Is there too much emphasis on spells, ceremonies and "magick" in Neopaganism?

Question

Joa5: You sound a little defensive.

Answer 1

There is an over-emphasis on the flashy spells and rituals in the PUBLIC parts of NeoPaganism. Those who practice in private, in their oathbound covens, don't have an overwhelming amount of mumbo-jumbo in their practices... just a subtle interweaving of magic and mundane, sacred and secular, throughout their lives.

The trouble is, what the newcomers see is the flashy stuff, and those who never do find real training or a solid group stick with the flashy stuff because they think that's all there is.

Answer 2

Actually, when you really are educated on the subject of Paganism, you realize that spells are to be used sparingly and not used as a crutch.

Magick is the result of spells and prayers.

Ceremonies are important because this is the time to worship our Deities; to recognize the wheel of the year and the cycle of the moon. Of course, this is taken from a Wiccan point-of-view.

You make it sound as though we have ceremonies everyday. We don't. There are 8 Sabbats in a year, and 13 full moons. So this means that we worship 21 times out of the year. Devout Christians celebrate their Sabbaths every Sunday, which equals to 52 times a year. The biggest holidays are Christmas and Easter ... so thats 54 times a year they worship.

Answer 3

I'd actually prefer a bit more to see things such as minor daily observances, something that doesn't divide life into "regular life" and "rare ceremonies." That's certainly hindered by day-to-day realities, but the fact that people "save up" their religious impulses until the respective holidays lends to them being big affairs.

I'd day that there are certainly segments of the neo-Pagan community that put too high of an importance upon magick, in that they tend to turn to magick as a crutch/cure-all in stead of using it to assist appropriate activities. While I agree that this typically is indicative of newer members of the community, it is a mindset that has extended as some of those folks don't change their view as they gain more experience.

Answer 4

If neopaganism were stripped of much of its irrationality and superstition, what would be left? A deep and abiding love and reverence of Nature. Many aren't ready to accept such a simple thing. Rites of celebration and devotion to this world and the life that each of us has are the heart of paganism, not spellwork or "magicks."

Answer 5

To some degree, yes. Although, I really think that at least commemorating the wheel of the year is important. It helps you to acknowledge and align yourself with the cycles of Earth. Spells, rituals, and magick are all nice. But it's really all about being the best person you can be and using your 'God/dess-given talents' to improve the world.

Answer 6

Yes.

More than spells and ceremony it should be looked at as a way of life. Understanding of the world and nature as it applies to your specific beliefs. Spells and such have their place but should be after an understanding of the basics.

Answer 7

I think so, especially these days when people lose touch too easily with the gods and focus too much on pure magick for its own sake.