The practitioner uses these stories to gain knowledge of what is feasible. They serve as a beacon for the practitioner's search and research, and may give vital information about many things related to the path, other practitioner's failure or success. They also gives an 'abstract pattern' of events. Two different stories can share the same 'abstract pattern', just like two different movies can have the same basic story line. It can also be described as when someone is, say, learning to ride a bicycle, or falling in love for the first time; everyone goes through the same steps, but everyone also has a different story to tell.

All of Castanedas books are filled to the brim with fine Sorcerer Stories. They are told in a light and easy style although the matters presented may be very difficult. In a way the difficult thing to understand is the 'abstract cores' in his writings, and he himself says (or rather don Juan says) that he was not aware of any 'abstract cores' until late [Power of Silence].

In 'Wheel of Time' Castaneda hints that this whole book (Power of Silence) was, perhaps, a bit too academic...

Tomas says that Sorcery Stories are pacifiers for those who are uncomfortable with the silence of the abstract...

The abstract cores in Castanedas books are said to be valid for the person who is 'Nagual' [Power of Silence], a person who is said to have a special 'energy configuration' and because of this is better suited to lead a group of practitioners than the ordinary person. The interesting question in this case is whether it is possible to use Castanedas abstract cores as a guide for a solitary practitioner. Are there different abstract cores for different kind of practitioners (men-, woman-, solitary-, group-. dreamer-, stalker-, eremite-, etc...)? I believe that there may be some differences, but that it is of less practical consequence. Comments?