Looking for Something Special?
Finding Real Magic
by
Carmin
Myriad Traditions give us very specific instructions on the PROPER way to
perform magic, usually contradictory, with the assumed purpose of giving us
something to fight about. The top three on the list are the PROPER way to cast a
circle, elemental grouping of ritual tools, and last but not least, the
legitimacy of someone else's degree or Tradition. Lets begin, shall we?
Circle Casting
Circle casting, or at least the method of circle casting is
one thing I am not very anal about. The circle I cast is usually from the West
because I am of a rather Celtic persuasion. Beginning from the point of death
has enormous resonance for me, and seems a theme that has dictated my life.
Many other Traditions give the North, the earth as the starting point, again, a
feminine element, life and death, the Mother that takes all and gives all.
Classical initiatory forms in living microcosmic symbols. Some other examples;
The South, the living spark, the living being, catalyst and new beginnings.
East, the power of the spoken word; the Universe and all things being created
from the first word. The breath of the Divine, the living words. Some cast the
circle according to the working to be performed and its elemental ruler.
Prosperity/ North. The Southern Fire for anything you are willing to take the
risk for the change needed, etc. The Western Water for love, healing. Air for
better public speaking. Others use the predominant element and direction of
their geographic location.
I take issue with nothing here, except that many
practitioners don't know why they perform magic the way they do. When the method
behind the mysteries is lost, it devolves into mere superstition. The reticence
of many of us to cast the circle widdershins is a good example of this. No
matter how often we say that light and dark balance each other, or rather, allow
the two to remain in dynamic equilibrium, that destruction and death are part of
the natural cycle, when was the last time you used this in circle? Many times,
we don't want this force to come within breathing distance of our lives. While a
destructive force should not be courted, seduced, or wantonly cultivated on a
daily basis, it has a radically beneficent place in life. In experimenting with
the waning Moon and a widdershins circle, I have found that instead of producing
the sensation of undoing, I feel as though I am spiraling down, through the
floor. It is a different flavor of magic, but certainly not an opposite.
I will never argue with someone's altar placement or circle
casting, as long as they know why they use it as opposed to a different method,
and if it gets them in a magical mood.
Real Magic is what you do with it.
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