Could someone please explain that:

Magic is different than Magick which is different than devil worship.

I'd explain my view of the difference, but don't want to get "thumped" anymore.

Thanks in advance

jammixmaster

First we must understand that magick (spelled with a "k") is just stupid. I believe Aliester Crowley started spelling it with a "k" but in today's society you usually only see it on websites and books geared towards teens (such as books by Silver Ravenwolf). In Witchcraft we see magic: The raising, directing, and releasing (A.K.A the manipulation) of energy to accomplish a desired goal (or to create change). Its as simple as that.

simoneaugie

I agree with you completely jammixmaster. The spelling is pointed out because there is so little understanding of the concepts. Words are an uncertain vehicle, that does not mean that the person writing or reading them is stupid.

Another thing about the craft that is attractive is that individuality is accepted. Witches do not knock on your door and then tell you that your beliefs are wrong. If a person of any age prefers the approach of a certain author, they might be kept out of a certain group but are not put down for such a preference, in general.

jammixmaster

Oh of course. My reference of stupidity was not aimed at Crowley himself, but at his spelling of the word. I find Aliester quite wise. As for Silver, I personally dont like her books, but if someone on Wiccan path does, more power to em.

Alder

Magic, no matter how you "spell" it, is a tricky way of making real things happen.

Stage magic, illusion, is a delightful and beautiful art, and practitioners of real medicine use "staginess," use presentation, as part of their work. This is no different than the way a gourmet chef uses garnish to make the food look more appealing. It's all about helping the client get into the "spirit" of the work.

About the devil: I have met spirits like skinwalkers that are dark and dangerous, but I would not call them evil. Evil is something we humans do. As for the devil, I have never met this being personally. According to the Book of Job, the devil is an angel whose job is to challenge people to grow and learn (and who apparently likes to place bets with God on whether they will pass the tests).

jammixmaster

I'm not sure where magicK with a "k" came from. I first saw it in an Aliester Crowley book. That form of spelling is becoming more and more popular in books written for teens on the subject of magic and witchcraft and Wicca (though I don't know why). However, to answer your question "What is magic", magic is simply this:

The raising, directing, and releasing of energy to accomplish a goal.

Other practitioners may define magic as the "manipulation of natural energy to attain a desired result". They both mean the same thing, but that's what magic is in a nut shell. How and why it works goes deeper than that, but in a nut shell, that's magic.

tickle

The spelling of magic with a K (magik, not magiCk) developed during the onset of the printing press when words were written the way they were pronounced. Crowley was only trying to enhance his mystique by writing in old english which 'magik' is. He liked people to think he was re-incarnated several times over.

Quite frankly, I think Blatavsky had more credability as a medium.

tick

jammixmaster

Makes sense. thanks for that

lighterrr

who was alister crowley i've heard that name mentioned many times

tickle

jammixmaster

Depends on who you talk to. Some people would say he was the most "evil man in the world", while others would say he was a remarkable ceremonial magician and still others would call him a satanist. No matter what he truly was, it can be concluded he was a skilled occultist and writer. He was a member of several occult groups. He also practiced astrology and was bi-sexual.