Week II | Magick Classes | Lesson 2

[mol]

Magick Class - Lesson 2

Welcome back. Now, I said before that things were going to change in this class and here is how. At first I was going to explore ritual Magick with all of you, but i think instead i will teach you Magick as what i am. A Witch. An Eclectic Witch. With that said...you can imagine that things are going to turn a little away from the more Ritualistic forms of Magick...but thats ok. We will go through all of that soon enough. We will still learn about everything we started out to learn...but in a different format. No books. Just me..teaching what I know...and me learning what you know. Together as a group..we can make this a great class.

So, lets do this lesson a little differently.

I have a question. Before doing or learning anything about Magick, one must know some guidelines to use when using Magick. I want everyone to post a guideline. If you already practice Magick in one form or another...then give us a guideline..a rule (so to speak.) And for all of you new to Magick...give us something that you think should be or is a guideline or rule.

Now. Remember. There are NO RULES to Magick. The only rules are those you set upon yourself and that is what we are going to talk about here. Now. One guideline/rule per member. Lets hear them...

[Witchbourne]

Well i have one rule for myself and that is not to abuse what is given to me and i really do only use Magick if in need to do so and if it's given with blessing from they who are with me...like for instence it's not allways wise to see a point of good if it can hurt in the long run someone or something within the balance...to be one with the balance where i have my whole being with them is the most high for me and the magick part is just one thing that comes along with it....this is how i think and do things...

Blessed be*

[Rosabelle]

i suppose there is the quideline to cast a circle before you do magick. i have only done one circle in my life so far so i am no way fluent. a rule which i have for myself is, respect everyone and everthing that is in your circle or who joins your circle. like e.g. a friend who is in the circle with you, the deitys, the elements and other spirits.
is this a good guideline. i think that if you repect someone or something, they will respect you in return, to a certain degree. ;)
Rosabelle

[Mairwen]

"Be sure you KNOW what it is you want and that you REALLY want it."

[Mairwen]

i suppose there is the quideline to cast a circle before you do magick.

I've often wondered about this practice; then again, I'm not Wiccan and have never studied it. In Gwyddon practice, the only time we cast circles is for Full Moons ~ that's the only time we feel they're necessary, as to us, they're representative of the womb of the Mother. Now, this is "ritual practice". We consider "magic" to be a separate entity from "ritual". However, occasionally we do magic as part of ritual ~ ie, we do healing magics at Full Moons. We don't feel it necessary to cast circles for the purpose of magic.

(Have I hopefully lost anybody, yet?)

[Polaris]

MM
i dont feel as if there are any guidlines, because if you are restricted you are not fulfilling your true potential.
i think it is wise not to have small children inside circles and near candles, but i dont think there is a rule against it. my cats keep away from circles. i did one in a wood and all the dogs that people had let off there leads went all the way around the circle instead of going through it. sometimes i dont think you really need to cast a circle, if you are somewhere relexed and calm you can just 'think' it there.
MP
Polaris

[mol]

Hmmm...let me try to explain. Mairwen hit one right on the head. A guideline that is.

I was not talking about procedure...how do I perform Magick? I was talking of...ethics!

I am talking about rules to use BEFORE you do any kind of Magick. That is what i want to hear from everyone.

And Mairwen got one. "Know what you want. And make sure you REALLY want it."

Now...lets continue...if anyone is still unsure, just ask, and I will try to explain it a little better.

[mol]

Originally posted by eaglewolf
I promised myself I would not get into this topic, so I wont. :p

~ew

Now...I know you cant go into your trad...but why cant you participate?

[Lynnaea]

The guideline I use is that the casting will be for good and for the good of all. That means I am not going to get personal gain if it means taking away from or hurting another person. I cast for personal gain often, but it must be gained in such a way that it helps all involved.

[Lynnaea]

Originally posted by Mairwen
[QUOTE][B]i suppose there is the quideline to cast a circle before you do magick.

I've often wondered about this practice; then again, I'm not Wiccan and have never studied it. ----clipped to shorten

----------
Without going into much detail and pre-empting the topic. I just want to comment, in most metaphysical paths (not just Wiccan) a circle contains the magic energy so you can build it up until the point you release it to do the working. But I'm sure Mol will get into this later.

[Mairwen]

i think it is wise not to have small children inside circles and near candles, but i dont think there is a rule against it.

Depends on your Path/Tradition/Circle rules, really. For us, we don't allow children under 8 to attend. Why? A child can't be truly still until it's 8.

[Mairwen]

I just want to comment, in most metaphysical paths (not just Wiccan) a circle contains the magic energy so you can build it up until the point you release it to do the working. But I'm sure Mol will get into this later.

Well, if you directed that at me, I know that, silly. I've been a Pagan for 12 years, and have been a Teacher myself for nearly 6.

[Litha]

My guideline is to conduct a checklist of what work has already been done to achieve that which I am considering a working on.
Gone are the days that I cast a spell just for whim.
For me, magick is like shifting the flow of universal energy to one's needs, like dipping your finger in a stream and now, resluting in that one smalll sluice of water going in a new, different direction.
First I try to do the mundane legwork.
Is the magick for a job? I'd first I would check my resume, perhaps have it redone. I'd do research on different companies I might want to work for. I'd brush up on my interview skills or perhaps take a class to increase my level of knowledge.
After I've exhausted every conveivable avenue on the physical plane, then onto step 2: Divination.
I might use tarot, or a regular card deck, or a pendulum to see if this working should be done.
Then if all systems are go, I'll check to see when might be the best time to do the working and what items I might need, who I may want to work with me, and how the ritual will be done. I gather that which is needed and then work on writing the working, infusing everything with my purpose.

[mol]

Now wait! That is a procedure...I am not talking about procedures. I want to know about your ethics. Meaning...

1. Dont do Magick which will cause harm to another.
2. and so on..

I want to hear everyones view on ethics. Not procedures. We will get into procedures a little later.

Blessings!

[Litha]

ah, the posted previous procedures was to illustrate what I perceive to be a moral (and magickal) duty and prerequisite,
i.e. ethics

[mol]

Originally posted by Litha
ah, the posted previous procedures was to illustrate what I perceive to be a moral (and magickal) duty and prerequisite,
i.e. ethics

Ok! That is good and I am sorry about the confusion...my fault... :)

Continue on everyone...

[mol]

Originally posted by eaglewolf
Magick is life as life is Magick. When living Magick, live true.

~ew

Brief and possibly pointless, but at least I posted something. :)


So...in working Magick remain True to your Will and Your Self. Not pointless at all, if i grabbed the right meaning to it.

[mol]

we have not had a lot of comment...if any one else has anything to add do it now...or forever hold you Tongue! :)

We need to move on soon.

[Lynnaea]

Well, if you directed that at me, I know that, silly. I've been a Pagan for 12 years, and have been a Teacher myself for nearly 6. [/B][/QUOTE]

Sorry, duh, you said you didn't understand. I thought you were refering to circles. I do know pagans that don't use circles at all, I don't know how they keep the energy contained though, but to each their own.

I'll keep my big mouth shut.

[mol]

Originally posted by Lynnaea



I'll keep my big mouth shut.

You better not! :)

[Jazzmine]

Here's one for ethics. Never do magick for someone unless you ask their permission first and explain in detail what you want to do for them.

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Lynnaea
Sorry, duh, you said you didn't understand. I thought you were refering to circles. I do know pagans that don't use circles at all, I don't know how they keep the energy contained though, but to each their own. I'll keep my big mouth shut.

Okay, so as to clear this up .... *sigh* ... I was responding to your "i suppose there is the quideline to cast a circle before you do magick" comment. The part that I said that I was unfamiliar with was in regard to the whole idea of casting a circle for a simple (or not so simple) magical act (spellwork, if you will, but as a Gwyddon, I've never used that term for what I do) ~~ The only time we only cast circles for ritual purposes (and then for very specific rituals, so therefore, we don't use them all the time), and I thought I'd made that clear in my response. But, maybe I didn't.

[Edited by Mairwen on 02-12-2001 at 11:23 PM]

[pattyann]

Well, I only know that I have always tried to go by the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I would like to enlighten myself but not at the expense of any other life form, human,animal, ect. Is that what you mean?
pattyann

[mol]

Originally posted by pattyann
Well, I only know that I have always tried to go by the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I would like to enlighten myself but not at the expense of any other life form, human,animal, ect. Is that what you mean?
pattyann

Great! This is exactly the kinds of things you have to think before even attempting any Magick. So...

Any more? Anyone?

[Shatav]

My biggest guideline, "trust your gut". Meaning, listen to your intuition, that little voice in your head that tells you what to and not to do, when is and isn't the right time, etc.

[Sleeping Ghost]

Since I am new i would assume a guideline is "only do it if you want to do it" it would only make sense that if your heart is not into it.. truly.. the magick will not produce the desired effect.

[mol]

Originally posted by Sleeping Ghost
Since I am new i would assume a guideline is "only do it if you want to do it" it would only make sense that if your heart is not into it.. truly.. the magick will not produce the desired effect.

Absolutely. Good point. Any more?

Also, welcome! :)

[Lynnaea]

Originally posted by mol
Originally posted by Lynnaea



I'll keep my big mouth shut.

You better not! :)

LOL, just kidding

[Kiarda]

First of all And it harm none, do what you will, is my first rule. And it harm none includes myself. My will being that of good nature. If it is for someone else, I just dont do it for them, I ask permission.

[Lilu]

I have some rules which I abide by, they are strictly my own ethics but they are:

Never do magick when:
1. I am angry
2. I am upset
3. I intend to manipulate someone

I also generally don't do any magick if I am sick, but that's not always the case because I have been known to do healing spells on myself when sick.

Intoxicated is another I time I don't cast magick. Though I don't drink anymore so that's not a problem now.

I will generally cast some sort of protective shield around me, not always a complete circle with invocations etc, but I do usually at least visualise a protective shield of white light around me.

I also like to research things, and take at least a few days to think things over if I am to do some sort of "controversial" spell, such as a binding. I feel that I need to be very clear on my motives for doing something like that, which is probably why I've only performed a total of 2 bindings in the 8 years I've been dealing with magick.

BB
Lilu

[Lilu]

I think the motives are a big thing.
You shouldn't do anything that you wouldn't want done to yourself, and you should ALWAYS analyse why you are working a particular spell and what you hope to accomplish.

I also feel that it's necessary (at least for me anyway) to specify that my magick take it's form in the best way for the person involved, whether it be myself or someone else.

An example I can think off the top of my head is when people THINK they are madly in love with someone, and want them, yet they are not the right person for them. You could certainly cast a spell to get this person, but is it the right thing for you? You are better of analysing what you want in a partner, and casting the spell, asking that a compatible partner find you. You never know, it MAY BE the person you like, or it may be someone even better!

Bad example really, but it's the best I can come up with at 2 in the morning I'm afraid. LOL

Lilu

[mol]

Originally posted by Lilu

An example I can think off the top of my head is when people THINK they are madly in love with someone, and want them, yet they are not the right person for them. You could certainly cast a spell to get this person, but is it the right thing for you? You are better of analysing what you want in a partner, and casting the spell, asking that a compatible partner find you. You never know, it MAY BE the person you like, or it may be someone even better!

Bad example really, but it's the best I can come up with at 2 in the morning I'm afraid. LOL

Lilu

Actually, its a perfect example of motives. One of the best in my opinions. Love spells have always been a very big no-no to me.

[mol]

Combining from all the guidelines suggested here I have come up with our list...and added a few to it as well..


Ethics of Magick

1. Never abuse the Power.
2. Know what you want.
3. know Your Self.
4. Never Use for personal gain.
5. Prepare carefully.
6. Never do Magick when you are not at full potential.
7. Know your Motives.

Ok. There they are in no particular order yet. I can say that this is a good start for ethics in Magick.

Actually, a few of these can be broken down into having guidelines for themselves...and we will actually look at one of these in the next lesson.

Now, does anyone have anything to add?

Do it...we will move on...but this class will remain open for discussion.

[Illyandra]

Just found the time to get into the classes going on , and since I just performed my first full Sabbat on Ostara with a little magick involved, I thought I'd comment. I know Mol has already posted a list of guidelines but I thought I'd share from what I experienced anyways.

For one thing, I wasn't sure until an hour before ritual that I was actually going to perform any magick. It had been something I had been considering but hadn't had the opportunity to do so during the full moon earlier in the month. And since the magick had to deal with empowering some energies into eggs I figured Ostara would be perfect. (Don't ask about the eggs, its a LONG story, but to be short I paint them, its a magickal craft that I do).

To prepare I thought about exactly what I wanted to do and the reasons for it.... and exactly how I would acheive it in circle beyond just purifying them. The desire and intention was there to help but at no cost to others, and since I was using my energies to empower them, I felt the drain to myself was worth it. It turned out rather nicely and I am in the process of working on my little beauties at my leisure. But they seem to be coming together quickly and the ideas for each one just happens without putting hours of thought into it. :)

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Illyandra
and since I was using my energies to empower them, I felt the drain to myself was worth it.

Hey, whoah! Pardon me just a second. Drain to yourself? Could you explain, please? Thanks!

[Illyandra]

Originally posted by Mairwen


Hey, whoah! Pardon me just a second. Drain to yourself? Could you explain, please? Thanks!

Haven't you ever noticed after any rituals or magickal workings some sort of drain? Ie: physical tiredness, headaches, wide eyed wild look? (that's me :D)

Usually if you eat or there is a ritual feast involved it counteracts some of this, but in any working involving energies, especially with creating magickal items there is a little of your energy that goes into making it. (Just like the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into mundane manual labor). Some people refer to this when they attune themselves to objects or energies, and from what I understand, some can use energy other than their own in a group working. I however am a solitary and do not know how to utilize energies beyond my own to do this.

When I speak of energy drain, it isn't so much that I am ill or anything like that afterwards. I'm a little tired, and if I eat and get some good solid sleep, I'm usually fine the next morning. This time I empowered about 2 dozen eggs that I purified for a craft that I do and it was a bit more tiring than I had expected it to be, but they are coming along beautifully. I no more than pick up the paintbrush and it seems like its done. When I finish I'll put pictures of them on a page and put up a link where ever that is allowed in the forums, if it is allowed.

I hope I didn't make you confused by what I said, it wasn't meant to seem like it sounded....LOL! I just figure that everyone termed it the way I did, and I apologize for assuming that we're all of the same teachings and background, that was kind of dumb. I know not everyone believes the same as I do, that's why I joined, to hear and learn about other paths, and ideas and practices.

I hope I explained it okay???

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Illyandra
Haven't you ever noticed after any rituals or magickal workings some sort of drain? Ie: physical tiredness, headaches, wide eyed wild look? (that's me :D)

Um, no, actually, which is what sparked my question.

any working involving energies, especially with creating magickal items there is a little of your energy that goes into making it.

A little, but a person is supposed to allow Universal energies to pour (for lack of a better explanation as I'm rushed) through his body/energies so as to not tap into his own, personal reserves.

[crystal_night]

I must agree with a lot of the posts here. My own personal 'rules' that I put on myself is to never do a working when I'm sick, tired, angry, frustrated, bored etc. If I'm not in the right mood or not feeling 'up to it' at the time I have scheduled then there is no use in trying to force myself into the mood because there's no way the intended result will manifest that way.
Another thing I consider before hand, is exactly why I am doing it, what I am doing it for, if it will harm anyone, including myself. I also go with gut instinct.

[ruthie]

Sorry, I'm late! My biggy is:

Only do if you are willing to accept the responsibility of what you have done.

Due to this, I practise no magic(k) as of yet. I follow all mundane paths to ensure that I cannot gain what I desire by ordinary methods.

I only include within this styles of ritual magick, spells, etc. I practise herbalism, meditation, shielding, grounding, etc. But these I include in my general how to live a better life, rather than magic(k) persay.

[Shatav]

Originally posted by ruthie
Only do if you are willing to accept the responsibility of what you have done.

Well put! So many people out there just throw spells, magick, energy manipulations around without taking any responsibility for consequences. Oh sure, they'll take credit for the good stuff, but the bad is just as important to the learning process, but only if you recognize it as your own.


Due to this, I practise no magic(k) as of yet. I follow all mundane paths to ensure that I cannot gain what I desire by ordinary methods.


A good practice. I'm just too lazy. ;) No seriously, I never do a ritual without having done all the footwork first. The ritual is just to push things forward a little faster, or tilt things in a favorable direction.

[Fawn]

Ok Mol? I have a question why did you post never do magick for personal gain? Any form of spellcasting gives the person a personal gain whether it is just a feeling of accomplishment or goodness for helping someone else (if they ONLY did spells for others) and casting a spell to influence the outcome of a job interview for yourself is still using it for personal gain. And that's not considered wrong.

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Fawn
Ok Mol? I have a question why did you post never do magick for personal gain? Any form of spellcasting gives the person a personal gain whether it is just a feeling of accomplishment or goodness for helping someone else (if they ONLY did spells for others) and casting a spell to influence the outcome of a job interview for yourself is still using it for personal gain. And that's not considered wrong.

Yeah, I noticed that and had not said anything about it. We've been talking about this very thing on an Elder's list, and wondering where it got started (been around for 13 years that I know of, 20 that others know, or more!), and why it got started, and how it got started.

Healing magics would be considered personal gain, as well as bringing any type of positive energies into your life (regardless what you'd label those things: love, a job, money, a car, pets, all good things).

IMHO, tacking the "not for personal gain" addendum to the end of your magics is just shooting yourself in the foot, plain old fashioned self-defeatism.

[vocis noctis]

I would look inside myself and thinking "What will happen after this?" If the answer satisfies me, I'm in.

[random]

Originally posted by mol


Ethics of Magick

1. Never abuse the Power.
2. Know what you want.
3. know Your Self.
4. Never Use for personal gain.
5. Prepare carefully.
6. Never do Magick when you are not at full potential.
7. Know your Motives.



I agree with all of that except num. 4.

I also, if doing something on another person, like to ask their permission. But, I do that with whatever I do, anyway.

---
Umm.. Im sorry I came into the class a few **months** late. Im going to move on to the other classes, and hopefully be up to speed in no time.

christy