There are several definitions of the words Magic and Magick, typically the difference in spelling contrasts illusion from reality. Magick is sometimes defined as “the unexplainable,” or as “spiritual communication,” or as “consciousness.” I know it depends on the manifestation of the magick. For example, mediation is “spiritual communication,” while astral projection is “consciousness” and telekinesis is simply unexplainable. I believe magick in general is very real. First of all, I run with the majority on this one, every known culture in the history of the world has believed in some sort of spiritual activity manifest or manipulated by humans. That is, until the invented the scientific method and decided we could explain everything. Arrogance.
Lets take a quick trip through recorded history:
6000-2000bc-
Mesopotamian cultures produce Gilgamesh/Biblical Flood narratives.
Egyptians receive fire messages from the gods.
The Toa is received from the inner consciousness in China.
2000bc-100ad-
American Indians see the future in smoke signals and with peyote.
Israelite God physically defeats Israelite enemies.
Jesus Christ reanimates several people including himself.
Greek farmers are blessed and cursed by the gods.
African Shamans communicate openly with ancestral spirits.
100ad to 2000ad-
Muhammad receives dictation of Qur’an from Gabriel.
Joseph Smith receives golden plates from Gabriel.
Gerald Gardner records spells and rituals in “Witchcraft Today.”
A small group of scientists decide everyone else must be stupid.
Now we will discuss Christianity:
Most of contemporary conservative Christianity discounts magick as unreal. I find this fascinating since conservative Christianity accepts the narratives in the Bible as literal history. Jesus Christ practiced magick all the time. Again, remember the definitions of magick. One might say, that he had this ability only because he is divine. Ok, what about his disciples who preformed many of the same signs? Oh, that’s only because Jesus specifically gave them that ability? Ok, what about the stranger in Mark 9 driving out demons? Hum…
What is prayer? Communicating with God, right? And what is the expectation? That he will answer the prayer, right? So… communicating with a spirit who will reciprocate. Sounds like magick to me.
It is childish to discount as fake that which we do not understand or that of which we are afraid.
