A witch using magic
| “ | In the end, magic is all three of the above. It is Art, Chaos, and Science: a blessing, a curse, and progress. It all depends on who calls upon it, and for what purpose. | „ |
| ~ Tetra Gilcrest |
Magic, also known as Magick or Sorcery, is a method of controlling the natural world (including events, objects, people and physical phenomena) through mystical, paranormal or supernatural means.
Overview[]
One who practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources is usually known as a magician or sorcerer, but the labels enchanter, wizard, warlock, mage, magus, necromancer or thaumaturgist may also be used. Ceremonial Magic or Ritualistic Magic is characterized by a wide variety of long, elaborate and complex rituals or ceremonies and a variety of necessary accessories to aid the practitioner.
The belief that one can influence supernatural powers, by prayer, sacrifice, or invocation dates back to prehistoric religions and it can be found in early records such as the Egyptian pyramid texts and the Indian Vedas.
It is used not only by hunters, but by the many witches, warlocks, mages, druids and a myriad of other magical creatures that inhabit the world. Most witches would agree that in order to be able to carry out magic, the mind first needs to be trained in the techniques of meditation, visualization, concentration and imagination. There are three basic sources of natural energy or power used in magic: Personal Power (the power that resides within our own bodies, our life force and willpower), Earth Power (the power that resides within our planet and its natural products, such as stones, trees, wind, fire, water, crystals, oils and scents) and Divine Power (the spiritual power that is charged and channelled by the Goddess and the God).
Description[]
Mystical Arts[]
Magic is oftentimes referred to as "the Art". Magic is perceived by many as an elite discipline requiring artistry and talent, and indeed very few possess the immense creative abilities needed to wield it. Those with magical talent can use it to create things of awe and beauty- wonders without which the world would certainly be a much more miserable place. Therefore, those who name magic a beautiful blessing, brought forth into the world, are in a sense correct.
Dark Magic[]
Magic can also be used for more nefarious means and this had given birth to the term Black Magic (or Dark and Chaos Magic), which is a form of sorcery that draws on malevolent powers, and may be used for dark purposes or malevolent acts that deliberately cause harm in some way. This type of magic has been called chaos incarnate: a primal, dangerous force, merciless and destructive.
In the hands of the unwary it becomes a key that can open the forbidden door, behind which lies ruin and destruction. Therefore, those who say that magic is a curse born of chaos during the Conjunction of the Spheres that will doom this world are also correct. It is usually associated with the "Left-Hand Path" belief systems, which value the advancement and preservation of the self and the pursuit of temporal and terrestrial goals, rather than the "Right-Hand Path", which elevates spirituality, the strict observance of moral codes and the worship of deities. Summoning is the art of using dark magic to summon demons.
Chaos Magic[]
Chaos Magic is an extremely powerful and rare form of magic that can warp reality, used by humans who follow and worship the Ogdru Hem. This form of magic is primarily indicated by a mist like Magenta energy. Due to its very nature, chaos magic is extremely unstable and requires a massive amount of energy and control in order to master it. Chaos Magic seems to generate large quantities of CMBR, relic radiation that dates back to the Big Bang.
Magic of Science[]
Finally, according to others like Ritchie Simpson, magic is science-that is, knowledge which can only be acquired through extensive study, discipline, and hard work; Simpson refers to this kind of magic as techno-magic or technomancy. In this view, magic is progress. It is a process of constant advancement initiated during the Conjunction of the Spheres which brings development, eliminates the ailments of this world, provides answers to the questions that plague mankind, broadens minds, and introduces innovation. It is therefore also correct to say that magic is its own particular science.