Traditional vs. Modern

There are countless debates on the subject of traditional or modern magic. I've encountered arguments stating that modern magic is not as complex as traditional magic, but that traditional magic is more effective.

I have no doubt that both have the same level of effectiveness (depending on the practitioner). To me, the question that rises is how the experiences of a practitioner may differ due to practicing either traditional or modern practices. When I had loads of free time, I focused on both traditional and modern practices and beliefs on magic, but as time progressed I've prefered to look at rhings in a more traditional manner.

Certainly the type of practice, be it old or new, doesn't change the magic, it changes the practitioner, in my own perspective. That's another thing. Besides having differing experiences according to the type of magic you practice, how does it effect your perspective?

What do you think about this?

Traditional magical systems are tied to the symbolism and myths of the cultrue they originate from. People are criticized for appropriating but I think this is unavoidable. as for effectiveness, I believe it all depends on how strong the magician relates to the symbolism. One who has studied an ancient culture would have an advantage over another who simply uses one of their spells from a book. Purists will whine and call it disrespectful, fluffy, etc. but I am of the mindset that old does not equal better, and that it is ok to mix old with new if you feel it works.

I think the ones who go for modern practices are the ones who did not find what they were looking for in traditional practices. And in fact, as more and more people find themselves with less time and resources on their hands, as well as a lack of freedom, modern practices are gaining popularity. Of course, there is no question about the affectivity. But as the world around us changes, our wishes, desires, and the ways of our lives must also change. And I think that is what modern practices are there for.

Traditional and Primal best way to go in my opinion because too much dogma goes around confusing Man of others billion stories and beliefs making every head spin.

To add to what some others have said:

I feel like a lot of people who go with more modern practices actually started with more traditional, studied many traditional practices, and more than likely have entwined what they have learned into what they do now.

I say this because it is what I have done. My practiced is rooted in shamanism, but it is also modern in a sense. I have adapted to what best fits me. And I feel thats what a lot of people do.

Religion wise, many of the more modern practitioners I have met and/or worked with actually don't have one single religion but tie together beliefs and morals from many religions/practices in order to come up with what they believe. And that has an affect on their practice.

I'm sort of both; the things I do use ancient, traditional concepts, sometimes even exact recitations, but I do so in my own ways or in the ways I am asked to do so. I've never really been a one or another sort of person, but I do what is necessary and what is important. If purely traditional is necessary, I do purely traditional.

But I'm a revivalist. Being a revivalist is all about keeping alive the old beliefs in new ways.

I agree with Falling and Neb that for many people, a mix of practices in between modern and traditional is ideal. I myself enjoy studying traditional practices but i dont limit myself to them.

That's true, Kothar. Though I prefer to lean towards more traditional practices, there are some fairly modern practices that I've picked up such as oils and energy points in my body.