MakoShark asked this question on 4/28/2000:

Hi there-

My name is Daryl and have an idea for fantasy novel where some of the characters will have magical powers.

Since this is fantasy fiction I can make up anything I want as far as their powers go, but I wanted the magicks to be as real and realistic as possible.

I mean no disrespect for your religion. Were I doing a novel involving Catholics or Buddhists, I would send a similar question so I do not do a disservice to the subject matter.

I would like to know more about your religion. Do you pray? To whom? To what end? Is there an afterlife?

How does magick work? Where does the power come from? Where does it go when you are done with your spell? Do you have to use a spell? Are there different kinds of magicks? Can anyone do magicks with training? Or only a select few? How old must you be to do magicks? How long does it take to learn to do magicks? Are you aware of instances where people are born with the powers and abilities without much training?

I have heard of covens and wicca groups. Is there strength in numbers? Are some people more powerful than others?

As with all things there are good and bad people. My guess is that magick is neither good or bad--black or white but that it conforms to the person using the power. Is this true or are there different types of magick for different types of actions? (e.g. murder, plague, etc. vs. healing, love, etc.)

I know this is a bit long and I am sure more questions will arise from your answers. If you are willing to talk, I appreciate your input.

Thank you Daryl

LadyCatW gave this response on 5/7/2000:

I'm not offended at all. In fact, I'm far more happy to have someone ask the questions, and get many points correct than to have them assume they "know all the answers" and get the realities all screwed up. Thank you for that respect.

Many of us pray - not all of us, but many do. To whom? That would depend on what mythology or pantheon that each particular Wiccan or Pagan follows. Some of us follow Greek or Roman dieties, some follow Celtic dieties, Hindu, Norse, etc.

To what end?? What do most people pray for? We are no different than anyone else - we simply believe that the Gods expect us to stand on our own two feet and take responsibility for ourselves. We pray for strength in times of difficulty, give thanks in times of plenty, protection in times of fear, and other reasons like that.

Is there an afterlife? For many of us, yes. We believe in two things: 1) Reincarnation - but that's about as close to universal as possible because each of us sees the definition of reincarnation differently. 2) The Summerlands - which is a place of rest in between incarnations. The Summerlands is a place where we rest, reunite with loved ones, assess the lessons we learned or failed in the previous lifetime, and make our choices for the next lifetime.

Many of us also believe that we have been promised that we will reincarnate along with our loved ones - not necessarily in the same way as previously (perhaps your husband in this life becomes your son in the next - or your father - or even your sister or mother)

Magick is the energy of the universe - many of us are studying Quantum theory because it's logic comes very close to that of the laws of magick. If you would like to read up on the laws of magick, they can be found at the Mystica at:

http://www.themystica.com

In fact, that would probably be a good place to start researching. Also, Raven Grimassi has written two very good books: WICCAN MYSTERIES and WICCAN MAGIC which would probably help you.

Any human being is capable of doing magick - it simply takes training and encouragement - plus being willing to discipline yourself. But, just like anything else that you could do there are those who learn and practice by sheer determination and willpower, and there are those for whom magick is simple talent. It's like being an artist or a writer - anyone can paint and draw and write, but not everyone can do it easily nor can everyone do it with the same competence.

I've seen small children do magick, older people and middle aged - age does not matter. Maturity, and responsibility for use of the tool of magick does matter tho.

We rarely teach those under the age of 18 for two different yet highly important reasons: 1) Problems with parents - unless we have permission from all parents and/or guardians we are not likely to open ourselves up to being harassed because some parent decided we were "Satan's Minions" and were "corrupting their innocent child."; 2) Not all teens or children younger than teens are mature enough to use magick in an ethical manner.

There is always strength in numbers - period. It is a matter of community and support systems. Christians could just as easily worship alone - but they don't - they band together to support each other in their faith. We do much the same.

Are some people more "powerful" than others?? I would not say so. Power is simply power and magick is simply a tool. One person might have the experience, the training, and the talent to conduct energy through themselves which from the outside would make them LOOK 'more powerful' but any person is capable of doing that with enough experience, enough training and enough willpower.

Which somewhat answers your next question. Magick is like fire or water - it simply IS. It is a tool which is used and directed by the practitioner - it is only made evil or good by the use to which it is put.

There are different "flavors" of magick - elemental magick for instance using the concepts of the elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Air - and a combination of all of those which creates Spirit magick.

I'm more than willing to talk - but you might want to at least go check out the Mystica for a bit - maybe that will answer some of your other questions, and bring up even more others. :)

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