Magick: Definition and History

Study Notes

Magick is a term used to describe the practice of ritual magic, particularly in the Western tradition.
Coined by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, it is derived from the Greek word "magikos," meaning "magical."
The concept of magick has its roots in ancient cultures, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where magic was used for spiritual and practical purposes.

Thelema: A philosophical and spiritual system developed by Crowley, emphasizing individualism, self-realization, and the pursuit of one's true will.
Will: The central concept in magick, referring to the individual's true purpose or desire.
Intent: The focused desire or goal of the magician, which is believed to manifest through ritual and magical practice.
Energy: The subtle, non-physical force believed to be manipulated and directed through magickal practices.

Ceremonial Magick: A formal, ritualistic approach to magick, often involving elaborate ceremonies and symbolism.
Chaos Magick: A more flexible and experimental approach, emphasizing individual creativity and improvisation.
Shamanic Magick: A practice that draws on shamanic traditions, focusing on communication with spirits and the manipulation of energy.

Rituals: Formal, structured ceremonies performed to achieve a specific goal or outcome.
Meditation: Used to focus the mind, connect with the self, and access higher states of consciousness.
Visualization: The practice of creating vivid mental images to manifest desired outcomes.
Sigils: Symbols or glyphs created to represent a specific intent or desire.
Divination: The practice of seeking guidance or insight through various means, such as tarot cards or scrying.

Aleister Crowley: A prominent figure in the development of modern Western magick, known for his writings and teachings on the subject.
Austin Osman Spare: A British occultist and artist who developed the concept of chaos magick.
Dion Fortune: A British occultist and writer who contributed to the development of modern ceremonial magick.

The term "magick" was coined by Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, derived from the Greek word "magikos," meaning "magical."
The concept of magick has roots in ancient cultures, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where magic was used for spiritual and practical purposes.

Thelema is a philosophical and spiritual system that emphasizes individualism, self-realization, and the pursuit of one's true will.
Will refers to the individual's true purpose or desire, a central concept in magick.
Intent is the focused desire or goal of the magician, which is believed to manifest through ritual and magical practice.
Energy is the subtle, non-physical force believed to be manipulated and directed through magickal practices.

Ceremonial Magick involves formal, ritualistic approaches, often with elaborate ceremonies and symbolism.
Chaos Magick is a more flexible and experimental approach, emphasizing individual creativity and improvisation.
Shamanic Magick draws on shamanic traditions, focusing on communication with spirits and the manipulation of energy.

Rituals are formal, structured ceremonies performed to achieve a specific goal or outcome.
Meditation is used to focus the mind, connect with the self, and access higher states of consciousness.
Visualization involves creating vivid mental images to manifest desired outcomes.
Sigils are symbols or glyphs created to represent a specific intent or desire.
Divination involves seeking guidance or insight through various means, such as tarot cards or scrying.

Aleister Crowley was a prominent figure in the development of modern Western magick, known for his writings and teachings on the subject.
Austin Osman Spare was a British occultist and artist who developed the concept of chaos magick.
Dion Fortune was a British occultist and writer who contributed to the development of modern ceremonial magick.