In a world full of wonder and mystery, the concept of God and the existence of magic often intertwine. Many people believe in the existence of a higher power, a divine being that governs the universe and guides human lives. This belief stems from a deep sense of spirituality and faith, where individuals find comfort and solace in their connection with something greater than themselves. The belief in God as a living entity is rooted in religious traditions and teachings that have been passed down through generations. Different religions have their own understanding of God's nature and characteristics, but the common thread is the recognition of a supreme being who created and sustains all things. This belief is not limited to any specific culture or time period, as it has been an integral part of human existence across various civilizations.
God is Alive, Magic is Afoot! | Leonard Cohen
Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it yields a grand harvest.
― Jesus of Nazareth, Gospel According to John, 12:24.
What didn’t you do to bury me But you forgot that I was a seed.― Dinos Christianopoulos, ‘The Body and the Wormwood.’
The journey to our next Octave feels arduous right now for so many of us.
But when the principalities and powers bellow their death-dealing “No!”, I’m grateful that a different Note can be heard ― in the distance, in our innermost hearts ― singing us into a resounding “YES!”
Your new-life-from-the-dead might feel delayed in its arrival.
Or “contents may have shifted during delivery.”
If so, I resonate. Perhaps you’re exhausted, like I feel some days. If this is you, I invite you to hear these words from St. Leonard of Toronto:
Avoid the flourish. Do not be afraid to be weak. Do not be ashamed to be tired. You look good when you’re tired. You look like you could go on forever. Now come into my arms. You are the image of my beauty.These are some of my favorite songs, celebrating the unexpected splendor of new life out of anticipated death. I hope they give you a few moments to reconnect to that quickening within yourself, and those you love.
Happy Easter, all you resurrection artists.
God is alive, magic is afoot
God is alive, magic is afoot
God is afoot, magic is alive
Alive is afoot, magic never died
God never sickened
Many poor men lied
Many sick men lied
Magic never weakened
Magic never hid
Magic always ruled
God is afoot
God never died
God was ruler
Though his funeral lengthened
Though his mourners thickened
Magic never fled
Though his shrouds were hoisted
The naked God did live
Though his words were twisted
The naked magic thrived
Though his death was published
Round and round the world
The heart did not believe
Many hurt men wondered
Many struck men bled
Magic never faltered
Magic always led
Many stones were rolled
But God would not lie down
Many wild men lied
Many fat men listened
Though they offered stones
Magic still was fed
Though they locked their coffers
God was always served
Magic is afoot, God rules
Alive is afoot, alive is in command
Many weak men hungered
Many strong men thrived
Though they boasted solitude
God was at their side
Nor the dreamer in his cell
Nor the captain on the hill
Magic is alive
Though his death was pardoned
Round and round the world
The heart did not believe
Though laws were carved in marble
They could not shelter men
Though altars built in parliaments
They could not order men
Police arrested magic
And magic went with them
For magic loves the hungry
But magic would not tarry
It moves from arm to arm
It would not stay with them
Magic is afoot
It cannot come to harm
It rests in an empty palm
It spawns in an empty mind
But magic is no instrument
Magic is the end
Many men drove magic
But Magic stayed behind
Many strong men lied
They only passed through magic
And out the other side
Many weak men lied
They came to God in secret
And though they left him nourished
They would not say who healed
Though mountains danced before them
They said that God was dead
Though his shrouds were hoisted
The naked God did live
This I mean to whisper to my mind
This I mean to laugh with in my mind
This I mean my mind to serve ’til
Service is but magic
Moving through the world
And mind itself is magic
Coursing through the flesh
And flesh itself is magic
Dancing on a clock
And time itself
The magic length of God
‘God is Alive, Magic is Afoot’
Originally published in the novel Beautiful Losers
Read by Leonard Cohen, right here:
My friend Alana Levandoski recorded three mini concerts over this Easter Weekend for her Patreon patrons, and was moved to share them more widely. Her songwriting and craft are a real treat! To listen to the reflections and the songs, go here.
And finally, here are a couple perennial favorites for this season:
Roll away your stone I will roll away mine
Together we can see what we will find
Don’t leave me alone at this time
For I am afraid of what I will discover inside…
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’ power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour
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About Mike Morrell
Mike Morrell is the collaborating author, with Fr. Richard Rohr, on The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation. He's also the founder of Wisdom Camp, a retreat for mystical misfits, and a founding organizer of the justice, arts, and spirituality Wild Goose Festival. Mike curates contemplative and community experiences via Relational Yoga, the ManKind Project, and Authentic North Carolina, taking joy in holding space for the extraordinary transformation that can take place at the intersection of anticipation, imagination, and radical acceptance. Mike is also an avid writer, publishing consultant, author coach, futurist, and curator of the book-reviewing community, Speakeasy. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Asheville, North Carolina.
God is alive magic is afoot
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We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.This belief is not limited to any specific culture or time period, as it has been an integral part of human existence across various civilizations. The notion of magic, on the other hand, brings a sense of awe and enchantment. It is often associated with supernatural abilities and phenomena that go beyond the laws of nature.
God Is Alive / Magic Is Afoot
from Up Where We Belong by Buffy Sainte-Marie
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God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot
This is the title of the first song on Buffy Sainte-Marie’s 1969 album Illuminations. Lyrics penned by Leonard Cohen with music sung by Sainte-Marie; the intense song sets the tone for a wonderful album. This Folk-Rock masterpiece takes the listener to many places with a good variety of compositions. There is a thread of mystery by way of song transitions using Moog synthesizer. Sainte-Marie treads into experimental music and there are eerie, yet compelling moments.
Krist and Jillian discovered this work in early 2020 and were captivated. This overlapped with their writing sessions; assuming they were composing songs for the next Giants in the Trees album. Illuminations hung over the writing sessions like a thought or emotion, a fragment of consciousness that cannot be shed. It was about the vibe and not any individual song.
The writing progressed and songs were recorded. Then the fateful discovery of the Grunge demo compact disc occurred. Changing winds had the two songwriters pivoting to jam sessions in Seattle with Kim, Matt and Bubba. This convergence not only required travel across the state; the music also followed another path. As listeners of the album know, these new musical associations are not on the Alt-Folk trip.
The question of what to do with the material lingered? There were various ideas of how to move forward. Personal circumstances and longstanding commitments needed to be considered. It was Krist who pushed things through. Something had to be released and this is how 3rd Secret came so abruptly into the world.
What are the rules about releasing a record early in the third decade of the 21st Century? And how do these rules, if any, affect some players who can deeply relate on life experience? Kim, Matt and Krist share personal experiences. These fellows not only had musical jam sessions, there were connections with those fragments of consciousness that cannot be shed. In other words, some things really matter, and some like just dropping a record, not so much when considering the big picture. Indeed, it is a tremendous luxury to be in the position of dropping a record without any promotion.
There is such a connection, and passion, the whole group want to keep making music together.
IMAGE: Buffy Sainte-Marie Illuminations (1969) Album cover / Man pointing under license of Alamy Images.
(© 2022 3rd Secret; All Rights Reserved)
Magic can be found in the realm of fantasy and fairy tales, where witches, wizards, and sorcerers possess extraordinary powers that defy logic and reason. However, magic can also be seen in the inexplicable wonders of the natural world, where beauty and complexity arise from seemingly ordinary and mundane processes. The idea that God is alive and magic is afoot suggests that there is a hidden realm of existence that goes beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses. It implies that there is more to life than what meets the eye and that there are deeper forces at play in the universe. This belief taps into our innate curiosity and longing for answers to life's biggest questions – who are we, why are we here, and what is the meaning of it all? This concept also highlights the interconnectedness of all things. It suggests that there is a divine presence that permeates every aspect of creation, bringing harmony and order to the chaos of the world. It invites us to see the world with a sense of wonder and to appreciate the intricate web of life that surrounds us. But perhaps most importantly, the belief in a living God and the possibility of magic serves as a reminder of the power of hope and faith. It instills in us a sense of wonder and possibility, urging us to embrace the unknown and to live with a sense of purpose and meaning. It encourages us to look beyond the limitations of our human understanding and to embrace the mysteries of existence. In conclusion, the belief in a living God and the existence of magic speaks to the depth of human spirituality and our innate desire for something greater. It nurtures our sense of awe and wonder, reminding us that there is more to life than what we can comprehend. Whether through religious traditions or our own personal experiences, this belief shapes our worldview and invites us to explore the magic that surrounds us. As we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities, we may uncover a world full of miracles and enchantment, where God is indeed alive, and magic is truly afoot..
Reviews for "From Wicca to Worship: Exploring the Different Paths to Connect with the Divine through Magic"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "God is alive magic is afoot" to be quite disappointing. The writing style was overly poetic and obscure, making it difficult for me to understand the central message of the book. Additionally, the author seemed to rely heavily on metaphors and symbolism, leaving very little room for clear and direct explanations. This made the book feel excessively abstract and pretentious. Overall, I struggled to connect with the narrative and felt frustrated by the lack of clarity.
2. Sarah - 1 star
In my opinion, "God is alive magic is afoot" was a complete waste of time. The book lacked a coherent plot or structure, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. The constant use of flowery language and philosophical musings only served to further confuse me. I understand that some may appreciate the ambiguity and poetic style of this book, but it was not for me. I found it pretentious and ultimately unenlightening.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I tried to give "God is alive magic is afoot" a chance, but it fell short of my expectations. The author's writing style was overly dense, filled with unnecessary metaphors and convoluted language. It felt like the book was trying too hard to appear profound without actually offering any substantial insights. I struggled to make sense of the message hidden within the abstract prose, and as a result, I ultimately found the book to be a tedious and confusing read.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I must admit that "God is alive magic is afoot" did not resonate with me. The author's choice to communicate their ideas through obscure poetry and convoluted metaphors made it difficult for me to grasp the intended meaning. I prefer books that provide clearer explanations and concrete examples rather than relying on abstract concepts. While I can appreciate the author's attempt at creating a unique and thought-provoking work, it simply did not connect with me on a personal level.