Magick (rituals, Earth, pagans, pray, spiritual)

[spiritually inclined]

Is the only way of perceiving magic as some sort of supernatural force, or do some pagans interpret it in a naturalistic way?

For that matter, are there forms of paganism in which magic is not practiced? Is that rare?

James

[Storm]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

Is the only way of perceiving magic as some sort of supernatural force, or do some pagans interpret it in a naturalistic way?

No, a naturalistic understanding is rather common, or at least was in my social circles. Basically, I believe it's life force, chi, and "Magick" is the art of calling out for aid from the chi of others.

For that matter, are there forms of paganism in which magic is not practiced? Is that rare?

None that I know of.

[ayani]

i havea question... among most pagans, is there a clear difference between "prayer" and "magick"? what are the distinctions?

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by gracie

i havea question... among most pagans, is there a clear difference between "prayer" and "magick"? what are the distinctions?

Most will tell you that Prayer is asking God(s) to do something for you and leaving it at that to do what they do. While Magic(k), is someone doing it for them self, with put the help of an out side force. Though there are some magic(k) rituals that call on the Gods for help, but from my understanding it's for them to lend you there power so you can do it on your own.

[Runt]

Originally Posted by Grimmjow

Most will tell you that Prayer is asking God(s) to do something for you and leaving it at that to do what they do. While Magic(k), is someone doing it for them self, with put the help of an out side force. Though there are some magic(k) rituals that call on the Gods for help, but from my understanding it's for them to lend you there power so you can do it on your own.

I would agree with this but add that, at times, the two can overlap. For example, magick that is intended to heal (emotionally, physically, spiritually---people or the earth itself) might also be a sort of... prayer in action, if you will.

[Mike182]

Originally Posted by Runt

I would agree with this but add that, at times, the two can overlap. For example, magick that is intended to heal (emotionally, physically, spiritually---people or the earth itself) might also be a sort of... prayer in action, if you will.

i agree with this, the example i would use is that of asking a Deity to aid you in your magic for healing.

[Circle_One]

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

Is the only way of perceiving magic as some sort of supernatural force, or do some pagans interpret it in a naturalistic way?

There is not only one specific way to approach magick, that would be like saying there was only one specific way to approach religion--not that magick in and of itself is a religion, it's not--but magick, as a form, in its truest sense, is only what the practitioner perceives it to be, and nothing more.

It's a supernatural force, if you believe it to be so. It's a naturalistic force, if you believe it to be so. "Magick" is nothing more than what you perceive it as.

For a quick example: When you hear people talk about white or black Magick... there's no such thing. Magick has no color. Magick chooses no sides. It is solely the heart of the practitioner that decides whether the "force" will be used for good or bad. In all senses of the word, Magick, and the power that creates it, is neutral.

For that matter, are there forms of paganism in which magic is not practiced? Is that rare?

James

There absolutely are forms of Paganism that don't practice Magick. It's not a prerequisite to joining the team. A lot of people will tell you that you NEED to practice Magick in order to consider yourself Pagan, but that's ********. You need only have the ideologies of a Pagan, to be a Pagan.

There are many Pagans, and many people from many diverse Pagan religions that don't practice Magick, even though others from there same religion(s) practice it.

[mostly harmless]

Originally Posted by gracie

i havea question... among most pagans, is there a clear difference between "prayer" and "magick"? what are the distinctions?

Personally, I tend to think that prayer IS a form of magic...

[Lemon]

I'm a solitary pagan, so I'm not associated with any group. But, I don't practice magic and I'm not too sure if I'm a believer in it anymore. It's all because I had a sort of "mental breakdown" last year, which forced me to simplify my beliefs. It took me a few months to even start praying and believing in gods again, so it's probably normal that my belief in other things is still gone.

[spiritually inclined]

Can't one use magic to achieve a spiritual experience or a connection to one's inner self or the divine without using it to bend or shape physical realities? I'm not sure that I believe in the power of magic to change circumstances in my life (other than serving as a motivator) but I am interested in using it to achieve trancendence. Is that something pagans use magic for as well?

James