Beginner Witch Basics: What Is Magick?
Defining Magick
Magic or magick, as it is commonly known, is a term used to describe the art and practice of creating changes in the physical world through the use of supernatural or mystical means. Although the practice of magic has been around for centuries, the concept and definition of magick are still widely debated among practitioners and scholars alike.
Magick is often defined as the use of ritual, spells, and other spiritual practices to create a desired outcome in the physical world. It is commonly associated with the occult, witchcraft, and other spiritual practices that involve the use of supernatural or mystical forces. While some may view magick as a form of superstition or pseudoscience, many practitioners believe that it is a legitimate form of spiritual practice that can have real-world effects.
There are various theories and explanations for how magick works. Some practitioners believe that magick taps into the power of the universe or divine energy, while others see it as a way to tap into the power of the subconscious mind. Whatever the belief, magick is often seen as a way to access and harness the unseen forces of the universe in order to create change.
A Brief History of Magick
The practice of magick has a long and varied history that dates back to ancient times. In many ancient cultures, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, magick was a common part of daily life. It was used for everything from healing and protection to divination and communication with the divine.
During the Middle Ages, however, the practice of magick became associated with the devil and was widely persecuted by the Christian church. This led to the practice of magick going underground, with many practitioners practicing in secret.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of magick experienced a resurgence with the rise of various occult movements, such as Thelema, Golden Dawn, and Wicca. These movements placed a renewed emphasis on the practice of magick as a legitimate form of spiritual practice and helped to popularize it among a wider audience.
Ways to Practice Magick
There are countless ways to practice magick, with each practitioner developing their own unique approach, style and tools (like these tools for the not-so-basic witch). However, there are some common practices and techniques that are used by many magick practitioners:
Rituals: Rituals are an important part of magick practice and involve performing specific actions, such as creating an altar to attract money, lighting candles or reciting incantations, to create a desired outcome.
Spells: Spells are a form of magick that involves using words, symbols, or objects to create a desired outcome. They can be simple or complex, and can be used for everything from healing and protection to love and prosperity.
Divination: Divination is the practice of using tools such as tarot cards, runes, or crystals to gain insight into the future or to communicate with the divine.
Meditation: Meditation is an important part of many magick practices and is used to help practitioners focus their energy and access the power of the universe.
Herbalism: Herbalism is the use of plants and herbs for their medicinal and spiritual properties. Many magick practitioners use herbs and plants in their spells and rituals to create specific effects.
Energy Work: Energy work involves using techniques such as Reiki or chakra balancing to help practitioners access and manipulate the energy of the universe.
Ultimately, magick is a complex and multifaceted practice that has been around for centuries. While its definition and practice vary among different practitioners and cultures, it remains a popular form of spiritual practice for witches around world.