Magic: The Basics
What is Magic?
If you ask 100 different practitioners, you'll probably get 100 unique answers. This is because this path places a focus on the experiences of the individual rather than external validation. For those coming to an energetic practice from mainstream religions that place the focus on external validation instead, this can be a new and daunting concept.
Some common answers akin magic to the Force from Star Wars: an energy that flows through all life and between all life and between all things, connecting us and binding us together. Others may reference Eastern Religions that talk about Chi, Ki, or Spirit that resides inside of a person or other living things. Answers range from calling it an internal spark or fire that keeps you going with passion in your heart and life in your body. You may see their own energy or magic in different ways than these described here: from likening them to elements (fire, water, air, earth, electricity). I've also heard magic described as the quiet beauty of a sunset or the love represented in self care or the intention put into little moments during your day. However you perceive your own power and life-force is probably how you perceive magic.
Is there a wrong answer?
No. Because this is based on the perception and experience of an individual. It's not possible to tell someone they are not perceiving something that they are. Contrasts aren't a lack of proof but rather a clear indication that every person is unique in how they experience the world and themselves.
Where does magic come from?
Where does energy come from? It's a curious question that really has no concrete answer. There are many theories. Some believe magic or energy comes from the Divine Source: The source of all life and action in the universe. Others believe it is created by conscious deities that helped shape the universe and manifest the Earth and everything upon it. I've even had it say magic comes from intense emotion, human perception, and life itself generates it. There are so many fascinating ideas of where magic comes from. Perhaps it is all of these.
How does magic work?
This is where we can get a little more concrete. Most people agree that magic works when you put your energy and intention into an action with the purpose of achieving a result. You can invoke magic into every action by being present, intentional, and putting your all into what you are doing daily. It also relies on your belief in yourself.
"Magic is really very simple, you just have to want something and let yourself have it."
- Agatha Cromwell (Halloweentown)
Some religious beliefs are designed to rob the individual of their power in lieu of relying on a divine external being for help or validation. Secular magical practice places the power squarely back in the hands of the individual with the idea that we share the power of creation. We can conceive an idea and bring it to fruit, we can create and manifest and direct our own energy towards our goals.
How to do magic?
It all starts with believing in yourself. I know that sounds simple but it can be the most difficult. Believe that you have the same spark of life in you that births stars and causes a towering Sequoia to burst forth from a seed. You can direct that energy with your intentions. And you don't even need a magic wand or any other magical object other than your mind, your emotions, and your own self. Remember Dorothy: "You always had the power, you just had to realize it for yourself." So let's being your magical practice with trying some magic on yourself.
Say the following out loud to yourself:
"I am strong and worthy of my own power."
Did that feel good? Did that have an impact on your mood? These are some emotionally powerful words and you just intentionally applied them to yourself in the present tense. Affirmations are a powerful tool in a magical practice and psychology backs up the practice for being extremely transformative. Having trouble starting a project out of self-doubt or fear of doing it wrong?
Try saying to yourself:
"I am capable of completing this project."
Congratulations, you just cast a spell upon yourself. Sound too easy? Magic is a whole lot simpler than most people think. Even a prayer is a form of magic, invoking a power to help you using intention and your own emotions. Modern media has over-complicated magic and made it appear that people have to be born gifted to use it, but most people use magic every day either intentionally or unintentionally. The point of creating a magical practice is to wield this tool with purpose and intention.
Benefits of a Magic
Establishing a magical practice can help you shift your approach to daily life from being reactive to proactive. It can help you exercise better attention to your life, self awareness and eventually a higher measure of control over your thoughts and attitudes. How magic affects the individual is very personal but the benefits to magic can be extensive, versatile and surprising.
Exercise:
Our emotions and our energy goes into everything that we do. Try checking in with your emotional state through the day.
What is my intention in this task or situation?
Is the emotion or intention I'm having right now something I would want to manifest into the the task or situation? If not, can I change my emotion/intention to suit my purposes?
What can you do to put your energy and your intention and your ALL into what you're doing so that you're not just reacting and not just going through the motions?
Eventually, you will determine for yourself how you define magic.
Until next time, believe in the magic you hold inside yourself!
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Elisa