By: Lady Sabrina (Exploring Wicca) <--Great Book to Start With!
Wicca and Magick
Witchcraft is the celebration of life and magick is the ability to control it. Magick is the on thing that can really help improve life, is something everyone can do, and is only as good or evil as the person using it. Magick is a science that brings those who practice it into alignment with the natural forces of the universe. By using the powers of the mind, in combination with certain objects, the practitioner manipulates the forces of the universe to bend or change reality according to his or her own will.
Magick, like any philosophy, has infinite possibilities as we as distinct limitations. It relies heavily on the strength of character and mental ability of the individual using it. Magick also depends on belief much more than it does on intent. What you really, truly believe is what will come into being not what you simple want. If you dont believe in what you are doing, then all the spells, candles, and incantations in the world will not work.
The Principles of Magick
As a science, magick has certain principles that are at the heart of its mechanics. The first principle is the Principle of Similarity. The second is the Principle of Contact or Contagion. Both of these principles come under the designation of Sympathetic Magick.
The Principle of Similarity is also referred to as Homeopathic or Imitative Magick. It state that like produces like, or that an effect may resemble its cause. Simply put, whatever you do to the symbolic representation of a person, place, or thing will directly affect that same person, place, or thing.
A good example of homeopathic magick is the Voodoo doll, created by practitioners when they wish to influence someone. The doll is fashioned to look like the person they wish to influence. Then, depending upon the circumstances, the practitioners will proceed to heal or hurt their targeted victims though magickal conjurations. Because the dolls look like (imitate) the intended victims, they are capable of creating a link with them. The intentions of the practitioner then travel travels through the link, impacting what is at the other end.
In partnership wit the Principle of Similarity is the Principle of Contact or Contagion. This principle state that things that have been in contact with each other will continue to act on each other, even at a distance, after all physical contact has been broken. Because of this, it is possible to use a persons picture, clothing, or handwriting as a magickal link. These links are often referred to as lag-locks or relics and are of primary importance in certain spells and enchantments, especially when love and friendship are involved. As in homeopathic magick, what is done to the link will create an effect on the intended target.
The Four Cornerstones of Magick
In addition to the Principles of Similarity and Contagion, most practitioners adhere to the four cornerstones of magick. These four principles are expressed in the ability to know, to will, to dare, and to keep silent.
To Know
This refers to knowledge about magick and what makes it work. The practitioner must know and understand the basic working principles of a magickal operation before he or she attempts it. There is a saying in magick that knowledge is power, so if the practitioner wants power, then he or she must first have knowledge.
To Will
This is the ability to concentrate, focus attention, and direct the will to manifest desire. Practitioners must be able to force their wills upon the universe, in a positive and powerful way, to accomplish their desires. In magick, practitioners must be able to control their surroundings, which include the mind and body.
To Dare
This is the courage to challenge ideas. Practitioners must be able to stand up for what they believe in and be able to demand their rights. They must dare to have the courage to make their wills manifest desire, without fear or doubt. The practitioner must be able to command respect from his or her peers, as well as from the forces with which they work. They must dare to be strong.
To Keep Silent
This is by far the hardest of the four rules. The practitioner must shut out, and off, all outside distractions and learn to concentrate and focus. Silence also has a partner, the mouth. The well-trained practitioner knows how to keep it shut and not crow about every little thing he/she does. This is because every time he/she speaks of the magickal works he/she is doing, he/she dissipated her/his energy and power. This is why you dont hear witches bragging about what they did or are doing.
The Magickal Process
Creative Visualization
One of the most important aspects of any magickal work is creative visualization. It is considered to be the key to success and personal power. Creative visualization is a process or technique used for making dreams and wishes come true. In essence, creative visualization is a fancy name for the old childrens game of lets pretend.
The practitioner creates an image in his or her mind of a person, place, or thing that he or she desires to have or to affect. This image is then empowered through magickal incantations and acted upon during ritual. The psychic energy directed toward the mind image causes it to physically manifest.
There are three guidelines, comparable to the Witchs Pyramid, which the practitioner follows when using creative visualization. These guidelines belief (on top), desire (right corner), and visualization (left corner) are referred to as the Witchs Mystical Triangle.
Guideline One: Belief
This is a very important guideline. Practitioners must believe in their goals or objects of desire if they are going to achieve them. There is a saying that hat you believe can happen, you can make happen. Witches and practitioners know they must have faith. They must believe in their personal power if they are going to get anywhere in magick or life.
Guideline Two: Desire
There must be a strong desire. You wont see competent Witches or practitioners sitting around wishing for this and that. If there is something they need or desire, they use their powers to get it. They will be obsessed with their goals. This obsession stirs their emotions into action and gives them the power to achieve.
Guideline Three: Visualize
This is the most important guideline of all. Practitioners must be able to create a clear mental image or duplicate picture of their desires in their minds. They must be able to see the thing they desire, just as if they were looking at a photograph. Being able to actually see, within the mind, what they want is the key to making it manifest.
Practicing Witches and practitioners will take photographs, draw, and even visit and/or touch the object of their desire. Then, within the bounds of the magick circle, they will recreate mentally what they desire. Through willpower and focused energy, they visualize their desire into reality.
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Magick is an art and a science. It gives you the ability to make changes in your life. Through creative visualization and the movement of energy, you are able to manipulate the forces of nature to re-create your reality. Consider magick high-powered, positive thinking that can give you the upper hand in life. Remember: What the mind can imagine, the will can create.