|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Witchcraft or Wit-Craft:
The Role of Logic in Magick
Definitions of witchcraft and magick - as found in texts other than dictionaries and encyclopedias - make use of words such as "change", "will", "art" and "science". For some, the idea of magick as and art and a science may seem like an oxymoron. What is being indicated by the latter term, however, is that witchcraft/magick requires an approach not dissimilar to a scientific experiment - thorough planning, meticulous preparation and precise execution. In other words, a logical handling of the spell or ritual is vital to obtaining successful results.
It may seem odd to consider logic a part of magick and Witchcraft. Long translated as "the craft of the wise", Witchcraft often seems more of an art, dealing with emotions, desires, creativity. That is not all there is to being wise, however. Witchcraft is, most definitely, "Wit-craft" - a craft of wits - with experience and wisdom (both elements of logic) guiding the practitioner in his or her actions.
Logic plays a very large role in ritual/spell preparation, as highlighted in Phil Hine's article "Analytic Techniques for Sorcery Interventions" (www.phhine.ndirect.co.uk). Hine recommends a practitioner assess the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of a situation prior to taking action. It is true that some witches don't see themselves as "logical" people. This is not to say logic cannot be learned. Instead of rushing in and doing a spell when the household budget gets tight, or someone new appeals to a romantic nature, it is wise - "using one's wits" - to stop and think about the consequences of any magickal action. If a tangible action might prove more effective, it is logical and wise to try that first.
Logic is, overall, the thought process by which a magickian or witch determines the need for a specific working. This protects both the subject of any working, and the individual magickian. Once the circle is cast and the practitioner is (logically) protected from any interfering forces, the artistic, creative and other elements can be experienced.
Protecting oneself not only during a magickal working, but often before and after is logical, as well. Cleansing the self and the ritual area is logical; cleaning up any magickal "debris" afterward is also logical. No witch wants unpleasant entities in the circle during a working, nor does he or she want any uncontrolled energies lingering after the circle is open. This is using one's "wits", covering one's back, or however it may be described.
Every magickal act has consequences (every act, for that matter), as summarized by what is commonly known as the "Law of Cause and Effect". Some call this the "Three Fold Law" or "karma", but it amounts to the same premise, "What goes around, comes around." No matter what a person does, he or she is effected by "backlash" or "residual energies" of such actions. Thus, it is wise, or using one's wits, or logical, to think before taking any action which could adversely affect oneself or others.
In Phil Hine's "Analytic Techniques", he narrows the process down to a few simple steps:
- Think before you enchant
- Ask questions
- Gather intelligence
- Analyze the situation from different angles/ perspectives
All based on logic, it becomes crystal clear that magick/witchcraft is no toy for the unenlightened. A maturity level is necessary to venture into the realm of the witch. It is the balance of logic and art that makes a practitioner's witchcraft truly effective and truly useful.
Home Page Current Issue Past Issues The Frater's Domain Quill's Corner