What is Magic? by Robin Baker

What is Magic? by Robin Baker

Magic has been known and used successfully for thousands of years, and is still being used today. The word magic probably comes from the Greek phrase Magike techne, which translates as “the art of the Magi.” The Magi were learned people who studied a variety of subjects, including astrology, alchemy, the power of stones, the unlimited powers of the mind and the spirit, and the astral planes.
The prospect of doing magic attracts many people to Wicca. However, magic is not actually part of the Wiccan religion. In fact, magic is not a part of any religion, but can be performed on its own without believing in any deity, although belief in deities aids the magician in this work. Magic is a system of using certain words, gestures, devices, and techniques to acquire what is desired. In fact, every act of strong-willed thought and every emotion-filled prayer are acts of magic.
In occult language, magic is finding a pressure point in the web of the world’s energy and knowing how to gently apply mental energy and will to change the out-come of an event or desire. Magic is the mental art of changing consciousness so as to alter physical reality at will. One can tap into this web of energy through the practice of self-control, meditation, and certain techniques, such as candle burning. Learning how and where to apply the pressure takes much practice and patience.
Knowledge equals power equals energy equals matter equals mass, and mass distorts space. In other words, by learning everything you can, you accumulate power. All power can be shaped into energy. Matter itself has mass. Mass will distort space so that it can take a form. When space is distorted, or moved, the mass can materialize from one plane of existence into another.
Witches and ceremonial magicians realize the truth behind magic, and apply the above equation, even subconsciously, whenever they perform the magic. They go one step beyond the commonplace use of candles and stones, however, to assure success with their magic. They perform their magical spells within a cast and consecrated circle. When a Witch is standing in the center of her magical circle, she is literally I a position of power unequalled anywhere in the physical world. The cast circle creates a space that is on the boundary between this world and the Otherworld. While working in this space between the worlds, the magician can more easily tap into the universal energy needed to make a spell work. Magicians can also call upon the Elements for power and aid in manifesting their desires through magic. They can expect to see those desires manifested into their physical world.
Magic is not instantaneous, nor does it violate the laws of nature. For example, you can do all the magical spells you want, but you will never change lead into gold. Lead by nature is not gold, nor does it have the composition or nature of gold. Also, the results of a spell must build up over a period of time until the willed desire manifests. To increase the rate of success, the Witch should never count on one performance of a spellworking. The spell must be done consecutively for three, five, seven, or nine days. 
Magic not only can produce manifested physical results, it is a technique that is valuable because it opens the inner door to the hidden parts of the self. It can also connect the inner self of a Witch with the inner selves of all other humans, including the ancestors and deceased Witches from the past.
The stereotyped image of an old Witch with warts casting curses is merely negative propaganda. People who pray for someone’s death are just as guilty of cursing. The magic lies within the person and their intent. Strong emotional thoughts are capable of manifesting the thought-of desire. You do not have to be a Witch or practice magic to be guilty of producing negative actions.
Magic, correctly taught, always comes with the warning to avoid deliberately harming anyone. An experienced Witch may feel compelled to take on the removal by natural means of evil people, but does not put death curses on someone because of disagreements or because, for example, two people desire the same man or woman. Witches know that irresponsible actions come home to roost, frequently with devastating consequences. Karma does not care whether you believe in it or not.
The art of magic is learned by study, practice, patience, and persistence. You do not acquire skill in magic instantaneously.
Isaac Bonewits, in Real Magic, writes that the only difference between magic and science is that magical knowledge hasn’t been confirmed yet or accepted by scientists.
Many of the things we take for granted today, such as astronomy, chemistry, medicine, physics, reading, mathematics, and writing, were all once occult secrets.
So, in a fashion, everyone who works magic is stretching the limits of knowledge and delving into new frontiers, which someday will be acknowledged as ordinary.