My A to Z Challenge theme is Wiccan Reads.
To learn more about why I chose this subject, go here.
All excerpts are from my current WIP: CRYING FOR MERCY
Click here for more info on the A to Z Challenge.
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M IS FOR MAGIC(K)
MAGIC(K): The art and science of projecting natural energies (e.g. will and emotions) to effect change. The process is natural, not supernatural. It involves building energy, giving it direction/purpose and releasing it. [Note: magick is often spelled with a “k” to differentiate it from stage magic]. It’s possible that Wicca’s magic(k)al aspects confuse because in most other religions only saviors or priests are able to channel energies. Wicca isn’t as restrictive. In Wicca, magic(k) is a natural part of life and therefore also of religion.
By socialwrkrlaura (flickr)
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EXCERPT . . .
“If you’re a witch, does that mean you can do magic?”
Mercy knelt in front of the little girl and gently squeezed her hand. “Anyone can do magic, Sarah. It takes practice, but we all have the ability to focus our energies, our will, and create change.
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Is it easier to believe in magic(k) if it’s not entangled with the supernatural?
Under this definition, do you
think prayer is a type of magic(k)?
VR BARKOWSKI 
I didn’t know that the “k” was used to differentiate it from stage magic. Another interesting post. (:
Thanks, Elise. While the “k” looks a little affected, it makes sense.
I can’t see how magic is not supernatural aside from David Copperfield type stuff, I mean.
Supernatural means outside nature. Wicca is a religion based in nature, and there’s nothing unnatural about focusing one’s will or using natural energies to effect change.
Look at it this way. If you were sick and someone told you they were sending healing thoughts in your direction, you would likely: A. be grateful, but skeptical that the positive thoughts would have any effect; or B. be grateful and accept the possibility the positive energies coming your way might actually expedite your healing process. Either way, it’s unlikely you’d consider the person willing you better health to be engaging in the supernatural.
Wiccan’s magic(k)al workings may be more ritualized than the above, but the idea is the exactly the same. Whether you personally believe natural energies and human will can be used to affect change is another matter.
Yes, anyone can do magic: bring light into someone’s darkness by an effort of kindness – take sorrow’s loneliness away by an arm around grieving shoulders – or seeing the miracle in an opening moon flower. As always an insightful post, Roland
That’s one of the things I like about Harry D. He’s always “gathering his will.” The energy comes from within.
Yeah it is all energy and such, so I can see how it wouldn’t be supernatural, until you go all calling forth gods and such, I watch too much tv haha
Ha! There are definitely supernatural elements to Wicca. Soon I’ll be posting about summoning water nymphs. I’m pretty sure that qualifies as supernatural…or something.
I would love to learn how to do magic and magick!
Not something I’ve tried either, Rosanna, except for prayer and meditation.
I had totally never heard this distinction and I LOVE it. And I believe THIS version is possible… and YES, I do think prayer qualifies. Scientific methodology has prooved the real benefit of prayer but the denomination matters NOT AT ALL. I’ve always explained this in energy terms (people collectively willing a thing in a particular direction) and this absolutely fits that.
I agree, Tarty. There are many things we don’t know about natural energies and how they effect the world around us. I think the power of prayer is a perfect example. Although one might argue it wasn’t the prayer, but God’s answer that was responsible for the change.
I love learning new things. I agree that people would be more accepting of Wicca or magic, if they new that the process of Wicca and/or magic was part of the natural, not supernatural element. I have always been fascinated by Wicca, but have ever understood any of it.
Loved the excerpt.
Thanks, Melissa. One of the things I’m trying to do with this story is to create a “normal” Wiccan character. It’s too early to tell whether I’ll succeed. I’m not convinced readers will be interested in a witch with no special powers.
Good afternoon. Could you let me know those authors you mentioned? And you do have eclectic taste in films lol
We are all capable of magick – it’s within us
I sent the authors via email on my phone. I do hope they made it! We hope to have our WiFi back up and running CONSISTENTLY by tomorrow. Of course I’ve been saying that for a month. 🙂
yes I rec’d it thank you. I have computer issues too and even though my techie does use Magick I still have problems.Computers seem to know when we need them most and that’s when they misbehave
They so do! I have an entire manuscript to reformat by the end of the week, along with three other documents to write, plus the A to Z Challenge and this computer won’t let me into my documents because they’re on the network. Um, I should probably quit complaining since at this moment, the WiFi is working. 🙂
that is an intriguing concept. I think magick is really just energy–and prayer is a form of energy too. 🙂 great post!
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Thanks, Nutschell. The other thing about magic(k) I didn’t mention was that it isn’t instantaneous. The energy is released and then the caster waits to see the effect. There’s no abracadabra prest-o chang-o!
I’d like to be able to focus energy and send it forth, whatever you would call it.
I’d like to focus a little magic(k)al energy on my WiFi connection. Although as angry as I am with it right now, the connection might burst into flames. 🙂
EXCELLENT question VI,
Yes, I like the fact that you describe it as NATURAL as opposed to SUPERNATURAL. I believe healing can happen with prayer as well as within. Years ago when I was stricken with crippling arthritis, I had med a new friend who was a natural healer. She was a Reiki mistress. For those who are not familiar with Reiki, it is an ancient asian healing using the energy clear away blockage of the energy flow of the body.
She taught me Reiki and I became a master. I have helped ease pain in myself as well as others. So yes, ANYONE can do magik of this kind. If you believe and channel your energy flow.
How did I not know this about you? I’ve never had Reiki, but I do have an idea how it works with the chakras and energy flow. I was actually thinking of making Mercy a student of Reiki because I know the Catholic Church takes a dim view of the practice, and I thought it might make for interesting conflict. Thanks for sharing this, Michael.
Oh, anytime. I think that would have been a terrific conflict. The Catholic church seems to be against everything these days. LOL.I was raised Catholic … 8 yrs in Catholic school. EEEK! But I no longer believe in many of it’s practices although I still go to mass. But it’s more of a matter of comfort. I love the feeling of old Gothic type cathedrals, or cozy chapels with lots of stain glass, marble, and wood. I guess it’s the artist in me. But there’s just something about them.
Oh, is that why the “k” is used? That makes sense…
I used to think the “k” was added to make the word look mysterious and archaic, but nope, there’s a real reason for it to be there. Thanks for visiting, Liz!
That is a beautiful photo. I’d seen magik with a k before, but didn’t know what the differentiation was.
I like the photo, too, Jai. I think it’s supposed to be a Yule ritual, but it’s so pretty I went ahead and used it.
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