Witchvox Article

Author: Levi
Posted: June 5th. 2005
Times Viewed: 2,749

Today within the Pagan community there are many different terms and definitions relating to the word Magic, as there are just as many different forms thereof. I do not think that this is a negative or positive thing, which is totally irrelevant. But to someone who is not familiar with the multitude of Pagan traditions that are out there, or may be searching for their own path, all of these terms may in fact become one confusing mess!

There currently is as well a huge emphasis on using Magick in the form of spell craft, as one can look in many different Pagan-oriented books on the market today and find many spells spanning many different, seemingly egotistical, topics such as: wealth, sex, love, control, etc. The list can go on and on, though some of these types of spells can be put to positive use. In turn they can also lead to a temptation that some may find hard to resist. This is true especially when someone less adept or inexperienced decides to experiment in that area. With this in mind we must ask ourselves if this is the image that we want to project to the world around us. Sad but true, first impressions do count, because it is only human nature. I am confident that it�s this confusion that may turn away many who have a genuine interest in our ways. It generates many misconceptions regarding our faith, and what we do. These misconceptions, if not understood, can lead to fear, fear in turn leads to hate and hate is not in our belief system. So in order to effectively practice Magic, it may be important to first asses your current situation, weigh it out with your desire, and then decide what is really important. I feel that if I am able to pay my rent, have clothes on my back, food in my stomach, and all of my family and friends are happy, then I am happy. On the other hand, I realize that not everyone has my point of view. This is yet another reason why many universally-accepted laws regarding Magic and the use of Magic, have been created over time and have become traditional. As numerous books and other publications have been written for this reason alone, my final advice upon this subject would be to live by the old standard law stating, �An it harm none, do what thou will.� That should keep any practitioner out of unforeseen trouble.

What is Magic, and how does it work in a religious sense? If asked, it would be important to express to an individual that our faith, and the term Magic are, to an extent, two separate entities, but not foreign to one another. We can simply term Magic as one�s ability to make a desired change in his or her life through the power of will. It must be understood that belief and faith are the basis of all things. For example if you do not believe, then you can not have true faith in something, so without faith, any Magical workings or mundane tasks, as it may be termed, will not run as smoothly as they could with a solid foundation on which to stand. That foundation is what all religions call faith. This is true for any type of religious, non-religious, or Magical workings that may exist in this world.

So what would be some steps that one might consider when looking for their foundation? It is my feeling that it�s relevant to extensively research any topic before actually practicing it, even more so when the topic is Magic. When learning to fully integrate ones realization of Magick in a spiritual form, it may prove gainful in the training and learning process, and appropriate for one to slow down. Anyways, stop intensely searching for all the information you can find; there is too much out there. This includes buying countless Pagan/Wiccan books, and any new techniques of Magic that find their way to your local bookstore. Do you really have time to read them all at once? Best try settling on one book and add to your collection over time. (Not only will they clutter your bookshelf and waist your hard-earned money, they will simply add too any current confusion you may already have.) It�s good to be a sponge, but there�s simply too much information to soak up. You will end up waterlogged; instead, you should be more of a selective sponge, picking up information one at a time and reflecting on what you learned. Like squeezing the sponge of the extra water after you soak some up - the sponge stays wet with the important things, and still has room to soak up more �water.�

Think about an older phrase that you may have heard before: �As above, so below.� This essentially means that our current dimension or life, while in worship or working within a circle, should reflect the ones above us and below us. It would also be safe to say, if you believe that we all carry a spark of the divine within us, that the phrase �As within, so without� could also be a true manifestation of the divine, and would also be just as valid. If an individual were to apply both of these concepts to everyday life, rather than only when a certain Sabbat or need came about, then the individual in question would stand to have a positive chance of great change and growth. This can, however, be a very long and painstaking process. It will simply not happen over night, but when you start searching and questioning what you truly believe, you will then naturally grow within yourself to have a solid foundation of belief and, in turn, faith. Eventually, with consistent, unrushed, focused training and practice, this faith will shine through you, into the world around you. Like a web these positive energies affect the people and world around you, making it a more hospitable place. In accordance with this, the spirit within will make a more direct connection with the divine and in turn lead you in the direction that is most suitable for your current existence.

In conclusion, Magic and spell crafting are generally about change, being that there are many changes one can make within one�s life that can and will improve one�s life condition. These work on many different levels, many more then the modern concept of gain. It is with these changes that we grow, in spirit and love. Living within the beauty of your own spirit, and in love with all that is around you, is paramount. Thereby these simple, but seemingly complex connections, may serve to be the only Magic that you may truly ever need.

ABOUT...

Levi

Location: Bonita Springs, Florida

Author's Profile: To learn more about Levi - Click HERE

Bio: Rev. Levi Hayes was raised near Manhattan, KS, where he first learned of the Pagan way by reading books by Kisma Stepanich, Laurie Cabbot and Scott Cunningham. He is currently a practitioner of the Faery Faith Tradition, and a member of the Fellowship of Isis. He is ordained through the Temple of Isis, Isis Invicta Military Mission, and he is the Designated Faith Group Leader for Earth Light Circle on Ramstein AB in Germany. He was ordained High Priest in October 2004 and is currently in training though the Bardhic College for the Faery Faith Tradition.

Other Articles: Levi has posted 2 additional articles- View them?

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