Who is magical? Magic is often associated with mystery, wonder, and the supernatural. It is a concept that has captivated human beings for centuries, sparking the imagination and fueling a sense of awe and fascination. But who, or what, exactly is deemed as magical? In folklore and fantasy literature, magical beings such as wizards, witches, and fairies are often depicted as possessing supernatural powers and abilities. They can cast spells, brew potions, and manipulate the natural elements to create illusions or perform feats that defy the laws of nature. These magical beings are often portrayed as dwelling in enchanted realms or hidden pockets of the world, far removed from the ordinary reality inhabited by humans. However, magic is not solely confined to the realm of fiction.
During a time when the prevailing concept of magic was starting to be regarded as a mere spectacle; as a series of tricks and illusions meant for children, multifaceted British occultist Aleister Crowley got to be known as the Last Great Magus of the West.
During a time when the prevailing concept of magic was starting to be regarded as a mere spectacle; as a series of tricks and illusions meant for children, multifaceted British occultist Aleister Crowley got to be known as the Last Great Magus of the West. Much of the magic practiced by Wiccans is at least somewhat inspired by ceremonial magic, which comes from older occult sources such as the Freemasons and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
However, magic is not solely confined to the realm of fiction. Throughout history, various cultures have believed in the existence of real-life individuals who were believed to possess magical powers. These individuals were often revered as shamans, healers, or spiritual leaders who had the ability to communicate with spirits, perform miraculous healings, or foretell the future.
What is Magic? Aleister Crowley Explains
During a time when the prevailing concept of magic was starting to be regarded as a mere spectacle; as a series of tricks and illusions meant for children, multifaceted British occultist Aleister Crowley got to be known as the Last Great Magus of the West.
Crowley was a member of many secret societies, including the renowned Golden Dawn, a place that harbored members as brilliant as Irish poet W.B. Yeats, and where he got to learn the Hermetic corpus of Western magic, especially what is known as Salomonic magic (derived from King Solomon’s method, and supposedly used to summon the spirits that helped him build his temple).
Salomonic magic, often referred to as black magic, posits a complex system for the invocation of angels and demons, and for achieving changes in nature by operating through them. This is the sort of magic that is often represented by the use of spells, incantations and rites.
The enochian language, or “language of the angels”, the Kabbalah, the Goetia, the sigils and other oracular systems such as the runes, comprise the theoretical basis for articulating an intention and its operative resonance in nature. Curiously, however, all this arcane science did not figure into what Crowley himself considered true magick —if anything, he encouraged his pupils to learn all the theory they could only to get rid of it later. For him, magick was fundamentally a psychological system meant to conduct human will towards a complete command over his individuality.
Crowley recognized that the invocation of entities through magick was an inherent part of our psyche. In his Introduction to Lemgeton Clavicula Salomonis he explicitly states, “the spirits of Goetia are part of the human brain.”
He named his system “Thelema”, which means will. And will, as in Schopenhauer’s and Nietzsche’s philosophies, is at the center of his model of nature. Intention, just like concentration or directed flight, is one of the most recurring themes in Crowley’s vision of magick.
Magic, as he explains, is the “Science and Art that provokes Change in conformity with the Will”, and that “all intentional acts are acts of magic.” So, like Schopenhauer, Crowley noted that will had the agency to merge with the primordial flow of the universe —So, in order to act upon nature all that was needed was to channel that will together with intention.
The magus maintained that human beings, by nature, have the capacity to produce changes in their environment, and that the only requirement to prompt this was to follow one´s own path; that is, to do as we wish. In his book Magick in Theory and Practice, Crowley explains:
“Anyone who is forced from his own course, either through not understanding himself, or through external opposition, comes into conflict with the order of the Universe.” He goes on to say that “Magick is the Science of understanding one’s self and one’s own situation. It is the art of applying this knowledge in action.” It seems almost as if his definition of magic could have come from a psychology manual on the importance of self-knowledge.
The secret of Crowley’s system, based on individuality and self-knowledge; or better, on the practice of individuality and self-knowledge, lies in the belief that the individual is a microcosmic image of the universe (or of God). Therefore, if someone applies this understanding by using his intention, he will be using the intention of the universe.
This is, perhaps, how magic operates.
They were seen as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, and their actions were regarded as supernatural or divine. In a broader sense, magic can also be seen as a symbol or metaphor for the extraordinary and unexplainable elements of life. It can represent the beauty and wonder that exist beyond the boundaries of logic and reason. For some, magic is found in the intricate patterns of nature, the harmonious rhythm of music, or the transcendent experience of love. It is a way of perceiving and connecting with the world that goes beyond the limitations of the rational mind. Ultimately, the question of who is magical is subjective and deeply personal. What one person may perceive as magical, another may view as mundane. Magic exists in the eye of the beholder, and its essence is shaped by individual beliefs, experiences, and perceptions. Whether it is found in the pages of a fantasy novel, the rituals of ancient civilizations, or the everyday wonders of existence, magic continues to captivate and inspire us, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that lie within and beyond our understanding..
Reviews for "The Mysterious Powers of Magocal: A Study of the Unexplained"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I really didn't enjoy "Who is Magical". The story was confusing and the characters were underdeveloped. The plot seemed to jump around without any clear direction, and I found myself getting bored and disinterested as I tried to follow along. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. James - 1 star - "Who is Magical" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing was lackluster and the plot was predictable. The main character was unlikable and their decisions often made no sense. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and would strongly advise others to avoid it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Who is Magical" based on the reviews I had read, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow and the story lacked depth. I found it hard to connect with the characters and their motivations. The overall concept had potential, but it was poorly executed. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this book.
4. Michael - 3 stars - While "Who is Magical" had an interesting premise, I felt that it was ultimately let down by the execution. The writing style was not engaging and the dialogue felt forced. The plot had moments of intrigue, but it was overshadowed by the lack of character development. Overall, this book had potential but fell short of my expectations.
5. Emily - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy "Who is Magical" as much as I thought I would. The story felt disjointed and the pacing was off. I also found it difficult to connect with the characters and their struggles. The ending was unsatisfying and left me with more questions than answers. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to the hype for me.