Magick: An Overview
© M. Williams
Written records also offer insight into the practice of magick in early civilizations. The Egyptian Book of the Dead, for example, leaves us in little doubt as to the importance of magick to the ancient Egyptians. It is the earliest recorded description of the practice of ritual magick and includes rites and incantations necessary for the smooth transition to the otherworld. Egyptian hieroglyphics were also considered to have magical properties and were considered sacred as they represented the speech of the gods.
Those who scoff at the idea of magick do so on the grounds that its principles are not based in logic and cannot be scientifically proven, thus effectively closing the door to the possibilities of magick's efficacy. But many commonplace concepts of the modern era were once considered to be firmly and inextricably linked to magick. Writing, for example, was long relegated to the realm of magick before it became widely accepted and practiced by the multitudes. Throughout history anything new and seemingly inexplicable was considered magick. Indeed, many so-called "witches" were put to death because of their understanding of the uses of herbs to affect healing--now a respected branch of modern medicine. Thus it remains possible that much of what we consider magical today may someday become irrefutable scientific fact.
However it is defined, there can be little doubt as to the existence and widespread belief in magick. To some it is a means of acquiring personal power, while to others it represents a method for reaching greater spiritual awareness. It may be that its power lies solely in the workings of our own psychology. It is said that faith can move mountains, and the beneficial effect of positive thinking upon the outcome of important events is well documented. It may be, too, that the power of magick does lie within the realm of the supernatural. Regardless of the source, there is no denying the common belief in magick, and such belief would not be manifest if magick was completely ineffectual--if it was all smoke and mirrors.
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