Nisou Kitsune
Resident Anime Freak
Magic is the art and science of deliberately applying consciousness to shape energy and thus affect the world. I emphasize "deliberately" because we do this subconsciously all the time. The placebo effect is a prime example of subconscious magic.
Now, there are two common methods of doing this: ritual "magick" and "direct" aka energy shaping.
Magick to me doesnt have to be deliberate, because like you said, we do it subconsciously too. But, there are also other types of magick, like the sun rise, or the birth or death of someone. Life and Death itself is magick. I guess in some ways, magick to me is /almost/ synonymous with the energy that permeates the Universe. I would call working with that energy/magick "spellcasting" or rit work.
May I ask what you mean by restrictions? Are you referring to safety/ ethical guidelines such as "no love spells," or recommending he start with ritual methods?
Restrictions are the bindings that practitioners place on themselves so that her safety can be maintained, for as you know, magick can be dangerous is precautions are not taken first and foremost.
Both. The safety/ethical guidelines are important, IMO, and everyone who practices magick should at least know them even if they dont practice them. Ritual methods, like ritual practices, are also good places to start because the circle itself is a safety measure so that nothing comes in or out unless the caster wants it to. Not to mention that the specific nature of ritual allows noobs to know whats going on, where to go next, and what is doing what.
If the latter, please elaborate on your stance. I may speak with confidence, but I do not pretend to be the final authority, and if Antibush chooses to begin a magical practice, he should do so with as much information as possible.
(And I may want a One On One debate, if you're willing. )
Maybe I should explain that there is a difference (to me) from ritual and straight magick. Ritual magick is casting involving a circle, and straight magick doesnt have anything other than the person, no circle. What is your definition of energy shaping, btw?
Information is great, and the more he knows, the better prepared he is. However, I know that humans, and esp beginners, will look at the more experienced practitioners and tell them to something off before they go and do stuff by themselves. If he is going to do things on his own, he should be warned, but we shouldnt expect beginners to heed our advice. Lol trial by burning to the ground.