Magical Practice Theory

[-Ember]

Random musings between phone calls at work question:

So, what is your opinion of how one should begin approach the practice of magic?

Please explain/expound your theory....

Related question:

What is the ultimate goal of a magical practice, and how does this begining move one toward that?

[zilith]

I think that it is a natural part of us and that people should use it as much as possible to bring it out.

As for your other question, I think that the goal varies from person to person. For my it is just to gain knowledge and improve my life.

[Pandoras]

I believe that magick is radically individualistic, but I think that it is essentially a means to achieve something. I think it was Crowley who defined it as the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will. For some people, magick might be a tool to achieve something as seemingly mundane as a better job. Others might practice it to overcome personal inhibitions and limitations. Some use magick to annihilate or free the ego in order to discover the true self. Magick is used to connect with the Divine and spirits. There are many ways and reasons to practice magick.

I think the best way to approach magick is by reading about the theories and then putting them into practice. Although I don't practice much magick myself, I don't see anything wrong with practicing it as needed or as often as you want. There are many books you can look at by authors like Aleister Crowley, Doreen Valiente, Amber K, Isaac Bonewits, the Farrars.

[Paracelsus]

I'm not always a big fan of Old Crow, but his advice "Invoke often" seems to be the best bet if you want to get good at magic - reading is all very well, but most of what you read will be "recipes" - get hold of a really excellent practical magick book (of which there aren't many - I would recommend Jan Fries' "Visual Magick"), and practice, practice, practice, until you're sick of it, then practice some more.

[jelly.belly]

Of course, practicing is essential, but you have to start with little things, I mean, I can't really see a beginer doing this huge ceremonial magic if he doesn't know how to actually concentrate... You really have to know what you're doing, start with small things and then go further and explore.

[John_Mischief]

Practice makes perfect.

It's like playing an instrument; no amount of theory alone is going to make you a great player. You have to actually get the instrument in your hands, become familiar with it, and play it.

Theory, is of course, a nice thing to know, and I think it's probably a good idea to become familiar with a least the basics of it, but it's most important to actually do it.

I'm not saying start doing elaborate CM-esque things, but still, you've got to jump right in. Do small stuff, get comfortable, and gain confidence. Once you've got that down, it's much easier to move on to bigger sorts of things.

[Kendrah]

This there any other way of building faith in your faith and your abilities then to do things and see results? With a way like Witchcraft, it's almost impossible to truly know it by reading books. It's not a book religion. So I vote whenever possible...

[Hærfest Leah]

I say to take baby steps. I have chosen to start with the small easy stuff 1st and then move up.

[SylverStar]

Hmmm well of course study is essential I think but than again so is hands on. When I started I studied a lot and I also did a lot of magickal workings I probably should have waitied on...but I don't regret doing them because the were mostly successful and gave me more faith. So I think though one should know what they are doing before they do it...they should also just do it...not just read about it.