Clarity 101
Magic & Responsibility
[originally published in Spiralheart Newsletter - Winter 2004-5]
Magic & witchcraft is a path of both great risks & rewards. As witches, we recognize ourselves as no longer simply children of Deity, making pleas for our wants to be met, but now grown-ups & co-creators, with the ability to invoke and shape the forces to bring about what we desire. Almost all religious traditions, whether in their main ideology or in their more mystical offshoots, provide a path of this expression. Such power, however, also brings the equally “adult” potential to Really Screw Things Up.
An important piece of handling magic wisely is to understand where our desire for a particular outcome comes from, our “intention”. No matter what our intention may be - mundane or magical - we are responsible for the outcome of our actions. Being clear about our magical intention, and acting from a strong, centered place within, can go a long ways toward ensuring that our magic will bring about the best possible outcome.
One way to help clarify intention is to perform self-purification, in order to better understand ourselves. Purification - through such vehicles as meditation, prayer, fasting, cleansing - is not done to put ourselves down as evil or polluted. Instead, it is a way to release unhealthy blocks, further refine our character, and deepen the channels of our relationship with Deity. Purification helps us to open our eyes & truly know who we are, so we can begin to release that which no longer serves us.
Knowing our whole selves (shadow & bright) is important too, as our whole selves informs our intention. Our shadows serve us just as much as our brightness, altho if we deny our shadows, their power can impact our lives (and magic) in painful ways. Acknowledging the shadow energy that informs our intention can often be enough to ensure the shadow energy doesn’t subconsciously “take over” the shaping of the spell or magic. It’s not necessary to have resolved or integrated all our shadow aspects to create a clear intention; simple recognition of fears, jealousies, shame etc. can be enough.
Knowing our emotions is also important. Casting a spell in a blind emotional reaction to something has the highest potential for backfiring. When we finally re-center, we might realize that we were wrong, or misinterpreted the situation, or in the heat of the moment didn’t realize that there was another way. Then it’s too late, the spell is already out there. Depending on our tradition, we can sometimes work a counter-spell, or perform an “un-doing”, but it doesn’t always work. Holding off performing magic until some sort of emotional equilibrium is achieved is a good guideline. We don’t have to lose the emotion of anger/sadness/what-have-you, but knowing the emotions that inform our intention can help guide us in determining whether we should go ahead, or wait until we can re-center.
Working magic in a group also brings it’s challenges of intention and clarity. For instance, in a public ritual, if the ritual leaders don’t communicate the intention clearly, most often the outcome is that nothing happens. Everyone involved has such a different idea of what the ritual’s intention and/or outcome should be, and approach it from such different states, that the energy simply loses shape once the cone is released. Purification and grounding by the group, before the magic begins, is a good start towards bringing everyone “in” to the magic on a more equal mental & energetic footing. A strong intention, stated clearly & repeated, further clarifies the work to be done.
As a side note, if we’re in a group ritual and the stated intention doesn’t feel right, or if the energy takes shape in a way that causes concern, it is up to us take responsibility and cut ourselves out of the work. It could be that the work is something we (as individuals) aren’t called to do. It could be that the work is being formed by unacknowledged (or deliberately hidden) energies brought in by the other participants or leaders. The energy could also be a reflection of something unresolved within ourselves, and our projection of it upon the group. This is another case where purification, in group and on our own, can help.
One final suggestion: whether in a group or by ourselves, adding a heart-felt caveat to the work such as “may this be done to the benefit of all, and harm to none, according to free will” can help shape the intention and magic for the best possible outcome.
What’s written above doesn’t cover all aspects of how to develop clarity of intention, and responsible magic-making. To those of us new on the path of witchcraft, wielding the power of “spiritual adulthood” can often best be learned by first practising & gaining mastery within a structure, tradition or path that has been walked upon and tested by others. Feedback from trusted peers and/or teachers on the same path is invaluable. Ultimately, the most important thing is to take the time to grow our skills with care. Know that you are responsible for the fruits of your labors, and be prepared to deal with the outcome! May the outcome of your efforts be healthy and positive.
