What is Magick

FiliusBestia

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
What is magick to you, what is the definition that you give it?
Love is the law,love under will?

Frater SOL

Recently I have been contemplating the idea of Magick in light of the philosophical concepts of agent causation & event causation. Most of humanity go about their lives reacting to phenomenon in their environment rather than acting on their own Natural Inclination or Will - this is a perfect example of event causation. OTOH, there are those Free Agents who, regardless external pressure or allowance, persevere to Their own end. These exemplify agent causation which is the mark of a Free Agent or High Adept - a Master of Magick.

...just a thought

616

Jim Eshelman

@FiliusBeastia said

"What is magick to you, what is the definition that you give it?"

My favorite definition is one that connects it to, and distinguishes it from, yoga.

The first verse in the Yoga Sutras defines yoga as the constraining of particular modifications in the substance of consciousness. (Three little Sanskrit words usually need a whole English paragraph to represent them!)

In complementation, I think of magick as the causing of particular modifications in the substance of consciousness.

FiliusBestia

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Thank you for your responses. I was just curious what might be said. I agree with both ya'll.
Love is the law, love under will.

Shachdar

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.

What happened to the good old definition:

"Magick is the science AND art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will."?

I know this individual may be looking for more "in depth" answers...

Just thought I would post Crowley's definition:-)

Love is the law, love under will.

As ever,

James Cruz
Kohen ha-Gadhel
Albuquerque, NM

Sphynx

@Shachdar8=3 said

"What happened to the good old definition:
"Magick is the science AND art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will."?
I know this individual may be looking for more "in depth" answers..."

Indeed and Amen! (Or is it Amoun? or Aumgn?)

That classical definition seems to cover all the bases. Any "in-depth" answers would probably revolve around defining and dissecting the terms "causing" and "Will," and there are long, long threads dedicated to "Will."

As a matter of observance, it seems the original question is more along the lines of trolling; or it could be that the questioner is very new to the game and has not yet examined Book IV, Part III.

Jim Eshelman

I took it that he was asking for individuals' specific preferred definitions - in contrast to standard ones. Not a troll - that is, not attempting to stir friction and discontent - but looking for a range of responses.

(Which is the reason I specifically avoided 'standard' definitions. )

Shachdar

93 Jim,

I fully understand:-)

That's why I said "This individual may be looking for more in-depth answers", or personal definitions.

I didn't at all mean that they were stirring up any friction:-)

Just wanted to post Crowley's definition.

Hope your T.G. was a good one.

93 93/93.'.

James Cruz
Kohen ha-Gadhel
albuquerque, NM

Frater Sabaechit

Magick is the intent and choice to transform one's life, by affecting change.

Update:

Tonight we had our first snow of the season in Westminster. It is beautiful.

My first initial response upon looking outside an hour ago was: "Now this is magick!"