Defining magick

[Tengal]

I've always been drawn to the occult, and have recently started looking more into it. Trying to truly understand magick instead of wallowing in escapist and fantasy-ridden thought-play I've started to try to make my own personal theory of what's the difference between the "reality" and fantasy (fireballs and lightning bolts) of magick. My current idea of this is that it's like the psychic (or spiritual) equivalent of the world of physical exercise, where the ultimate pinnacle (as far as show-off'ism and flashiness goes) is getting from being skinny and unathletic to a totally ripped muscle giant. Possible, but requires A LOT of work and dedication, and is very rarely the goal to begin with. It has been difficult for me to see the point of ritual magick and the seemingly tedious rites, but I've started to see them as the "warming ups" and basically starting the exercise with moderation on the psychic growth side. Is there any point in this view?

[Etar]

Read Crowley and Levi.

[akimbomoss]

Daily ritual is kind of a must especially when you start working with spirits. Some things can only be done with ritual like astral projection. This is not world of warcraft. I think there are too many possibilities for distraction now. You can be addicted to any emotion and if it causes suffering it has to be struck out including procrastination.

I think I'll plug the angelic arts section of this forum. With angels you don't need a circle of protection and the rituals are not so elaborate they scare people away.

http://www.occultforum.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=50

[Etar]

"Some things can only be done with ritual like astral projection"? What?

[akimbomoss]

"Some things can only be done with ritual like astral projection"? What?

I mean to astral project on this plane.

[reptilian]

I beg to differ, my friend. =3 I've done fewer than a dozen rituals this year and even those only occurred because it amused me. In my experience, ritual is only required under two circumstances:
1. You believe rituals are necessary.
or
2. You are following a strict/traditional/otherwise established magical path for the "street cred" and therefore must complete various levels of initiation.

I fall into the latter category and I am enjoying everything I'm learning about hoodoo and witchcraft, but I don't require any of those things in order to do magic. In my world, magic is an almost purely mental exercise where nothing is needed except an intent and some will/willpower.

[Moth]

I agree, reptilian, but if you're just starting out, I think you need some kind of structure, even if you know that it's just a support, so you can "fake it till you make it".

We use models all the time to make jobs easier - as long as you don't mistake the map for the territory...

[cactusjack543]

I beg to differ, my friend. =3 I've done fewer than a dozen rituals this year and even those only occurred because it amused me. In my experience, ritual is only required under two circumstances:
1. You believe rituals are necessary.
or
2. You are following a strict/traditional/otherwise established magical path for the "street cred" and therefore must complete various levels of initiation.

I fall into the latter category and I am enjoying everything I'm learning about hoodoo and witchcraft, but I don't require any of those things in order to do magic. In my world, magic is an almost purely mental exercise where nothing is needed except an intent and some will/willpower.

street cred? so we can become whole shit i droped my juice lol ha ha xd

[Vashta]

Interesting topic, I personally don't think that rituals are necessary, because right from the beginning, in the first book I ever read about magick, and in an awful lot of the ones I've read since, they say the power comes from within, and the tools are just a focal point. I still practise rituals now and again, when I want to convince myself how serious I am about attaining a specific goal, lol.

Sensory input can help get your mind into exactly the spot you want it in, and can make for a stronger experience, but I do agree that it's not necessary by any means, and you can work entirely mentally. Some of the best results I've seen happened when I did the magick spontaneously and without tools or preparation.

That said, I've also seen very good results when performing elaborate rituals, usually ones I've written for myself, I think personalised rituals can be quite effective if you plan out your symbolism with a good understanding of what everything you're using means to you and in the context of the ritual. Using a ritual that has been around for a while can be effective as long as you fully understand the ritual and all of its components.

The ritual is a means to focus the intention, and gather up the resolve, in my opinion. I don't think it's necessary so much if you can hold your goal firm and direct your will precisely where you need it, but it can be a valuable learning tool. I'm not sure if muscle power is the right analogy though, maybe more like muscle memory? Practising enough times allows you to do it without thinking.

[entropic]

I've always been drawn to the occult, and have recently started looking more into it. Trying to truly understand magick instead of wallowing in escapist and fantasy-ridden thought-play I've started to try to make my own personal theory of what's the difference between the "reality" and fantasy (fireballs and lightning bolts) of magick. My current idea of this is that it's like the psychic (or spiritual) equivalent of the world of physical exercise, where the ultimate pinnacle (as far as show-off'ism and flashiness goes) is getting from being skinny and unathletic to a totally ripped muscle giant. Possible, but requires A LOT of work and dedication, and is very rarely the goal to begin with. It has been difficult for me to see the point of ritual magick and the seemingly tedious rites, but I've started to see them as the "warming ups" and basically starting the exercise with moderation on the psychic growth side. Is there any point in this view?

If it feels right it is right for you, at least until it starts being limiting or (more than usually) confusing. You can see things any way you want to..and change your mind when/if you learn otherwise. Its not like you have to decide on one set of rules or one view and then stick to that.