Caustic Ramblings

The attitude of Plotinus and Porphyry toward magic is so similar to that of most Eastern sages/gurus. I think the commonality in attitude stems from a shared disdain for the material world and thus the tendency to see that the point of spirituality is to break the cycle of rebirth ASAP. From this perspective, magical practice grants people "powers" over the material realm, which can be a lure to remain "trapped" in it longer, by nurturing the sort of desires that keep us trapped here. Of course, if one's worldview isn't so negative/cynical about the material world, then practicing magic isn't so much of a problem, granted it's not abused. It seems like Iamblichus and others after him were champions of this more positive view toward the material.