Magick
Created | Updated May 27, 2003
These days Magic is often seen to belong only in stories. In spite of this there are many people who believe in magic to some degree. Believing that god can cause miracles is a belief in magic. Believing that certain things bring good or bad luck is a belief in magic.
There are some people who actively practice magic. These people often spell it magick or magik to differentiate it from the stuff in stories, or performed on stage by illusionists.
Those who believe Magick is real don't all define it the same way. For some it is using their personal will to create change in the world. For others it is invoking their deity(s) and asking for the desired change. Others consider it merely a form of self encouragement.
Casting
Divinities
Many times the caster(s) invoke varios deities, saints, angels, elementals or other supernatural beings (hereafter refered to as 'Divinities') to assist them. Most magick is a form of ritualised prayer. Some casters use only divinities from a certain group at all times, others use divinities from many different cultures.
Location
Many spellcasters have a special area set aside for casting which is not used for other purposes, except possibly worship. Often this area will be protected either by a summoned spirit, or a thought form created for defence. Thought forms are beings created from psychic energy for a specific task.
Tools
Depending on the caster's tradition none, some, or all of these tools may be used. Many of them also have different names depending on the tradition.
- Alter
- Candles
- Cross
- Dagger
- Holy Symbol(s)
- Incense
- Pentacle
- Pentagram
- Robes
- Wand
Parts of a Ritual Casting
Spellcasting rituals typically involve several parts. The opening part isolates the area where the caster(s) are working. This is sometimes to contain the energies until they are built up and ready for release. Other times it is to protect the caster(s).
Then comes the casting, where energies are built up and released to cause a desired effect.
Finally there is often a small grounding ceremony to relieve the caster(s) of any energy they might retain. Finally the ritual is finished by opening the area and banishing any protective entities summoned.
Sources of Rituals
Some casters use rituals found in books. They often believe that altering the ritual in any way could cause the spell to fail. Many believe that altering a spell ritual could have dire consequences.
Other casters write their own rituals, believing the energy put into creating a ritual strengthens the casting. Still others design their rituals 'on the fly', essentially making it up as they go along.
WARNING
It is reccomended that you not play around with the parts of a spell unless you have done lots of research before hand. Evan a small alteration can have major effects. It is generally best not to do any casting until you have spent a fair amount of time studying first.