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Articles Do You Believe in Magic?  Magic, to most people, seems mysterious and supernatural. However, magic is something quite different. To the Trad Witch, magic is the utilization of the forces of Nature, forces of the First Cause, or God, in the change of present reality as reflected in the goals intended by the Trad Witch. Thus, magical spellwork is a divine act, which can foster change for the individual, family, or the community. Thus, when seen in this light, magic is not "supernatural" because it works within the physical world, within Nature, within the laws of physics. For if the universe is the creation of the First Cause, or God, and not created by chance, then that which the First Cause created is natural and within Nature. It is true that at this time, it is not scientifically understood how magic works. Though one day it will be understood, today's lack of scientific understanding does not make magic supernatural; it only means that magic is a phenomenon that is not presently scientifically understood. Traditional Magic is the indigenous traditional magical arts of the British Isles; the type of magic practiced by Trad Witches. Magic is seen as a vehicle to access the energies of Nature. Magic is based on the belief that Nature proceeds in orderly sequences of events and these events can be known. With this information, one can influence control or influence energy in such a way as to effect and alter outcome. This is the very basis of magic. All magical spellwork is driven by "intent," the stated purpose or goal of the spell, and is powered by "energy," the mental and allied energies inserted into a spell during its casting. The practitioner uses meditative techniques and visualization in the old manner to focus the mind, collect energy, and send it to its destination. Traditional Magic is typically used to:
High Magick, also known as Ceremonial Magick, is very different from Traditional Magic. High Magick was developed in European, usually comtinental, occult societies, the Western Mystery Tradition, through organizations such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Magick in these groups is very elaborate and highly ceremonial with some elements that may date back to ancient Egypt, among other sources. However, its roots are really unknown. Ceremonial Magick is a very complicated and complex discipline that requires an intense regiment of training and practice- mentally, emotionally, and physically. They believe in evil as a deity and summon "demons" for various purposes. This form of magic can be unintentionally dangerous so knowledgeable mentoring is required. Few knowledgeable witches recommend Ceremonial Magick in any form because of this potential for self-harm. Magick in Wicca is a new magic/ritual hybrid created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950's and should not be confused with Traditional Magic or with pure Ceremonial Magick. Wiccan magick contains elements of both. In Wicca, worship and worship rituals are of primary importance and focus. Magick in Wicca is often marked by limited personal preparation and careful attention to correspondences and the obtaining of very specific physical props. There is a tendency in many Wiccan groups to be very interested in style. While a some Wiccans are very accomplished witches, most Wiccans have only a casual interest in magic, if any interest at all. Final Word:  If you would like to learn more, You can sign-up for a FREE Mini-Course on Traditional Magic, which will also subscribe you to The Manor Journal, our newsletter on witchcraft. If you seek additional information, you can also obtain The Journey to Trad Witchcraft, a course in the time-honored beliefs, practices, and magic of Traditional Witchcraft.
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