Is magic a large part of pagan...

[maybe.logic]

Hi i am very interested in magic as i have done it since i was a young teenager, and am new to the pagan culture.

Does magic, and the casting of spells take place often in rituals?

If not what else can you do in the rituals?

And how long do they go on for?

[Mouse]

Hi i am very interested in magic as i have done it since i was a young teenager, and am new to the pagan culture.

Does magic, and the casting of spells take place often in rituals?

Depending on what type of paganisum, yes and no. It varies. In my rituals this is a big yes, I love magick.


If not what else can you do in the rituals?

Well rituals are (for me anyway) primarily religious, so in ritual there's a lot more worshiping of the Gods than spellcraft, especially at sabbats. I can explane this better if you like.


And how long do they go on for?

I don't know about others, but I find time within a circle is much different than regular time. Sometimes it feels like you've been in there hours yet it's only half an hour. I can't explane it. In real time though, I find a basic ritual to be usually about 30mins long, rituals when I'm working on something serious last up to two hours.

If I do it properly casting circle itself takes about ten odd minutes.

Best wishes!
~mouse

[shuvanilu]

Right on, Mouse. Whether or not you include magick in your practices is your choice. Some do, some don't. I definitely do. Rituals can be used for many things: Honoring Diety, marking a big event (Ie: coming of age, handfastings), and short prayer, magick...The length of your ritual will be related to what you're doing. I've had 5 min rituals and 5 hour rituals.---shuvanilu

[Meadhbh]

Like they said it really depends on whether you want to bring magic into you pagan pratices. I do and a lot people I do, but I also know those that don't and even a couple that think its wrong. Same for rituals it really depends on what you want to do with them and get out of them that going to determin how long they are and what goes into them.

[cartweel]

Some people, such as myself, consider themselves to be more Priest or Priestess than Witch or Magician. If someone subscribes to that philosophy, there's a good chance that magic plays only a small part (or none at all) in their practice.

Personally, the only magic I do is oriented toward me and my own self-fulfillment (or, sometimes, as an extension of my priestly duties) as opposed to, say, healing magic or magic aimed at some other physical goal.

[Meabh23]

I say it depends on the persons perspective on what magic is and what constitutes a "spell". Some equate it with prayer, others see more specialized uses. It also depends on the ritual, the form of Paganism and so on.

It is important in my practice of Wicca, but I rarely do anything overtly "magical" such as spells. I usually only do that sort of thing with my coven mates, and we only do it for specific reasons.

[cartweel]

I say it depends on the persons perspective on what magic is and what constitutes a "spell". Some equate it with prayer, others see more specialized uses. It also depends on the ritual, the form of Paganism and so on.

That's a good point! Trés important!

[Devilfish]

Okay, I'm writing this under the assumption that by magic, you mean spellworking.

I can only speak as a Wiccan and from personal experience and belief, but I don't think magic is that important at all. When I want a problem solved, and magic could take care of it, I stop and ask myself 'have I really done everything I possibly could to solve this problem?' I usually haven't, and this way, I hardly ever need magic at all.

Again, I believe every intentional action is a magical action, so in this context I'm talking about spellworking. And I believe putting so much focussed energy into the universe is not something to be taken lightly. It's a big responsibility, one I won't take until I'm absolutely sure there is no other option. So I haven't done much spellworking at all, and still lead a very rich spiritual life.

Like I said, I'm Wiccan, and this is just my view on things. But whe people tell me they're "into Wicca" because they like magic (and you'd be surprised at how many times I hear that) I start seeing warning flags. Spellworking is hardly part of my spiritual life. It's an extra option when facing tough times, not a hobby or part of my life.

As for the othe part of your question (what you can do in rituals besides working magic) tons of things. I just like to set up a simple circle and meditate, think, communicate with the God and Godess if I can or feel the need to. Sometimes I just want to feel relaxed in a safe place, although that's probably not a ritual anymore. Other people like to sing or play music, or pay homage to the gods in any way they see fit. Offerings are a way of doing just that. Of course, it depends on your definition of ritual. As a solitary, you have a lot of choice. And even more responsibility.

[Cindlady2]

Hi i am very interested in magic as i have done it since i was a young teenager, and am new to the pagan culture.


May I ask what type of magic you do?

[arianrhods_daughter]

Depends what you mean by magic, if assuming you mean ritual workings then I don't do them very often I'm constantly working with everything around me and usually have no need to set specific time aside for ritual work because, to me, my "ritual workings" take place in every thought and action I make, so for me magic is constant, timeless and of most importance :)

[Theres]

i'll assume this was to end in "...ism", in which case my answer is no.

communication is a form of magic too, but unfortunately one that many people don't bother to master.
pity.