Glossary - exWitch Australia (formerly 'Born Again Pagan')

MAGICK, Theory of

There are essentially five so-called ingredients which contribute to the art of creating successful works of Magick, or effective ritual. One can adapt these components or arrange them according to one's own needs, so long as all are employed. They are: personal will, timing, Visualization, direction, and balance. Let's look at each one and gain an understanding of the concept

The Will

This can also be thought of as motivation, temptation, or persuasion. One must be sufficiently moved enough to perform a ritual or work of Magick in order to establish enough power to accomplish your goal. If you care little about the results, or put only a small amount of energy into your desire, then it is most unlikely that one will see any real results. The stronger the need or desire, then, according to occult theory, the more likely it is that one will raise the amount of energy required to bring about the change you seek but desire or need is not enough by itself. Also, that desire must be suppressed and the will must be focused only upon a detached view of the desired outcome of your spell or magickal rite.

Timing

In occult thought, the performance of ritual magick more so than simple folk magick, timing can mean success or failure. It is believed that the best time to cast a spell or create a work of Magick is when the target is most receptive. According to some, receptivity is usually assured when the target is passive. People sleep and corporations close overnight and on holidays, etc. The phase of the moon and the season of the year are also taken into account as Wiccans, Neo-Pagans and Ceremonial Magicians alike try to always work with what they believe to be natural laws and cycles and not against them. Generally speaking, many believe that 4 am. in the 'target' zone area is the most effective time to cast a spell of influence over a person or a situation.

Visualization

The success of any work also depends on images created by the mind. This is where the imagination enters into the formula. Anything which serves to intensify the emotions is believed to contribute to success. Any drawing, statue, photo, scent, article of clothing, sound, or situation that helps to merge one with the desire will greatly add to a magickal working's success. Imagery is a constant reminder of what you wish to attract or accomplish. In occult theory, it acts almost as a homing device in its role as a representation of the object, person, or situation for which the spell is intended. Imagery can be shaped and directed according to the will of the Wiccans or other Magickal Practitioner. This becomes the pattern or formula which leads to realization of desire.

Direction

Once enough energy has been raised, you must direct it toward your desire. In occult theory, anxiety will act to draw the energy back to you before it can take effect. Reflecting back on the spell tends to ground the energy because it draws the images and concepts back to you. Wiccans, Neo-Pagans and Ceremonial Magicians alike try to give the matter no more thought once a spell has been cast so as not to deplete its effectiveness. many believe that it usually takes about seven days for Magick to manifest (one lunar quarter).

Balance

The last aspect of Magick is personal balance. This means that one must consider the need for the work of Magick and the consequences on both the spellcaster and the target. If anger motivates a magickal work, then it is normal to wait a few hours, or sleep on it overnight. While anger can be a useful propellant for a spell, it can also cloud the thinking. If possible, Witches and other Magickal Practitioners tend make sure they have exhausted the 'normal' means of dealing with something before moving on to a magickal solution. Magick is believed to require a portion of vital essence drawn from the aura.

see also: MAGIC; WITCHES' PYRAMID; MAGICK, Laws of

RESOURCES FROM OTHER CHRISTIAN SITES:
(Opens in a New Window)
WICCA: A BIBLICAL CRITIQUE at Probe Ministries
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAGIC AND MIRACLES? at Ankerberg Theological Institute

PLEASE NOTE:
One of the major problems with 'defining' Paganism and/or its beliefs and practices is that it is an 'organic' movement, in that it is undergoing constant change and re-evaluation from within, and as such any 'one-size-fits-all' approach to understanding Paganism will be found wanting.

Due to the very 'organic' nature of Paganism, and the many differing Paths and Traditions within it, in many cases no one definition may be universally accepted by all Pagans. Therefore, where such cases of possible conflicting and/or contradictory meanings of certain terms occur I have endevoured to give not only the generally accepted meaning, but also any major 'variations' in belief and/or practice.

Christians who believe this difference in meaning of certain key terms, beliefs and practices to be unique to Paganism need to remember that such conflicts also arise within the Body of Christ - the Church. Take for instance the differing practices amongst Christians concerning Baptism and the different attitudes towards women in the clergy.

- Jean-Luc

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