thought Newton i guess was a little egocentric,and most likely wouldnt want to part with any secrets willingly ) . So i would most want to meet Flammell(alchemy).
But thats the past , wich great characters of the occult(hidden) arts are alive today? I know of no one that is opperating in the western world ,any others?
Salvete,
What do you think? Who is the best wizard of all times? Merlin? Gandalf? Or...someone who is still alive? Is the time of great wizards over? Or...could it actually be the best "which" and not a "wizard"?
May shadows reach the light,
Gwathren