09-19-2012, 07:12 PM
What is magic(k)? It partly depends on the interpretation of the observer and practicioner. Thus, I may only offer my particular slant on it:
Within a 3rd density framework, magic could be defined as the conscious and intentional act performed by a magic practitioner (be that a fledgling neophyte or an experienced adept) to bring about desired changes or effects upon a 3rd density environment. Magic is largely an act of a metaphysical nature (which is why things can be affected remotely, or non-locally, or intra-physically). And that is precisely the key: that magic is about tapping, funneling and drawing from the inner/higher selfness of one's being (particularly indigo-ray nexus or "oversoul") to manipulate, alter, transmute and affect the outer realms of manifestation. This is based on the very simple truth that thoughts create one's immediate reality, as external reality is always a reflection of one's own inner state of being (i.e. feelings, emotions, imaginations, desires, ideas, as well as degree of awareness). Or to put it even simpler: you attract, and thus create, how/what you vibrate. In this context, the magician is simply an individual who is aware of, and sufficiently grasps, the underlying mechanisms of reality-creation. In other words, within the dream of 3rd density, the "magician" is a lucid dreamer, whereas the "laic person" dreams asleep.
In the most esoteric of terms, the magician is an alchemist, consciously transmuting, transforming, transfiguring his/her experiential reality with every thought and act of will.
However, when one realizes the "holistic" nature of all Creation, all things may be recognized as sacramental and/or magical in nature—from the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to the birthing of an entire galaxy.
The very Creation itself is a magical phenomenon.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for complex ritualistic Hollywood-esque ceremonies or extravagant paraphernalia when doing magic. These various tools and techniques simply serve as a form of "psychodrama" to set the proper ambiance/environment for the magical working and thus aid the magician to attune, focus, stimulate, induce and potentiate his/herself for the desired work. In essence, rituals are only useful as long as the practicioner finds any use in them. One can still work in very magical ways without any need for candles, altars, pentacles, daggers, ceremonial robes or any elaborate props. This, of course, also depends on the nature, or intensity/magnitude, of the work at hand. Thus, the "psychodrama" may still prove quite effective (especially for the neophyte).
EDIT Oct 22 2012
To avoid any potential "misunderstandings" here, let me add that I am emphatically NOT undervaluing, minimizing, disregarding, negating or discouraging the actual utility of the ritual/ceremony itself—for even I use such on occasions (especially in "sigil magic")—and to refer to it as a psychodrama does NOT in any way dishonor or devalue the act/practice itself. The magical act is first and foremost a metaphysical/psychological activity rather than a physical/material one (the inner/higher affecting the outer/lower, or "mind over matter"). The latter is ONLY a manifestation/representation of the former, so it would be only natural for the magician's inner energetic rhythms, motions, vibrations and thought patterns and focus to find expression in the external, physical dance that is the ritual/ceremony—there is after all, a profound holistic/sacred, as well as spiritually ecstatic and as aesthetic feel to it, differentiating this practice from any other common mundane performance. The only point I wanted to bring across was that the ritual/ceremony is not absolutely necessary in every magical operation.
Within a 3rd density framework, magic could be defined as the conscious and intentional act performed by a magic practitioner (be that a fledgling neophyte or an experienced adept) to bring about desired changes or effects upon a 3rd density environment. Magic is largely an act of a metaphysical nature (which is why things can be affected remotely, or non-locally, or intra-physically). And that is precisely the key: that magic is about tapping, funneling and drawing from the inner/higher selfness of one's being (particularly indigo-ray nexus or "oversoul") to manipulate, alter, transmute and affect the outer realms of manifestation. This is based on the very simple truth that thoughts create one's immediate reality, as external reality is always a reflection of one's own inner state of being (i.e. feelings, emotions, imaginations, desires, ideas, as well as degree of awareness). Or to put it even simpler: you attract, and thus create, how/what you vibrate. In this context, the magician is simply an individual who is aware of, and sufficiently grasps, the underlying mechanisms of reality-creation. In other words, within the dream of 3rd density, the "magician" is a lucid dreamer, whereas the "laic person" dreams asleep.
In the most esoteric of terms, the magician is an alchemist, consciously transmuting, transforming, transfiguring his/her experiential reality with every thought and act of will.
However, when one realizes the "holistic" nature of all Creation, all things may be recognized as sacramental and/or magical in nature—from the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to the birthing of an entire galaxy.
The very Creation itself is a magical phenomenon.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for complex ritualistic Hollywood-esque ceremonies or extravagant paraphernalia when doing magic. These various tools and techniques simply serve as a form of "psychodrama" to set the proper ambiance/environment for the magical working and thus aid the magician to attune, focus, stimulate, induce and potentiate his/herself for the desired work. In essence, rituals are only useful as long as the practicioner finds any use in them. One can still work in very magical ways without any need for candles, altars, pentacles, daggers, ceremonial robes or any elaborate props. This, of course, also depends on the nature, or intensity/magnitude, of the work at hand. Thus, the "psychodrama" may still prove quite effective (especially for the neophyte).
EDIT Oct 22 2012
To avoid any potential "misunderstandings" here, let me add that I am emphatically NOT undervaluing, minimizing, disregarding, negating or discouraging the actual utility of the ritual/ceremony itself—for even I use such on occasions (especially in "sigil magic")—and to refer to it as a psychodrama does NOT in any way dishonor or devalue the act/practice itself. The magical act is first and foremost a metaphysical/psychological activity rather than a physical/material one (the inner/higher affecting the outer/lower, or "mind over matter"). The latter is ONLY a manifestation/representation of the former, so it would be only natural for the magician's inner energetic rhythms, motions, vibrations and thought patterns and focus to find expression in the external, physical dance that is the ritual/ceremony—there is after all, a profound holistic/sacred, as well as spiritually ecstatic and as aesthetic feel to it, differentiating this practice from any other common mundane performance. The only point I wanted to bring across was that the ritual/ceremony is not absolutely necessary in every magical operation.
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