In addition to her non-fiction books, the occultist Dion Fortune wrote five novels. While the stories themselves don't inspire commentary, some of the expressions and observations in these novels really stand out and are worth highlighting.
This article contains a few propositions that particularly resonated when I first came across them.
Beggars can't be choosers
“...it does not do to be angry with life unless one has private means...”
From The Winged Bull (1935)
These wise words may be painful to read and difficult to accept, but they are very true. This may be a bitter pill to swallow, but the difference between operating from a position of weakness and operating from a position of strength is often a matter of financial independence.
Some people just can't afford to have any feelings or views; they would make things worse for themselves and lose what little they have by challenging someone or something.
People who have private means, money that is not dependent on the employment market or the whims of other people, are very fortunate: they don't need to put up with the hardships, ill-treatment and injustices that wage slaves and penniless people are forced to endure.
They can afford to take a stand and fight for their cause.
Independence of mind is another great advantage
“People who value public opinion are at a very great disadvantage in dealing with people who don't.”
From The Sea Priestess (1938)
This proposition complements the one above. It can also apply to people who overvalue the opinions of the people around them.
People who value public opinion can indeed be greatly handicapped when both dealing and competing with people who don't.
People pleasers and others who care very much what people in general think of them are operating from a position of weakness. They may feel that they can't afford to get angry, say what they really think or do what they really want to do. Fear of negative reactions and manipulations such as criticism, disapproval, reproaches and rejection may hold them back and keep them in their place while people who don't care what others think of them forge ahead.
People who are indifferent to public opinion operate from a position of strength. They have independent means – on the inside. They can afford to be straight with other people. They have the courage of their convictions; they take their own path through life, going where the other lot can't follow.
Anyone who has both financial and psychological independence is very fortunate indeed.
Retrospective detective work
“...the trick of thinking backwards - of tracing a thing to its source, step by step...”
From The Goat-foot God (1936)
Backtracking to find the source is something that I have mentioned in a few articles in the context of trying to determine the cause of an unpleasant incident or minor misfortune.
Working backwards is a very good technique to practise. It may be an option mainly for people who are operating from a position of strength though. For example, it can be time consuming and require that the practitioner be free from worries and distractions so that they can give it their undivided attention.
Never give up or give in
“There is in me a tireless patience and tenacity; I can keep on keeping on, and it is the most powerful magic there is.”
From Moon Magic (1956)
This is very encouraging. I know that persistence often pays off but I didn't know that there is powerful magic in it!
Keeping on keeping on may not be an option for people who are operating from a position of weakness though. Needless to say, the speaker here has money and operates independently of others.
If I find any more interesting, helpful and thought-provoking statements in these novels, there will be another article or two.
Many of the covers of Dion Fortune's occult-themed novels are not very impressive. This is one of the better examples:
