The Law of Attraction

Modern Mysticism or New Age Nonsense?

May 03, 2024

The law of attraction is a New (Dark) Age belief that one's mental disposition attracts similar external circumstances and events. In other words, your mental intentions and attitudes draw people and things of like intention and attitude to yourself. - The Skeptics Dictionary

The Law of Attraction

What is the Law of Attraction?

The Law of Attraction is a universal principle that states that like attracts like.

In simpler terms, it means that whatever thoughts and feelings you put out into the universe will come back to you in the form of experiences, opportunities, and circumstances. This means that if you focus on positive thoughts and feelings, you will attract positive experiences, while negative thoughts and feelings will attract negative experiences.

Thus by focusing on what we want, rather than what we don't want, we can create the life we desire. This is why visualization and affirmations are often recommended as tools for harnessing the power of the Law of Attraction.

One of the key aspects of the Law of Attraction is the importance of gratitude. By expressing gratitude for what we already have, we are sending out positive energy that will attract more of the same into our lives. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to list things we are grateful for, or keeping a gratitude journal to track the things that bring us joy.

Another important aspect of the Law of Attraction is the role of belief. In order for the Law of Attraction to work, we must truly believe that we are capable of achieving our goals and that we deserve to have the things we desire. This requires overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubt, and replacing them with confidence and self-love.

OKAY, let me stop you there.

The first many of us will have heard about the Law of Attraction (unless you’d read some much older occult texts) was in the book - The Secret.

In this popular, best-selling novel, Rhonda Byrne appropriated ideas from The New Thought Movement of the 19th Century, who in turn had been inspired by a veritable pot-pourri of much earlier seekers.

The Secret was, thus, not a secret and was, in my opinion, a gross oversimplification of some fairly interesting ideas.

Advocates of The Secret were created, and have created, a very dangerous illusion.

The so-called law of attraction is the kind of law that many people will find attractive. It provides them with the illusion of having control over their lives. All I need to do is change my attitude and intentions and I'll attract money like a magnet (or lose weight or whatever else it is I want to achieve). If it doesn't work, it's my fault because I didn't genuinely change my attitude and intentions. Sound familiar? What is it that the faith healers say about those who don't get healed? You didn't have enough faith! - The Skeptics Dictionary

As I wrote in my first book, Ramblings of a Rational Mystic, the idea of manifestation without taking some kind of action is nonsensical.

Positive Mental attitude IS of course important in as much as it inspires practical, emotional and spiritual activity.

The challenge with some Law of Attraction Gurus is that they offer simple solutions to complex problems and cherry pick the results they share,

Those people who “think themselves rich” and “set an intention to be so” who actually win the Lottery are far outnumbered by those who continue to waste their stake money.

Problems with The Law of Attraction.

One common criticism is the idea that the Law of Attraction promotes victim-blaming, as it suggests that people are solely responsible for attracting negative experiences into their lives through their thoughts and feelings. This can be harmful to individuals who are already facing difficult circumstances, as it may make them feel like they are to blame for their struggles.

Another problem with the Law of Attraction is that it can sometimes lead to a lack of accountability. By placing all the emphasis on positive thinking and visualization, some people may neglect to take concrete actions towards their goals. Simply thinking positively without taking any real steps towards achieving what we want is unlikely to lead to success.

Furthermore, the Law of Attraction can sometimes be oversimplified, leading people to believe that they can attract whatever they want simply by thinking about it. While positive thinking is important, it is not a magic solution that can instantly change our reality. Achieving our goals requires hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome obstacles – not just positive thoughts.

Lastly, the Law of Attraction may also be criticized for promoting a sense of entitlement or unrealistic expectations. While it is important to believe in ourselves and our ability to achieve our goals, it is also important to recognize that not everything we desire will manifest exactly as we envision it. Sometimes, the universe has other plans for us, and it is important to be open to different possibilities and outcomes.

You can make the Law of Attraction work IF…

If you understand that it is not a quick fix or a magic formula. It requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to put in the work.

Set clear intentions: Before you can attract what you want into your life, you need to be clear about what it is that you desire. Take some time to think about your goals and intentions, and write them down in detail. This will help you focus your thoughts and energy on manifesting those desires.
Practice gratitude: As mentioned earlier, gratitude is an important aspect of the Law of Attraction. By expressing gratitude for what you already have, you are sending out positive energy that will attract more of the same into your life. Make it a habit to practice gratitude daily, whether through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the good things in your life.
Visualize your goals: Visualization is a powerful tool for manifesting your desires. Take some time each day to visualize yourself already having achieved your goals, and feel the emotions associated with that reality. This will help you align your thoughts and feelings with what you want to attract into your life.
Take inspired action: While positive thinking is important, it is also crucial to take concrete actions towards your goals. The Law of Attraction is not about sitting back and waiting for things to magically appear – it is about combining your thoughts with inspired action. Trust your intuition and take steps towards your dreams, knowing that the universe will support you along the way.
Stay open to possibilities: While it is important to have clear intentions and goals, it is also important to remain flexible and open to different outcomes. Sometimes, the universe has a different plan for us that may be even better than what we envisioned. Trust in the process and stay open to new opportunities and possibilities.

The ancient Occultists and Alchemists understood something that Law of Attraction popularisers fail to recognise. Any work of manifestation takes time, effort, dedication and self-belief.

A Magickal act is NOT simply about the words, the affirmations or the spells you recite. It is about the inner and outer work; the understanding the interplay of symbolism and thought; the inspired action and dedicated focus of intent towards a specific, clear and balanced goal.

Alan /|\

This months Moot will take a deeper dive into the Law of Attraction and explore how we can think about it in a more creative and holistic way.