MUSINGS FROM A MAGICKAL PERSPECTIVE For the last thirty-five years I have been an active practitioner of Magickal Arts. Along the way I realized that neo-paganism and witchcraft defined the nature of my spiritual path. Spirituality is a personal thing with me. I do not believe in mediators, masters or gurus, although I learn from everyone and everything I come in contact with, as long as I keep an open mind and heart

I have danced in circles, participated in sweat lodge rituals, and joined various magickal groups, culminating in leading a Wiccan coven as high priest. I have become an elder in the local pagan community. But dogma is an impediment to my personal growth and I am not motivated by any hierarchical philosophy. Hierarchies tend to cause conflict of interest between spiritual growth and ego-oriented opportunities, such as power and control issues.

I have enjoyed observing, participating in and facilitating the expression and growth of neo-pagan, Wiccan, and magickal pursuits. I believe there is a rebirth of spirituality taking place, and it is evident in the above-mentioned paths. Magickal philosophy is on the upswing and is here to stay as a valid form of spiritual expression. It will continue to evolve and expand into general consciousness, planet-wide. I believe that it has always been part of the collective unconscious, a seed long ago sprouted, but now growing stronger and blooming in the hearts and minds of more and more people every day.

There are key fundamental characteristics that I have observed while walking my path:

There is a difference between religion and spirituality. Religion has historically been a system of dogma and behavioral control, and is usually characterized by an external authority symbol or figure. Spirituality is an internal phenomenon requiring no such system.

Those who truly facilitate spiritual growth in others show no evidence of an imbalance between ego and the higher self. The connectedness between all and everything is revered and manifested through the facilitator’s actions, not words

It is a realization that there is an acceptance of all things as having access to understanding and enlightenment, along with the opportunity to be and to express, and to be perfect without judgment.

Neo-pagan/Wiccan spirituality as it exists today is still in an infant stage. We have old dinosaur-type models of reference that we shunned from other religious and spiritual’paths. We have charismatic opportunists in the role of leaders who are otivated by ego, power, and control. Some see being a witch as being a status symbol. I once had an encounter with a local ‘icon’ in the Wiccan community who took extreme offense because I questioned her about her motives and attitudinal behavior. I mentioned that, hopefully, spiritual evolution would do away with such personality orientation. She seemed only intent with impressing me with herself. She approached me in the company of her henchmen/lieutenants/groupies and attempted to intimidate and showboat her ‘talents’ (such redeeming qualities in one who adamantly claims to be a religious and spiritual leader). I was only saddened by this experience as I know this is a common problem in our community. I do remain hopeful and confident for the future, though. I just hope that those folks just taking the step into neo-pagan/Wiccan/magickal paths will not be turned off by these ego-dominated, self-proclaimed ‘leaders’.

I do recognize the fact that the more I learn and experience the more I realize I don’t know. I have tremendous respect for those who can teach me and facilitate my growth. I am grateful to Nature for allowing me to dance and commune in the ways that feel right to me ( I don’t love Nature, but I certainly respect Her). I conjure and evoke the supreme authority in my life, the god/goddess that thrives within Myself.

In closing, please consider the following:

True Magick is akin to the principles of water, which follows the path of least resistance. When we practice magick we must first open ourselves up as channels to allow the free flow of energy in accordance with Nature’s laws. If we try to exploit or manipulate those laws by attempting to control them or exercise power over them as a result of misguided ego, we constrict that flow and isolate ourselves from the connectedness of all life, alienating ourselves; and then there’s karma to consider. True Magick is a realization of the higher Self and the family of which we belong; the true magick is the realization that we can flow wherever we choose, and become whatever we choose. That which we seek becomes attainable as long as we are in harmony with Nature and all that is a part of that Nature. This ensures the magnificence and the glory that is life, from which we all can benefit.

…Ego thrives in darkness; THE SPIRIT IS ALL ILLUMINATING!

c. CKEVN, 1993, 2007.