Concepts of Magick

 

Concepts of Magick
by Bandraoi

One of the greatest misunderstood practices in the world is the practice of magick or ritual ceremony. While most feel this is something that is a part of “occult” or “supernatural” practices, it is something that is utilized on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. Part of the problem is how people define “magick” (which is spelled with a “k” in some circles to set it apart from stage magic or prestidigitation). They think of it as something dark or sinister, something that has bad consequences or is connected with “evil” forces. The real truth of the matter is there is very little difference between magick and other forms of religious practice … or wishing for that matter. They all involve belief in a higher power or energy and one’s own personal connection to that entity. Whether we believe we are part of that higher energy or that it is a separate existence from us that guides us, the majority of people (with the exception of perhaps atheists) have some form of practices that has to do with getting in touch with that energy to make themselves and their lives better.
 
DEFINITION OF MAGICK

One of the best and most simple of definitions for magick came from Aleister Crowley. He stated that magick is “the art or science of causing change to occur in conformity to Will.” Now what is meant by “Will” does not imply merely what one wants to happen. This is why the term is used with a capital letter. It signifies the difference between our mundane will (wanting fame, fortune, friends, love, etc.) and the True Will. The True Will can best be described as the purpose of why you are here … what you’re really supposed to be doing during this physical existence. Some would refer to it as their “calling” or “higher purpose.” In terms of reincarnation, it would be described as the reason why one bothered to be born this time around. In all manners of faith, there is some sort of sense of this Will, referred to in various terms and definitions. At the core, they are all the same. It is the universal concept that there is a greater reason for why we exist than what we know or see. It’s that intangible, yet powerful, sense within us there is something more to life than merely thriving or collecting the most toys.

There are a number of ways we might attempt to make the connection with a higher power so we can better understand our Will. There is prayer, meditation, incantations, mantras, ritual, vision quests, provoked altered states, divination and countless others. Each belief system makes use of words, symbols, objects and ideas to bring about these changes. For example, what is the difference between praying with all of your heart that someone who has wronged you will be punished for their actions and lighting up a candle while chanting a few select versus that call for same? There isn’t one. Some might argue the difference is between letting a “higher entity” take care of it versus trying to handle it on your own. But if these actions can only be carried out by connecting to a higher power, than the latter explanation isn’t really possible. This brings us to the next point in this discussion.

BLACK AND WHITE MAGICK

The idea of black and white magick is an erroneous one. It was standard practice to label any practices of a religion “bad” or “evil” that differs from the religion of the majority of a given time or place. As magickal practices were something that happened in non-Judeo-Christian systems, it was natural for those in charge to try to dispel any interest in these practices by associating them with negative connotations.

But let’s look at this more closely. If magick is the means by which one connects with a higher power (be it deity, the higher self, etc.), it would be a process or vehicle. That would make it a neutral object, one void of any “good” or “evil.” A possible analogy would be to liken magick to that of a hammer. A hammer in itself is an object void of intent or particular purpose. It all depends on how the user makes use of the hammer that determines how one would label its actions. One could use a hammer to build or repair something, or use it as a tool of destruction. The labeling of “good” or “evil” intent lies within the one using the instrument, not the instrument itself. The same applies for magick, prayer, meditation or any other form of spiritual practice. What one thinks about or intends to do is up for interpretation. Even then, interpretations of good and evil are highly subjective depending on the circumstances one is operating in or how one defines the terms. Therefore, there is no “black” or “white” magick.

MANIFESTATION

The purpose of magick is simply to manifest some sort of results on the earthly plane, including higher purposes such as enlightenment, a better understanding or a raise in one’s consciousness. As we are existing in physical bodies, we are part of the physical. This would make anything we bring to us a manifestation on the physical plane. To bring closer how innate magick is, take a look at how a simple change in terms can be used to describe the bringing about of basic results.

A practitioner (writer) prepares for a ritual (brainstorming session) by selecting his most sacred tools (favorite pen, most comfortable chair, ideal lighting). He sits down to meditate and prepare himself for the Work (closes his eyes and free associates for ideas). When ready, he invokes his entity of choice to guide him (taps into his inspiration) and solidifies this energy into a single object/talisman (commits written words to paper) through the use of a wand or other directing device (favorite pen). When he is finished, he calls for the return of the entity to its originating plane (gathers up the pages and puts them aside, taking a moment to decompress from concentration) and closes the circle (shuts off the lights and leaves the room to watch some TV).

The reason the two are synonymous is they both have to do with the directing of one’s energy or intents for a specific outcome. This is done every day when we drive (intent: get to where we are going on time), finish a homework assignment (intent: maintain decent grade average), hang out with friends (intent: reaffirm our identity and place in the world), attend a business meeting (intent: network for better career opportunities or maintain good standing at current job) or even shop (intent: to project a certain image). To this affect, every mundane task we perform with any level of intention becomes an act of magick (including the ones that manifest those not-so-desired results).
 
Source of article:
 
http://www.fatumoperandi.org/index.php?id=36,144,0,0,1,0

Note: Fatum Operandi is a great resource for any student.