Magic can generally be categorized as sympathetic or direct. Sympathetic magic acts upon symbolic representations of the target of the spell. Direct magic acts directly upon the target. The most frequently used form of magic is sympathetic. J. G. Frazer delineated in his magnum opus The Golden Bough two principle methods by which sympathetic magic can be described as working through (1).
The first he called the Law of Similarity. This law argues that an effect resembles its cause and that like will attract like. This is often summarized in the Hermetic axiom 'As Above, So Below.' The second principle method he called the Law of Contagion. This law argues that what is done to a material object will influence the target of the spell once they come into contact with said object, and that effect will continue after initial contact is broken (2). Most sympathetic magic is a combination of the two laws being put into effect.
Direct magic is the application of one's efforts to the target in question. Herbalism and most 'potions' are direct magic. The practice of laying on of hands and direct manipulation of one's bio-energy field can be considered direct magic as well. One could argue that direct magic is a function of the Law of Contagion. I would contend that the Law of Contagion can only be applied to items that are enspelled with the intention of having an action upon some one when handled or otherwise coming into physical contact with said person (3).
~*~*~*~*~
1. Full discussion of this can be found in chapter three of the condensed version of the Golden Bough. Specifically, reference section one, paragraph one.
2. One could argue that the Law of Contagion was something of a precursor of the theory of quantum entanglement as described in the EPR paradox. It is important to keep in mind that the development of modern physics was not established until after J. G. Frazer's work was published. One must also consider the author's bias against magical thought.
3. People are the most frequent targets of spell craft, thus my examples revolve primarily about them.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Spell Craft: Introduction
Many people become interested in witchcraft because they desire to tap into the seemingly limitless power of spell craft. They see what is portrayed in the entertainment industry and believe that such things are possible with their own efforts. Sadly, they mistake stage craft and illusion with reality. They assume that the fantastic things described in fantasy and fiction are the same as what I, and many others, do on a daily basis.
The closest I come to chanting over a bubbling cauldron is saying a blessing over a pot of soup I'm making. In place of mysterious concoctions made from gruesome sounding ingredients, I make normal food and use various herbs for taste, medicinal, or magical purposes. I can not cast lightning from my hands, but I can throw my spiritual energy out into the universe to call rain to me in a few days. I occasionally use a poppet (also known as a voodoo doll) for healing spells. I read tarot cards and other divination tools (it's a hobby of mine.) but I do not get 100% accurate visions of the future.
My spell craft is simple, homey things. It is part of the reason why I call myself a kitchen witch. It is possible to do high ceremonial magic and get successful results. They will not, however, look like what you expect from Hollywood's theatrics. Magic is a subtle art. As my previous discussions may have made clear, the most important aspect of making magic work is force of will and having one's mind aligned properly. The psychological aspect of magic is at the forefront of most spell work.
Herbalism is classed by some folk as a form of spell craft. I believe it has its own distinction because the mechanisms by which is operates are entirely different. Herbalism operates 99% of the time upon the physical body. It can be a component in spell craft, but it will not be the primary method by which one's goal is attained. Spell craft's mechanisms of action are based in one's spiritual energy and the manipulation of the spiritual energy of the universe. This could put prayer as a form of spell craft, though most people are disturbed by such a suggestion.
There are many different techniques and methods of spiritual energy manipulation. They can be classified by the methodology used, purpose, or tools applied. We will be looking at each major division of techniques independently. Following this, I will help you determine if you should write your own spells and walk you through how to do it.
The closest I come to chanting over a bubbling cauldron is saying a blessing over a pot of soup I'm making. In place of mysterious concoctions made from gruesome sounding ingredients, I make normal food and use various herbs for taste, medicinal, or magical purposes. I can not cast lightning from my hands, but I can throw my spiritual energy out into the universe to call rain to me in a few days. I occasionally use a poppet (also known as a voodoo doll) for healing spells. I read tarot cards and other divination tools (it's a hobby of mine.) but I do not get 100% accurate visions of the future.
My spell craft is simple, homey things. It is part of the reason why I call myself a kitchen witch. It is possible to do high ceremonial magic and get successful results. They will not, however, look like what you expect from Hollywood's theatrics. Magic is a subtle art. As my previous discussions may have made clear, the most important aspect of making magic work is force of will and having one's mind aligned properly. The psychological aspect of magic is at the forefront of most spell work.
Herbalism is classed by some folk as a form of spell craft. I believe it has its own distinction because the mechanisms by which is operates are entirely different. Herbalism operates 99% of the time upon the physical body. It can be a component in spell craft, but it will not be the primary method by which one's goal is attained. Spell craft's mechanisms of action are based in one's spiritual energy and the manipulation of the spiritual energy of the universe. This could put prayer as a form of spell craft, though most people are disturbed by such a suggestion.
There are many different techniques and methods of spiritual energy manipulation. They can be classified by the methodology used, purpose, or tools applied. We will be looking at each major division of techniques independently. Following this, I will help you determine if you should write your own spells and walk you through how to do it.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Theological Consideration: Death, Afterlife, and Reincarnation
Before we continue our discussion of magical practices, let us pause to
briefly consider the age old question of death. In many different sects
of Wicca, death is viewed as a transition to an afterlife in a location
known as the Summerlands. The Summerlands are a place of rest and
respite for the soul. Reunion with beloved dead who had passed before
you is considered a common element of one's passage to the Summerlands.
It is also believed that all forms of life pass on to the Summerlands
when they die.
The most predominant belief in modern Wicca is that reincarnation is possible and happens fairly regularly. This, in conjunction with the belief in the Summerlands (or something similar) provides the theological foundation of how modern Wicca approaches death. It is, in short, a natural transition to another phase in life that is no more fearful then birth or growing older.
Within my tradition of witchcraft, it is a touch more complex then this. Reincarnation is possible and does happen. It is also equally likely that one will choose to remain within the spiritual realms. A phenomenon which I refer to as the Veil acts as a subtle barrier between the living and the dead. The Veil tend to be more resistant to penetration in locations where there is a great deal of live activity. Places traditionally associated with the dead are places more permeable because there is a greater concentration of this energy in conjunction with the thoughtforms that associate the dead with this location. As such, the Veil is thinned and communication with the dead or other spiritual beings is easier.
If one chooses not to reincarnate upon their passage to the spiritual side of things, they have their choice of places of rest and habitation. Some choose to remain close to the physical world, thus there are hauntings and people who have spirits about them. Others move to places traditionally associated with the dead, for the thoughtforms are far more cemented and 'physical' in the spiritual realm.
There is not strictly only Heaven or Hell for where the dead might go. There are many, many different locations. Every spiritual abode of the dead that has been conceptualized exists in the spiritual realms. In my practice, I have traveled to several different locations by way of a trance journey. (The general response to a living soul visiting is one of pleasant surprise. In a few locations I was firmly invited to leave.) The thing that I find is the most consistent with all of the locations I have traveled to is that those who had lived a life that was virtuous and in accordance with the beliefs of their chosen faith were treated well. Those who had especially proven to be outstanding examples of such traits were held with honor and had a higher status among the others.
Those who failed to do so were of lower status and, when applicable, punished in accordance with the traditions of their faith. The most telling thing about this arrangement was that there were many people who chose to put themselves into the lower status conditions because they had felt that they deserved them. It was an interesting discovery, to be perfectly frank. Some, however, were not permitted to take on lower status then what they had earned. These spirits were frequently bewildered by their good fortune. It was explained to me that it took a measure of time for these souls to acclimate to their surroundings and unlearn the habits of self criticism. Some may ask, how do people who operate in a mixed religion situation fare upon death. In this, I have found that they spend time in the places accorded to them by their mixed religions with a portion of time for each location.
The many deities of death are varied and of different minds with respect to their charges and of visitors. If one wishes to trance journey to a specific spiritual realm, it is wise to study the mythology and lore of that realm. This helps to make one familiar with the 'architecture' of the realm and makes it easier for them to interact with the denizens of those locations. I also advise to leave an offering for all deities and spiritual beings involved in the trance journey. It is simply a matter of good manners to express your gratitude for their assistance.
The most predominant belief in modern Wicca is that reincarnation is possible and happens fairly regularly. This, in conjunction with the belief in the Summerlands (or something similar) provides the theological foundation of how modern Wicca approaches death. It is, in short, a natural transition to another phase in life that is no more fearful then birth or growing older.
Within my tradition of witchcraft, it is a touch more complex then this. Reincarnation is possible and does happen. It is also equally likely that one will choose to remain within the spiritual realms. A phenomenon which I refer to as the Veil acts as a subtle barrier between the living and the dead. The Veil tend to be more resistant to penetration in locations where there is a great deal of live activity. Places traditionally associated with the dead are places more permeable because there is a greater concentration of this energy in conjunction with the thoughtforms that associate the dead with this location. As such, the Veil is thinned and communication with the dead or other spiritual beings is easier.
If one chooses not to reincarnate upon their passage to the spiritual side of things, they have their choice of places of rest and habitation. Some choose to remain close to the physical world, thus there are hauntings and people who have spirits about them. Others move to places traditionally associated with the dead, for the thoughtforms are far more cemented and 'physical' in the spiritual realm.
There is not strictly only Heaven or Hell for where the dead might go. There are many, many different locations. Every spiritual abode of the dead that has been conceptualized exists in the spiritual realms. In my practice, I have traveled to several different locations by way of a trance journey. (The general response to a living soul visiting is one of pleasant surprise. In a few locations I was firmly invited to leave.) The thing that I find is the most consistent with all of the locations I have traveled to is that those who had lived a life that was virtuous and in accordance with the beliefs of their chosen faith were treated well. Those who had especially proven to be outstanding examples of such traits were held with honor and had a higher status among the others.
Those who failed to do so were of lower status and, when applicable, punished in accordance with the traditions of their faith. The most telling thing about this arrangement was that there were many people who chose to put themselves into the lower status conditions because they had felt that they deserved them. It was an interesting discovery, to be perfectly frank. Some, however, were not permitted to take on lower status then what they had earned. These spirits were frequently bewildered by their good fortune. It was explained to me that it took a measure of time for these souls to acclimate to their surroundings and unlearn the habits of self criticism. Some may ask, how do people who operate in a mixed religion situation fare upon death. In this, I have found that they spend time in the places accorded to them by their mixed religions with a portion of time for each location.
The many deities of death are varied and of different minds with respect to their charges and of visitors. If one wishes to trance journey to a specific spiritual realm, it is wise to study the mythology and lore of that realm. This helps to make one familiar with the 'architecture' of the realm and makes it easier for them to interact with the denizens of those locations. I also advise to leave an offering for all deities and spiritual beings involved in the trance journey. It is simply a matter of good manners to express your gratitude for their assistance.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Question Time: What is the difference between hard and soft polytheism?
New feature here on The Veiled Witch: Question Time! You guys give me a question and on the last Tuesday of the month, I will do my best to answer it. This week's question comes from Kelly J.! She says:
I'd be especially interested in hearing about the differences between hard and soft polytheism.
I would like to first reference the great oracle known as Wikipedia. We find the term polytheism comes from Greek and originates in the term invented by the Jewish writer Philo of Alexandria polytheoi - literally: many gods. Philo of Alexandria coined the term in the midst of arguing with the Greeks over religion. He had felt that the polytheists were practicing a false religion (thus the term for a while has been colloquially considered synonymous with idol worshipers).
The term dropped out of usage until it was revived in the 16th century. It still had many of the same implied connotations given that Europe was predominantly monotheistic at the time. Modern usage has been the subject of debate in some circles because anthropologists and sociologists are having a bit of difficulty determining if the major branches of modern pagan belief are true polytheism or some form of pantheism. Wikipedia does a far better job of summing up that debate then I can at the moment.
Hard polytheism views the gods as distinct entities.They have unique traits and are individual personalities. Within the community of people who are hard polytheists, there are folks who will reject the gods of other pantheons as being false.
Soft polytheism does not have as rigid dividing lines between deities. In many ways, the gods are viewed as aspects of a more general deity/supreme being. The most notable of pagan faiths that practices soft polytheism is classical British Wicca.
I'd be especially interested in hearing about the differences between hard and soft polytheism.
I would like to first reference the great oracle known as Wikipedia. We find the term polytheism comes from Greek and originates in the term invented by the Jewish writer Philo of Alexandria polytheoi - literally: many gods. Philo of Alexandria coined the term in the midst of arguing with the Greeks over religion. He had felt that the polytheists were practicing a false religion (thus the term for a while has been colloquially considered synonymous with idol worshipers).
The term dropped out of usage until it was revived in the 16th century. It still had many of the same implied connotations given that Europe was predominantly monotheistic at the time. Modern usage has been the subject of debate in some circles because anthropologists and sociologists are having a bit of difficulty determining if the major branches of modern pagan belief are true polytheism or some form of pantheism. Wikipedia does a far better job of summing up that debate then I can at the moment.
Hard polytheism views the gods as distinct entities.They have unique traits and are individual personalities. Within the community of people who are hard polytheists, there are folks who will reject the gods of other pantheons as being false.
Soft polytheism does not have as rigid dividing lines between deities. In many ways, the gods are viewed as aspects of a more general deity/supreme being. The most notable of pagan faiths that practices soft polytheism is classical British Wicca.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Magical Studies: The Psychology of Magic
There is another component to why magic works. This is the component that is frequently upheld as the primary modus operendi of what is the functional working bits of magic. It is also what skeptics and others point to and use to declare that all of magical study is nothing more then psychological manipulation of the gullible. This argument, however, is ignoring the other (previously discussed) elements of magical study.
The major component to how magical efforts work upon the psyche is hypnosis. Generally, it is some form of self-hypnosis. The induction of trance has many different methods, which will be discussed in greater detail in their own post, and the goal is to enter into an altered psychological state which renders one's waking self more pliant to suggestion. Once in this altered state, one is able to implant commands for oneself to execute in a given setting, access intuitive spiritual knowledge, or focus their thoughts intently upon a magical goal.
The most common use of the hypnotic state in magical studies is the third focus. In solitary witchcraft, the process is quite similar to implantation of commands. When one is engaged in practicing witchcraft with a coven, the person who is leading the ritual (in most Wiccan covens, this is the High Priestess or High Priest) pays close attention to the spiritual energy level of the group and their depth of trance. When all has arrived at the correct intensity and depth, the person leading the spell gives a signal for the coven members to direct their spiritual energy and thoughts towards their goal.
A large amount of magical study has been focused upon how one becomes more integrated in their personality, heal psychological wounds, and to bring about a general sense of health and well being in one's life. It is highly advisable for one who is engaged in this sort of magical undertaking to acquire a basic knowledge of psychology. It is also exceptionally important for one to be brutally honest with themselves. Self deception serve to undermine one's magical efforts and will either result in no progress made or harmful developments.
Some witches find that practicing alone is easiest and provides the most efficient way to address questions of one's psychological well being. It is rare to find one who engages in such work and does so with out any external supports. These supports can come from not only the witchcraft community (as happens with most coven work) but also from professionals in the health community, well meaning associates, and a great deal of research into one's own psychological state. To be trite, knowledge is power.
The power that comes from the basic knowledge of psychology is the ability to use trance more effectively, circumvent self deception, and to have a working understanding of how the mind operates. This can lead to more effective self-regulation of mood and mental state. It can also lead to improved communication with others. If one finds themselves in the position of providing spiritual or emotional assistance to another, this not only helps to make one more effective at doing so, it also makes it easier for one to determine when the situation is beyond their expertise.
The secondary psychological component that is behind successful magic is accurate assessment of one's psychological strengths and weaknesses. This type of self knowledge enables one to tailor their spell craft to work with their unique personality. Spell craft that is designed to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the spell caster is far more effective then something that is crafted for any general user. (This is why personalized spells are preferred as a general rule.) It is the equivalent of having a tool that is designed to fit your hand versus one that is just off the shelf for any person to use. It enhances the effectiveness of the tool and make the tool more comfortable to use.
The third element to be considered is the suspension of disbelief. In our daily lives, we are regularly encouraged to focus upon what is only perceivable by the classical 5 senses (sight, taste, touch, sound, and hearing). To have any sort of publicly espoused belief in some alternate senses is to find oneself in a most uncomfortable position scrutiny and scorn. As such, disbelief in any possible psychic talent that one may have become habitual and a self-fulfilling prophecy in extreme cases. In the case of people who have latent psychic talent, the continual message that they are living in a fantasy, mad, or acting childish is detrimental to their health and well being. Indeed, such things can be enough to render said psychic person blind to their own talents.
The suspension of disbelief in things ranging from ones' psychic talents to spiritual beings (ie fairies, dragons, or angels) gives one permission to use these abilities and to access their spiritual nature. This, in turn, helps one to align their thoughts and will into greater focus upon their goal. Thus, proving to have a higher magical success rate.
The major component to how magical efforts work upon the psyche is hypnosis. Generally, it is some form of self-hypnosis. The induction of trance has many different methods, which will be discussed in greater detail in their own post, and the goal is to enter into an altered psychological state which renders one's waking self more pliant to suggestion. Once in this altered state, one is able to implant commands for oneself to execute in a given setting, access intuitive spiritual knowledge, or focus their thoughts intently upon a magical goal.
The most common use of the hypnotic state in magical studies is the third focus. In solitary witchcraft, the process is quite similar to implantation of commands. When one is engaged in practicing witchcraft with a coven, the person who is leading the ritual (in most Wiccan covens, this is the High Priestess or High Priest) pays close attention to the spiritual energy level of the group and their depth of trance. When all has arrived at the correct intensity and depth, the person leading the spell gives a signal for the coven members to direct their spiritual energy and thoughts towards their goal.
A large amount of magical study has been focused upon how one becomes more integrated in their personality, heal psychological wounds, and to bring about a general sense of health and well being in one's life. It is highly advisable for one who is engaged in this sort of magical undertaking to acquire a basic knowledge of psychology. It is also exceptionally important for one to be brutally honest with themselves. Self deception serve to undermine one's magical efforts and will either result in no progress made or harmful developments.
Some witches find that practicing alone is easiest and provides the most efficient way to address questions of one's psychological well being. It is rare to find one who engages in such work and does so with out any external supports. These supports can come from not only the witchcraft community (as happens with most coven work) but also from professionals in the health community, well meaning associates, and a great deal of research into one's own psychological state. To be trite, knowledge is power.
The power that comes from the basic knowledge of psychology is the ability to use trance more effectively, circumvent self deception, and to have a working understanding of how the mind operates. This can lead to more effective self-regulation of mood and mental state. It can also lead to improved communication with others. If one finds themselves in the position of providing spiritual or emotional assistance to another, this not only helps to make one more effective at doing so, it also makes it easier for one to determine when the situation is beyond their expertise.
The secondary psychological component that is behind successful magic is accurate assessment of one's psychological strengths and weaknesses. This type of self knowledge enables one to tailor their spell craft to work with their unique personality. Spell craft that is designed to take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the spell caster is far more effective then something that is crafted for any general user. (This is why personalized spells are preferred as a general rule.) It is the equivalent of having a tool that is designed to fit your hand versus one that is just off the shelf for any person to use. It enhances the effectiveness of the tool and make the tool more comfortable to use.
The third element to be considered is the suspension of disbelief. In our daily lives, we are regularly encouraged to focus upon what is only perceivable by the classical 5 senses (sight, taste, touch, sound, and hearing). To have any sort of publicly espoused belief in some alternate senses is to find oneself in a most uncomfortable position scrutiny and scorn. As such, disbelief in any possible psychic talent that one may have become habitual and a self-fulfilling prophecy in extreme cases. In the case of people who have latent psychic talent, the continual message that they are living in a fantasy, mad, or acting childish is detrimental to their health and well being. Indeed, such things can be enough to render said psychic person blind to their own talents.
The suspension of disbelief in things ranging from ones' psychic talents to spiritual beings (ie fairies, dragons, or angels) gives one permission to use these abilities and to access their spiritual nature. This, in turn, helps one to align their thoughts and will into greater focus upon their goal. Thus, proving to have a higher magical success rate.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Magical Studies: The Physics of Magic II
We must take a moment to step aside from discussing magic to take a look at physics. This is a branch of 'hard*' science that is devoted to the study of matter and its movement through space and time. This also includes related concepts of energy and force. Physics can be described as having three major divisions. These are:
The branch of physics that is most frequently is the news is the astronomical branch (and by extension cosmological). When you read a news story talking about black holes being discovered, discoveries on the mars missions, or about comets, you are reading about this branch of physics. Astronomy is a dramatic field filled with a great many stunning wonders. A quick review of the photos taken with the Hubble Telescope shows a breathtaking sampling of a tiny part of what is up in the night sky.
Stories about how stars die and are born are often accompanied by vivid artistic renderings. It is something beautiful but confusing to many people. Often, folks are quite contented to look at the pretty pictures and know that something amazing is going on out in space that we can study. It is in many ways a feel good science for the armchair scientists. Astronomy has a reputation for attracting highly intelligent people and having even a smattering of that knowledge is viewed by many to lend you some of that luster.
Molecular and subatomic physics is a baffling thing to most people. It is hard to envision how these tiny particles make up all that we see, let alone how they interact with each other. Most people can quite easily accept that when you press your hand against the wall it is a solid object. Tell them that the apparent solidness of the wall is but an illusion constructed by intricate subatomic forces and you are either given a look of confusion or they will laugh at the premise. It is, however, these subtle and intricate forces that govern how magic operates.
While I can go into greater detail as to the mechanics of this activity, I believe a simple explanation may serve our purposes best. (If one has questions, please reply via comments and I will do my best to answer them or direct you to a source of good information.) The human brain has a vast amount of electrical activity that happens with in it at all times. These electro-chemical impulses are what forms our thoughts. It is our thoughts, when organized and focused, that begin the chain reaction of changing reality as per the function of magic.
By suitably focusing one's mind and aligning it with their will, it is possible to create a sufficient directed influence of the electrical impulses of the brain to affect a tiny change in the world about them. This change happens upon the subatomic level. It is a very subtle change but it will move to create other subtle changes until it finds it's way back to the practitioner who set this chain of action into motion. The success of a spell is determined by how well one has aligned their thoughts.
One must also recognize that magic does not manifest as we precisely envision it. The chaotic path that it takes through the universe before it returns to us changes the energy subtly. As such, a spell to bring one additional money may result in one buying the winning lotto ticket, but it far more likely that it comes by way of getting overtime at work, finding a lost $20 bill in the couch, or discovering that your bills for the month are less then they usually are.
Many people get hung up on trying to force the results of their magic to manifest in one specific way. They, to use our earlier example, want to be the one with that winning lotto ticket. This, however, is attempting to force magic to move upon a specific path. There may be forces at play in the universe that run contrary to that path of manifestation. As such, manifestation will not happen because the energy is blocked into that proverbial channel that has been carved through the flux of the universe. It is far better to focus upon a general result then a specific because you get a higher rate of return in this fashion.
When one is employing magic for a specific purpose, it is necessary to maintain the mental focus of the initial spell craft until the time of manifestation. This gives the energy the additional push it needs to carve out a specific channel towards that manifestation. In many ways, it is pitting your will against the nature of the universe. This is an exhausting thing, but it can be done. It comes, however, at a higher price in the way of mental effort. Here, it is helpful to gain the assistance of others (such as a witches' coven) to put greater energy behind the 'push' for that goal. This requires great coordination and focus by all parties.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* Hard versus soft science is a distinction between the branches of science based in how rigid the methodology used and (by some) as a distinction of legitimacy.
- Molecular and subatomic physics (also known as the physics of the very small)
- Newtonian physics (the physics of 'normal sized stuff')
- Astronomical and cosmological physics (also known as the physics of the very large)
The branch of physics that is most frequently is the news is the astronomical branch (and by extension cosmological). When you read a news story talking about black holes being discovered, discoveries on the mars missions, or about comets, you are reading about this branch of physics. Astronomy is a dramatic field filled with a great many stunning wonders. A quick review of the photos taken with the Hubble Telescope shows a breathtaking sampling of a tiny part of what is up in the night sky.
Stories about how stars die and are born are often accompanied by vivid artistic renderings. It is something beautiful but confusing to many people. Often, folks are quite contented to look at the pretty pictures and know that something amazing is going on out in space that we can study. It is in many ways a feel good science for the armchair scientists. Astronomy has a reputation for attracting highly intelligent people and having even a smattering of that knowledge is viewed by many to lend you some of that luster.
Molecular and subatomic physics is a baffling thing to most people. It is hard to envision how these tiny particles make up all that we see, let alone how they interact with each other. Most people can quite easily accept that when you press your hand against the wall it is a solid object. Tell them that the apparent solidness of the wall is but an illusion constructed by intricate subatomic forces and you are either given a look of confusion or they will laugh at the premise. It is, however, these subtle and intricate forces that govern how magic operates.
While I can go into greater detail as to the mechanics of this activity, I believe a simple explanation may serve our purposes best. (If one has questions, please reply via comments and I will do my best to answer them or direct you to a source of good information.) The human brain has a vast amount of electrical activity that happens with in it at all times. These electro-chemical impulses are what forms our thoughts. It is our thoughts, when organized and focused, that begin the chain reaction of changing reality as per the function of magic.
By suitably focusing one's mind and aligning it with their will, it is possible to create a sufficient directed influence of the electrical impulses of the brain to affect a tiny change in the world about them. This change happens upon the subatomic level. It is a very subtle change but it will move to create other subtle changes until it finds it's way back to the practitioner who set this chain of action into motion. The success of a spell is determined by how well one has aligned their thoughts.
One must also recognize that magic does not manifest as we precisely envision it. The chaotic path that it takes through the universe before it returns to us changes the energy subtly. As such, a spell to bring one additional money may result in one buying the winning lotto ticket, but it far more likely that it comes by way of getting overtime at work, finding a lost $20 bill in the couch, or discovering that your bills for the month are less then they usually are.
Many people get hung up on trying to force the results of their magic to manifest in one specific way. They, to use our earlier example, want to be the one with that winning lotto ticket. This, however, is attempting to force magic to move upon a specific path. There may be forces at play in the universe that run contrary to that path of manifestation. As such, manifestation will not happen because the energy is blocked into that proverbial channel that has been carved through the flux of the universe. It is far better to focus upon a general result then a specific because you get a higher rate of return in this fashion.
When one is employing magic for a specific purpose, it is necessary to maintain the mental focus of the initial spell craft until the time of manifestation. This gives the energy the additional push it needs to carve out a specific channel towards that manifestation. In many ways, it is pitting your will against the nature of the universe. This is an exhausting thing, but it can be done. It comes, however, at a higher price in the way of mental effort. Here, it is helpful to gain the assistance of others (such as a witches' coven) to put greater energy behind the 'push' for that goal. This requires great coordination and focus by all parties.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* Hard versus soft science is a distinction between the branches of science based in how rigid the methodology used and (by some) as a distinction of legitimacy.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Update!
Following Beltaine, I will be updating the material posted. I also would like a bit of user input. I have three questions. Your replies would be immensely helpful in determining the next major topic that I address. Here are the questions for you to consider:
Please post your choice in the comments by noting which question you support. Any additional questions or concerns would always be appreciated. This blog is as much about you as it is about me.
Blessings to you and yours.
- Should I do a detailed discussion of Elemental forces?
- Should I discuss the construction, history, and use of ritual tools?
- Should I give a comparative discussion of the difference between Hard and Soft Polytheism?
Please post your choice in the comments by noting which question you support. Any additional questions or concerns would always be appreciated. This blog is as much about you as it is about me.
Blessings to you and yours.
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