Friday, August 27, 2010

Differing definitions of magic

Today, I spent the day writing Law of Attraction articles in my mode as a copywriter. (To the person, who thinks that the Law of Attraction is just a New Age gimmick, just remember that there is a market for these articles and I do need to make a living---who am I to deny myself a living?) Or to be more exact, I finished one five hundred word article (pending cool-down and final edit before submission) and started several others. (I also pulled some weeds, did some laundry and dishes if you are curious.)

During the writing of these Law of Attraction articles, I caught onto the fact that I am using at least two definitions of magic. Around ordinary non-magical people, I am using magic to mean "instant results"; with students of the occult, I am using magic to mean (more or less) "a tool to manifest coincidences."

Either definition will make everyone happy. And I am quite sure that the students of the occult will be more upset with me...especially considering both definitions will be viewed as completely wrong by the most vocal of magicians. For the record, I was copywriting with the expected audience being normal everyday people...you know those people who have never see the inside of a lodge or circle (those whom the only experience they have with magic is the Harry Potter Hollywood Dungeons and Dragons style).

I did find it interesting that I was insisting that the Law of Attraction is not magic, despite the fact that it sure seems to work by the same laws. Again, I was copywriting (my name is not going to be attached to this stuff) for ordinary people...I have to use the vocabulary and definitions that they are familar with.

Anyway, now that you know what my definitions are, I am curious about yours---please leave your definition of magic in the comment section---and if you are using a different definition depending upon who you are dealing with.

5 comments:

S. J. Reisner || Audrey Brice || S. Connolly said...

I define magic/magick as a method of focus that I use to state my intent and manifest my own will (by following through with a plan of action). Basically - it's a mental exercise for me. It keeps me focused on the goal I'm trying to accomplish.

Sincerus Renatus... said...

My own definition is: "Applied mythology."

S:.R:.

WitchDoctorJoe said...

"Wisdom is the proper application knowledge and magic is the result."

WitchDoctorJoe said...

Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge and magic is the result.

Nico said...

I've written about definition of magick and <a href="http://plutonica.net/2008/04/25/magick-and-meaning/>meaning,</a>, and but essentially I'm on board with Crowley: Magick is the art of causing change in conformity with will. Why mess with a simple definition?