We don't seem to have a whole lot of discussion going on in the public forums as of late, so I thought this might be a fun way to get one going!
Quotes on Magic:
"Making something happen that you want to happen." - Raymond Buckland.
"The science or art of causing change to occur in conformity with will."- Aleister Crowley.
"The projection of natural energies to produce needed effects."- Scott Cunningham.
Scott Cunningham also said that: Magic is hidden; unseen, secret. It is known only to practitioners. It is not supernatural, but natural in nature. How it works may not necessarily be known or understood but that doesn't mean it does not exist.
"Magic in its purest form consists of a dialogue between Earth and yourself, a dialogue whereby you are able to express your desires, receive and recognize a response and are able to make your wishes and desires come true." - exert from Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting by Judika Illes.
References for Quotes:
The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-Paganism. ~ Written by Raymond Buckland.
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. ~ Written by Scott Cunningham.
Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner ~ Written by Scott Cunningham.
Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting by Judika Illes.
As you can see from the quotes and such listed above, how we view and interpret magic, even how we practice or utilize it, seems to be very unique to the individual, path, etc. Even though some basic principles of casting and such seem to be similar.With all that in mind, I would like to use this thread as a place for us to share our own beliefs on magic.
Keep in mind there is no right or wrong answer here, this is to share our own personal views and perhaps learn a bit more about how magical practices plays a part in not only our lives but others that practice as well.
So, I will go first.
To me, magic is energy. It is an unseen, untapped form of natural, spiritual energy that flows within us and around us. Through it, by working with it and connecting to these energies, we are able to better understand ourselves and the energy within others and the world around us.