To Bewitch the Mind - Journey into Mystery

Welcome to the laboratory. Do look, but I implore you not to touch anything unless otherwise advised.

I feel as if I will never tire from peering into the dark, fuming depths and inhaling the tender scents of power within. No matter how much an art can be reduced to graphs and numbers, no matter how dry we can force science to become, if we let it retain its intuitive wisdom and experiential pleasures, we will be ever more deeply rewarded. Such, for me, is the case with potistry (my word, in the vein of "chemistry").

This "being Snape" business. What defines Shape-shifting? Actors are professional shape-shifters, of sorts. I feel it's a matter of degree. Dressing up as someone, or something, else is one level of becoming. It is another level up the ladder to begin to sense that entity's emotions, movements, and thoughts. Finally, when your body, thoughts, emotions and spiritual story have merged with that of the Other – when you are wearing their skin and dancing their dance to the point you can no longer distinguish yourself from them – the change is complete. And whether it be seeing the forest from a wild cat's eyes, or tasting Snape's bitter satisfaction, the journey can be incredibly fascinating and enlightening. (My own caution here is, a good shape-shifter must guard against getting fully lost in the Other, spirit form!)

In my experiences with the Snape phase, I've "shifted" to several of these different intensity levels. And rightly so. Let's face it, peops! Going out for a drink after the Portland Hallowe'en Zombie Walk is one thing, while full-out, uncensored Snape-energy is a different bag altogether... more suitable to the privacy of my home lab, or maybe a midnight power-walk through the low rent district, one hand on my re-bar wand hilt. They both have their place. And just like with any venture, I'm always learning something new. In this case, I've learned new academic subjects (i.e. medicinal herbs and potions), skills of all sorts, and most importantly, valuable lessons on life.

One cannot know all the colors contained in black until one has donned it – S.J.M.

I share with you bits of my journey here, and encourage you to embark on your own... if you have not already done so. After all, no matter from whom you're learning or through whose eyes you look, this is your life! And unlike those black-covered potion log-books I keep filling up, there are always more blank pages in back.

"...the next great adventure...." Rock on, Sev.