Reading the 'Controversy' again, I am struck by what I can only regard as
Evola's youthful Hegelianism (though whether he ever outgrew this youthful
trait is debatable).
As Bruno tells us:
"The true aim of magic in its original higher, we could even say, Vedic,
form, is not, as Guénon conceived it, "to produce more or less extraordinary
phenomena, especially (but not exclusively) in the sensitive order" ('Formes
traditionnelles et cycles cosmiques', Gallimard, 1961), but to bring about,
through precise techniques and rituals meant to have a compelling effect on
supranatural forces, an inner transformation of the individual leading to
his "dominion over the object known", as Evola puts it here."
and indeed Evola reiterates:
"If Guénon understands 'intellectual realisation' (along with metaphysical
realisation) as something "essentially active", reflecting, in a certain
sense, the mode of the will, we certainly withdraw our reservations on this
subject (advising him however to prefer the expression "pure actuality") ;
but we will have to make our reservations again, when he speaks to us about
a will which does not find its area of operation in itself, but rather in a
certain 'knowledge' - and here 'knowledge' would mean also 'identification
with the object known'. Beyond this, we assert a higher value : dominion
over the object known."
Now let it be said that 'identification with the object known' implies unity
with it, while 'dominion over the object known' implies separation from it.
Thus for the latter dualism triumphs over monism to all eternity. Is this
what we desire?
In addition this illustrates the hidden thread which connects Evola's
doctrine of 'the Light' to that doctrine of 'the Darkness' revealingly
espoused by most of his contemporary followers, as opposed to those of
Guénon. Look again at this :
"The Earth is the main field of contention between the Solar Logos and the
Luciferian Principle. The Initiate strives towards a harmonious arrival at
the Theonium of Saturn, and not toward the Sun, because the Sun would
destroy and consume him. The Saturnine sphere offers enlightenment, control,
and independence."
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