It’s not often that I get into conversations about my spirituality. However, when I do, one topic often comes up in conversation. That topic is magic. Typically my conversations are with those not of the pagan ways. I often find myself answering questions about delusional ideas of magic. The idea that I must attempt the magic of which is seen in Harry Potter movies or The Craft. If those ideas of magic actually worked, I think everyone would attempt to practice the magical arts. Then I wouldn’t have to answer so many questions about the reality of magic. I explain what practicing magic means to me when I enter into these conversations. The following is my view of what it means to practice the magical arts.
Magic is not a glamorous supernatural power apart from life. It is the energies and processes of life itself. Magic is rooted in our connectedness with the life of the world around us. Magic’s greatest effect is to root us and connect us even more fully. Magic is the expression of our connectedness.
Magic is being immersed in the world, a participant, part of the life of Nature. To perform magic is to serve life. Magic enhances the capacity of life in whatever form to be fully what it is and to become, perhaps, more than we might expect.
A mage understands the honor, joy, and responsibility of being part of a larger wholeness of life. A mage serves the energies (nwyfre) that flow through that wholeness.
Magic is the ability to see the energy of Nature; and using that energy to help in life. For example, knowing the effects of the moon’s energy and being able to use that energy to enhance your life. Understanding and using different moon energies while its waxing, waning, full, or new.
Performing spells and rituals allow us to concentrate our energy into the ritual so that we may send it on the waves of nwyfre to manifest. Rituals and spells allow for something tangible so that it may aid in keeping our focus of intentionality. The proper intention is the key to successful magic.
Magic is not something made from a fake imagination. In fact, imagination is a potent reality. A reality that most adults allow to slip away, never to be found again. Imagination is our minds’ way of experiencing patterns in nwyfre. When we imagine something, that image takes shape in the nwyfre around us.
People have become disengaged from the Natural world. Thus, the world has become disenchanted. From our early school days, our minds have been shaped to become very linear thinking individuals. It takes practice and committment to become holistic thinkers; thus beginning the process of re-enchantment.
Remember when you had an “imaginary” friend? You could tell someone the exact details about the name, appearance, and personality of this being. How real was this friend to you? I’m sure as real as any other friend or family member you had at that time in your life. I am here to tell you that the imagination is a reality on a different plane or realm.
I am one of the believers in magic. I have a lot of synchronicity in my life. It took me quite a while to truly understand that my connectedness and re-enchanment brought in tremendous amounts of synchronicity. What some would call coincidence I call magic.
Thanks for this blog, I am interested in how Druids (pagans) see magic.