Articles

The Magick in Me

When I first started reading about paganism and wicca, I guess I did  think there would be a list of basic rules -- even if there wasn't a  decoder ring and a secret handshake -- but it is so individual and   personal that no such list exists. More important than any written spell, any wand, cauldron, athame, or anything else is intent, purpose,   what is meaningful to you.  The thing that has meant the most to me is   finally realizing that the magick is in ME, not in any set of words or   list of rules or tool, black-handled or otherwise.  In fact, the magick  was in me before I knew anything about paganism or the Craft or any of   it.

 It seems to me that rituals have two purposes: On a spiritual level,  they help me focus my attention so that I can step outside my mundane   way of thinking and contact the divine. IMHO, ritual for this purpose   should not be deferred until one "knows more"; in fact, "knowing more"   in the sense of trying to follow rigid procedures can actually come  between the individual and the divine.  I figure ANYTHING that helps me  better hear The Lord and Lady is right, and ANYTHING that interferes  with that communication is wrong.  The other purpose of ritual is to   allow me to clarify my intent and my will in order to set free the   magick that is in me. Let me tell a brief story to explain what I mean.

Early on, I asked folks on this list a question about candles -- some   things I had read said they should always be permitted to burn out;  others said they should never be blown out because air is an offense to   the flame; others said they should never be snuffed out because that   would "snuff the magic."  Someone on the list told me it didn't matter   what I did, as long as I knew the reason for what I was doing.  Boing!

 Lightbulb goes on!  The incredible power of freedom is suddenly present! Now I blow candles out, because breathing is very important to me and in  blowing out the candle I visualize myself breathing my intent into the    everything.  For someone else, it would be the wrong thing to do, and it    would most certainly be the wrong thing if they were doing it because it   is what I do. Use the books as guides, but never forget that your own  wisdom should have the final word.

Relax, talk with the divine, remember that you know more about your  insides than does the author of any book, and you WILL discover a  meaningful ritual for Ostara.  And for the next full moon.  And for   waking up in the morning.

Sorry I got windy, but that's Oya for you.

 Peace.
Tempestua