MAGIC
mag?ic (ma-j'i(k) Pronunciation Key
n.
1. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural. 2. The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature. 3. The charms, spells, and rituals so used. 4. The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment. 5. A mysterious quality of enchantment: "For me the names of those men breathed the magic of the past" (Max Beerbohm).
adj.
1. Of, relating to, or invoking the supernatural: "stubborn unlaid ghost/That breaks his magic chains at curfew time" (John Milton). 2. Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or baffling effects. tr.v. mag?icked, mag?ick?ing, mag?ics To produce or make by or as if by magic. [Middle English magik, from Old French magique, from Late Latin magica, from Latin magice-, from Greek magike-, from feminine of magikos, of the Magi, magical, from magos, magician, magus; see magus
What is 'Magic'? To our Ancestors things like Jet Transport, Rockets to the Moon, Cell-Phones, PCs, Genetics, Anti-Biotics - things we take for granted on an almost every day basis, would have been seen as 'Magic'. Yet to us, clearly, they are not. Similarly Herbology - if one use Chamomile to relieve PMT, or St Johns Wort to relieve depression is this magic? Or is it merely knowledge of biochemistry/physiology? Similarly the use of crystals - these are merely 'lenses' that concentrate power (albeit in a number of different ways). If one is lucky enough to stand within one of the stone circles in Ireland or Britain or other sacred energy places, one can feel that power. Indeed ultrasound studies have shown that such circles 'sing' yet inside the circle there is silence at the ultrasound frequencies. Is this magic or just the worlds energy? Contrary to the popular belief, there is nothing mysterious about what has been called magic. Everyone does it even if they call it something simple like a prayer.
You notice I do not use the term magicK, and this is for good reason. This spelling was, I believe, first coined by Alistair Crowley in order to differentiate what he saw as 'true magic' from the mere conjuring tricks of stage entertainers. All well and good you might say - yet having watched many practitioners of 'magick' that is exactly what it is - a conjuring trick, smoke and mirrors - with no real effect. Ritual and ritual tools are not the be all and end all - they are tools. They are merely an aid to focus. Just as, for example, the Christian cross is a symbol and aid to faith. Similarly colored candles, staffs, whatever, are an aid. Yet many would say you must have this colored candle for this spell, or you must do it at this time of day for that spell. All well and good - if that helps you then do it, yet it is not necessary unless you need it to be necessary. Ritual and the tools are for your own benefit and frame of mind. Hence my discomfort with the term 'magick' and my reference to conjuring tricks and smoke and mirrors.
Magic is not complicated. Magic is not special , it has been around since the beginning. It is not a religion. Religion and magic are not identical for they do not have identical goals. Religion relies on prayer and sacrifice of the person believing, where as magic is manipulative and applies means to a specific end. Magic seems to have assumed a more prominent role in Paganism than it possessed historically. Yes, people believed in it. Yes, they wore charms and yes they believed in curses. But this was not part of religion but outside of it, more in addition to, than a necessary component. They worshiped the Gods and Goddess without recourse to magic, by sacrificing animals, or incense, or cakes, or by participating in the large public rituals. But rituals today seem often magic rather than religious. Magic is personal. It realize on your own personal connection to the Divinity and the world around you and in you.
Today’s day and
age much has been lost. Many are left to a solitary path with the occasional interaction
with fellow pagans. One is limited in there everyday lives duties let alone to always
follow a dedicated spiritual path. So what does that mean for the 21st century Pagan? It
means we have to discover a way to become clearer and more dedicated with what we do in
the little time we do have to do things. Though it is wonderful to do ritual and have the
time to get together with friends and family it is not always practical for our everyday
spiritual path and magical workings. Magic does not have to be that complicated for your
everyday wants and needs. Shielding and protection for one. Cleansing and just giving
thanks to God and Goddess can be done in minuets as long as your intention and wants are
true and clear. Magic and spells are your energy and wants. Put it down clearly and give
it to the world with true intentions. Light a candle if you wish but it needs not to be
long lasting a simple tee light will even do. Your altar, your candles and your other
items are your reminders to keep you focused on what you want , need to do , and your
spiritual path. Honor them even if it is with a simple walk by just remember to keep it in
your heart and mind your true spiritual path. The world has become complicated enough do
not complicate yourself and your belief when keeping it true to heart is so simple.
Another tool is your own creativity. Written or spoken a
word can be very powerful or completely useless. Some will hear it, some will feel it,
some will never understand it. Stories, poems, myths , legends and spells all hold an
energy. This comes from you, for each word holds as much power as you put into them. So
when it is in your heart take pen to paper , pencil to pad or type to keyboard. Let this
become one of the tools you can use to express yourself.. to be an outlet of your power
your energy. Let the world hear your voice and let it be known. In time you may find this
will be an outlet for spells of magic. Hold those true and close. They do not need to
rhythm or have a specific pattern. Remember the words power is what you give it. Such also can be put into other art works like painting and sculpture. Each outlet takes energy and is empowered with your energy.
I have seen many a
people feeling confused and lost between faiths and or religions. One such being Christian
and or Wiccan. Or any other combination. Though many may wish to argue the following
point.. I will ask this for you to answer in your own mind and heart. How much different
is the bible to all the other myth and lore found in all the other cultures and beliefs?
For all accounts the bible is the only evidence of said accounts. There has been not
absolute evidence of Jesus or Noah etc. Yes there are some hints and possibilities just as
there are with other religions and myths. There was most likely a Buddha.. founders of the
Celtics.. native American spirits.. why not Jesus? Times change and so does the world. In
that time Jesus helped start a unification of the world about. Then the church stepped in
and we have what we have today. A dark cloud of confusion. What matters is what you find
true to your heart and your own mind. If it makes you feel complete and it helps you down
the path then how can anyone call it wrong or not right? The bible is a tool just as the
legends are to the Celtics and the stories of the Egyptians. If you are able to take all
and learn from them , then you have just started the road of being a true Pagan.
