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Magik, Spells and Casting
 Spelling - Magik, Magick, Magique, Magic
- First let's talk about the spelling. Magic, Magick, Magik
and Magique have all been used to label the art of energy manipulation.
Many people see the difference in spelling as a means to distinguish
energy magik from sleight of hand entertainments or stage magic.
There is debate about the origin of the use of the "ck"
and "k". Some point to the writings of Aliseter Crowley,
other suggest the use goes back farther.
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- The American Heritage Dictionary states the etymology comes
from Middle English magik, from Old French magique, from Late
Latin magica, from Latin magic, from Greek magik, from feminine
of magikos, of the Magi, magical, from magos, magician, magus.
- Others try to put forth a more intrinsic meaning behind the
use of the 'k'. Pointing to the representations of the k in various
areas of study. Such as numerology, chemistry, the bible and
so on. In my research, only 3 of these associations really make
any sense.
- Some suggest the 'k' is used to associate the activity of
magik with Numerology. the 'k' being the 11th letter of the alphabet.
In numerology 11 is a master number representing illumination.
- Some suggest the 'k' is used to associate the activity with
Chemistry. 'K' being the symbol of the element kalium or what
is commonly known as potassium, a silvery-white metallic element
that some associate with the silvery-white cord that attaches
the physical body to the spiritual body of a being.
- Others suggest the 'k' is used in it's representation of
'Kings" from the Bible. Indicating the supreme or preeminent
in a particular group, category, or sphere. Or the perfect, omniscient,
omnipotent being; God.
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- Any of these can be touted as the reason behind the spelling
of magik. While others can just decide to use it out of preference
to distinguish the activity from stage magic.
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- What is Magik?
- Magik is a method of the direction and use of "psychic
energy," those natural but invisible forces which surround
all living things, connect all things, and connect us to the
Divine Consciousness.
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- The American Heritage dictionary defines magic/magik as:
- The art that purports to control or forecast natural events,
effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.
- a. The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt
to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature.
- b. The charms, spells, and rituals so used.
- A mysterious quality of enchantment: “For me the names
of those men breathed the magic of the past” (Max Beerbohm).
- Adjective:
- Of, relating to, or invoking the supernatural: “stubborn
unlaid ghost/That breaks his magic chains at curfew time”
(John Milton).
- Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable
or baffling effects.
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- In the world of the occult and metaphysics, Magik is the
science of energy manipulation. The ability of a person to tap
into the energy around them, manipulate it, form it into an intent
and send out to the Divine Universe to manifest.
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- In many ways a spell is like a prayer. The difference is
in the manner in which the energy behind the spell or prayer
is used. In a prayer, energy is requested and submitted to a
Divine being for manifestation. Leaving it up to "God"
to grant the prayer. Where as, magik connects with energy up
front, focuses this energy into an intent and sends it out to
be manifest. There is no solicitation.
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- This also means that a spell and the use of magik makes the
practitioner accountable for not only the desire, but the creation
and manipulation of the energy and the results created by it's
manifestation. The Law of Accountability
takes precedence. In a prayer, the accountability is held with
in the person making the prayer, but the results of that prayer
are governed by the Divine force being prayed to.
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- Positive and Negative Magik
- Contrary to popular belief, not all magik is negative. Magik
is not like what's seen on TV or in Movies and books. While these
can be entertaining, they're not really based on reality. Not
all practitioners of Witchcraft practice magik. It's a choice,
not a requirement.
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- Those that do, make choices about how they are going to use
their magik. Most focus their energy on personal matters, such
as manifesting financial abundance, a good job, good health or
even addressing a personal issue that they want to change. Such
as to lose weight or stop smoking.
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- Many traditions within Witchcraft expressly forbid or give
strong guidance for practitioners to not use their talents that
may cause harm. The Wiccan Rede is a good example of this, as
it states "An in it harm none". But not all practitioners
are Wiccan and some traditions allow for the use of negative
magik.
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- One thing Witchcraft states is that life is about balance.
Some traditions believe that if someone does harm, they deserve
to have harm done to them. For instance, a woman who is raped
might use magik to harm her attacker and help the police catch
him and put him in jail. Some traditions would see this as negative
magik, while others might see it as the use of magik for justice.
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- Spellcraft vs. Witchcraft
- There is a difference between spellcraft and Witchcraft.
Witchcraft is a belief system, a formalized religion with many
traditions and approaches that include the utilization of magik.
In this form, magik is used in conjunction with a spiritual focus.
In other words, Witchcraft believes that magik is performed when
a practitioner connects with a God/Goddess or whatever Divine
force one aligns them self with.
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- Spellcraft is the utilization of magik without a connection
to a spiritual belief. Most practitioners of spellcraft are often
referred to as Ceremonial Mages and not Witches.
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- The Witch Label
- "Witch" is not specific to any one religion. It's
merely a label for a person who practices Magik. "Witch",
as a label, can exist in any variety of religions, not just pagan
ones.
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- Christian Witches - are Christians who practice magik. Typically
you'll find these folk in central and south America. But they
do exist all over the world. They believe in Divine Magik, but
they also accept Jesus as their savior and lord. They are devout
Christians, who simply also believe in magikal practices.
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- Additionally, there are also Witches within other Abrahamic
religions. The Kabbalah is considered by many to be a book of
magik. Followers of the beliefs and lessons in the Kabbalah might
refer to themselves as Witches. It's not a common label in the
Jewish community. But I have meet a few who prefer this title
for their Kabbalah practices.
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- Born Witches
- Being a witch is a choice, not a birth right or predestined
path. A person can chose to work with energy upon a path of healing;
instead of a path of magik. This choice doesn't make the healer
a Witch just because they work with energy. Lighting a candle
in church or saying a prayer to Jesus, doesn't make someone a
Witch either. The act of consciously working with energy to bring
about change in a focused manner within the guidelines of magik
is what makes a witch.
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- There is no witch DNA, or witch chromosome. So it's important
to know that no one is 'born a witch' or can claim to be a 'natural
witch'. Even people with natural talents must first accept them
and then chose to use them. And even then, they must chose how
they are to be used and what (if any) spiritual path to use them
on. Claiming the title of "witch" does not make one
a witch.
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- The Use Of Magik In Rituals
- Magik can be invoked in a manner of different ways. A witch
can light a candle and recite an incantation to set forth a specific
kind of energy. This form of candle magik
is one of the most common rituals used by practioners of Witchcraft.
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- Magik can be put into a spell or incantation to set the intent
of the energy and how it's being created for manifestation. There
are many ways to construct a spell,
and define what you want. There's no one right or wrong way,
there's just the inner intent of the practitioner who tries to
do the best they can.
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- Magik is often used in Ritual
or Ceremonies to help a practitioner focus their energy.
In these rituals a practitioner might use a varying array of
tools to help with that focus. These
can be physical tools such as an athame, wand, herbs, crystals
and so on. These tools are incorporated into the spell ritual
to add energy to the incantation, as well as, help the practitioner
further focus their intent into the words and movements performed
within the ritual.
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- Additional Reading
- There are many articles on PagansPath that can provide additional
reading. You may also review the Magik/Shamanism section menu
for additional articles specific to tools, candles, herbs and
crystals.
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- Energy & Magik Articles:
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- Source: 1
- Created: 09.30.2008 Updated:
09.30.2008
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