Magick or Magic

Have you ever tried to define the word "magick"? It's a lot harder than you would think, simply because magick or magic is many things to many people. If I were forced to give you a concise definition in, say, less than twenty words, we would both be out of luck. Magick is the accepted spelling of a personal need to change something either for yourself or for someone else, very simple, very concise but no where near my feeling on the word. Magic is a gift, if you will, from the Universe. The trick, I think, is not only knowing the difference but also feeling the difference.

Magic is my granddaughter's dazzling smile, so much like my daughter and my husband, my grandson's life loving grin, reminding me of my own Daddy at his very best. A little fuzzy white dog, dodging and running through the house in a game of strategic chase with two galloping ferrets and a grey cat bringing up the rear waiting for an opportunity to leap and tackle one of the ferrets, preferably Possum. The muted glow of a rising full moon as it inches its way above the eastern horizon, the blazing fire of the sun as it sinks gracefully below the western horizon. The first or second and sometimes the third week of every August when little yellow butterflies begin their migration, fluttering by my windows determined to complete the journey instilled in them by thousands of years of survival and instinct. All you have to do is take a minute or two and look around you. I guarantee that your definition of magic will grow and expand like the rolling storm clouds of an afternoon storm.

Magick, on the other hand, is very different. One must interact with Universal forces in order to try to change an existing situation. Sometimes these changes are allowed and sometimes they are not. There exist a set of rules that must be followed in order to accomplish the objective. I could not begin to tell you who or what set these rules. I can tell you that if the rules are not followed there can be backlash and it can be painful. I have had many, many conversations with experienced practitioners and magickal beginners over the years. I have heard some of the most ridiculous interpretations but I have also been able to receive the most sublime wisdom on this planet.

Many years of pondering (one of my favorite things to do) these conversations and my own experience have given me insights into how magick works, bearing in mind that this is my own opinion. My ponderings have enabled me to condense the rules to a few major statements of fact. All I can say is that this works for me.

Rule #1 Intent is the most important factor. An honest desire to change your reality for good always works better than the negative such as revenge. I find that the more negative situations are best handled by simply saying out loud "I wish _______better than what they have". Do not add anything, simply make the statement. You can say it as often as you wish. Those few words do two things. First, it allows the Universe to handle your request as it sees fit. Second, it begins a purging process that is both emotional and psychological.

Rule #2 The most powerful spells are those that you write yourself. You must be very careful that you do not impact any "innocent bystanders." You might also remember to be very careful what you ask for…you might just get it. The Internet has a tremendous number of websites that can help you choose the basics for a spell. You can determine what tools to use whether it be herbs, moon phases, candles or any other materials. It is my own personal belief that human nature craves ritual so use what feels right to you.

Rule #3 You must cause no harm to anyone save in the cause of justice. This statement may cause confusion, however you must remember…a spell should not be intended to cause harm for harm's sake it should be intended to cause change. This is where the backlash factor works its way into the equation. Please reference Rule #1 and Rule #2.

These are very basic rules. I encourage anyone wishing to use magick to research the basics thoroughly. I'll leave you with one thought. Y'all be careful out there.