Message #83 - MAGICKNET 
   Date: 11-17-95 15:44
   From: Khephera
     To: Zsig
Subject: magickal questions??????
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@MSGID: 93:9087/1.777@podnet 2cd41452
@REPLY: 93:9190/6.0 88C512CD
@SOT:
On Nov 12 16:19 95, Zsig of 93:9190/6 wrote:

Z> Hello to everyone.  I have been studying magic for a few years, yet I
Z> find myself still a novice.  Lately, I have been beginning to wonder if
Z> I have any idea what I am doing.

You're doing fine.

Z> My thinking about magic is that it is scientific, but I can understand
Z> how religion can easily get involved in it.  Magic can be a very
Z> emotional experience.  Also for the devout, religion is involved in all
Z> aspects of life.

It is both Scientific and Emotional.  Psychology may be where you want to
look to find the relations.

Z> I read the other day on a BBS that doing magic when your particular
Z> planets are out of whack can get you into deep trouble.  I know next to
Z> nothing about astrology.  I have a program that can generate a chart,
Z> but so what---it is all meaningless to me.  Is knowledge of astrology
Z> necessary to performing magick?

Not in the least.  You can do magick anytime, anywhere.  It is true that
doing it at the right times will add a kick to it.  But, neglecting that will
neither harm the spell, or you.  The people you were talking to are obviously
novices.  They are being fooled by all of the "window-dressing" of magick,
and they do not realize that magick comes from Within.  Personally, I am a
Ceremonial Magickian (for the most part)....so you're talking to someone who
uses a LOT of window-dressing.  However, I still understand that it is not
the be-all and end-all of Magick.

Z> I mainly use my intuition for spelling and making rituals.  Often in the

That's the best way to go.  Formal Training is great, but once you learn how
Magick Works, then you end up going back to your intuition again.

Z> midst of ritual or spell it seems to fall flat, as if something more is
Z> needed.  Sometimes I cast a circle and sometimes not.  I have noticed
Z> when I cast a circle I have more focus.  I rarely use salt and water,
Z> and always use oil and incense (or a boiling pot of herbs).

It could be that you simply enjoy ritual.  Some people can just light a
candle and cast a spell.  Some people can just sit down, lay their heads
down, close their eyes, and cast spells.  Some like to perform elaborate and
beautiful Ceremonies.  It all depends on what "speaks" to you.  If you like
the ritual (as you say, it focuses you more) then go for it!  Pile it on! 
Don't be afraid to add your emotion to it.  Magick works BEACAUSE of emotion.

Z> Is it best to continue by intuition?  I do have considerable success.  I

Yes.  Continue.  But, don't overlook the works of those who have been doing
it for years.  You could take a little formal information...and then use that
knowledge to enhance your intuitive practices.

Z> do read, but I find I have toss a lot of what I read out.  It just
Z> doesn't apply, or feels wrong.  The books that I have found the most

That sound about right.  You have to read 10 books to get 1 unit of useful
information.  Your other option is to find a teacher...but if that's
impossible, stick with the books.

Z> At this time I am low on cash and can buy no books, (this will change in
Z> the very near future) but I have access to the Broward Public Library,
Z> Dade Public Library and Florid International University library.  FIU
Z> has a pretty good selection on magic and spells.  That is where I
Z> checked out The Spiral Dance.

The LIbrary and I have been great friends as well.  :)  You may want to hunt
down a book entitled "Modern Magick" by Don Kraig.  It's very simple, written
in an A-B-C manner.  It may help you add some more ritual to your practice.

Z> Now to the questions after all that background.

Z> What is the point of calling to the four corners?  

It balances your energies in an equal manner.  It also calls the Spirits of
the Elements.  Most magick today is Elemental it seems (sometimes Planetary)
and it is nice to invoke the powers of the Elements you will be working with. 
Think of it as calling those powers from within yourself, and bringing them
to the surface.

>How does one raise a
Z> "cone of power alone?"  

Dance, drumming, chanting, singing, etc, etc, etc....Anything that gives you
an emotional high.  Ever heard a song that makes you want to dance?  One that
lifts your spirits no matter what?  That is raising the Cone.  Just take that
to an extreme.  The Cone of Power is simply raising your emotions to their
highest level.

>Once it is raised how do you direct it to your
Z> purpose?  

As you raise the Power, you must hold a mental image (or be looking at a
physical image) of your goal.  For instance, say you wish to heala friend. 
You must picture them competely heald.  DO NOT see them as sick and "getting
better".  You must picture the END result of the spell.  Hold this image as
perfetly in your mind as you can.  It is also best to think of a one-word
phrase that relates, such as "Heal" in this case.  When you can raise no more
emotion within yourself, when you feel as if you are going to burst or fall
flat (or both), then absolutely release ALL the energy within you.  Push it
outward.  Do this by throwing your hands into the air, shouting the one word,
and immediately relax every muscle in your body (you usually fall to the
floor, but you don't have to).  You have just been so active, and now you are
totally relaxed...the power has to go somewhere.  Hold that mental image
until well after the energy has gone.

>If you send the power out then why would you want to "earth
Z> it"?  

Because it is unlikely that you will get each and every last little bit of
energy out of your body.  Plus, you've just been pretty active and
immediately relaxed (think of jogging where they tell you NEVER to just
stop...you have to "cool down" first).  So, you ground yourself out to get
rid of any residue, and to "cool down".  I've always seen post-ritual
grounding done with "Cakes and Ale".  We simply sit around the Circle,
passing some kind of food, and the Chalice, and talk for a while until we are
rested.

>What do you do if you have cast a spell and later realize it was
Z> somehow wrong and bad things are happening?  

You have to ride it out, basically.  Or do a counter-active spell.  The best
thing you can do is a Divination of some kind before you ever cast the spell. 
Ask it what the outcome will be, and follow it's advice no matter WHAT! 
You'll never have the problem then.

>Why do we use rhyming and
Z> rhythm?  Are one or both necessary for an incantation?  Must we take

Because rhyming is very simple, melodic, and "rolls" very easily.  When you
are raising power, it is important that you are not necessarily concentrating
on what you are chanting...you should be concentrating on your goal.  No, it
is not necessary for incantation...but it has it's advantages.

Z> into account the phase of the moon and what house? it is in when
Z> performing magicK?

The moon phase is a good thing to watch....but not anything about houses. 
Again, you can if you wish....but I surely don't.  I do follow moon-phase,
though...if I can.  If I can't, then I don't worry about it.  Again, it just
adds a little kick to it...that's all.  It's not required.

Z> That is enough questions to start with.  If anyone has knowledge to
Z> share, I am sure I would not be the only one to benefit.

Hope all this helped.  :)

Rx: Wiccan Priest, Apiru Wizard, and General Wierdo who really can't be
trusted.  :)
Khephera
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