The Power of Magic

The history of western occultism is filled with writings and teachings that clearly state the importance of magic and magical practices. Western teachers and practitioners, lodges and schools often seem to emphasize the use of magic for material gain. This is only one level of many highly spiritual and radiantly beautiful practices. In its highest expression, magic is no less than the power to transform oneself into a fully divine being.

The basic definition of magic is: 

The art and science of changing consciousness at will, and therefore, causing change to occur in conformity with that will.

There are many levels of understanding inherent within this definition. First, we see that magic is an art, meaning it is primarily an intuitive and creative endeavor. Secondly, magic is a science, which indicates that there are indeed specific formulas that lead to specific outcomes. The first goal is changing consciousness as will, implying that the mind and mental state of the practitioner is what must be changed or shifted. When we have accomplished an inner expansion of consciousness, we naturally begin to see changes in our environment and outer life that reflect this new realization. The founders of the hermetic tradition recognized this universal law, and taught:

The art of magic is seen in the passionate and expressive nature of any magical working. This aspect is enhanced by the setting in which the magical act takes place - the candlelight, the scent of incense, and images of perfected beings and deities all aid the consciousness to shift into a finer, subtler, and more expanded state. Magical art also includes the exaltation of consciousness and ecstatic states of being brought about through music, rhythm, chanting, and dance.

The science of magic is found in the forms and procedures of ritual, the repetition of powerful words and phrases, the use of specific symbol structures such as glyphs and sigils, and most of all in the knowledge and skill the practitioner has acquired through diligent study and practice. Magical science was the first science, and includes information about the vibrational forces of existence, the associations and similarities within various fields of nature and in the universe, and the understanding of the laws of physics as well as metaphysics.

We can see from this discussion that magical art relates to and affects the emotional, passionate nature of the practitioner, and that magical science relates to and affects the mental, intellectual nature. It is through the synthesis of these human capacities that the power of magic its ability to expand consciousness - and its outer effects are derived. Art without science constitutes a diffuse force without containment, and the essential power cannot be intensified or experienced. On the other side, science without art creates only an empty container devoid of the powerful force that brings about change.

Beyond this basic level of understanding and the reconciliation of the art and science of magic, the advancing practitioner will also become proficient at changing consciousness at will. This means that we need to put our full attention upon the multitude of thoughts being continually produced by the mind.  This is living magic rather than practicing magic. Because it is true that all creation is mental, we must use every bit of our available energy to become aware of and transmute lesser thoughts that are not in line with our stated desires.       After performing an act of magic using the equilibrated potencies of art and science, the desired outcome must be held in mind steadily, and one must maintain an attitude of confident expectation that the result will manifest. Here is an example of the way one's magical work can be undone by unsteady emotions and thoughts:

Jane needs extra money to meet her expenses. She determines to commit an act of magic for prosperity. She researches the applicable associations, designs a rite, and performs it with much enthusiasm and energy. The next morning, Jane meditates again upon increased prosperity and heads off to work. On her way down the driveway, she picks up the mail and sees the current bills. She is overwhelmed with panic and despair and immediately thinks, I'll never be able to pay all of these! At work, she is invited to lunch by co-workers but declines saying, I can't go out. I'm broke. Throughout the day Jane's thoughts are of deprivation, homelessness, and hopelessness.  Returning home, she thinks of last night's magical working but has now become convinced it didn't help.

The key component of our definition of magic is that it is an act of will. It is all too easy to allow negative thoughts free rein. We must apply the full strength of our will to change the consciousness, and to maintain the perfected vision we desire. As we become more aware of our thoughts, we determine that we will eliminate all negativity. Every time an emotion or thought occurs that is not in line with our highest desire, we must get rid of that thought and replace it with a positive expression. Since all creation is indeed mental, we can create negative or positive outcomes by the power of thought. Performing an act of magic is pointless without changing the direction of the mind. In fact, the performance of a magical act is intended to shift the mind to create the desired outcome. It is not the act itself that creates the end result. It is the mind.

Here is a powerful magical formula that can be used to aid you in attaining your heart's desire. It is to be performed at your altar. If you don't have an altar, you will need to create one before performing this rite. An altar can be any small tabletop, even the surface of a dresser or bedside table. Cover the surface with a white cloth. Light one white candle in the center and burn some incense. You can also place a spiritually inspiring image on the altar, such as your favorite divine being, an ascended master, or even a photograph of a beautiful place in nature. You will also need a piece of paper and a pen. When you are ready, sit at your altar and perform the rite.

1.  Contemplate what it is you most desire. Use discrimination to determine what would really be of most benefit to you. When you have chosen your goal, take the paper and pen, and write the following words:

2.  Read your statement, absorbing the full intention of your words. Think about the meaning of all of the power and energy of my being. Meditate upon this for several minutes, accessing and experiencing your power.

3.  In your mind's eye, create a detailed image of your desired outcome. For example, if it is a car, you need to see the model, color, and condition inside and out. If it is a house, see all of the details - doors, windows, rooms, etc.* Take your time in creating the details. Don't rush the process. Let your mind dwell upon the image, adding depth and reality to the image.

4.  Now holding this detailed image firmly in mind, see and feel yourself interacting in the desired outcome in the present moment. Again, if the image is a car, see and feel yourself standing next to it, feeling the surface, getting into the car, sitting behind the wheel, driving it, etc. Whatever the image is, put yourself there and mentally carry out some physical action within the image. Activate your senses. What are the scenes, scents, sounds, and feelings of the image? Create them and feel them as if they are happening NOW.

5.  After you have experienced the image for several minutes, read your statement again in a loud firm voice.

6.  Offer a prayer of thanks to the Universe, your divine self, or any divine being you have worked with. Specifically give thanks for the outcome as if it has already occurred.

7.  Extinguish the candle. Once your statement has been memorized, destroy the piece of paper.

8.  Now every morning on awakening, recall the detailed image and once again see yourself acting within the scene. Make your statement again. Every night before falling asleep, recall the image, be present in the scene, and again repeat your statement. Other than these two times, do not consciously dwell upon your image and intention but do allow yourself to feel excitement about its impending manifestation.

When your desired outcome has manifested, you can repeat this rite to help you achieve other goals. Since you are committing ALL of your power and energy to this effort, you can only work on one objective at a time. Do not even think about other desires until your first goal has been attained. Most of all, watch your mind and emotions, and use your will to change your consciousness - and your life!

May you receive the wisdom, love, and beneficence of the Divine One who is your own true self!