Thought I'd drop this in. This is an Essay I typed up on Magic, and what it is. Just remember guys, Magic is a delicate dance between the energy we are made of, and the energy that surrounds us.
A lot of people turn to Wicca for magic and rightly so, but a very important note is that magic is only a small part of Wicca which is why we are going to be starting here. But in a broader sense everything about Wicca is magic, because Wicca is about transformation, creation, and spiritual growth -and this after all is what magic is all about. In this lesson we are going to touch on what magic is, the theory of magic, some of the practice and laws and briefly discuss psychic hygiene and why it’s important. Firstly, the universe is comprised of energy. Everything around you, everything you see and many you don’t, are all comprised of energy. You, as well, are composed of energy. The body your soul inhabits is made of an endless number of microscopic particles, held together at a sub-atomic level by the wonderful glue called Energy. Science teaches us this, but what many do not know is that the Vedic sages of India also taught this very fact, for many thousands of years. In ancient Europe the Druids, and after them witches, all were keen enough to recognize this fact as well. Even the most solid stone is composed of millions of billions of atoms orbiting each other in an endless and rather graceful dance of life. Everything is help together by it, and made of it. This is part of the meaning of the ancient maxim “As above so Below”. That just as we live in a vast universe filled with countless stars, so too whole universes of a different nature exist within us. A World within a world so to speak. The electro-magnetic energy which holds electrons and protons and other microscopic particles in place have had many names; Chi (Asia), Mana (Polynesia), Orenda (Iroquois), Od (German), the Force (Star Wars), and Psychic Energy (contemporary). For this we will call it simply “energy”.
It is at this time that I would like to make a special note on energy. Energy is neither static nor inanimate; it is responsive and dynamic in character. It is like a fluid in its movements, and is symbolically likened to water. Yet it is also likened to light and fire because of its effects. In now days, it can even be likened to electricity in its qualities, though it is no as harsh or unpredictable as this. In truth energy is unique unto itself, and only by working with it can you come to understand it, and respect it. It is the shape this energy assumes that creates the pattern of the physical world we see around us. We interact with energy on a daily basis, mostly on a subconscious level. We don’t really think about it, we’re mostly unaware of it. For most of us this daily shaping of energy occurs from our unconscious beliefs and emotions, as automatic and out of our control as our unconscious is itself. Often we do not even know what our unconscious beliefs and emotions are, let alone how they affect us. When we bring our conscious mind and will power to bear on this process, however, it is a very different situation. Rather than an unconscious process at this point, the shaping of energy, and thus the world we are in, becomes a precise and deliberate skill which lies directly in our hands. This is Magic. The art of consciously focusing and controlling this all pervasive energy. Through focused will and effort we use the universal energy to affect the things around us. As energy react to thought and emotion, thought and emotion can used to control or influence that energy. Energy can also react to certain physical stimuli. It has to be understood that it is not from the ordinary level of our conscious mind that we do learn to control the energy around us. If it were, everyone would be doing it, and it would be much easier to teach. Consciousness, the HIGHER SELF. Scientists studying psychics have found that when a person enters a psychic trance their brainwaves change. Psychics in trance do not use the normal beta waves associated with ordinary consciousness, but use instead the theta and delta waves associated with sleep. This is true of a person performing an act of magic as well - we access a higher part of ourselves, a change in consciousness which shows even in our very brain waves. Only at this level are we fully conscious. Now, it’s not hard to reach this level, but it is hard to learn to do it at will, and to be able to access this level of consciousness on command.
This shifting is called a shifting consciousness, and an accomplished witch can do it in the twinkling of an eye, with little to no external effort or trappings, or persuasion. The student however, should expect to put out some effort to effect this change in consciousness, and may have to work hard, with practice, to master it. There are a number of external factors may be used to help effect this change, and they are known as keys. Keys help us effect the shift in consciousness to access our higher selves. Thinks such as specific words, ritual patterns, or items like stones, the athame, the wand, and certain artifacts are considered keys, and help put you into the “right frame of mind” for magical workings. There are many ways that magic can be preformed, but ultimately any way that is used has the same basic goal; to focus energy and direct it from a state of higher consciousness. Visualization, spell craft, trance, rituals, and chanting are great techniques that can be used to create the necessary shift. Each person is different, so what works well for one may not for another. This is the reason why you should consider practicing different techniques, to figure out which one will work best for you. Some of the practice Through magic we influence or make an effort to control our surroundings, and it is wise to use magic only to make these surroundings better. The ancient rule of Wicca is “Do as you will, but harm none” (unless in self defense). Magic is a great ability, and can be a great responsibility, you would do well to respect it and use it wisely. Everything you do comes back to you, and this is called Karma. Every action or inaction, in time you will experience from the receiving end. So when you do something good for another, you will experience good in return. If you do something bad, you will receive something bad in return. Do unto to others as others would do unto you, is a good example of this from our Christian influencers. You should bear this in mind in every aspect of life, including the magic you practice. Many wiccans follow or believe in the Three Fold Law, also known as the Law of Three. That is to say that what you do comes back to you not only once, but multiple times. Some wiccans believe that the number three in the threefold law is meant to be taken literally- that karma of our actions returns to us exactly three times. In some beliefs, such as Correllian Wicca, the individual believes that you will experience karma of your actions as many times necessary to learn the lesson.
You should ask yourself the following question before you do anything that effects another, because in fact you will in time receive it back, for all things must return to their source. The question you should ask yourself is “How would I feel if I were on the receiving end?” I mentioned the Higher Self or Higher consciousness earlier. Magic and psychism are words that describe two aspects of the same process, which is connecting this higher self. The word psychic comes from the Greek word Psyche, meaning soul or spirit: i.e. the higher self. In magic we use this connection actively, to create a certain response in the world. In Psychism we use the same connection passively, to receive information about the world around us. The main thing to always remember is that magic is worked from the higher self. Everything helps us connect with our higher selves’ helps magic. Regular meditation and psychic exercises are a valuable tool to strengthen said connection. The connection can be compared to as a muscle, as in it grows stronger with use. The more you do- even if at fir you do not succeed- the better you will get, and the easier it will become. Persistence is key. The most important thing when beginning magic is concentration- focus as much energy as you can into what you are doing. This level of concentration is always an aspect of magic, but later it will seem automatic and will not take much effort. If you are visualizing, try to see what you are visualizing as clearly as possible. Make the image as concrete and three dimensional as possible. Visualization is one of the strongest aids to concentration. Whatever magical working you are undertaking, and whatever method you use, try to put your whole being into it. The more of yourself you can put into the work, the strong you can focus, and the greater the effect your magic will have. A few words on Psychic Hygiene This is one of the more important aspects of magical working, and is equally important in every magical act you perform. Psychic hygiene prevents energy from becoming blocked in your body, which can make it difficult to use energy appropriately. Every time you do a magical work you raise energy- that is you focus and direct the energy. When you finish, you will still have excess energy left in your body, which needs to be released. Many believe that holding on or retaining this energy would be good, but it is not. The energy clogs up and causes problems.
A few signs of excess energy build up are, lightheadedness, feeling of being off balance or disoriented, after magical workings. Sometimes is can manifest as a feeling of hyperactivity. Even if you feel nothing unusual, you should still make it a point to clear and ground and center just to be on the safe side. Psychic Hygiene is important whether performing magical workings such as rituals or psychic work such as channeling. You should cleanse and release both before you begin, and especially after you finish to keep the energy from getting clogged. This is not the only time it’s important though, many people on a magical path tend to pick up energy for other people’s emotions, mood, or tension level without even being consciously aware of it happening. The techniques for psychic hygiene can be used to release these unwanted pick-ups. Moreso, because we tend to pick up from others in this way, it is important to practice psychic shielding. Psychic shielding basically strengthens your own boundaries, so that you do not pick up any energy that you do not wish to have. It’s good to practice psychic shielding regularly, even daily, as it helps keep the aura strong and clean
magic an essay
|