What is Magick?

by Dianna Hardy
First written 28th February, 2019, for Between Fire & Ice

Photo courtesy of Fotolia.

Magick spelt with a "k" is often used to differentiate spiritual magic practice, from the magic that magicians perform on stage.

"Magick" is the power of our will, combined with the need of our desire, FOCUSED INTO MANIFESTING THAT DESIRE. (This makes prayers, blessings, and spells a form of magick.)

In this sense, psychologists and scientists have their own words for what magick is. Neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavioural therapy, and so on, all have their part in focusing our will and strength of mind. Life coaching can do the same; motivational training; these are all forms of magick. One day, I'm sure, "magick" will have its official scientific explanation, but I hope it never does. Really and truly, I hope it never does.
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"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
Roald Dahl

​Science does not allow for belief - everything must be explained - and belief is the fuel of the most powerful magick. When we can believe in something; have faith in something; it requires a different part of the mind than simply "understanding" something - that's the part of the mind that connects to the soul and our hidden selves. That's the part of our mind that connects to our true desires (usually nestled in our subconscious) and makes magick take off into something real, tangible, and not easily explained by observation alone. If we lose our ability to believe - because everything is explainable - we've lost a very important skill that's a key to everything we are capable of beyond out physical forms.

Faith - to my mind - is a more solid form of belief. Faith does not exist because of religion - it existed within us way before we created religion, and at its core, has nothing to do with religion. (Religion is simply a vehicle with which to exercise our faith.) True faith is a deep-seated "knowing" inside us that is entwined with our secret needs and desires, and on a more etheric level (for those who work etherically) that "knowing" is weaved into our destiny, and our life path beyond what we see in front of us.

All of this is what we tap into when working with magick. All of it.

Tools (like the athame, wand, pentagram, and so on) are unnecessary, though they can be an important accessory to focus the mind, just like an actor needs and values his costume for the character he has to play, or the solicitor, doctor, or judge values his suit or uniform. The nun wears her habit, the witch wears her cape. Accessories solidify our intent.

Some magickal practitioners will disagree with me on this, and that's fine - many feel their tools contain certain energies and are a little like living forces, and many others also value the tools as a mark of respect for the gods and goddesses they worship - this is all valid. The above is merely my opinion, and how I've always seen it. It should be noted, that I am not one for gods and goddesses. I believe in the Otherworld, and I believe in different types of spirits, but I've never felt gods and goddesses are forces above us which we should worship as such - respect, yes. Worship, no.

Many spirits do require some show of honour, though, before they will work with you.

Personally, I feel we should all more actively practise our magick. Belief, faith, knowing who you are, manifesting your joy and passions ... these are not bad things. Even if you don't believe in the Otherworld, or in spirits, magick is a skill that makes living worthwhile, makes us responsible for our actions (because we are the magicians; the directors of our lives), and strengthens our resolve in both ourselves and the life paths we willingly choose to take. Magick makes us the captains of our ship.

You might also want to read:

• Snake on a Train: The Power of Intent
• ​Spiritual Attunements (and the Role of Intuition)