The Choice of Using Magick Or Not in Pagan and Wiccan Practice

The Argument:

Why You Should or Should Not Use Magick

By Dawn Thebarge Hill

One thing that pagans as a whole to remember is that magick is not part of the religious practices of all Pagans or even all practicing Wiccans or Witches. I know there are those who disagree with me on this topic but I have met those who are perfectly willing to worship without asking for anything of deity or performing any rights that move energy. Most of them either feel ill equipped to use magick or they feel it is not their right to manipulate the will of God. (Call it Spirit, God, The All, Akasha-Whatever makes sense to you is fine. It is only a name.) Now I understand that many in the pagan community do not agree with such practices. They feel that those who do not use those tools afforded them are not fully upon the path. I disagree with this. Like anything else, this is their choice.

Just because I have a tool does not mean I should use it. This goes doubly for something that I do not know how to use. It is better to wait, and to study than to just jump into magick willy-nilly and get yourself into physical, mental, emotional or karmic trouble. Why would I use a giant saw I had no knowledge of and risk cutting off my hand? Of course I wouldn't! The same holds true for magick. The only problem I have with some of the so-called "fluff bunny" books that are out there is that they tell you how anyone CAN do magick. Unfortunately not everyone SHOULD be doing magick.

I will also say this, however. (It is my opinion only and therefore if you do not agree I understand that and your right to use your own judgment in what is correct for you.) To those that do not feel they should take the fates into their own hands or manipulate God's will: This energy that is both within and without of each and everyone of us, is part of the Source (God, Spirit, Akasha, The One, the All). Again, this Source is the energy within and without. It is part of you. It is part of all that exists or ever has existed. Energy is God. God is the Source of all things that have energy. Energy is also magick. Since you are a being of energy and therefore, are of the Source, you are magick. You are magick. There is no division. There is no separation. You are magick. Remember that and never forget it.

Now, if you accept this as the truth then, when using magick, there is no manipulation or going against the will of anything. It is simply the use of what is your true self we are talking about here. Like using your hand to pick up a fork to put food in your mouth. Hey, I could just bend over and suck everything off the plate without using my hands or the utensil for that matter. It can be done that way. It is messy and much harder so why would I? Life can be messy and harder too, but only if you choose to not use the tools that are available to you. It is not manipulating anything that has not been made available to you (or is not what you are) for a purpose in this existence. To use your mind and the energies that you are part of to create change or to better yourself is no different than using your hands and the fork. They are tools that help you to change, and make better, your existence. Magick is a personal power that we possess because we are natural beings. It is important to understand that magick is not unnatural.

Our futures are long and winding paths. There will be many paths that cross over the one we are following. We may take a detour and go around the long way, we may find a shortcut and run headlong at high speed until we hit another slow spot. There are many paths that can be taken to get to where you wish to go. Remember that when you choose to take one path over another it starts with a decision by you. Even if you decide to stay put for a short time and do nothing and just "see what happens" this a decision to allow the universe to choose what will happen. The question is, are you going to allow Chaos to control every facet of your life or are you going to direct and contain that energy to be able to have an easier, happier existence?

Magick is not a cure all for your problems, but when done properly it can help you learn, set goals, to work toward a more positive life and the out look on that life. It can help you understand your faults or weaknesses and even help to turn them into something more positive. Once again, the choice is yours.