The Definition of Magick

Crowley defined magick and the art and science of causing change according the will. He then makes a beautiful analogy on how writing a book is an act of magick. His will is to write a book. He uses tools (pen and paper), conjures spirits (editors, publishers distributors etc.) and eventually manifests a book.

Donald Michael Kraig thought this inadequate because it means that any mundane act can be defined as magick. Kraig missed the greater point. Every act is magick! Regardless, he added the phrase, “using means not currently understood by Western science.” This neatly says we do weird things but I like Crowley’s definition better.

My definition of magick would mirror my definition of spirituality. Magick is the willed act of unfolding the soul. I can also be a bit more detailed. Magick is the willed act of unfolding the soul by creating meaningful change both within and without, using all means at one’s disposal.

My unverifiable personal gnosis is that the entire universe conspires to unfold our souls. While given events may take place on the continuum of painful to joyful, all of them are capable of allowing us to open up to the sun, if we willfully use them to do so. If we don’t, over lifetimes the process will work on its own. Spiritual people just speed up the process a little…or think we do.

This definition is obviously wrong. People use magick to do all sorts of things that does not unfold the soul, such as petty curses, meaningless sex, hiding from consequences, and the like. That said it is pretty hard to do real magick and not change yourself. It is pretty hard not to see the soul-restricting results of petty magicks. That eventually leads to growth a bit faster than the average human. The only people that successfully do magick that do not grow are the mentally ill and the willfully selfish. The latter group is pretty miserable from what I understand. They may look all happy and satisfied on the outside but inside, they know what they are. Observing the great lengths they go to in order to hide who they really are from others reveals their pain.

So, even though my definition is wrong, I feel it is also right. It is the best definition that I have. Allow me to repeat it.

Magick is the willed act of unfolding the soul by creating meaningful change both within and without, using all means at one’s disposal.

By ‘all means at one’s disposal,’ I mean those things that we consider magick; ritual, spirits, herbs, candle work, etc. I also mean the mundane. See everything you do and encounter as a spiritual experience and you will quickly learn what I mean. You will change.

Future posts will provide suggestions for creating change using everything at your disposal.

Next Topic: The Oath of the Abyss

Suggestions on future topics are welcomed.