This topic was spurred by recent posts and comments on Augoeides but is not a direct response to those posts.
Here are the questions I pose:
When we refer to "magickal people" who exactly are we talking about?
When we refer to "magickal talent" what exactly doeS that mean?
When we say "natural aptitude" what are we saying?
I have seen these expressions used in many places and I always have to come back to these three questions. I think the answers are as many and as varied as the people who use them. Do we really need some means of classifying all magick users under one universal definition? If so, is it even possible?
I see magick as a skill, not a talent. Now, as with any skill, some people have more natural inclination and ability than others. Nonetheless, it is a skill that can be honed and mastered by anyone who chooses to put the time and work into it. I see "aptitude," in regards to magick, as being more akin to a "passion" for the work. It is a drive and dedication that makes some "naturally inclined" toward the magickal arts. A willingness to open your mind and discard pre-conceived ideas is another important element in that.
I don't think one can classify "magickal people" under one big umbrella. People who practice magick come from all cultures and all backgounds. They subscribe to many different philosophies. They work within a variety of paradigms.
Your thoughts?
Posts
Sheltering In Kinnish
4 years ago
I think that practical magical ability is made up of two components, aptitude and skill. In this way it's pretty much like most human abilities.
ReplyDeleteAs an analogy, most of us just don't have the talent required to be able to run a forty yard dash in 4 seconds, but even if someone is born with the requisite amount of talent they also need to train hard in order to learn to do it. They also need to keep in shape if they want to retain the ability to run that fast.
In magick, as I see it your aptitude is what you're born with and your skill is how well you have learned to use it. Continuing the analogy, your magical practice regimen is how you keep yourself in shape.
Magic is about both skill and talent for example; just like painting. Sure anybody can do magic but there are people who born with aptitude for it or at least a certain area of it, just like how some people are born with a talent for music.
ReplyDelete"I don't think one can classify "magickal people" under one big umbrella. People who practice magick come from all cultures and all backgounds. They subscribe to many different philosophies. They work within a variety of paradigms."
I agree.
Q: How do you get to Carneige Hall?
ReplyDelete(wait for it wait for it)
A: Practice.
:=>