Celtic Clip Art Border by Gunther at Synergy.
We take it as understood that in the end all ways and all paths are as one.
That the major differences are in the fine-tuning of the human-magic interface. Differences of approach, style, ritual, etc.
What is common through all of these Paths/Methods/whatever is that they set the human vibrational level to Receptive and Interactive mode.
Having tried in the past through ritual to touch the magic, and having through experience come to this understanding in my own personal touch to the magic I would here respectfully offer to share it.
Firstly we accept the premiss that as pagans we find our lessons mirrored in Nature.
Accepting this, it is no great step to perceiving magic as a force of nature.
Equal with, but different from, the weather systems, tides, and the pulse of planetary being.
We, human beings, have as part of our speci-al make-up the capacity for imagination. From which springs Art, and the intuitive instinctive grasp of magic that is the birthright of our species. From childhood we are taught away from the magic. To accept scientific and literate knowledge as Fact.
Magic being relegated to 'fairy stories' and children's silliness. How potentially wise, our childhood, eh?
The craft of the witches, note the word 'craft', not 'profession', but hands-on, hands-in craft. Founded in and on nature. Craft integral to the human psyche. Craft in which the human being seamlessly interfaces with the great tide of magic. Not as a Superior being.. calling forth and commanding... but as a rightful denizen of this wonderful multiverse of experience and imagination.
This, I believe, is the potential birthright of us all. No amount of training, of art or ritual can hope to compensate for lack of Instinct. Without this fine and powerful tool, our Magical Being wanders unguided and unempowered. Instinct, imagination and intuition brought to full flower and directed by Human Will are the most wonderfully beautiful and incredibly powerful tools that we can hope to attain.
I offer this, not as art, but as a foundation for Craft; the true Craft of the Witches.
The human imagination, coupled with the power of nature and all in harmony with the ebb and flow of the Tides Magical. By conscious effort and personal will to reach out and touch that great flow of magic, and in turn be touched by it.
Touching with honest intent. Giving and Receiving. Becoming attuned. Resonating in harmony. The fundamental birthright of every aware human being.
And the paths to this grove of wonders.?
... as many paths as their are ideas. Its very important at this juncture to fully understand and accept the concept of Equal but Different.
For only in honoring and respecting others can we come to honour and respect ourselves.
There are no 'hard and fast' rules. No goals. No real 'destination'. Just the wonderful journey. Such 'ancient knowledge' as we have, (the rule of three being a prime example) is just plain common sense.
'An it harm none, do as thou will' is an offer to be caring and responsible and a warning that any less is not enough.
All this is plain simple down-to-earth natural common sense. I f you put-out bad, hurt people.. eventually that's what you'll get back.
If you are petty and insincere.. you, the individual, knows what you are, and this effects the body magical.
saintliness is not necessary. Just a good strong questioning conscience, and a sense of Well-directed Will. By giving respect, so you shall receive it. By trusting the instinctual and magical self, one becomes a part of a great magical tide, and in doing so is energetically changed. Becoming more and more, with contact, a magical being. And growing towards this great Human Potential that is part of all of us.
I would not presume to offer formulae, feeling as I do, that I am very much about my own journey.... and so wishing you joy of yours, and good company...
Bright blessings.
Castle Pook,
May 26th. 1999.
Further reading on Instinctive Craft
