What is magick?

Before answering what magick is, let's define what it isn't. It isn't Bewitched twitching her nose, it isn't Gandalf or Merlin, or playing dungeon and dragons and it isn't three old hags toiling over a bubbling cauldron under the full moon chanting bad rhymes. Magick is being able to use your natural abilities to bring about change.

According to Aliester Crowley, "Magick is the science and art of causing change in conformity with will." Science is the reductive process that gives us theory; art is the creative process that gives us application thus causing changes to occur.

Magick is the process by which we incorporate our science and art to create changes with our will. Or in simpler terms, if you can imagine it happening, it will.    (Drury & Tillett, pages 41-42)

One keynote about magick is that magick itself will not work without action. You need to seek out your objective- what are you using magick to obtain. Casting a spell for a job won't work unless you actually go out and look for one; all the spell does is heighten your chances.

There have been cases of what is called spontaneous magick, magick that was called upon. This however is misleading, as often the human subconscious will call upon magick without the use of formal action. While the conscious mind did not call upon the forces to make changes the subconscious does and it is still the person calling upon the forces and not just a gift from the gods.

Where did magick originate?

For early man, religion and magick were inseparable from the world around them, and just about every feature of the land was infused with some sacred significance. Swamps were evil. Every spring, tree, river and mountain was imbued with a spirit, with the unknown hidden behind every rock. With all of this in mind, early man developed magick as a force to combat the evil, and religion to honor the Gods. The origins of magick were derived from necessity rather than desire, and this still holds true today. Magic is still as primal and as instinctive for man today, as it was then. There are many "histories" of magick, each culture believing its own version to be the one true one. The four major "magickal" cultures are Astro-Babylonian, Egyptian, Greco-Roman, and Christianity-Judaism.

The Asrto-Babylonian relied heavily on astrology. This region was also the home of the reformer of the Astro-Babylonian religion, which before 500 BC was primarily polytheistic. Zarathusta or Zoroaster, was the creator of the dualistic religion, in which Ahrua Mazda, the representative of good and right pitted against Ahriman, the representative of evil. These forces were necessary, according to Zarathusta to keep the universe in balance. Zarathusta was also given the title as the "Father of Magick" because of the Gathas, or verses he had written in the holy book, Zend Awesta.

Egyptian magick and religion were intertwined concepts. The Egyptian Gods were worshipped with magick. The God's and Goddess's very names were words of power. These names or words of power later developed into magickal spells or formulas. The Egyptian priests also served as the magi and kept their knowledge to themselves, passing it on much like the Druids, from master to novice.

Greco-Roman magick was heavily influenced by the Egyptian and Hebrew forms of magick. They relied on the pantheon and teachings from other cultures to form their own magickal workings.

Until the advent of Judaism and Christianity, magick and religion were the same thing. The priests, shamans, medicine men were one and the same. The idea of one God was the death knell to magick and those who practiced it. This occurred because man's use of magick was his attempt at becoming one or equal to the Gods. The very nature of one God forbids this. However, the bible is one of the few sources that even discuss the origination of magick.

The bible, Genesis 6, and the Book of Enoch give us a clear picture of the origins of magick. The Book of Enoch states"... and it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them… And angels, children of heaven saw and lusted after them…. and all the others together took unto themselves wives, and each chose for himself one…and they taught them charms and enchantments, and the cutting of roots, and made them acquainted with plants. This is the first recorded or written reference to the history of magick. (Huson, pages 10-13)

Why do pagans spell magick with a "K"?

Aliester Crowley, a prolific and public magician associated with the ceremonialist group the Order of the Golden Dawn started using the letter "k" to differentiate it from stage magic. Another story suggests that Crowley, who was known to possess a tremendous ego, used the letter "k" to separate himself from all other magicians of the time.

No matter where it started, the letter "k" is added to the word magick as a matter of course nowadays and is used to refer to occult practices rather than the illusionary stage magic of such people as David Copperfield and his ilk. (Drury & Tillett, pages 41)

What is the difference between black magick and white magick?

Popular opinion has black magick being generally understood as more manipulative and dark, while white magick is generally understood as good. Magick in itself is neither black nor white, however its practitioners often fall in one category or the other. Black magick is magick used to bend events toward bettering self-interests and to influence others in manipulative, controlling ways, usually without their permission. White magick, on the other hand, is generally used for unselfish purposes and goals and often includes such things as healing and helping others. It is not performed without a request or permission of all those involved and always attempts to work toward the greatest possible good within the will of the all.

Better terms for white and black magick may be "constructive" as being beneficial and "adverse" as intended to work against the natural order. Any magick is likely to produce some sort of side effect, regardless if it is nature (constructive or adverse). Such side effects are no problem for the constructive, since they are beneficial. However, adverse magick can produce dangerous side effects. The beginner as well as the journeyman should always remember that magick can be very dangerous. (Gonza'lez-Whippler, pages 56-59)

What is high and low magick?

High magick is ceremonial or ritual magick, used more by the practitioners of The Order of the Golden Dawn, Kabbalists, and followers of Aliester  Crowley. High magick also follows a set of guidelines and certain formalities. Ceremonialists call upon demons and other entities to do his/her bidding; this ritual takes time and needs to be done correctly. These guidelines follow a very precise set of parameters and if deviated from usually cause problems for the practitioner.

There are also other references to the differences; one of the more common ones is that High Magick came from those that lived in the cities, castles on the hill. It is said that those who practiced High magick had more time on their hands, therefore their rituals are more expansive. Low magick is practical everyday, or folk magick, generally used by Wiccans and witches, and other nature-based religions. Low magick has less formality and encompasses more of the "common sense" magick. Low magick often involves the use of herbs, aromas, stones, flowers, animal parts (sympathetic magick) and other natural materials. These animal parts are NOT the result of sacrifice, but rather the practitioner finds that feathers, furs, and discarded bones.

Low magick came from the fields, and the lowlands. The fact is that most of those who lived in the lowlands worked from dusk to dawn, had little if any time or need for elaborate ceremonies; therefore the practice of low magick was straightforward and to the point with little fanfare. (Gonza'lez-Whippler, pages 59-66)

I have heard of tantric magic. What is it?

Tantric or sex magic was first originated by the yogis and later used by the alchemists. Tantra follows the theory that the act of having sex, with or without having a partner, and its culminating orgasmic ecstasy can bring the practitioner closer to or unite him or her with their deity. Tantric magick involves delaying the orgasm for as long as possible in order for it to build up momentum and strength. This act heightens the practitioner's awareness or consciousness level, at which point the actual Magickal intention is invoked into being. (Drury & Tillett, pages 40)

What is chaos magick?

Chaos magick, according to Pete Carroll "…if you want a one-line definition with which most chaosists would probably not disagree, then I offer the following. Chaoists usually accept the meta-belief system that belief is a tool for achieving effects; it is not an end in itself. (1992) Chaos magick emphasizes a personal and highly imaginative approach to practicing magick. This approach require that the chaos magician has no peers other than himself, that it is impossible for him/her to learn from anyone, for all they can do is show them their own magnificence; that the only rules they need are the ones they make up; that chance rules the universe, with nothing predetermined; and that the only secret is that there are no secrets. This unique perspective, this lack of logic is what makes chaos magick what it is, illogical and chaotic.

Can anyone do magick?

Possible: Anyone can do magick if they apply themselves to learning the techniques involved. It requires discipline, practice, and application, not to mention dedication--all depending upon the level of accomplishment that is desired.

How does one do magick?

One learns. Depending upon the magick that you wish to use, you learn from reading, asking questions, studying with others, practicing and more reading.

How long does it take to learn to do magick?

The answer to the question depends on what type of magick is being learned or worked toward. Sympathetic magick--using natural objects to form a link with a desire to bring about its manifestation--can be learned in a matter of hours. Druidic magick, on the other hand, is rumored to take up to 20 years to learn!

Wiccans and witchcraft covens often have three or four levels, each taking a year and day to complete before moving up to the next level. The ceremonialist of the Order of the Golden Dawn also has levels, which must be passed through over time. Shamans, on the other hand, claim that one never reaches the point of being able to stop learning and just doing, because if they did they would become as the Gods and evolve to live in the Otherworld.

Every tradition has its own schedule that is imposed upon its members to learn its particular brand of magick. However, if you are able to absorb information and have a very active imagination, it will probably take you less time then you might think.

What are the different types of magick?

Besides the ones that we have already discussed; high and low, black and white, tantric, and chaos magick, there are candle, herb, sympathetic, representational, symbolic, color, crystal, knot, moon, and elemental magick. Now this is not a complete list, there are many more, there is fairy, tree, sigil and even gargoyle magick. Raymond Buckland and Silver RavenWolf give the following summary of the different types of magick; each form is well represented in either of their books.

Candle magick is the use of colored candles to represent the four elements, air, fire, water and earth. When lit these representations are powerful forces indeed. Since the beginning of time mankind has used herbs to heal and perform magick. The use of herbs in magick is only second to sympathetic magick in age.

Sympathetic magick is the oldest form of known magick. When early man first started the hunt he would wear animal skins to become part of the animal he was hunting. There are many cave drawings that depict this, but none better than the "Sorcerer" in France.

Those who practice Voodoo or Santeria magick use representational magick, similar to sympathetic magick. Representational magick is the use of a personal item, such as a lock of hair or a fingernail clipping to represent the person for whom the spell is cast.

Symbolic or divination magick is the use of symbols to represent various ideas. This includes Tarot, Runes and numerology. Color magick, which is another form or symbolic magick, is the use of color to achieve a desired result. Each color has a certain quality assigned to it, and the combination or the individual use of this assigned color will bring about the desired result.

Crystal or gem stone magick works off the principle that stones give off a vibration and that using this vibration will assist the practitioner in healing or in casting a spell.

Knot magick or binding magick utilizes rope, string, yarn or ribbons to perform a binding spell, which allows the practitioner to stop someone from performing an unwanted action.

Moon magick emphasizes the different phases of the moon to perform certain types of magick.

Elemental magick uses the four basic elements of magick; fire, water, earth and air. Each element has different properties; therefore, they can be used separately or together in achieving a desired result.

It is important that you understand that each of these forms of magick has a basic common denominator, that being the intent and the ability to visualize of the individual. The better the ability to visualize and the clearer the intent, the greater the chances of achieving your desired result.

Is ESP a form of magick?

Yes it is. There are many forms of ESP or extra sensory perception a means of receiving information through other than the normal senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. There is also PK, psychokinesis, and the ability to move objects with psychic abilities. Examples of ESP would be clairvoyance, astral projection, psychometric, precognition and telepathic receiver. Examples of PK are telepathic sender, psychokinesis, psychic healing, and teleportation. Many Neo-pagans and modern day magicians believe that this is one, if not the first, forms of magick.

What time of day should magick be practiced?

Depends on the magick. What are you seeking to do? Here are some very simple common guidelines.

Day: is for expanding

Night: is for inverting

Sunrise: is a time for new beginnings

Sunset: is to find the truth

Midday: will give you added power

Midnight: for banishing

Waxing moon: for growth

Waning moon: for letting go

Full moon: gives you added power also and it can be a lot stronger than the

power you receive at midday.

New moon: use to rest

Magick is best practiced, however, when the user is well rested and at his/her peak mentally. This allows for the full force of the practitioner's energy, no matter the time of day, week or month. (RavenWolf, pages 173-188)

Isn't magick dangerous?

Yes it is. The dangers lie in the intent, which is found within the practitioner. Even if someone has good intention, there are still dangers. These dangers lie within the attitude of the practitioner; arrogance, once one realizes how powerful the will is, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking one is omnipotent; dependency, using magick to achieve everything; forgetting the pleasures that hard work can bring; showing off is probably the most dangerous. Nothing is worse then a run away ego.

The most effective and simple method of avoiding these traps is to always remember that the key to magick is respect. Respect for the magick and for oneself.

Is Magick comparable to modern science?

Yes, actually magick is the founder of modern science. As stated earlier the original four sciences were magick, kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy. These four "sciences" are responsible for psychology, mathematics, astronomy and chemistry. Magick's primary aspect is visualization. Without using this ability to imagine what could be, man would never have ventured across the seas, or landed on the moon, or even dared to dream to venture among the stars.

I have heard of something called the four qualities of a mage. What are they?

The four qualities of a mage as listed by Migene Gonza'lez-Whippler, in Spells, Ceremonies & Magic are:

To know

To dare

To will

To keep silent

In simpler terms, to know is your own personal knowledge, it comes from within. To dare is to have the courage to use your knowledge. To will is to be able to focus your desire. To keep silent is to be able to demonstrate your ability to keep your ego in check. It is important that the practitioner does not let his/her ego run rampant.

What are the laws of magick?

To begin with, each tradition has its own set of laws, or an idea of how things are supposed to be. Issac Bonewits in his book Authentic Thaumaturgy states that they are basic laws of magick that work well within the laws of nature.

Law of Knowledge: To effect a thing you must know the thing.

Law of Self-knowledge: To thine own self be true. In others words know your limitations.

Law of cause and effect: Basic laws of physics, what goes up must come down.

Law of Synchronicity: Coincidence rarely happens.

Law of Association: A relationship between two or more elements to obtain one.

Law of Similarity: If it reminds you of something else, it is probably related.

Law of Contagion: Once objects come into contact with each other they will continue to influence each other, even after separation.

Law of Positive Attraction: Like attracts alike.

Law of Negative Attraction: Opposites also attract.

Law of Names: Knowing the true name of something allows for greater control over it.

Law of Words of Power: Knowing the Word of God is just as powerful as knowing the true name of God.

Law of Personification: Everything should be considered to be "alive" and dealt with as such.

Law Of Invocation: To control the beings from within

Law of Evocation: To control the beings from without.

Law of Identification: Being close to a object for a long enough period of time you will cause one to begin to take on its personality.

Law of Infinite Data: There is always something new to learn.

Law of Infinite senses: No one knows everything.

Law of Personal Universes: We all dwell within our own realities.

Law of Infinite Universe: Anything is possible.

Law of True Falsehoods: Just because it isn't supposed to exist does not mean it doesn't.

Law of Synthesis: Two or more opposing paths will produce a new one.

Law of Polarity: Everything has an opposite, a yin to yang.

Law of Dynamic Balance: Without balance you will fall over. One must keep all aspects of self in balance; spiritual, mental, emotional and physical self.

Law of Perversity: If it can go wrong, it probably will.

Law of Unity: Everything is connected.

Does magick have its own set of ethics?

Yes. Magickal ethics are one of the most important concepts the aspiring practitioner brings to the altar with them. Ethics or the ability to know right from wrong is what separates man from the rest of the animal kingdom, (along with a thumb). Every spiritual/religious group has its own set of moral and ethical behavior. Magick does not recognize the fact that it is being used for good or evil purposes. It is neutral. The Wiccans have a code of ethics called the Rede. Though other traditions do not have a written code, most use the Wiccan rede or the old standby, "treat others as you wish to be treated."

What are the Tools of magick?

The most important thing to remember is that the magick is within you, not the tools. Tools are not needed but rather, they serve as a point of focus for your power or intent. Though some tools are "charged" with energies, some naturally and some by the user. But, remember the more you use a tool, the more powerful it can become. The major tools used in Wiccan magick are the athame, wand, chalice, bolline, besom, cauldron, censer, and a Book of Shadows. This by no means is a complete list of tools; other tools may include gemstones, herbs, and candles. Specific traditions and religions, hermetic and esoteric practices will be discussed in later chapters.

Athame: Usually a black handled, double edged knife (ideally), strictly a ritual tool. It is the symbolic representative of fire.

Wand: The wand can be used for casting circles and is the representative of air and the male aspect.

Chalice: The cup used to symbolically ingest the Goddess and God. It represents water and the female aspect.

Bolline: A white handled knife used to cut herbs and other necessities for rituals.

Besom: Or broom, used for sweeping harmful energies away from the ritual circle.

Cauldron: The cauldron represents birth, death and rebirth.

Censer: An incense holder that represents air.

Book of Shadows: Is another name for a grimoire. It is a text in which the practitioner will keep written spells, thoughts and rituals. It is highly personal and the context will vary from person to person, tradition to tradition.

What are some good books to read to learn more about Magick?

There are a lot of good books to read, actually too many to list them all. The ones that are listed were found to be helpful in researching this chapter. For a more complete listing use the bibliography in the back of the book.

Aveni, Anthony Behind the Crystal Ball, Magic, Science, and the Occult: From Antiquity through the New Age Random House, USA 1996 ISBN# 0-8129-2415- 0

Drury, Nevill and Gregory Tillett The Occult: A SourceBook of Esoteric Wisdom, Saraband Inc., China 1997 ISBN# 0-7607-0690-5

What are some websites to visit?

The number of Magick and Occult web-sites is phenomenal, and it keeps growing. The easiest way to find a website on a particular subject is to use your search engine on the computer. Use the words, Magick, Occult, Ceremonial Magick. Here are some sites that can help get you started on your search. However because of the constant ebbs and flow of the web these sites may no longer exist, but as December 2003 they were still online.

Ceremonial Magick with Daniel M. Bemis http://www.paganism.com/ag/cmagic/dan.html

Chaos Magick & Heretical Sites http://www.thud.org/chaos.htm

Magick & the Occult http://www.armory.com/~mortoj/magick/index.html

Isaac Bonewits Homepage http://www.neopagan.net

PO Box 181088,  Utica MI 48318 USA

586-731-9025