What is Practical Magick?
Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. If you’d prefer to support local retailers in your area, independent booksellers can often order specific books for you and have them delivered to the store for pick up, for the same price as ordering online.
Practical magick, often spelled "magic" or "magick" depending on personal preference, is a spiritual practice that focuses on the application of magickal techniques and principles to achieve certain desired outcomes or goals. Unlike some forms of ceremonial magick or other ritualistic practices, practical magick tends to emphasize simplicity, accessibility, and results-oriented approaches. It can be as part of every day life and requires little time or money. The most important element of successful practical magick is the intent of the person performing it.
Magickal practices often aim to tap into unseen forces and to influence events and consciousness, similar to how those who believe in Law of Attraction use visualization and affirmations to manifest desired outcomes in their lives. This can be done through ceremonies, like casting a circle with a coven; it can be done through a ritual like setting up an altar and doing spell work, or it can be woven into everyday life, through practical magick.
Practical magick is a flexible and diverse spiritual practice that allows individuals to work on self-improvement, achieve specific goals, or address practical concerns in their lives through the application of magickal techniques. Many different groups including neo-pagans, wiccans and other natured-based belief systems use some form of practical magick as part of their daily spiritual practice. This could look like stirring a pot of soup a certain way, while meditating on a peaceful dinner with your family. Or it could be carrying a certain crystal with you, to protect against as you travel. There are endless possibilities for adding some practical magick into your everyday life.
Magick or Magic?
You may notice that the term Magick and Magic are used interchangeably when referring to witchcraft and the occult and you may be wondering what’s the difference? One theory of why the ‘k’ was added is attributed to the occultist and ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley, who helped to popularize occultism and alternative spiritual practices in the 20th century. Crowly wanted to differentiate illusionary magic (think of a white rabbit being pulled out of a hat) and mystical magick that is associated with spellwork, spirits and the supernatural. However, like many aspects of neo paganism and modern witchcraft, this isn’t a universally accepted truth. As such, some authors opt to omit the ‘k’ from and go with the traditional use of Magic.
Easy Ways to Add Practical Magick to the Everyday
Practical magick is meant to be integrated into everyday life. It doesn't require elaborate rituals or complex ceremonies, making it accessible to people with busy schedules. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to imbue a little magick into your everyday.
Morning Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations, focusing on your goals and intentions.
Candle Magic: Light a colored candle that corresponds to your intention or desire. As it burns, visualize your goal manifesting.
Crystal Charging: Carry a small crystal with you that aligns with your intention. Hold it and infuse it with your desires regularly.
Herb Magic: Use herbs or spices in your cooking that are associated with your goals. Focus on your intention as you prepare and eat your meal.
Moon Magick: Spend a few minutes each night looking at the moon. Focus on your desires and imagine them being drawn towards you with the moon's energy. Read more about the different phases of the moon and how they correspond to attracting and letting go.
Visualization: Before sleep or during meditation, visualize your goals as if they have already been achieved. Feel the emotions associated with your success.
Salt Cleansing: Sprinkle a bit of salt around your home or workspace to clear negative energy. Sweep it up after a few minutes, symbolizing the removal of obstacles.
Charging Water: Place a glass of water in the moonlight or sunlight and set an intention for it to carry that energy. Drink it the next day to absorb its magickal properties.
Gratitude Journaling: Keep a daily journal where you write down things you're grateful for. This positive energy can attract more of what you desire into your life.
Intention and Focus
Practical magick is meant to be integrated into everyday life. It doesn't require elaborate rituals or complex ceremonies, making it accessible to people with busy schedules. Practical magick can be as simple or as complicated as a person wants to make it. Some folks opt to align their magickal intentions with the lunar phases, astrology and planetary activity. Others focus on the Wheel of the Year and different seasons and sabbats. The most important aspect of practical magick is the intent and focus of the individual. Essentially you can have a very witchy aesthetic happening, but if you are not really focusing on what you want to achieve through the use of magick, it likely won’t be very effective.
Ethical Considerations for Practical Magick
Many practitioners of practical magick emphasize ethical principles such as the Wiccan Rede "An' it harm none, do what ye will" or the Law of Threefold Return, which suggests that the energy you put out into the world will return to you threefold.
Practical magick is a results-oriented spiritual practice that seeks to manifest desires through the application of magickal techniques. It can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life and doesn't require elaborate rituals or ceremonies. This flexible practice is embraced by various spiritual groups, such as neo-pagans and Wiccans, and offers countless ways to infuse a touch of magick into daily routines. From morning affirmations to crystal charging and moon gazing, practical magick empowers individuals to work on self-improvement and achieve their goals through focused intent and positive energy. Ethical considerations often guide practitioners, emphasizing the importance of doing no harm and understanding the principle of energy return. Ultimately, the effectiveness of practical magick hinges on individual intent and focus.
