Crystal and Gem Magick: An Introduction to Stone Magick

Crystals and gems are everywhere. They are deep within the Earth. They are high on a mountaintop. They are at the bottom of a river. Crystals and gems come in all colors – blues, reds, greens, pinks, blacks, and whites are but a few examples. These crystals and gems that are so a part of the world are also a source of great power.

The Ancient Power of Stones

The Earth is full of energy. It ebbs and flows like a river. Stones, crystals, and gems are the concentrated energy of the Earth. They absorb this energy through contact, and retain this link even if they are removed from the Earth. They are like little tiny batteries, fueled by the planet.

Crystals and gems have been used for magick since the first humans found sparkling gems and carried them for protection against the unknown. For many thousands of years, stones have been carved into sacred shapes and worshipped as religious or magickal artifacts. Crystals and gems were used to magickally enhance many things in life, from ensuring conception to protecting the dead.

The Modern Use of Crystals and Gems for Magick

In the modern world, crystals and gems are used by many people around the world to effect internal and external change. The types of stones used are many and varied. Some commonly used stones for magick are:

• Agate – strength, bravery;
• Alexandrite – luck, love;
• Amber – luck, healing, protection;
• Amethyst – dreams, psychic powers;
• Aquamarine – psychic powers, purification;
• Aventurine – mental powers, money;
• Bloodstone – healing, strength;
• Calcite – spirituality;
• Carnelian – protection, peace;
• Cat’s Eye – wealth, beauty;
• Citrine – protection;
• Diamond – spirituality;
• Emerald – money, love;
• Fluorite – mental powers;
• Garnet – healing, strength;
• Hematite – healing, divination;
• Jade – love, healing;
• Jasper – health, beauty;
• Lapis lazuli – joy, love;
• Moonstone – divination, psychic powers;
• Opal – astral projection;
• Ruby – wealth, power;
• Sapphire – love, meditation;
• Topaz – protection, healing; and
• Quartz – protection, healing, power.

These are not the only gems used in modern crystal magick. Those who use the power of stones have learned that all stones, even the ones picked off the driveway, have power. Some stones will have to be purchased, but many others can be found on hikes through natural areas or simply walking in your own yard or through a downtown park.

Crystal and gem magick is based upon very simple ideas, much like candle magick, and it has quick and direct results. Anyone can work crystal magick, for the stones themselves bring their influences and magick with them. The magick of stones and metals is the easiest of all magicks, and so this is suitable for the novice magician, and can help to awaken the magick within.

Preparing for Magick: How to Cast Spells

Spells are really just the manipulation of energy. This energy must then be sent towards a specific goal, and any excess energy should be released into the earth. This process can seem rather complicated, but as long as you’re centered and grounded correctly, the manipulation of energy can be fairly simple.

The Energy Within — Personal Power

Every living thing is full of power. The magick within is incredibly strong, and ready to be used. All the strength and power you will ever need is within you, including the strength to draw upon outside energies when necessary. However, for most people, these skills have never been used, or were used so long ago that they have forgotten them completely.

Personal power is like a muscle. It strengthens with use, and will atrophy with neglect. Start small, and practice frequently to encourage your personal power to become stronger; there are many exercises you might use to help learn to direct your own energy. Eventually, your own personal power will be strong enough to accomplish what might seem to be impossible.

Using personal power requires intense emotion. It is best to focus on a goal you can feel passionate about for maximum effectiveness. The modern world teaches that strong passions must be repressed and controlled, so you will have to break through these years of conditioning, finding the flame that will fuel your own magick.

Raising Magickal Energy From Outside Sources

Raising energy can be done in many different ways. Some common methods of raising energy are:

• Chanting
• Drumming
• Stomping
• Clapping
• Breathing
• Singing
• Dancing
• Visualization
• Meditation

Many Pagans and Wiccans use ritual to raise energy. This allows for the combination of many methods mentioned above. When raising energy, let the feeling that has been awakened using personal power permeate your entire body; feel the power surge through you.

Remember to draw energy from the earth, the same way you do when you’re grounding. Channel energy from the sun, the moon, a lake, or whatever natural sources are nearby. Open yourself to nature, or you will only have access to your own personal power, and this will quickly leave you exhausted.

One must see the desired goal as real and already accomplished. Experience the feeling of achievement that will accompany success. You will know instinctively when the energy is at its peak. In that instant, it is time to send it towards its goal.

Sending Magickal Energy Towards Its Goal

Raising energy does no good if it’s not eventually sent out to accomplish its goal. To do this, visualize the energy streaming from you into either the object of the goal itself, or a visualization of this goal. For example, for healing, you would visualize the energy entering the person to be healed (following all magickal ethics, of course).

If the person is not sitting directly in front of you, try using a photograph, or perhaps a lock of hair. Even picturing the person sitting in front of you will do. Imagine them as hale and healthy, raise the power, and channel it into them. Keep the vision of them fully healed in your mind for the duration. Avoid distractions during this process.

Some visualizations are not as easy as this. For example, if you’re casting a spell for increased concentration, you may have to visualize yourself studying, or working, or whatever image works for you. See yourself participating in an activity that is associated with your goal.

Releasing Excess Energy Into the Earth

After the energy has been raised and sent towards its goal, you will probably still feel as if you’re vibrating, too keyed up to sleep. This means that there is still excess energy circulating throughout your system. This energy is fine in the short term, but it will eventually begin to have adverse effects such as:

• Headaches;
• Inability to sleep;
• Too much tension; and
• Hyperactivity.

There is no need for this, as the excess energy can be sent into the earth. Simply place your hands upon the ground (preferably the earth itself, but it’s not strictly necessary). Allow the excess energy to drain through your hands and into the earth. As an alternative, you could try sitting on the ground and allowing the energy to drain though your ‘roots’ into the earth. This is the reverse of most common grounding exercises.

Many rituals, especially Wiccan rituals, involve ‘cakes and wine.’ This is a more mundane method of releasing excess energy. When your body has to digest physical food, it can return to its normal state much more quickly. Releasing excess energy is highly important, no matter which method is used, so if simply having a meal after spells and rituals is easiest for you, then do so.

Casting spells is not necessarily an easy process at first. However, with time, patience, practice, and an internal elemental balance, it does become easier, and eventually second nature. Some spells have a long list of ingredients and tools, and while these may enhance the working of a spell, they are not strictly necessary.

Preparing for Magick: Centering and Grounding

The art of grounding and centering is necessary to the successful practice of magick. Before approaching this task, it is important to properly cleanse the aura and the chakras. After this has been accomplished, you should center and ground before attempting any magickal work.

How Do You Know if You Need to Center and Ground?

The easy answer to this question is that you always need to center and ground before working magick. But there are signs that centering is especially necessary. If you pay close attention to how you feel on an internal level, you will notice when you begin to feel off-balance, confused, uncertain, or weak. To successfully practice magick, you must be aware of your own inner state.

If you notice that you feel somehow ‘off center,’ take the time to ground and center, even if you will not be performing magick. You’ll both feel and function better as a result.

How to Center the Spiritual Self

The art of centering is really very simple. Start by taking a deep breath and turning your focus inward until you are acutely aware of your inner state of being. Close your eyes and visualize a point of light approximately two inches below your navel. Feel how solid this point is, and the sense of calm that emanates from it.

This point is the center of your own internal universe, the seat of your body’s energy. If you are truly seated in this point, nothing can move you from it. As long as you remain focused on this center, you and your energy are untouchable. Take a deep breath and relax into your center, allowing its peace to fill you. Remain in this state as you open your eyes and proceed with grounding your spiritual self.

How to Ground the Spiritual Self

Grounding your energies takes a little more visualization to accomplish successfully. If you can, take a seat upon the earth. If not, a comfortable position anywhere will suffice. Visualize the root chakra at the very base of your spine. See your backbone as the trunk of a tree, and allow your root chakra to stretch out as ‘roots’ reaching deep into the earth. Feel them as they penetrate the soil.

Inhale and draw the earth’s energy up into yourself. Allow its energy to flow up the roots, into the trunk that is your spine, and permeate your entire body. Feel the earth’s stability, strength, and wisdom fill you. When you are ready, draw you roots back into yourself, sit quietly for a moment, and then proceed with your magickal work.

Grounding and centering, which are really just a form of meditation, are necessary steps for working any magick, Wiccan or otherwise. When done correctly, you should feel energized, calm, and at peace all at the same time. Once centered and grounded, spell casting and rituals can be performed.

Preparing for Magick: The Body of Energy

Energy exists within you and around you. It is everywhere. Every living thing both generates energy and uses it. This constant generation and use of energy creates an energy field. This energy field should be strong, bright, and clear for your magick to be at its best.

The Aura of the Physical Body

The energy that powers the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies forms a kind of ethereal body. This energy, sometimes called chi or mana, permeates the entire physical body, and even extends out from the skin. It manifests itself as a glow that is usually invisible to the naked eye, but can be seen by most magicians.

This glow is commonly called the aura. Most people can learn to see it, with just a little training and practice. Some people will see it in black and white, and others have the privilege of seeing it in full color. There are a few who cannot see this aura at all, but these are few and far between. Usually, these people can sense it, rather than see it directly.

The aura reflects both your energy level and your general health, including physical health.

The Energy Centers of the Physical Body

Within the aura are several centers of energy, commonly called chakras. While there are likely hundreds of these scattered throughout the body, most traditions agree that there are seven major chakras.

• Crown chakra – Represented by the color purple, located at the top of the head, and is the center of divine connection.
• Third Eye Chakra – Represented by the color dark blue, located between the eyebrows, and is the center of psychic sensitivity.
• Throat Chakra – Represented by the color light blue, located at the base of the throat, and is the center of communication.
• Heart Chakra – Represented by the color green, located at the heart, and is the center of emotion.
• Solar Plexus Chakra – Represented by the color yellow, located beneath the rib cage, and is the center of vitality.
• Sacral Chakra – Represented by the color orange, located near the navel, and is the center of sexuality and creative energies.
• Root Chakra – Represented by the color red, located at the base of the spine, and is the center of survival and basic life functions.

The chakras are points of energy located within the body where certain types of energy are concentrated. They can be visualized as spheres of colored light, and reflect the general health of their respective qualities, as indicated above. When an individual is trained to visualize chakras, it's said that you can locate energy imbalances within each point. For example, a dim or murky heart chakra could mean weak or damaging relationships. However, a clear and bright throat chakra may symbolize strong and healthy communication skills.

All magicians should monitor and maintain both their aura and their chakras. If your body of energy becomes dim, weak, or debilitated in some way, you may become both physically and emotionally ill. There are many ways to maintain the body of energy, such as meditation, adherence to the Witches’ Pyramid, and practicing magick ethically. There are also methods for cleansing the body of energy, once it has become contaminated. All of these should be used when necessary.

Preparing for Magick: The Witches' Pyramid

Most rituals and spells would fail dismally if the mind, will, body of energy, and physical body were not properly prepared. One of the ways in which this can be done is with the Witches’ Pyramid. There are several versions of this, but essentially, the Witches’ Pyramid has a base, four sides, and an interior. The base of the Witches’ Pyramid is knowledge; its interior is love. The four sides are:

• imagination;
• will;
• faith; and
• silence.

The Base of the Witches’ Pyramid – Knowledge

Magickal knowledge can come from so many places. It can come from books. However, books on magick and related topics must be selected carefully. Any book that promises to teach the control or manipulation of others should be discarded. Many books are full of spells and rituals, but some fail to address topics like how magick works, the ethics or hazards of magick, or the principles of magick. It's best to search for books that have detailed information on how to perform magick, and not simply a list of ingredients and steps for spells.

Knowledge can be gained from talented teachers. Look for someone who has used magick to enhance their own life and the lives of others. An ethical teacher will offer spiritual guidance, but will not dominate or control. He or she will never ask for sexual favors, but will expect their students to work hard for what they want. Most ethical teachers will not charge money for apprenticeship, but it is common to charge for public seminars or workshops. It is also not unreasonable for a teacher to expect to be compensated for materials and possibly their time.

The greatest teacher in magick is nature. There is an infinite amount of wisdom to be found on the highest mountains, the bluest oceans, and the greenest glades. For the magician who is open to receiving its message, nature can be the greatest of spiritual teachers.

The First Side of the Witches’ Pyramid – Imagination

In order to manifest something in magick, you must be able to imagine it first, to clearly visualize the end goal with clarity. You must be able to see, taste, smell, hear, and feel all the details of the intended spell or ritual. Moreover, you must be able to see all the steps necessary in completing the spell, both magickally and mundanely.

Being able to do this will require skills in the art of visualization. These can be developed in many ways. Meditation is effective, but it can be even simpler than that. Read a book, and practice visualizing every bit of what is described. Take moments from the past day and recreate them using only visualization. For the creative magician, developing the powers of the imagination presents no problem at all.

The Second Side of the Witches’ Pyramid – Will

When discussing the power of will in a magickal sense, it does not refer to desires or whims. Instead, it is the True Will, what really matters to the Higher Self. It is easier to raise power for something that you feel passionate about, and this is what True Will can identify, for it is fire, heart, and passion. Before true magick can be created, you must know what it is you truly want.

The other side of this coin is what is called the Focused Will. Once the True Will has identified the goal, and it has been visualized to its fullest extent, the Focused Will must pursue it. All of the energy that the Focused Will can muster, which is considerable, must be channeled to this one thing alone. This focus will allow true magick to happen.

The Third Side of the Witches’ Pyramid – Faith

Faith in yourself, in your magick is crucial. For the Focused Will to truly pursue a goal, there must be a foundation of belief that it is possible to work magick in the first place. This belief takes both time and experience to build. Start small, setting goals that are easily accomplished. As these things become a reality, confidence and belief will start to bloom.

The Fourth Side of the Witches’ Pyramid – Silence

The idea of silence in magick can have several meanings. Keeping silent about magickal workings does help avoid needless disbelief and even harassment from others; the true magician has no need to boast about their spells and rituals anyway. Silence, both within and without, is also necessary to become still enough to both sense and use the currents of psychic power that move around you everyday. So silence is an important part of the Witches’ Pyramid in more than one sense.

The Interior of the Witches’ Pyramid – Love

Magick that flows from love is simply more effective than that which flows from hatred. All things are connected, and love honors and cherishes these connections; hatred refuses them. Most everything in magick can be approached from a feeling of love and generosity, if you are simply willing to do so. Setting aside anger and fear is never an easy thing to do, but it will enhance the power and quality of your magicks.

These six things — knowledge, imagination, will, faith, silence, and love — comprise the Witches’ Pyramid. Master these principles and the power of the Pyramid and its qualities will answer to the magick within.

Foundations of Magick: The Dangers of Magick

Magick is not any more or less dangerous than anything else in life. Though there are many dangers relating to magick, and almost all of them are located within the mind of the practitioner. It is so easy to fall into certain dangerous traits, but with a little knowledge and foresight, and an understanding of magickal ethics, these can be avoided.

The Psychological Dangers of Magick

Almost all dangers, at least those relating to magick, are psychological in nature. The most common danger comes with the realization that magick is an extremely powerful tool, one with limitless possibilities. It is not uncommon for the green magician to feel a rush of power than can lead to a sense of omnipotence. When it comes to the practice of magick, believing that you’re infallible can lead to a great many problems.

Some people are prone to paranoia, and magicians are not immune to this. Occasionally, a magician will decide that they are being spied on or even attacked by some black magician who’s out to get them; this is simply not the case. Paranoia has no place in the practice of true magick.

There are also those people who get so wrapped up in something new that they lose touch with reality. This can also happen to magicians. They become enraptured with the possibilities that magick presents, and they lose sight of the necessity of the physical world. Perhaps they even begin to deceive themselves into believing that everything they think is reality. This can be avoided by keeping in touch with the real world, not losing touch with friends and family, and continuing with the more mundane activities of life. Even the most powerful magician needs to remember to cook dinner.

Becoming dependent on magick also happens to a few practitioners. Some people just want to find a magickal solution to everything. While magick may be able to help, it isn’t always the only, or even the best, answer to every problem. This is easily avoidable by simply using magick as a compliment to mundane activities, rather than a possible substitute.

Other Dangers of Magick

The earth will not open up and swallow you whole, but there are some real dangers of magick that every potential magician should be aware of. The most common is an imbalance of energy caused by one of two things: using up too much energy, or having an excess of magickal energy circulating the body.

Using too much of one’s own personal energy reserves can easily leave one feeling drained and exhausted. This should not be an issue, because there is energy everywhere, in every blade of grass and every breath of air. Draw what is needed and ground the excess. If the excess energy from a spell or ritual is not grounded, it remains in the body, and can have some interesting effects. If you feel as if you’ve had too much coffee, you can’t fall asleep, or have an unexplainable headache after a spell or ritual, it’s likely that you have too much excess energy. This can usually be solved by meditation.

Magick, like any other activity, has its risks. However, most agree that these risks are easily minimized and controlled though the application of correct magickal ethics. One should never let the potential risks prevent them from exploring the magick within.

Foundations of Magick: Ethics and Magick

For the most part, those choosing to work magick want to work magick with some kind of ethical guideline, some type of balance. This is all to the good, because whatever is done always comes back to the practitioner. Realizing that there are ethics involved in the practice of magick is the first step in avoiding the dangers of magick.

Magickal Ethics and Responsibility

The greatest ethical principle concerning the practice of magick is taking responsibility for one’s own life. It is the acknowledgment that everything in that life is there because of a choice that has been made, usually by the practitioner himself. These choices may have been made subconsciously, but they have been made nonetheless.

These choices relate to every aspect of life. Every decision made regarding relationships, career, family, spirituality, thoughts, and material matters are a direct result of choice. You have made your own bed, so the saying goes.

The Wiccan Rede and Causing Harm

There is much more to magickal ethics than simply taking responsibility. There are certain laws and principles that govern the ethical practice of magick. There is the Wiccan Rede, as an example, which states, “An ye harm none, do as ye will.” In plain language, this means that whatever one does, it must not harm anyone, including yourself; the idea of harm includes the physical, emotional, and mental. Everyone and everything is connected. Harm to one does harm to all.

There are many forms of harm, and it can be difficult to avoid them all. However, one of the most difficult things to resist, and the thing that can sometimes do the most harm, is to interfere in the lives of others. As a result of this, most ethical practitioners will not perform magick for anyone without first obtaining their informed consent. If someone does not want the help that magick can offer, it would be wrong to force it upon another individual.

The Threefold Law and Magick

The Law of Return, sometimes called the Threefold Law, basically states that what is send out returns, or like for like, to phrase it another way. This means that if one were to send out a curse, then he or she would likely end up cursed as well. Send out love, and love returns. Acting out of love and compassion, no matter the situation, is much safer, in the long run, than acting out of anger or vengeance.

There are many models for ethics and magick, such as the Witches' Pyramid. The application of ethics to the practice of magick is an important factor when deciding to follow a magickal path. The connection that is made between the subconscious mind and the Higher Self will depend, at some point, on the moral compass of the magician. Truly embracing magickal ethics will only serve to enhance the magick within.

Foundations of Magick: A Magickal Connection

To really work true magick, a practitioner must form a connection between the three aspects of self – the conscious self, the subconscious self, and the Higher Self. Forging this magickal connection and discovering the magick within takes patience and discipline.

Creating the Connection Between the Conscious Self and the Subconscious Self

For the most part, the subconscious self is ignored by the conscious self. There are different reasons for this. Many people are uncomfortable wit the idea of this more sensual or emotional self. Some feel that the subconscious self is simply too childish to be bothered with. Either attitude can interfere with the process of forging a connection between the subconscious and conscious minds.

Reconnecting with the subconscious self is an incredibly simple process. It's believed that one need only be open to what the subconscious has to say. Listen to it, talk to it, and pay attention to what it has to offer. Remember that the subconscious is very like a small child or an animal. After being neglected for so long, it will not trust easily. The subconscious must be courted, gentled, and taught to trust. This takes time and patience.

A good method for building a relationship with the subconscious self is to use meditation. While in a meditative state, ask the subconscious self to reveal itself in the form of an animal. It may still be shy, and may not appear, and if it does, it may not be in its true animal form. If the animal spirit runs or hides, then it is not yet ready to reveal itself. With patience, the subconscious self will reveal its true animal form, and when it does, valuable insights can be gained into its personality.

There are other things that can be done to strengthen the bond with the subconscious self. This element of the mind is usually sensual, playful, and child-like, and thus, it will typically respond when these aspects of the self are explored and indulged. In time, the sensuality, spontaneity, and energy of the subconscious self will be added to the maturity, thoughtfulness, and intelligence of the conscious self.

Forging a Link Between the Subconscious Self and the Higher Self

The subconscious self has spent a great amount of time storing up old memories and emotions. Not all of these are positive. The negative memories and emotions are a block to any sort of connection to the Higher Self. Overcoming this is not always easy.

The negative emotions and memories must be identified and truly released. This can be done through meditation, hypnosis and divination, perhaps with the use of different tools, such as the Tarot. Some practitioners also find that simply discussing these things with a trusted friend helps to release them. Still others decide that professional therapy may be of assistance. Everyone will find different ways of doing this.

The idea here is to find balance that might have been lost. This means not just identifying the negative emotions that are blocking access to the Higher Self, but mending them. This is probably the most difficult part of connecting the subconscious self to the Higher Self. One a mundane level, this might mean making amends for some harm that you have done others, or offering forgiveness to those who have caused harm to you.

In a more magickal sense, this process might involve spiritual cleansing. Ritual baths, self blessings, aura cleansings, and smudging are just some ideas on how this might be accomplished. Over time, and with patience, the negative emotions and memories can be cleared, if not totally forgotten. Once this has happened, there can be a free exchange of energy between the subconscious self and the Higher Self.

Clearing a Path From the Conscious Self to the Higher Self

Once the Higher Self and the subconscious self are ready and able to communicate effectively, there is only one last path of communication left that must be established — the conscious self to the Higher Self. If this pathway can be forged, the Higher Self will shower the conscious self with wisdom, love, and power.

The one real block in establishing this communication is the conscious self. If it (and you) cannot be made to accept that all the gifts that flow from the Higher Self are both well-deserved and highly possible, then the path will remain blocked. It can be opened by a sense of faith and belief that the Higher Self exists and that anything is possible. But just as important is a high-regard for oneself. Not ego, but a healthy respect.

The Higher Self is much wiser than the conscious mind. When it comes to the working of magick, it will grant that which is asked for in its own way. Sometimes, this will be subtle, almost unnoticeable.

To fully explore the intricacies of magick, one has to be open to the messages that the Higher Self will reveal. This requires a level of awareness that can only be developed over time, and only by those who are determined to do so.

Foundations of Magick: The Magick Within

One of the greatest secrets of magick is the way in which the three aspects of the self — the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the Higher Self — connect, communicate, and cooperate to facilitate the practice of magick.

The Conscious Mind and its Place in Magick

It's believed that the conscious mind is where much of the personality and rational thought reside. It is the waking self, the part that reasons and functions in the mundane world. The conscious mind thinks, decides, and judges. It is the embodiment of mind and will; it may recognize some emotions, but it is not the source of the deepest feelings. Though this part of the self controls conscious movement, it has little direct control over the more subconscious actions of the body – breathing, circulation, the nervous system, etc.

Many people tend to act as if the conscious mind is all that there is. These people sail blissfully through life, unaware of just how dependent they are upon what they cannot readily observe.

The Subconscious Mind and Its Place in Magick

The subconscious mind is mostly ignored by the conscious mind, and yet it can be a powerful ally. The subconscious mind controls memory, sensation, and emotion. Everything that is felt, remembered, or physically experienced comes from the subconscious mind. It is the part of the self that is involved in love and sex, or anytime heightened emotions come into play. The subconscious mind also controls the involuntary responses of the body, such as breathing and circulation.

The subconscious can channel a great deal of psychic energy, but in order to use this energy effectively, it usually requires the guidance of the conscious mind. The subconscious mind is childlike, reacting based on instinct and intuition, and searching for immediate gratification. Though powerful, the subconscious mind requires the rational thought of the conscious mind to be useful.

The Higher Self and Its Place in Magick

The Higher Self is the part of the self that connects to the divine, the spiritual self. It is the deepest level of consciousness, the source of wisdom and compassion. This is the part of the self that can harness the divine powers of creation and transformation, allowing the working of greater magicks.

The Higher Self cannot, however, connect directly to the conscious mind, for the conscious mind is not fully aware of the spiritual self. The Higher Self requires a bridge to communicate with the conscious mind. This bridge is one part of the self that can communicate effectively with both the Higher Self and the conscious mind – the subconscious mind.

How the Conscious Mind, the Higher Self, and the Subconscious Mind Work Together

In order to work magick effectively, the three aspects of the self must learn to work together in harmony. Many potential magicians fail in their quest to work magick because they attempt to connect to the Higher Self directly, bypassing the subconscious mind. Others think that they can ignore the Higher Self completely, working magick with the power of the intellect alone. Both ideas are doomed to failure.

True magick, magick that will work and work reliably, has a specific pattern. First, the conscious mind must decide on plan and purpose for magick. This should be well thought out, and adhere to the principles of magick. The conscious mind must then communicate this intent to the subconscious mind. This triggers an emotional response, and begins to raise the power necessary to effectively work magick.

This power is channeled by the subconscious mind to the Higher Self. This power also brings with it the will of the conscious mind. For this process to work, there must be a free flow of trust, love, communication, and power.

Creating and sustaining a relationship between all three aspects of self is not an easy task to manage. How quickly a magickal connection occurs depends entirely on the discipline and desire of the practitioner.

Foundations of Magick: The Theory of Magick

Magick may not be an exact science, but it still appears to follow certain rules and principles. Some of these are akin to physical laws, some are not. No one, no matter how adept, fully understands magick and its uses. However, for the magician who does understand these principles, the possibilities might just be limitless.

The Nature of Magick and Reality

Believing in something that cannot be readily seen might seem just a bit crazy on the surface. However, humans believe in things they cannot see every day. Under normal circumstances, air is invisible to the naked eye, and yet everyone knows it exists, since everyone is breathing. Most people do at least acknowledge that there is more to the universe than meets the eye.

The nature of magick is such that it is not fully understood. However, it does at least appear to behave according to some rules. Some generally-accepted laws of magick are:

• The perceived world is a mixture of reality and perception.
• If one searches for evidence that something is true, one will usually find it.
• All statements are true in one sense, false in another, and meaningless in yet another.
• If it works, it is true.
• Everything is connected.
• If two things have just one thing in common, that one thing can be used to influence both.
• The cause and effect of something tend to resemble each other.
• If two things were once in contact, they can continue to interact after separation.
• Two laws or worldviews may contradict each other and still be true, as no worldview may all reality.
• Every action is an exchange of energy.
• Any concept, force, or object may be considered to have life.

The Principles of Magick

Magick is a powerful and often misunderstood thing. Defining magick is not always easy, and trying to explain how it works is even more difficult. There are certain principles that can make the practice of magick seem a little less daunting, more logical, and more natural. They also aid in the understanding of magickal ethics.

The following points are regarded as the basic principles of magick:

• Magick is natural.
• Magick requires effort. You will receive what you put into it, nothing more, and nothing less.
• Magick is not spontaneous, at least, not usually. Most spells require time to be effective.
• Magick is not to be used as a game or joke, or to enhance the ego.
• Magick can be worked for gain, but only if it brings harm to none.
• Magick is, at its source, a divine act.
• Magick certainly can be used for defense, but should never be used to attack.
• Magick is knowledge.
• Magick is belief. For magick to work effectively, you must believe in it.
• Magick is love. Magick should always be performed out of love.

Energy and Magick

Energy is everywhere. At a certain level, everything is comprised of energy. There is energy in the sunlight, the moonlight, the earth, the waters, and the air. With each breath, every person takes in energy, and then exhales it. Every person, plant, and animal teems with energy.

The abundance of energy available everyday is extraordinary. However, despite the fact that energy swirling all around him, a magician actually needs very little. Instead of being flashy, like thunder and lightening, a talented magician uses a little more finesse. More like a gentle breeze, almost unnoticed amongst the greater swirl of energy that makes up the world.

Magick and Science

Science has come a long way in the last century, and scientific views are not necessarily incompatible with magick. Hypnotism, once thought to be a black art and even a form of mind control, is now a commonly accepted practice. There are now cameras that can take a photograph of the body of energy that surrounds each person; some people call this energy an aura.

There are many scientists, both in the past and present, who are firm believers in magick. Einstein himself fully supported the idea that astrology was a science, and not simply an occult practice. Isaac Newton wrote more frequently on the practice of alchemy than he did on physics.

It seems that ancient magicks and modern science are slowly coming together.

Does Magick Work?

According to practitioners, magick does, indeed, work. Spells and rituals will always have an effect, no matter how slight, and no matter which style of magick you're using. However, this is not always the effect that is intended. Someone may cast a spell to gain enough money to pay all their bills, and instead of gaining extra money, the individual might find all their bills in their mailbox, with expected due dates that are fairly immediate.

Obviously, this is not what was intended by the caster. However, spells and rituals can have flaws. Most of these are problems with design, performance, or interference. Usually, all three of these things are caused by the caster. A lack of focus or belief, a small distraction, or a poorly worded chant can all have an adverse effect on spells and rituals.

A properly crafted and executed spell or ritual will almost always meet with success. However, it is important to note that true magick isn’t the same as the Hollywood version. It is rarely flashy, and special effects are almost non-existent. True magick takes belief and practice to be effective.

Magick is not well understood, and discovering the magick within takes time. It is difficult to explain and even harder to master. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Following a magickal path is not for everyone, and requires courage, patience, and understanding.

Introduction to Magick: Starting on a Magickal Path

Magick can be an elusive thing. It can be a difficult thing to master, and sometimes fails miserably. In order for one to practice magick effectively, to explore its mysteries, one must have the proper tools. In this case, the proper tools are:

• Timing magick effectively;
• Having a space to practice magick; and
• Having a purpose for magick.

Timing for Magick

Timing magick has two aspects. The first regards turning the practice of magick into a habit. Something only becomes a habit if it is done regularly. Magick should be practiced regularly, preferably at the same time each day, and hopefully with no missed days. For some, this time will be when they first awaken; for others, upon arriving home from work or school. Others may choose to perform magick spells in the moments right before bed, but do this cautiously, as magickal training may leave one too energized to sleep.

Timing also has another important influence in the practice of magick. Certain magick spells and rituals are affected by the time of day, day of the week, or phase of the moon. In this case, those magicks should be carefully scheduled. Magick to gain something, for example, is best performed during the waxing moon. Those magick which focus on banishing should take place during the waning moon.

A Space for Magickal Practice

A space is needed for magickal practice. This can be a bedroom, office, or den; it can also be outdoors. Any place that is quiet and private will suffice for magickal practice. Typically, many people will object, saying they do not have the space. To truly practice magick, a designated place to do so is absolutely required. It doesn’t have to be huge. Ideally, there will be an entire room to devote to the practice of magick, but even the corner of the living room will work.

Perhaps a corner of the garage can be cleared or, even better, an area outside can be screened off, made private, and utilized as one's true temple. However, it can be just as effective to have a chair in the corner of the kitchen. Be creative, and search out an appropriate space to perform magick.

There should be adequate space for the storage of magickal tools, incense, herbs, oils, and the many other items that practitioners collect. This can be in the form of shelves, chests, or even storage bags hung on the wall. There is no firm rule concerning storage spaces.

If there is really no space, indoors or out, that will work, consider finding a spot at the local park that is secluded. Use a backpack to carry supplies and books back and forth. The point is, there is always a way; sometimes, one must be a bit creative.

A Purpose for the Practice of Magick

Every spell and ritual should have a purpose; otherwise, they likely wouldn’t ever be performed. However, there is a greater question to ask when it comes to purpose. Why does one wish to learn and practice magick?

It is a question that each practitioner should ask him or herself. The answer is important, and will become more so if one continues to pursue a magickal path. Magick is not for revenge. It is not to be used to cause harm, or to control or manipulate anyone. It is not a Hollywood effect. For Wiccans and other practitioners, magick is very real and it's a practice that must be treated with respect.

Magick acts according to natural laws, and using it for certain purposes does eventually backfire. However, for those who wish to use magick to made decisions, find strength, protect themselves and others, and help create a better world, than a magickal path might just be the right path.

There are many things to do when first starting on a magickal path and choosing to study magickal theory. Magickal names are to be considered, tools are to be collected, and decisions regarding how and when one will practice magick must be made.

Wiccan Magick: What Magick Is and What It Is Not

There is often a great debate surrounding the idea of magick. What it is, what it isn't and how it works can be a source of contention for many practitioners. Perhaps exploring and explaining the nature of magick, at least from a Wiccan perspective, is best done by first defining what it is not.

What Magick is Not

Magick is not a stage trick. It is not an illusion. It is not seen at the local nightclub, performed by stage magicians in long black cloaks and assistant-girls in their little sequined outfits. Magick is also not ‘supernatural’ in any way, for practitioners believe that it is a part of nature, not above it. It is simply that magick is a less-understood aspect of nature.

Wiccan magick does not involve a pact with the Devil, for Wiccans do not believe in the Devil. One cannot make a pact with something that one doesn't exist, according to their belief system. Magick is not a good way to gain revenge or act unethically, for the ethics and rules of magick are strict and the consequences for misuse are swift.

Magick is not reserved for only a few special people, those who have been ‘gifted’ with its use. Anyone can learn to use magick with enough dedication, and given enough time to practice and study. Magick does not reside in tools such as athames, wands, or cauldrons. It's said that true magick lies within the practitioner, and tools only serve to enhance the practice of magick, but they are not the source of it.

In general, magick does not result in ‘special effects’ in the material world. There are no showers of golden sparks, no glowing blue balls of light, no walls of fire, and no bolts of energy flying from the ends of wands. True magick manifests itself in much less spectacular ways.

Finally, magick is not easy to learn. It requires hard work and disciple to be of any use. While magick certainly is a method for inner growth and spiritual development, using it for more mundane purposes is more complex. Magick is not a substitute for common sense or practicality.

What is Magick?

Defining magick in a spiritual context can be a little difficult. Since its definition changes over time, the problem is only compounded. A popular definition was put forth by the magician Aleister Crowley: “Magick is the art and science of causing changes to occur in conformity with will.” This is probably the most accepted spiritual definition of magick in Wiccan circles.

Though there are many kinds of magick, they can be categorized into two main types: theurgy and thaumaturgy. These two forms of magick are quite different and distinct. Essentially, theurgy involves the use of magick for religious purposes or personal development. This is generally regarded as the highest use of magick.

Theurgy is, first and foremost, serves as a method of spiritual development for the practitioner. It exists as a method of change. The end goal of this change is a heightened state of awareness, and a fuller range of possibilities. The idea of change frightens many practitioners early on, simply because they cannot predict the evolution of this practice.

Theurgy allows the practitioner to experience being a part of all that is. It is the goal of many spiritual paths to reestablish a connection with the greater universe, and theurgy is one method by which this can be accomplished.

Thaumaturgy is magick for non-religious purposes. It can be described as magick that's performed in an effort change things on the physical plane. This might include magick to heal a physical ailment, a spell to gain a job or promotion, or perhaps a spell for safe travel. This type of magick, as long as it brings harm to none, is said to be just as valid, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.

Does Magick Work?

Practitioners believe that magick does, indeed, work, but it isn’t miracle-working; it won’t just happen. When a spell or ritual is performed with the intention of producing a certain result, the individual must act in accord. This means that if one were to cast a spell to get a better job, then he or she must actively apply for better positions. Casting a healing spell, without doing anything in the physical realm to assist the effort, will likely lead to failure. It's believed that magick only works through true belief and desire, combined with common sense and practicality.

Understanding what magick is, and what it is not, is an important step to being able to use it. Magick, in its many forms, is regarded as a powerful tool for the practitioner who walks a magickal path.

Preparing for Magick: How to Cleanse the Body's Energy Field

The energy that surrounds and permeates the body is comprised of the aura and the chakras. To perform magick correctly, this energy field must be strong, clear, and clean, and free of all contamination. Sometimes, it is necessary to understand where this contamination comes from before the energy field can be cleansed.

How Does the Body’s Energy Field Become Contaminated or Weak?

Some of the problems that occur in relation to the weakening of the body’s energy field are fairly common. A poor diet or lack of exercise can lead to a weak aura and dim chakras; this can be correct with good food and a healthy amount of exercise. Illness and injury can cause a temporary weakening of the energy field, but this can be easily repaired by taking the time to get well.

The use of hard drugs, including hallucinogens and even many prescription drugs, can leave the aura full of holes, and the chakras may be too weak to aid in repair. In this case, it is best to discontinue the use of these drugs (except in the case of prescription drugs), and allow time for the body’s energy field to self-repair. Other things can have the same effect depending on the person. For some people, alcohol may damage the aura. For many, it’s allergies. Whatever the cause, it should be healed before true magick is performed.

Sometimes, the aura or the chakras will be drained by another person. This is usually not done consciously. Some people are what can be termed "energy vampires;" they continually drain energy, and some don’t even realize that they’re doing so. Often, these people can be easily identified. If someone makes you feel drained and weak, maybe even depressed, after a visit, they’re likely an energy vampire. Since this is done subconsciously, the only true and permanent solution is to avoid these people.

Some of these energy vampires do more than just drain a little energy. Occasionally, you’ll have someone who attaches themselves to a particular chakra. This is usually someone you know very well, and they almost never do this on purpose. It might be an ex-lover, one who has attached himself to your heart chakra. Maybe an adult child refuses to be separated from the mother, linking too strongly to the root chakra. These are not healthy connections.

There are, of course, connections that you will want. You’ll want a spouse to be connected to the heart and sacral chakras, for example. A young child should certainly be connected to a mother’s root chakra. A student might connect to a teacher’s throat or third eye chakra. These are all healthy and welcome connections. When they are not, they must be cleansed.

Cleansing and Balancing the Chakras

All magicians should keep their energy fields clean and bright. This can be done by examining the individual chakras and clearing them of both negative influences and any unwelcome connections. This can be done with a simple meditation and visualization exercise.

A simple method for cleansing and balancing the chakras is to visualize each chakra as a ball of colored light. The colors associated with each chakra are as follows:

• Crown chakra – purple
• Third eye chakra – dark blue
• Throat chakra – light blue
• Heart chakra – green or pink
• Solar plexus chakra – yellow
• Sacral chakra – orange
• Root chakra – red

Each chakra, one at a time, should be visualized as a ball of colored light. This ball should be examined, even spun if necessary, in order to ensure that they are clean of all contamination. If you do notice that they are murky or dim, then they must be cleansed. This is quite a simple process.

At your feet, visualize a hole opening up in the earth. This hole can look like anything, as long as it leads deep inside the earth. Once this hole is firmly established, refocus on the chakra that needs cleansing. See it, feel it, know that this chakra is real. Then, slowly begin spinning the chakra in place. As it spins, see all the contamination, all that makes the chakra weak, slowly begin to fall into the hole. Allow it to be absorbed by the earth.

When the chakra is clear and bright again, allow the chakra to stop its spinning and return to a normal state of being. Close the hole, but don’t worry about the negative energy that went into the earth; it will be absorbed and transmuted into positive energy. Repeat this process with any other chakra that needs cleansing.

There are other methods of clearing and rebalancing the chakras, and any of them are appropriate for use. The method isn’t as important as the end result. Remember to check often to ensure that your chakras are still functioning properly. Bright and clear chakras lead to bright and clear auras, and make grounding and centering much easier.

Introduction to Magick: Magickal Clothing and Jewelry

Most magickal practitioners feel that it is appropriate to dress in a special way for the working of magick because it is sacred activity. For some, this means working skyclad, or in the nude. For others, it might mean a ritual robe. Then there are those who choose to dress in elaborate costumes, complete with jewelry and accessories. All three are perfectly acceptable.

Working Skyclad for Magickal Purposes

The term ‘skyclad’ means, quite literally, to be ‘clothed by the sky'; in other words, nude. There are many individuals and some Wiccan and Pagan traditions that either require or prefer to work skyclad. There are three main reasons for this. These include:

• Encouraging energy to flow more freely if it is not impeded by clothing.
• Expressing the idea that the naked human form is not something to be ashamed of.
• Differences in income and social status disappear if everyone is nude.

Ritual Robes in Magick

Most magickal practitioners work robed. Sometimes this is because the robes have magickal significance, or because it is simply too cold to work skyclad. Color and style will vary according to personal taste and the requirements of particular groups.

The easiest style of robe to make is simply a T-shaped robe with long sleeves and usually a hood. The robe should be loose enough to allow for movement and dancing, as well as sitting cross-legged. The sleeves shouldn’t be too long, as they will drag in the candles and catch fire. A large hood is a good idea, as it can be used to block outer vision, aiding in visualization and meditation.

Other, more elaborate styles can also be used. Check the local fabric store for patterns, usually in the costume section. The only limit is the imagination, and possibly the cost. When choosing fabric, it is important to pick something that feels good against the skin, for the robe may be worn for long periods of time, in some cases. A breathable fabric, such as cotton, is also a good idea.

Color, when applied to ritual robes, can be a lot of fun. For those who are working solitary, and are not confined by the rules of a group or teacher, any color that is healing, balancing, or empowering will work very well. For those who simply cannot decide, starting with white or black is never a poor choice.

Groups and many teachers will have specific requirements. The color of the robe might reflect a degree system, or everyone in the group may wear the same color. Many groups have their novices, sometimes called dedicants, wear white to represent innocence and purity. However, this is not a firm rule.

Jewelry and Accessories During Ritual

Special jewelry is often worn by magickal practitioners, even those who work skyclad. Many, especially those of the Wiccan faith, wear silver bracelets, and women will wear silver necklaces, while men wear silver torques. High Priestess of that same religion will often wear a crescent crown and garter. High Priests usually opt for a horned mask, or a horned headpiece.

Usually, magickal practitioners will wear jewelry that reflects their faith. Crosses, the Star of David, pentagrams and crescent moons are all commonly seen during ritual. Jewelry pieces featuring crystals and gems are very popular, as they channel the qualities of the stones. Wedding rings are worn during the practice of magick, as they are considered sacred and blessed. All jewelry worn during magickal practice should have magickal significance.

Many practitioners will wear a cord around their waist. In most groups, this is given at initiations, but solitaries may make their own. A simple white cord is usually the best choice. Suitable cord can be found at most fabric stores. Make sure it is long enough to be effective. The traditional length is nine feet.

When it comes to footwear, many practitioners work barefoot. This helps to keep them grounded. However, this is not always an option. Perhaps it’s too cold to have bare feet, or it might be uncomfortable for some, depending on the surface. Footwear should be comfortable and practical. Slippers, if indoors, sandals it it’s summer, and definitely boots if there is snow on the ground.

Having an attractive and sometimes dramatic appearance can help to increase confidence when working magick, especially during the first steps in magick. This increase in confidence, no matter how slight, will increase the quality and power of all magickal workings.