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

Moondog gave this response on 4/28/2000:

Daryl Wow! That is a quit a question, so get ready. Yes we pray, to give thanks. To a God and a Goddess; Normally with out the use of names, Sometimes they are horned, like a stag, depending on the work we are doing and the time of the year. To find names do an internet search of Gods and Goddesses, or go to your local book store and you should be able to find an encyclopedia of there names. We also worship earth, fire, water, wind and spirit. Yes we have an after life it is called Summerland, we go there to wait reincarnation. Think of magic as water it takes the path of least resistance to accomplish it's goals. The power comes from a universal power we call the All, which is like it sounds, it is everything. Think of it as the force Luke. When we are done with the powers we summon they go out and take care of the task we ask and then return to where they came from. I always use spells, spells are like prayers with actions. Yes there are different types of magic. There is magic that you cast a magic circle and perform a ceremony, and there is simpler magic, where you combine herbs, candle magic, or something as simple as drawing a symbol on a leaf or in the sand. Yes almost anyone with training can perform magic. You must be old enough to understand what you are doing, and what the consequences of our actions are. I Wicca there are different levels one can achieve each one it takes at least a year. But a person can do magic as soon as they start learning. I was born a witch and able to do magic with out any training. I would have to say there is strength in numbers, but not in every case, I have never been a member of a coven so I can't be positive. You are right that magic is not good or evil but it is how it is used that makes it positive or negative. Every persons ability differs in strength according to their relation ship what or who they use in the spell. There are many ways to perform a spell. Keep in mind that what the practitioner puts out comes back to him or her three fold. Three times the positive or three times the negative. I will be glad to answer any more questions you have.

Merry part. (:K

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