Magic, or magick, refers to that magic used by practitioners of spellcraft. The practice of spelling magic with a 'k' was popularized by Aleister Crowley. Magic is the harnessing and focusing of natural energy, and can also be described as “science undefined.” These natural abilities can be used to heal, protect, create, and to live a magical life.
Magic itself can be thought of as an ever-evolving system of learning. As individuals become more enlightened and learn to better focus energy toward positive goals, magic could very well become useful as a tool for unlocking the power of the mind, such as with psychic healing, remote viewing, or precognition.
Types of Magic
There are many different types of magic across the world, but a basic list would have to include: natural, ceremonial, talismanic, alchemical, chaos, eclectic, and sympathetic magic. Other magics may also fall under the scope of these categories, as well as being categories unto themselves. The concept of high and low magic is moot.
Most modern magic systems incorporate a blending of ideas from many different magical and religious systems. Prayer can even be considered a form of magic in that it is a thought or desire focused upon a goal. Mind disciplines such as yoga and meditation can also aid in the use of magic.
Black, White or Gray?
Most arguments try to make a distinction between the moral implications of whether magic is good or evil. It's not really a question of whether or not magic must fall under one of these categories, but it is more a reflection upon the intent of the spell and accountability of the user. Potential outcomes should be carefully considered.
Just as someone would use magic for healing, there are those who would use that same force to cause harm and should be cautioned against it. Call it karmic backlash, the law of three-fold return, or “what goes around comes around,” but when negative energy is sent out, be prepared for it to return to the sender in an equally nasty form.
The Future of Magic
Magic seems to fall within both the realm of science and faith. Where science would have one believe that magic cannot exist, faith would dictate that there would be no science without first having had a belief in magic. Science may have evolved from magic, but there is a steady movement to explore magic anew.
With practice and research, these old systems of magic may be redeveloped and refined into the bridge between where science leaves off, and the leap of faith will find the answers.
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