A Glimpse Into Magic

Those who are inspired by magical TV series run off to find the nearest bookstore and buy the latest, grandest-looking spellbook they could find. But is this world of the Occult all fun and frolic? Check your facts; you might be going into something too fast: so take a look into this article before you leap. By Frozen Star.

It seems that magical practices of the west are slowly being integrated into this country. Although our land has its own native magical practices, the influx of information from other paths has created much interest in the hearts and minds of curious people who are drawn into the unknown.

But unfortunately, these magical paths from the west are usually misunderstood due to over-enthusiastic students who think that magic is simply anything you make of it, and that anyone can be a high priest or priestess at whim. Curious at the over-confidence of someone I knew who has merely read one website about spells and already declared herself “high priestess” about four years ago, I started to wonder if there is a “correct” way to approach magic.

For those who have observed, though, there is no single “correct” way in approaching magic. It depends on each person. Putting to mind some guidelines will greatly help the novice in this quest into the realms of the unknown.

The Reason Why I'm Here Is...
First off, you must ask yourself what your purpose is for getting into a magical path. Life, as it is, is already confusing enough. Are you sure you want to add another subject to study, like potions and theories of magic, along with your algebra and calculus subjects? Spend some time (a long time, in fact) reflecting on your wants, needs, and desires. Know yourself thoroughly. It will help you avoid losing track of your goals in the future and feeling regret over what you are doing.

Omega-Super-Duper Fireball Attack!
Try not to take everything you read at face value. This rings true for those who were “inspired” to get into magical studies because of TV shows and movies. While those are quite fascinating shows, they are not a reflection of the truth. Keep in mind that the practice of magic is a serious study, and it takes literally years to really get a good grasp of one aspect of it. This is the reason why there are so many practitioners out there who give up within their first year, or those who claim to be an high priestess within the same year (even the same month, I heard) that they started reading about magic.

There are bad apples in every batch, and that is very true when it comes to magical studies. Since there’s no central authority on this, there are a lot of people claiming to be something they’re not. Some refer to them as fakes, charlatans, or dabblers. But just because somebody called someone a charlatan doesn’t mean that that somebody is not a charlatan as well. Keep that in mind.

Always use reason and sound judgment. The magical path is not a place for you to abandon reason and worship the first person you meet, just because he claims to be someone great. To forego your reasons is to end up being used and abused to meet someone else’s selfish ends. So always weigh a person’s words against common sense and morality.

Now, Turn To Page Seventy-Eight On The Chapter About Psychic Vampires...
Perhaps the surest way to avoid being used or abused is to read materials about magic as much as is possible for you. This is not so much of a problem anymore since the internet easily gives everyone what they need to know. However, not all websites claiming “knowledge” about the unknown are sound ones. It seems impossible, but you can still be influenced by a certain belief just by reading about it. As mentioned previously, always weigh the words of anyone, in any website, against common sense and morality.

Also, there are good lists of books about western occultism that have reached our bookstores lately. Don’t be too hasty to buy the first book that got your attention: you might just be disappointed. Use the internet to see how it rates, and if possible skim through the pages and see if you like the tone of the author and the idea that he or she presents. Most people ignore it, but the summary at the back of the book is of great help as well, giving you an overview of the contents.

On The Power Of Three... Or Four... Or Five...?
First and foremost, do not start a coven after only about one month of study into magic. Especially if your coven sisters and brothers know magic only about as much as you do. It will lead to much misconceptions and disappointments. Since all of you are more or less new into it, your determination to follow through, despite storms and landslides, is still questionable. If you don’t doubt yourself, then don’t be too sure that your fellow sisters and brothers feel the same. It can save you from blaming yourself later.

If you plan to join an established group, or to form one that has a knowledgeable and respectable head (or heads), first make sure that they respect you for who you are, including your ideas. No one should try to fit anyone into a certain mold just so they’ll fit the image of a certain group. Magic is an individual expression, and a group is there to properly guide each one to his own self-realization.

Watch out for power plays as well. Although the ultimate aim of magic is to find illumination, there are those who use their powers for selfish ends. Just because someone is deep in the magic practice doesn’t mean that he or she is enlightened. If you find a group where the leader reminds you of a dictator, or if he or she can’t seem to handle his or her own problems, or if the members backbite each other (even the leader), it’s time to look for another one.

Another thing to watch out for: nobody should try to force you into doing something that you’re not comfortable with. Admittedly, there are covens that do rituals skyclad, i.e., nude. If you don’t feel comfortable with it, you shouldn’t let yourself be carried away by words like: “You must do it if you want to join in the coven.” Find another path that you feel will suit you.

Greetings, Novice...
There are a lot of teachers out there, but do keep in mind: not all of them are credible. Some will throw claims of being a 99th level Sorcerer, Wizard, or whatnot. Use your own reasoning, ask a lot of questions. In fact, it seems to be the case that novices are afraid of asking questions for fear of being labeled a “newbie” or ignorant. Be honest if you don’t know anything. If the person criticizes you for not knowing anything, that’s a very good clue to get away from that person. Everyone starts somewhere, even the teacher, and a sympathetic teacher will understand where you stand, because he or she has been there.

As with covens, nobody should make you do something that is against your will, nature or morals.

Now, Which Path To Take? The Fastest... Or The Grandest?
When a novice starts searching for his own path into the magic world, he or she will not always find a diverse group of practices or paths. Perhaps the most popular path that comes up when searching using search engines is Wicca. While it is an honorable path in itself, due to the number of its adherents it can give the novice an impression that it is the only “real” path, and that all others are “fictional” names of that same path. As such, Wicca is often a novice’s introductory path into the magic world, and while some do stay and commit themselves, some search for a path that fits to their nature more. But to be sure, make a study and research of the various paths first, know their history and techniques, and see if they fit you. Also, the philosophies of the different paths do vary, so make sure their beliefs agree with your own so you won’t feel lost or out-of-place somewhere in the middle of the path.

Here is a list of some western magical paths that might help you get started:

Wicca – originally started by Gerald Gardner, it was said that this is a revival of the old path of the witch. Practices include Earth/Nature-centered rituals and meditations, and belief in diverse gods from diverse cultures. This path is more intuitional than analytic.

Hermetics – a path that aims to elevate the spiritual over the mundane, this path focuses on techniques that help the student contact and reach their Higher Selves, and attain enlightenment through the use of techniques and rituals. This usually means poring over study materials and various techniques on magic and enlightenment.

Chaos Magic – this path is usually taken by those who already have experience in the more ceremonial-centered paths, but it is not unusual to find programmers and other logic-related workers in this path. This centers more on the effect of a certain technique rather than pre-written dogma and set of formulae.

Necromancy – while this is probably one of the paths most sought-after by novices who have been saturated in role-playing games, this path is definitely not for the novice. This path requires a lot of training and discipline, not to mention proper guidance from a qualified mentor, as well as years of experience with magical practice.

Kabbala – usually spelled in many other spellings with the same pronunciations, this path is originally a Jewish study, but has been integrated into different magical practices, most notably by the Golden Dawn, although legend has it that only those at the age forty and above can truly understand the writings necessary to begin the true study of this path.

Enochian – created by John Dee, this is a path for those inclined towards ritual and Angels. While different systems have varied views of angels, the Angels in the Enochian system are not to be treated as mere “fairies” and guides, but as very powerful entities. The system is very strict with measurement and rituals, and it has been said that one small mistake can cause a great deal of damage to the person. However, there are also opposing views about this path, as it seems blasphemous to attempt to control Angels to do ones' will.

Shamanism – while Wicca has some similarities with Shamanism, there are enough differences to make a distinction. For one, Shamanism does not necessarily require one to believe in the tenets that Wiccans of the previous century have created. Rather, Shamans usually rely on tribal wisdom and beliefs passed on to them through teaching and guidance of another Shaman, and reliance on Spirit Guides and Animal Totems are more common in Shamanism than in any other paths.

There are still many practices out there that I might have missed, but it is up to the Seeker to find his own path.

Well, Friend, Haven't Seen Yet In This Tavern Before...
We’ve all experienced a time when we feel the need to connect with other practitioners. While some probably started with online communities, the need to connect on a physical level, to finally realize that there is someone who has similar interests and practices, is often a very good experience.

While it is indeed a good practice to meet up with others, it is not always a safe one. Take heed that there are others out there who will pretend to be the High Priest or Priestess of two hundred covens just to get your attention. As with religion, there are also wolves in sheep’s clothing in the magic path, out to get your money and attention.

The best thing to do is to bring along a trusted friend whose opinion you value and who can objectively criticize the personality of the person you are about to meet.

It can sometimes happen that you do not agree with another practitioner’s opinions or practices, or vice versa. Be civil. Remember that the magical world has a host of varied practices and practitioners. Besides, there’s no one authoritative “Bible” for magical practitioners, and it’s pointless to start one; it’s been attempted several times, after all.

Now... How Do I Make My First Step...?
Basically, always maintain your common sense when it comes to the magical world. You won’t achieve anything by throwing your reason out the window. And maintain a civil attitude. Don’t be so smug about your own beliefs and practices, or think that yours is superior to someone else’s. Going into the magical world is not escaping into another dimension where only happiness and adventure exist; dangers and challenges also abound. But no matter what path one takes, it will ultimately lead to one goal, and that is to improve oneself and the Universe.


About the Author: FROZEN STAR is a 21-year-old Aquarian who has started as a researcher into the realms of the Occult through Wicca. After attempting to create a study group and a coven with several interested friends, he was later disappointed for their lack of discipline and dedication. Being a Solitary seeker for a few years, he finally found his home in the honorable Magi Order in Bacolod. Even as he spends his time working to help his family, he continues to research on the Occult and to sharpen his skills.

© 2007 Manggagaway E-magazine. Articles may be distributed freely on the condition that all accreditation is acknowledged, no part is altered and this notice is attached and the website: http://manggagaway-central.blogspot.com/ is included.

In the City: Sacred Space

By Melantha

Now it is the time of night

That the graves, all gaping wide,

Every one let’s forth his sprite

In the church-way paths to glide.

And we faeries, that do run

By the triple Hecate’s team

From the presence of the sun,

Following darkness like a dream,

Now are frolic. Not a mouse

Shall disturb this hallowed house.

I am sent with broom before,

To sweep the dust behind the door.

- Robin Goodfellow, Act 5, Scene 1

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

I listen to Loreena McKennitt’s The Book of Secrets (1), the sound of her music filling me as I type, my mind still drifting to all the preparations I have made in the past few weeks. Outside the weather is as it is, both rain and shine, and I smile to myself -- it will be Midsummer soon, and despite the presence of rain here in our little corner of the world, the rest of the globe celebrates the height of the sun, the time when Faery opens its gates.

I don’t feel the slightest bit daunted; after all, walking through running water is said to be the surest way to the Other Realm, and if rain running down in imitation of waterfalls is not enough, then at least, a walk in a storm will be refreshing.

In the city, I fall into what I feel is best: a routine that is mostly improvisation on my part. I regroup on physical, emotional and spiritual levels in the manner that has been my preference for nearly ten years. I move around my room as if nothing is amiss, passing my hands over the hints of my spirituality. The trinkets scattered about my room, the books that adorn my shelves, the music that plays from my stereo, my CDs sitting in stacks. I arrange my books, my things. I clean and fix. And maybe, I sit down to work on scrapbooks or write in my creative journal. I play on the piano and listen to music. I begin.

Faery is present in my room: in the little figurines that watch me while I sleep at night, in my copy of Shakespeare’s comedy, in the fantasy books that would be easily dismissed as personal interests. Intermingled with all of these, my Craft is hidden in plain sight: the boxes of both my Arthurian (2) and Faery (3) tarot decks displayed beside school textbooks, poetry collections, and my Lord of the Rings DVDs. My wand is mounted over my corkboard, – a branch, now sanded and smooth, once a discard from a great big tree. I set new pictures in my frames, they are in line with the coming festival: the Fae and the sun, and all things that glow with the might of the God as Midsummer is when the bright sphere is longest and strongest. My runes are set in little containers in the guise of pretty crystals that I bought in the spur of the moment at the GreenHills tiangge. My candles, each of odd shapes, designs and sizes, are set scattered around, available should the need come.

I surround myself and I am there, in the presence of that which is blessed.

This is my sacred space; this is my little makeshift chapel to the universe and all things divine. This is my altar, with I as one of the pieces set upon it. Outside, I am, as anyone else would be: a random face in the crowd, putting in eight-hours of work in the five days set between the day of the Sun and Saturn. I ride the train with music plugged into my ears or a book distracting me as I commute home.

I do not look “the part” as some have said, but then I have never looked it, choosing instead to carry on as I have. A modern witch, one that fancies herself as both visible and invisible in the crowd, calling attention only when need be.

Sacred Space is as flexible as we allow it to be, and it may just be me, but we have more of it than we know. My room is the most permanent, yet it is not the only one that I have, as my bags tend to be a “mobile” sacred space as I go around the metro: in malls and restaurants, at school or on the train. I bring things with me, my cards are snug in a denim pouch that sits in my bag patiently until they are needed. The trinkets which I don have seen rituals both in my mind and the rare times that I have opted to in the physical realm.

I create my space, and that -- though lacking the “glamour” of fireworks and otherworldly beings -- is magic; just as blending chocolate, milk, water with a murmur of TLC and love can be both a potent potion and spell to cure your best friend’s post-breakup blues.

Utilizing all that is available at one’s fingertips and being creative with these things has proven effective for other practitioners, and consequently friends, who run on the famous (or should I say infamous) “Manila-time.” We are constantly on the move: meeting deadlines at work, seeing to school activities, doing homework; making dates or simply falling back into bed at three in the afternoon just to make up for the time that seems to slip us by.

Little details such as pressing a flower with yellow petals (intellect) as a bookmark to help with that test on Tuesday, or tying an orange ribbon (or hair-tie) on the end of your pencil to coax inspiration for that project proposal you want to pitch for that Friday meeting -- these are spellwork and witchcraft at it’s cleverest level.

It is as Terry Prachett says in his fantasy novel that won my heart two summers ago: “It doesn’t stop being magic just because you know how it’s done.”

Everything and anything has a potential to be a link to magick. Your glass is your cup, your pencil your wand or sword; your preference as you please. In the end, it is all truly up to you to make it happen. It is all up to you to see that magick and its will be done.


Footnotes:
1 – Loreena McKennitt is a Canadian New Age musician and is known for incorporating Celtic, Eastern and other such music. You may have come across her single, The Mummers’ Dance, which talks about the old druid practice.
2 – Legend: The Arthurian Tarot deck, a Christmas gift from my parents in ’04.
3 – Brian Froud’s Faery Oracle, a gift from my best friend in ’03.

McKennitt’s CDs are a little hard to find, but can be sourced through Tower Records or Music 1, and the tarot/oracle decks may be found in either Power Books or Fully Booked (check for stock).


About the Author: MELANTHA has been practicing Wicca for a little over thirteen years and has been officially out of the ‘broom closet’ for a little over eight. She practices an eclectic mix of Faery, Music and Celtic magick, and is always open to new insights and whatever forms the Goddess and God may send them. She offers guidance and camaraderie as both mentor and friend to those who ask and wants nothing more than to dance in the rain and sleep in on Sundays when no demands are made of her. Her creative outlets are dance, music and writing, and she incorporates these into her spellwork. She dreams one day of teaching Tolkien or mythology, researching the Green Man phenomenon and to travel what she can of the world.

© 2007 Manggagaway E-magazine. Articles may be distributed freely on the condition that all accreditation is acknowledged, no part is altered and this notice is attached and the website: http://manggagaway-central.blogspot.com is included. ~ Thank you

Awakening

The Wiccan Rede has served as a guide to Wiccans, but it has also been a source of misconceptions about the Path. Join Kathael as she guides you to your Wiccan awakening. By Kathael.

The Wiccan Rede, “Do what ye will and harm none”, has served as a guide to Wiccans, but it has also been a source of misconceptions about the Path. Often misunderstood as hedonistic in nature, we cannot actually put the blame on those ignorant of our beliefs, because perhaps, sometimes the ignorance is ours.

Having met a lot of Wiccans as well as so-called practitioners, I sadden to hear the phrase ‘I am Wiccan’ uttered so carelessly and thoughtlessly. You are not Wiccan just because you have affinity with the Charmed ones or with the Gothic/Hippie styles that have somehow become the stereotype. You are not Wiccan just because you can effectively cast hexes in order to prove your invincibility in the physical realm.

Wicca is not about spellcasting and gaining power for the advantage of an easy life. It is not about manipulating the energies of the Universe so you can pass an exam or get that job. It is in Trusting that the Universe provides that which our souls are lacking; like the discipline of athletes, our souls sometimes need to be pushed to the edge and forged in burning fires so we can find our way back again.

Magick is undoubtedly double-edged; I have learned it the hard and humbling way. Easy as it is to get carried away by our seeming control over the Universe, it is best to treat this gift with the respect (and caution) that it deserves. Remember that in order to "do what ye will", you must first have an idea of your role in this current Cycle and lifetime. If you are running along aimlessly, then you may not be able to effectively channel these energies.

The transition from fear to a moderate acceptance of Wicca is a result of your actions. Solitary or not, once you have announced yourself as a Wiccan, you have the responsibility to be a living proof of our moral code. We have a host of false impressions and the result of the campaign of the Paternal religions against us. If we want to be left in our peace, then we have a lot to disprove, like it or not.

I used to compare it this way: that certain organized religions are for Children who need fear and guilt to keep them in line, whereas Wicca offers no such protection. At the very least, the individual should be willing to be liable for all the consequences resulting from one’s decisions.

As we bask in the purifying fires of Beltane, I wish it is as easy to determine the What and the Why of our choice to follow the Wiccan Path. This is not a religion of the weak in spirit nor for the hedonists. The Goddess will not offer rigid structures for us to fall upon. There is no formula and no judgment, only personal responsibility, ethic and strength of character.

This Beltane heralds the changing of energies from dreaming to awakening. This is the time of surfacing Possibilities. A time to take a step and to decide on how to reinvent or reinforce yourself, given this new summer of Life.


About the Author: KATHAEL is a solitary seeker of ancient cultures and myths. At the age of 18, she discovered that Wicca had been the path she had unknowingly followed all her life. She is a graduate of Computer Engineering (UP Diliman), which for a time sidetracked her from things she is most passionate about. She firmly believes that practitioners should be more focused on the presence of spirituality in magick.

© 2007 Manggagaway E-magazine. Articles may be distributed freely on the condition that all accreditation is acknowledged, no part is altered and this notice is attached and the website: http://manggagaway-central.blogspot.com is included. ~ Thank you