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Every day I hear myself explaining to someone that Spiritual products
are just that - products and nothing more. They are a means of focusing one's
energy on the task at hand.
This statement doesn't mean that I do not believe (or rather know)
that certain herbs, roots, minerals and scents are extraordinarily helpful in
harnessing the powers of the mind and universe. Creating 'magic' takes vision,
time and dedication. Yes, people do dab a few drops of gambling oil on themselves
and walk into casinos and win big. But in all honesty, this is the exception more
than the rule. Getting consistent results in your spiritual undertakings requires
effort, which is why they call it spiritual "work".
Two means through which one may attempt to change their circumstances
are Magic and Prayer. Both refuse to accept weakness as a limit of endeavor or
to accept the status quo as normal. Both require belief or faith in "the process"
in order to be successful. But, this is where the comparisons end. In order to
determine which way of tackling a situation is best suited to the individual,
it is helpful to discern what each is in its own terms.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is not a power, but a request. It is not so much a technique
as a conversation. To pray is to say 'No' to despair and 'Amen' to the 'Yes' of
the Divine. So, it is the means to end problems and open the door to joy.
We cannot guarantee what Spirit will do with our prayers. This
is good because it means prayer cannot make bad things happen.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James
5:16).
By the same token, we do not know how our requests will be addressed,
if at all.
Prayer is also deeper than words.
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know
not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26-27).
Than, if our agony is more than we can begin to articulate, the
Divine hears that agony which has no words. [This isn't an escape clause. If we
can articulate our prayers, we must.]
If we use Prayer as the basis of our Spiritual undertakings we
must understand that it is not our will which becomes manifest - but that
of the Divine. We may not get exactly what we ask for. We may get more or less.
The belief that the Spirit works in our best interest implies it does not matter.
If you do not ask, you do not receive. If you do not receive, it was not meant
to be.
What is Magic(k)?
For our purposes we shall define Magic(k) as: The belief that
supernatural forces can be controlled, influenced and manipulated by executing
a ritualistic formula, either physical or verbal.
The two key components of this definition are A.) Ritual and B.)
Manipulation. In order for Magic(k) to be effective, it MUST manipulate energy.
This may be God energy, an herbal energy, a spiritual force (such as the Vodou
Lwa or Lucumi Orisha), an elemental or planetary energy, etc.
It must also adhere to the Webster's Dictionary definition of
"ritual":
A prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies.
When one attempts to manipulate or coerce any energy into performing
his/her own will, magic has been performed. This is what takes Magic above and
beyond Prayer. The magician, not the Divine decides upon the desired outcome.
Magical rituals do incorporate prayer-like incantations or spoken
requests. However, in this context the magician understands he can constrain,
coerce, and force the divinity to do his will. Many religions use sacrifices and
elaborate doxologies to induce God to favor requests, grant wishes and perform
miracles upon demand. Is this magic? Yes. Religion and magic are not mutually
exclusive. While often unspoken, they frequently walk hand in hand.
Magic Versus Prayer
So which technique is the preferred method? This question is
not so easily answered. There are a few things you can ask yourself which may
be helpful in guiding you to your best source for success.
- A. What Do I Believe?:
If you truly believe that the Divine answers prayers and cannot be influenced
by intercessions from Saints, Spirits, Ancestors, Alignments or Energies than
stick with Prayer and hope for the best. Don't let me come across as negative
here. The Divine answers Prayers! We know this. It is fine to use candles, incense
or whatever means necessary to set your mind and heart into the most prayerful
state. However, the belief that your Prayers will be answered in accordance to
a preselected path already laying before you, requires you not ritualize. Pray
and hope for the best. In my book, you cannot ask for more than the best.
- B. What Is My Skill Level?:
When considering ritual and magic as a means of influencing the outcome of any
situation, this is probably the most important question one can ask herself.
At the least, magical rituals require three basic components:
- 1. Statement of Intention ~ What do you want? What is the goal you
plan to achieve? Is it attainable? What will you do on the physical or mundane
plane to back up the work? What is your time frame? How will you convey these
goals to your Spirit or source of power?
- 2. Raising Energy ~ How will you connect with your Spiritual Alignments
or tap into Universal Energy? Invocation? Evocation? Chanting? Drumming? Dancing?
Harnessing an Element? Incantation? Meditation? Prayer?
- 3. Projecting Energy Towards Goal ~ Once you have raised the energy
or called the Spirit how will you convey your will and target? How do you get
the energy to where it needs to go?
-
If you do not know what you want and/or do not understand the method or means
of raising and projecting Energy than you probably are not ready for much spell
work. These three simple steps are the heart of every ritual. The planning and
preparation required to conduct a successful spell nor the topics of protection,
releasing/grounding and disposal of ritual items (necessary components of ritual
work) are touched on by this list.
You do not have to be a skilled magus to cast a successful spell. But, you must
have a procedure in place for the three steps above.
- C. Do I Need an Exact Outcome?:
God, Spirit, Ancestors, Totems, Angels, Saints, Elementals and whoever or whatever
else people serve in a religious fashion may be propitiated out of love and duty.
However, they are also expected to provide. With that in mind, one should assess
their situation on the basis of what they need - a specific outcome or a general
resolution of issues.
For instance, if you want to start a new business but have no means to do so,
prayer may be your best bet for success. Using this method, one offers the issue
to the Divine and lets them select the best possible resolution.
By the same token, if you are filling out paperwork for a business loan and want
to increase your chances of approval, magic ritual provides more guarantees that
you will at least affect the target with your energy.
Magic + Prayer = Success
The technique I use for most problems that require ritual also
includes Prayer. Prior to and following my work, I pray to the Divine for assistance
with my work and for an answer to my Prayer. I follow this up with daily prayer
for a predetermined amount of time.
To someone watching me engage in spiritual work, it might seem
as one flowing set of prayers, movements & incantations. However, I am in
fact performing two completely separate works.
Tribble
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