Magick is real. Discovering that the universe is full of magick and living in that magical universe is what makes witches unique from others. Wisdom teacher Phyllis Curott, the author of WitchCrafting, reminds us,
Most people know intuitively that when you fall in love, the world is full of magic. What they don’t know is that when you discover the universe is full of magick, you fall in love with the world.
Even the most die-hard skeptics from atheists to evangelicals who cast the stones know or believe in magick. All the logic and reasoning, or compartmentalizing and rationalizing of seemingly irrational beliefs can’t disavow that objects and symbols have power, that words in combination with timing and direct action create change.
Years ago, activist Thorn Coyle said to me, one couldn’t half play in the water, that magick and witchcraft were all or nothing. And she is right. Once you know the enchanted, you can’t unknow it. Here is an example of what she means:
The element of air, which stands in the direction of East, welcomes the rising of the dawn and the new moon. The energy typically resonates as a masculine frequency and invites the wisdom of deep knowing. It asks, “what do you know?” It’s the moment of commitment. The Ace in the tarot deck, the Fool card. Air is the beginning.
When a witch stands at the eastern gate and welcomes Air or lights a candle stepping into magick, you do not do it blindly. Hopefully, it is with commitment and the wisdom above. You and Air enter into a relationship. An alchemical exchange, one part of a more profound relationship that will continue to draw witches into power and connection. Teacher and witch, Devin Hunter, in his book, The Witches Book of Power, calls this connection the Witch Power.
The Witch Power is universal… Witchcraft and the use of Witch Power are the ultimate expressions of willpower, and whatever we will then to be they will become!
Stepping into the magick and your power is what this column is about. Specifically, the root of magickal experiences and application. Underpinnings are the solid foundation laid below ground level to support or strengthen. So often, many are taught that having power is wrong. That power is a bad thing. And surely that can be valid when power is left in the hands of those who are unskilled in using their power towards a purpose. Witchcraft is about power for a purpose.
Paganism may or may not have a litmus test for belief entry, but magick and witchcraft are about using your power to effect change to re-enchant the world. Sometimes I think of it like baking. Baking is really a science. All the ingredients in a perfect measure for the desired result. When harnessed we get the yummy. Otherwise, you get a whack cake. Same thing with magick. Try a manifestation spell for prosperity under the waning moon, during a retrograde. Likely, bupkis.
Magick, in essence, is the ability to communicate to the universe what you want in an effective way, so that the universe can then respond and create what you desire. –Christopher Penczak
Underpinnings of Witchcraft will explore power and purpose of foundational of magick: alchemy and astrology theory alongside the passion found in simple but effective practices for you to try at home. Occasionally this column will investigate occult history as it builds our practices. Everything we do as witches come from somewhere. It’s vital to lift up those sources, especially if and when they come from the margin. It starts with Air: to know!
The favorite Harry Potter books remind us that we’re either a wizard or a muggle. You’re a muggle no more. Welcome to the Underpinnings of Witchcraft, where making in magick is good for us and for the world.
You are the spell the universe has cast. – Phyllis Curott
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