Magic versus Magick? Any feedback?

[OneGrassRoot]

Hi there,

I'd really appreciate input regarding the different spellings, and the difference in meaning?

Thanks! :hi:

[Dervill Crow]

1. Magic = "Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of this hat!"

At least that's what I think of.

Magick is when I am in circle and feel energy being raised and focused. Or when I think of one of my kids and then get a phone call from her. Or when I think, "I'm cold," and my dog snuggles up to me.

Probably a better and simpler explanation is magic is stage magic or sleight of hand and magick is witchcraft.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Therein lies my dilemma....lol

First, thanks for responding. :)

I consider myself as leaning toward Pagan spirituality, so it's not like the word witchcraft wigs me out or anything.

But I'm ghostwriting a book which involves ancient spirituality - specifically voodoo, which originated in West Africa - and in modern-day voodoo (which is more "hoodoo") they refer to magic with regard to rootwork, spells and such.

As we all know, so much is more alike than not within spiritual belief systems, it's usually a matter of different terminology.

I tend to use the spelling "magick" for the same reason you gave: to differentiate it from stage-show, slight-of-hand magic.

Here's a question: do you, or does anyone reading, feel that the spelling "magick" should be used only with regard to Wiccan spirituality? It tends to be the case, but I'm asking if it SHOULD be. Or if the more energy-based meaning of the word can be used in other forms of spirituality regarding rituals and such.

Does that make any sense to anyone? :shrug:

[Wiccan Warrior]

3. The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

That is a good source of reference for ya they sell it at Barnes and Noble.

[Dervill Crow]

4. Yep, that makes perfect sense!

I think magick extends to any spiritual "manifesting" or spellwork. I'm not Wiccan, myself, except I do agree with the Wiccans that deity is both male and female. One of my best friends (we call ourselves twin sisters from different mothers) is a green witch and wouldn't dream of spelling magick without the "k." She is also a writer.

[Why Syzygy]

5. Actually,

I think they spell it "Vodou".
You might be interested in this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=245x50557

I go with "magick" when referring to anything other than stage magic.
But I think the distinction may be a modern and perhaps mostly western one.

[Matariki]

8. oh heh ;-)

[Matariki]

7. Crowley began usingthe spelling 'magick'

And it has become the preferred spelling for folks practicing western occultism. Hardly belongs to Wicca only.

btw, I'm an initiated Vodou priestess. Would love to hear about the book you're writing...

[orleans]

6. dictionary.com references wicca

1,Archaic. magic.
2. a power or effort associated with wicca.
and
An action or effort undertaken because of a personal need to effect change, especially as associated with Wicca or Wiccan beliefs.


i guess i'm just old-fashioned. i don't like the k in magic at all. it's a matter of context that will allow the reader to know you are not referring to stage magic or sleight of hand.


p.s. why isn't "wicca" or "wiccan" in our spell check?