Basics of Magical Theory
------------------------
As I understand magic. To the best of my knowledge.
Magic is the manipulation of energy in such a manner as to achieve a specific purpose. The manipulation must begin small and, as the ripples of a pond, spread in there own time. Cast a spell today and the results may not appear for days, until the energy reaches the intended point. The force of this change may increase the amount of work that is required to sustain the ripples. However, just as the ripples in a pond reach the edge, so do they return unto you. If the change is too great it will cancel itself out, but the wave ever grows until your spell has run its course. Mind then these words; Change not, more than you can afford.
This is why I do not work with magic/magick (however you want to spell it
) very much. There is a price for all things. Even spells require work but they also require time, focus, and energy. This can tax people in ways they are not prepared for. Yes, you can end your part in a spell by no longer focusing on it, but like the spoken word, once loosed never returns the same way it left. Unless spoken in an empty room. You should think well and long on a spells intent. What you want and what the possible consequences may be. Spells can cause harm whether that was the intent or not, just by the way they may move things.-------------------------
The Elemental Factor
-------------------------
The only thing here I can say with any certainty is that the objects and there related element is determined by the objects origin and make up. Most stones that represent fire are often of a volcanic origin. The rest are generally related to earth, obviously. Feathers and the like for air as the bird is bound not by the ground. There are a few stones for air and water. I think one for water is turqoise, though I'm not immediately aware of one for air. I know there is one though. I use feathers and the like. And a small bowl of clean water with a pinch of salt. But that's me. Fire is a candle, earth is a rock from my garden, properly cleansed. I used an incense cleansing as I wanted the dirt to stay on the rock. Symbolic reason I guess, It's been years since I got it but I always place back in the garden when I'm done. I believe an Item representing an element should always be returned to it when you are done. Think of it as getting an envoy for that element.
Behind all religion is a small piece of science. Though oft times ignored it remains.
This is not meant as a ditterance but simply as a caution. Know well what you do, and take responsability for your mistakes when you make them, lest they continue to grow. Failure can be the best teacher, though never a kind one. I pass this along as a voice of experience. Do not call up, that which you cannot put down.
-------------------------------
The Use of Wands/Swords
-------------------------------
The use of conductors and insulators on magic is fairly specific but optional. I've reversed them sometimes, and while they have had an distinct effect, the ultimate outcome varied only slightly. The amount of effort was greater though. There is a reason these things oppose or amplify energy passed through them. Wands would ultimately be used in the manipulation of outside energy as a method to protect yourself from drawing too much of it. The world is full of energy and it's abundance makes it easily used. The conductors would be used for the increasing and sending of personal energies as these would need to be increased to have any significant effect outside the body. Think of it as electricity. If your drawing it from an outside source you have to contain it in something insolated and convert it to a level usable. If you are trying to affect the electrical output of something you have to amplify your own current sufficiently to effect the voltage/wattage, of the intended system. The world is massive, we are very, very small comparitively. It stands to reason that an amplifier would need to be used to affect such a large system.
That's my scientific/faith view of it.
I believe that's how it works as it makes sense to me. Others may view it differently, but I've never had an issue with it. A few headaches though. xpAs a general caution, though. Swords and thunderstorms don't mix, please don't use one if there's lightning around.
Wouldn't want to loose any dedicated practitioners. ---------------------
On General Usage
---------------------
The success of a spell is partly based on knowledge and preperation. You have to know what it is your trying to do/change and you have to focus exclusively on it when working the spell. Distractions can have unknown effects or make nothing happen. I've been practicing for nearly 8 years and have not performed many Spells per se but I have done some rituals. Of course my knoledge base and studies haven't even gotten to that as of yet. Spellcasting is not an essential part of Pagan beliefs its part of witchcraft. I am a Wiccan personally but I don't really do spells too much.
Pulling from a great analogy from EUTM way back from when I was on; Casting a spell doesn't mean you just sit back and wait. If you cast a spell to win the lottery you can't just expect it to happen. You have to go buy a ticket. Of course this isn't a certainty either as the lottery is just that, luck of the draw, but you may be able to influence it in your favor. You never know. Just know that what ever you try to do you will have to continue to pursue it by mundane means as well, energy can only do so much.
I've been reading a book of quotations and poetry so my mind is trending that way. I wrote the above and is not plagerized in any way.
Also, I tend to find things written this way stick a little better.
Addendum: This is a work in progress. For an un-edited copy PM me.
I took out a lot of science talk, some may remain in places that I could find no viable alternative word for. :type:
