There are many questions and curiosities pertaining to the word "magic" or "magick" and the use or applications of it in today’s age. This term has come a long way in the myths that were associated with it. Many people of varying beliefs and practices incorporate magic into their everyday lives.
Defining Magick and Magic
The word "magic" comes from the Greek term "mageia," which is derived from "magoi" – a Persian caste of priests that studied astrology and divination. The word took on a negative connotation during the Hellenistic period starting with Rome.
A summary dictionary version of the word is the art of using spells to invoke supernatural powers to influence events. An expanse on this definition is that magic describes the spirit or inner nature of living things throughout the universe. It’s a term signifying that one can use his or her own spirit to make things happen.
In current terms, the word "magic" has adapted to the spelling of "magick," which is used in reference to the New Age research and adaptations. Aleister Crowley depicted this change to differentiate between the forms. Magic is more commonly used with his references to point out card tricks or stage magic, whereas magick goes back to the divine and spiritual happenings in life.
Magick is Not Evil
There are a multitude of beliefs and practices for people to be able to reason and understand the cosmos and realms beyond sight. Many turn to ways of magic for these explanations and practices and face public scorn simply for being associated with the word. Magic, to some is viewed as an evil manipulation of divinity and immoral spirituality.
Many religions use the term of magick to describe anything and everything that they prohibit or believe to be a threat to their own way of life and belief system. Throughout history, this term has provided a negative public outlook that is both incorrect and misunderstood.
Just as the phrase, Guns don’t kill people, People do, the same goes for magick and uses of the supernatural. There are many forces people can tap into and how they are used and manipulated is up to the person. Energy is not inherently evil. People make that choice.
The Use of Magick in Everyday Life
In beliefs and culture where magick thrives, the people have a different concept and view of the view of the world around them. They realize that all living things are spiritually; from the grass and ants to the Earth herself. There is magick everywhere and many dedicate their lives to using and understanding it.
People tap into their spirit and use magick through many mediums. Meditation is often used for an individual to commune with his or her own spirit for guidance. It calms the physical world, quiets the mental noise and focuses on the inner self and the feeling of the spirit within.
Herbalism and spells are often used from the solitary practitioner to the covens and societies of Wicca, witchcraft, Druidism and several other pagan practices. Herbs have significant uses, meanings and symbolism that coincide with seasons, times of days, moon cycles and rituals attributing to the various spells that exist.
Rituals Involving Magick
Rituals of varying degrees and reason serve as a purpose for that person or group of people to commune with the world beyond the physical. Many rituals open the veil between this world and the spirit world, providing energy, immensely powerful sources of magick, as well as guidance and protection.
Many beliefs and even religions use rituals to maintain some type of cosmic order. People seek order, whether it is the preacher who talks to God on behalf of his church or the Druid who can walk the spiritual path while mediating between worlds. Rituals provide the ambiance and visual appeal while asserting that order.
Some people are still of the very ancient thinking that the word "ritual" refers to sacrifice. Today, this is generally regarded as highly exaggerated and false. In magick, most rituals involve drawing a protective circle, asking for the spirits of the particular belief to watch over and witness the ritual and then the actual communing with the other world.
Magick Exists Throughout the World
The energy that comprises the cosmos is all encompassing and that connection will exist for those who believe or not for those who don’t. Saying something doesn’t exist will not make it disappear. It will simply become out of reach.
For further information on the difference between "magic" and "magick," read Magic vs. Magick.
Resources:
Greenwood, Susan. 2005 ed. The Encyclopedia of Magic Witchcraft: An Illustrated Historical Reference To Spiritual Worlds. Anness Publishing Limited. London. pp 1 -17.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. http://www.thefreedictionary.com. Keyword: magic.
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