This article was written with the help of my sister, Crystal Luna Rouge, when we first started
teaching together.
What is Magic?
Every person has the ability
within themselves to do magic. And some people do it without realizing they are
performing magic! For example: have you ever made a sick friend or loved one
chicken soup when they were feeling ill? If so, you put all your love and energy
into making the soup, so it would help them get better faster. This is a form of
magic.
Most people are afraid of magic because they have been taught
that it is evil. But now with magic coming back into the world and out of the
“broom closet”, the truth is slowly but surely coming out as well. Magic is not
evil. It is a very natural ability that can be practiced by anyone who wants
positive change in their lives.
The Dictionary’s Definition of Magic:
Noun.
1. The art that purports to control or forecast natural events,
effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.
a. The practice of using
charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control
events in nature.
b. The charms, spells, and rituals so used.
2. The
exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment.
3. A mysterious
quality of enchantment: “For me the names of those men breathed the magic of the
past” (Max Beerbohm).
Adjective.
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.
[Middle English magik, from Old
French magique, from Late Latin magica, from Latin magic, from Greek magik, from
feminine of magikos, of the Magi, magical, from magos, magician, magus. ]
Magic vs. Magick
Magic within this document will be spelt as you
would find it in a Dictionary:
M-a-g-i-c.
Magic spelt M-a-g-i-c-k
was introduced by Aliester Crowley to differentiate it from stage performers.
Aliester Crowely defined magic as "The Science and Art of causing change to
occur in conformity with Will". I think it means: Using your own will to bring
change into your life.
Forms of Magic
There are many forms of magic
for example: Folk, Witchcraft, Vodoun, Santeria, Qabala, Ceremonial, Herbal,
Moon/Lunar, Crystal, Color, Poppet, Elemental, Food/Kitchen, Knot, Powder,
Healing, Weather, Binding, Protection, Sex, Glamour, Dream, Scrying, Fairy and
Candle magic to name of few.
Wicca seems to embrace most forms of magic but
can vary on the practitioner.
Is Magic Energy?
Some have speculated
that Magic is an energy or force of some kind, and this would appear to be true
in many situations. For example the ritual of Drawing down the Moon. Without
going into too much detail Drawing down the Moon is a ritual where a Priestess
or Solitary Female within the magic circle points her Athame at the full moon
and lets the Moons energies fill her body, she then uses this "energy" for her
magical endeavour, whatever that may be.
Another example is where a
Witch or Magician charges Tools, Herbs, Stones, Candles, Talismans etc.
Therefore to "Charge" something they must believe that there is an "energy" of
some sort. I have also read of stories where within a magic circle with several
people involved that sparks of energy have literally jumped from person to
person. This would also suggest that there is some kind of "energy" involved.
“Recent discoveries in quantum physics (the study of the physics of
sub-atomic particles) and in cosmology (the branch of astronomy and astrophysics
that deals with the universe taken as a whole) shed much light on how mind
interacts with the universe. These discoveries compel acceptance of the idea
that there is far more than just one universe and that we constantly interact
with many of these "hidden" universes.
Unfortunately, most books on quantum
cosmology are written in language that an ordinary intelligent person cannot
understand. Moreover, many if not most scientists are in a state of denial of
anything supernatural. They are blind to the paranormal and simply cannot see
the obvious logical conclusions of their own discoveries.
What is needed
is a source that explains in understandable, non-mathematical terms the
relationship between mind and matter––how the human mind acts to influence the
physical world.
Such a source exists.”
Magic to modern day people (and
the past).... Energy work in all the forms. It can be shown in many ways. There
can be obvious physical things...like seeing a wound heal before your eyes,
moving things with the mind (telekenetics), teleportation, etc... There can
mental magic...like psychic abilities, talking to spirit (plants, animals, dead,
ascended beings, etc...). Increased perceptions...see auras, hear thoughts, feel
energy, etc...
Is Magic Desire?
Do practitioners of magic
believe so much in their science that they simply just see what they want to
see. Their perception is so intense in a belief in magic that after casting a
spell or doing a ritual say for example:
Making a wish while blowing out
candles on a birthday cake. This is one of the oldest forms of magic that has
been around for centuries. What really happens here? The person is sending out
the desire for an object of material substance or outcome. Does having intense
belief in your perception guide you to draw to you the things in life that you
desire. This spell or ritual you conducted was a focusing tool to make you
concentrate and guide your energies towards your desire to accumulate something
in your life.
It draws its power from a deep well in the center of the
human soul. Within this well are the waters of the unconscious, and below the
surface dwell all possibilities and potentials, awaiting their turn to be pulled
up into the light and made real. So long as they remain under the surface, they
do not exist, but the moment they are captured and brought forth they come to
be. Other types are manipulations. Manifesting things you desire, changing
weather, time, probability of future events, etc.. Personal
magic...re-patterning oneself, making self a higher more pure being. Intent is
very powerful tool.
Many people will to tell you to perform magic you
need certain things i.e. Tools, Props, Timing, Astrological correspondences,
Moon phase etc, to be successful in your magical workings. I believe it depends
on the user’s preference. Personally, I think these things enhance your magical
work but really don't do the work for you. They are simply an added bonus.
So what is magic? To be honest I am not 100% sure. I believe in a
Universal Force whether this is actually the energy we use in magic is another
matter. I personally do not believe it is what one sees on television shows and
movies such as Charmed, The Craft, and Harry Potter. Their magic to me is the
magic of imagination and is entirely a different subject.
How do you
define magic in your own tradition?
Blessed be,
Autumn
Resources:
What is Magic by Wren Walker of Witches Voice
Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler
What is Magic? By: Donald Tyson
(article found on internet)
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