Magic power is inherent on Earth. By various means, we have learned how to use it. We hold the complete, pure energy of the All – of the Goddess and the God – most high. As witches, we know that we are a minute part of the universe. Yet we are connected to every other part of the universe. Everything affects us, and what we do affects everything.
If you do magic, it can truly change things. As a witch, you must respect this. You have the power to change things, and you can have a major impact on people and their lives. With this power comes great responsibility – to other people, animals, the Earth and to yourself.
Practitioners of magic understand that what is perceived to be the difference between the physical and the non-physical is due to our limitations as materially based entities. Some of the tools used in the practice of magic are indeed non-physical. Three of the most effective of these are music, dance and gestures. Writing and creating art can help to free your conscious mind and focus your concentration for working magic.
Techniques used to raise power, alter consciousness and to unite with the Goddess and the God often are part of ritual. In fact, effective, even powerful rites can be achieved using mere gestures. We honor dance and music as being among the earliest magical and religious acts. From the earliest of times, practitioners of magic have employed color, rhythm, hand gestures and bodily postures in their craft.
I define ritual as specific movements, manipulation of objects (tools) or a series of inner processes, which are designed to produce desired effects. For Wiccans, rituals are ceremonies that celebrate and strengthen the relationships with the Goddess, the God and the Earth. A simple rite may consist of a lone celebrant lighting a fire and chanting sacred names as she or he watches the moon rise. Conversely, a Wiccan rite may involve a number of people, each with specific roles, speeches and offerings in honour of Deity. Rites may be ancient, newly written or spontaneous.
