A Witch's World of Magick (28 page)

Common Threads and New Perspectives

When we compare the magick groups of today to the magick groups of the distant past, several similarities are apparent. We still like to get together to make our magick, and our community rituals and public rites often include the use of music, dance, and drama, just as they did in the times of ancient Greece and pre-colonial Africa. Our group structures are also similar—in modern times as well as in the past, our group workings are typically guided by a leader or class of leaders, and each and every participant in the ritual or rite has a clearly defined role to play. Even if the role is that of an “extra,” expectations are at the very least implied, when not defined outright.

The structure of our rituals also reveals a certain continuity throughout the ages: generally beginning with a period of purification, participants then engage in various actions and activities for the purpose of raising the energy of both the masses and the magick to a fever pitch, finally culminating in a climax or “main event” in which the heart of the ritual or rite is expressed and the energy of the working is released to do its best.

Initiation is another element common to many magickal orders past and present. From ancient Greek and Roman initiations into the cults of Isis, Dionysus, and a score of other gods and goddesses, to modern initiations into witchcraft covens such as the Covenant of the Goddess and magickal societies like the Order of the Golden Dawn, initiatory rites have played an important role in the shaping and survival of our Pagan methods, theologies, and group identities for thousands of years.

Although self-initiation is today quite common, many magick workers still feel that only through a more formal initiation can they really consider themselves trained, worthy of following a particular path and certified to dedicate oneself to a patron deity of choice. Perhaps this was a point of influence in ancient times as well; without the wide dissemination of magickal and mystical literature that we have today, initiation into magickal orders and mystery cults was an important, and in many places the only, reliable way to acquire deeper knowledge and understanding of magickal practice and ritual. In modern times, in spite of the ready availability of magickal and mystical information in the form of books, websites, and even videos, we find that some practices and traditions, certain insights and understandings, can only be gained through sharing sacred, mystical, and magickal experiences with others. Just as it was in ancient Greece, so also it is today.

Initiation rituals provide for a structured and controlled entry into mysteries the chaotic depths of which will never be fully charted. As one of magick’s most sacred traditions, initiation has paved the way through the ages for cooperative and cohesive spellwork, ritual, and celebration. Although solitary practice can be just as effective as group practice, it’s the spells, formulas, techniques, and traditions practiced by
many
that stand the test of time. Offering an outward symbol of the transference of information that occurs between mentor and student, initiation continues in our magickal communities today just as it has in the past, to increase the chances that our magickal techniques and traditions will be appreciated, carried on, and not forgotten.

It’s important to note, however, that even when initiation is outwardly something that is given or bestowed by a priest or priestess or the like, true initiation is always a personal, internal and external process which only one’s own soul can activate. Although initiatory rites vary greatly from time to time and place to place, there are several elements common to many of these traditions. For example, purification is often an important part of the initiation process. So too do initiates around the world often find themselves facing a trial, or test, of some sort. This aspect is often linked to the purification process, the idea being that after destruction, breakdown, or trial of the soul, a spiritual rebirth becomes possible. Education is yet another element common to many initiations. Whether obtained through direct study of books and other learning materials, or gained through viewing mystically symbolic art, observing ritual reenactments of essential myths, or serving the group in a role akin to an apprentice, initiates-to-be typically receive an education in mysticism and training in the magickal arts.

In looking at the many similarities in group magick of the past and present, one aspect of distinction that stands out is the difference in size between our modern festivals and public rituals and those held by our magickal ancestors. Some of our largest best-known modern Western Pagan gatherings, such as PantheaCon, Pagan Spirit Gathering, and the Saint Louis Pagan Picnic, measure attendance from the high hundreds into the low, single-digit thousands. While these events may be quite fun and festive, they hardly compare to the massive rituals and rites held by some of our Pagan ancestors. One can only imagine the experience of watching a ritual drama at the 17,000-seat Theatre of Dionysus,
¹⁶⁰
located at the site of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, or the thrill of an early European community-wide harvest festival and ritual in which literally everyone in town shows up and plays a role. The sheer size and grandeur of ancient Aztec temples, Egyptian pyramids, and the mysterious Nazca lines make the fact that we get a few witch mentions in the media and put on a handful of well-organized events throughout the year seem like relatively small potatoes in comparison to the mark made by the ancients. While I can’t say I envy the Aztecs present at the ritualistic mass slayings of thousands upon thousands of human victims,
¹⁶¹
I do dream of a time when our Pagan group workings become larger and once again truly communal. Perhaps as modern events like our Pagan Pride Day festivals bring our magickal culture further into the spotlight, we’ll begin to feel more comfortable singing our Pagan songs a little louder, dancing our ritual dances a little bigger, building our bonfires a little brighter.

Another notable difference between today’s magickal groups and those of the past is in the types of magick performed. While personal goals such as wealth, health, beauty, love, and power have for a long while been the rule of the day, magicians past seemed to do quite a lot more magick for the community than we do now. From town-wide spring rituals to the steadfast observance of everyday customs, magickal practice to benefit the good of the community as a whole seems to have been a popular notion and was a prevalent aspect of culture in more “primitive” societies. Yet, we do have our modern equivalents. Practitioners of Global Wicca, for instance, frequently perform Earth-healing magick,
¹⁶²
while many people who practice the Reclaiming tradition of witchcraft engage in group magick to transform societies and governments into a more balanced and harmonious state with the natural world.
¹⁶³
Everyday folk magicians, your basic non-denominational Pagans, chaos magicians, and any number or variety of other magick workers may also engage in group magick beneficial to the community or the world as a whole. We haven’t
totally
forgotten this important use for magick, but it does seem too oft neglected in modern times.

Group Magick Spells

In this chapter, you’ve seen some examples of how magick workers around the world have used music, dance, specialization, and socializing to make the most of their group rituals. Now let’s look at some particular ways you can put group magick to use in your own practice.

Whether practicing solitary or in a group, all your spell options are wide open, of course; there are no restrictions on or distinctions between the types of magick that can be worked alone and the types of magick that can be worked with others. That said, there are certain types of spells you’ll find are best when worked with a group. It’s of course possible to work such magick on your own, but having a helping hand or two on your side will definitely make these types of spells easier to cast and potentially more effective at half the effort. Here are a few magickal possibilities to explore with your witchy cohorts:

• Community Magick:
  Magick to provide for the needs of the people, whether through a good harvest, a steady rainfall, or protection from enemies, is what community magick is all about. When many of our modern threats assume forms quite different from dangers faced in the past, updating our community magick to reflect our current needs as a society seems like a wise and very necessary step. Observe the needs and problems of your community, and consider crafting new spells designed to help your town or your planet as a whole. Keep in mind that magick meant to effect the whole community is best cast with the help of other members of that community who share an equal interest in the outcome; select your magickal mates with care and intention. Try group spellcastings to bless your town, state, country, and world. Focus on the provision of necessary resources, the banishing of negative elements, or the manifestation of greater unity and compassion—the possibilities are endless, and with more people to dream, scheme, and spell, the magickal results can achieve truly global proportions.
  
• Combining, Joining, and Mixing Magick:
  Another type of spellwork that works best with a group is combining, joining, and mixing magick. For example, suppose you want to foster cooperation and positive interaction between two warring nations. If you were casting such a spell alone, it might be a bit difficult to conjure in your mind and heart the essence of warring country “A” while simultaneously conjuring in your mind and heart the essence of warring country “B.” With a pal at your side, however, you’re free to focus on country “A” while your partner focuses on country “B,” making the process a whole lot easier when it comes time to blend and mix the energies together. Whenever the magickal goal is to blend or join together separate energies of various qualities, having others to help with the spell can be very beneficial.
  
• Magick Cast Through Sex:
  Sexual stimulation can raise tremendous amounts of energy that can be channeled into a wide array of magickal purposes. While you can certainly practice sex magick on your own through focused and intentional self-gratification, it’s often more pleasurable to share the experience with another. Having a partner or partners can make it easier to achieve stimulation and raise the necessary energy for the spellwork at hand. Just be sure to not take sex lightly—it’s serious business and shouldn’t be engaged in without a whole lot of trust and a whole lot of thought, whether you’re doing it for magick or simply “doing it.”
  

Overcoming Challenges

While the common motivations and applications for group magick present a picture of harmony, there are indeed many challenges. We’ve all heard the stories that seem all too familiar, stories of power-trips and jealousies, betrayals and indiscretions, rivalries and hidden agendas that can rip apart even the strongest communities. On top of the most extreme cases, there are also the everyday, relatively minor challenges inherent to group workings. Getting everyone participating at a similar level of intensity and understanding, meshing personalities and unifying very individual traits, beliefs, and powers for a shared and singular magickal purpose can sometimes be quite the uphill battle—I believe the common phrase is “like herding cats.”

Another challenge faced by magickal groups far and wide is the seemingly inevitable presence of the disagreeable, dramatic, and antagonistic individual who seems to get in the way of any actual, real magick. Julia Maupin, coven mother for St. Louis area Strawberry Moon Coven, an eclectic Wiccan group, summed up the issue quite well: “I’d have to say the hardest thing about having a group for magick is that sometimes there is just one turd in the punch bowl and eventually you’ll have to deal with it. I love all my sisters, brothers, and children but when they start affecting the overall progress of the group, then it’s a problem. We made rules and set up discipline, but they are like your family and sometimes you feel like you can’t tell them the truth about their attitude or whatever it maybe.”

To help overcome these challenges and keep major issues at bay, there are a few techniques group leaders have employed throughout the ages and throughout the world with varying levels of success:

• Pre-ritual Purification of Participants:
  With the aim of banishing unwarranted negativity, doubt, and other emotionally charged thoughts that could interfere with the magickal working, pre-ritual purification is widely practiced and fairly standard throughout the world. Methods vary, but typical techniques employed for achieving a purified state of being include fasting; abstaining from food, sex, or other necessary or enjoyable things; anointing the body or bathing in sanctified water; fumigation or anointing of the body with the smoke or oils of sacred plants; and touching the body with ritual implements such as a horn, wand, or pine bough. These methods drive unwelcome energies out and away from a person before that person enters the ritual site, bringing their aura and vibes with them.
  
• Pre-ritual Purification of Ritual Space:
  Alongside purifying ritual participants comes purifying the ritual space. This process has the effect of sealing out unwanted energies and unwelcome personalities and powers. Many modern magicians achieve purification of the ritual space through the casting of the magick circle, a method which is quite effective when executed with concentration.
  
• Exclusivity:
  Another way magickal groups have striven to keep things cool among themselves is through the exclusion of perceived threats to the peace, be they potential challengers to the status quo, individuals with ulterior or conflicting motives and agendas, or simply those persons deemed as “bad influences” by the current society. Such exclusion has ranged from age restrictions to gender restrictions. While some restrictions might make sense, others seem questionable at best and downright prejudice, segregating, and oppressive at worst. When considering the exclusion of others from your magickal group, weigh the decision carefully and take a close look at your motivations. Are your reasons based on fear, or prejudice, or are your reasons wise, and just? Would it really hurt or jeopardize anything to allow others into your group? Why or why not?
  
• Oaths:
  Oaths are a common means for fostering group loyalty. When group members take oaths of secrecy or oaths of commitment or service to the group, personal biases are more likely to be tempered by overall group needs, and group confidences are more likely to be kept confident. That said, oaths are only meaningful if they’re meant!
  
• Everyone Plays a Part:
  While exclusion is used by some groups as a method of maintaining order, other groups do so through inclusion. Letting everyone play a part can help group workings run smoothly. Including other members of your group in planning and executing your group rituals will help create a sense of group worth, individual voice, and overall unity. When possible, let people choose the roles they will play—we’re much more likely to do a good job of it when we’re utilizing our individual strengths and acknowledging our personal interests. Be sure to make accommodations for anyone whose participation might otherwise be limited. For instance, try to provide comfortable seating for anyone who can’t stand for long periods of time, and make sure newcomers know what to expect and what’s expected.