Let's Talk About Magical Practices

[JustGeorge]

I wasn't quite sure how to term what I'm speaking of; magical practices was the best I could do with the brain I have. Specifically what I'm talking here is the taking of an action in a religious context, and hoping for some physical result. For the sake of this thread, I'd like to separate this from what I'd term mystical practices(some kind of working with the hopes of inner change).

I think Paganism(Wicca in particular) are most known for magical practices, but I suspect all religions have them.

Perhaps a set of actions or correspondences are put together at the right time and place, or a mantra uttered early in the morning on certain days. Maybe a prayer is repeated so many times, or a fast undertaken, all in hopes of fulfilling some need or desires.

What is your knowledge of magical practices? Are there any in your religion? Do you utilize them?

 

[Heyo]

I wasn't quite sure how to term what I'm speaking of; magical practices was the best I could do with the brain I have. Specifically what I'm talking here is the taking of an action in a religious context, and hoping for some physical result. For the sake of this thread, I'd like to separate this from what I'd term mystical practices(some kind of working with the hopes of inner change).

Interestingly, the latter do work (sometimes, if done right), while the former never do.

 

[Quintessence]

I don't really distinguish between "magical" and "mystical" in the way you propose here. The two flow into one another constantly - doing a ritual to ground to the energies of Earth and Sky for example is both an inner thing and an outer thing. I get both a "mystical" result and a "magical" result. I feel the currents within, and I feel them without. It results in a physical change in my body - it calms me down and relaxes me - which then carries through the day and impacts everyone else around me too.

In any case, these sorts of practices are fairly routine for Pagans and Druids. I spent a lot of time studying it, mostly in my book learning years as a newer walker on the path. Now it is more of the doing and feeling these days. I don't do a ton of spellcraft outside of it being a supporting actor in ritual worship. Dunno why, since it is very fun and I enjoy it when I do it. Guess I don't often feel the need? I just let things go with the flow and trust myself to find my way in the streams?

 

[JustGeorge]

Interestingly, the latter do work (sometimes, if done right), while the former never do.

I've had success, and I know others have, too(from various traditions). But, as this is not a debate thread, we'll have to agree to disagree.

I don't really distinguish between "magical" and "mystical" in the way you propose here. The two flow into one another constantly - doing a ritual to ground to the energies of Earth and Sky for example is both an inner thing and an outer thing. I get both a "mystical" result and a "magical" result. I feel the currents within, and I feel them without. It results in a physical change in my body - it calms me down and relaxes me - which then carries through the day and impacts everyone else around me too.

Yes, the line is blurry.

I've noted, though, there can be very different purposes in rituals... some seem to ask for something tangible, others, intangible. Either is fine.

 

[George-ananda]

What is your knowledge of magical practices? Are there any in your religion? Do you utilize them?

For me it's another subject in this greater universe that I would have once called ridiculous nonsense, but now believe there is something to it. The myriad of entities in the non-physical realms can be asked to get involved with our intentions. And I think older and more primitive cultures are more attuned to this stuff.

I don't personally involve myself in this as I practice mindfulness and positive affirmations and try not to concern myself much with external events.