What is the difference between the Magick of different "branches" (as in Wicca, Ceremonial Magick, and etc)?

Question

I am currently trying to learn more about Magick, and would like to determine which "path" I should choose (whether I study Ceremonial Magick, Wicca, and etc). I am wondering how is the Magick of the different branches different. For from what I understand Magick comes from the same source. Also which is the "best path" to follow according to your own personal oppinions/ experience? And what is the best way to approach Magick? I am currently practicing meditation, and reading several Magick related books and sites.

No I do not require any "saving". Hopefully you can tell I am NOT a Christian and nor will I be one. I DO NOT need any biblical quotes nor any comments about how this is evil and etc. Please don't waste your time posting... I will not be swayed.

Answer 1

Magick is Magick is Magick! There is no difference beyond the surface. All systems, traditions, branches of Magick are different ways of causing change in conformity with your Will. They all make use of energy, spirits, trance states, and symbols. It's the "window dressing" that's different. The different Magickal traditions are each painted with a different cultural, mythological, or religious brush. We may bicker over details, and disagree over religious dogmas, but at heart all Magick is based on a core of Shamanism.

Now, the differences between different schools of magick are, as I've said, mostly illusion. We still hold on to silly stereotypes about each other. I don't think all Wiccans think that we Ceremonial Magicians are evil. I think the more common stereotype is that we are too stuffy, too dogmatic, too intellectual, and that our system of Magick is too complex. In my observations, Wicca can be every bit as stuffy, dogmatic, and complex as Ceremonial Magick. Wicca is, in fact, based on Ceremonial Magick, though they use a slightly different symbol set. Ceremonial Magick tends to use Kabalah and Astrology, while Wicca uses the elements more, and ancient mythology (especially Celtic). Still, the two systems overlap well.

You are on the right track. Meditation is the best place to start, for any tradition of Magick. I recommend the beginner start with meditation, and start keeping a ritual diary and a dream journal. Then, study as many different schools of Magick, and as many different symbolic systems as you can (such as astrology, tarot, Kabalah, and the mythologies of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Norse, and Celts.) Then, find or forge the path that is right for you. What is the best way to approach Magick? It depends on how you're wired, what your spiritual beliefs are, and what symbol sets you feel the most connection to. There is no one best way, because there are so many different kinds of people and so many different kinds of Magick. But learn as much as you can from as many different sources, and you will find your way.

But never forget -- ALL Magick is Magick!

Answer 2

Wicca isn't a branch of magick. Magick's something some Wiccans do. Some Wiccans play football, but there's no Wiccan branch of football. Magick with a K is Crowley. Try Magick book 4, also known as Magick in Theory and Practice. It's really not a hard book.

Answer 3

Ceremonial Magick is serious and Qabala-based. If you are one of these "blessed be" types, then stick with Wicca. Ceremonial magick is a LOT of study and it's not a weekend thing. You are either in it or you're not. It's also not something you do because you think it's cool. There are no fairies and dragons and all that fluff crap in Ceremonial Magick. The entities you deal with are not these cute beautiful fairy-looking creatures. They are angels, and not of the cherubium sort. Ceremonial Magick requires responsibility, preciseness, discipline - it involves a lot of gestures to be learned. It's not play magick like Wicca is. KNOW what you are getting into before you commit. Wiccan concensus is that Ceremonial Magick is the "left hand path" and goes against their "rede", but CM is nothing of the sort. Sure, it can be used that way, just like any act of Magick - it is neutral, only the intent of the operator determines if it is good or bad.
It is good that you are learning meditation techniques. You should also learn visualisation techniques.

Answer 4

Generally speaking there are four magickal models.
1. The Spirit Model - Religious practices such as ceremonial magick and Wicca usually draw on this one.
2. The Energy Model - Magick having to do with shifting probability and not assigning anthropomorphic labels to natural forces.
3. The Psychological Model - Have a look at Jung and /or A. O. Spare's "Zos Kia"
4. The Cybernetic Model - Relates to information transfer, egregores, the Singularity, and A. C. Clarke's Third Law, Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

Needless to say there are crossovers, but what your worldview is will probably govern the area you put most of your emphasis into. A book that might expand your information base is Phil Hine's "Prime Chaos".

Answer 5

It does all come from the same source. The approach you should take is what speaks to you, what ways and means help you achieve the 'tuning' or 'summoning' or focus of the magick.

A candle is just a candle unless it evokes something within you, a wand is just a pretty stick unless it helps you feel the magick.

I would suggest studying several paths and going with what works for you personally. The best way is what's best for you. It is all the same energy, but what helps you tap into it is the main difference in the approaches.

Answer 6

It is important to decide early on in taking one of these paths what you choose to term yourself. Will you be a Magician or a Witch? Magicians may perform any kind of magick and hold themselves to no rules or creeds. Witches are bound by the 3 Laws and consider themselves to be responsible, loving, and well versed in each area they practice. I am in studies to become an elder, which will take many, many years.

It is also important to choose whether you trust those around you enough to participate in group magick (Covens) or Solitary Magick.

Magick runs the same throughout the entire universe. You must be committed to studying all that you can. To use Magick, you should be a constant learner and an occasional teacher.

Blessings to you on your path!

Answer 7

I totally agree with the previous poster, magick is magick and u definitely have to feel it and the intent has to be there w/o a doubt. Love Ya Lots has given you(the asker) a complete over view of the types of wicca there is I suggest u read it and find out where u fit if at all.

Make sure with magick that you dont use it against or to hurt another, make sure you are focused, and that u feel what u are doing. If u do that you should be successful.

Answer 8

Ceremonial Magicians are searching for conversation with their holy guardian angel. They tend to be very structured in rituals, with a specific time for everything, very rigid. Wicca is more of a nature based religion. Some magicians would say "kitchen witch". It can be very free-flowing, bring you closer to the goddess and help with your everyday issues, as well as give you insight to yourself. One should ask themselves...are you looking for a religion with magick or just magick?

Answer 9

It's a hotly debated topic in some circles.

Some think it's the difference between "High" magic & "Low" magic (& leads to another hot debate).

Personally I feel it's down to personal taste, personal influcnes AND the fact that European did NOT have a Pan-Pagan culture. Just as American Indians did NOT have a Pan-Indian culture, there are many many different tribes & traditions.

Try & call a Irish man "Scottish" and see just how different the cultures & expressions of the cultures there are...

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Answer 10

lol looks like you forgot the atheist disclaimer which says, yes, I know you think it's all imaginary, thanks and please just move on.

I think you'll find most will tell you that it's something you have to find for yourself. There isn't an easy or pat answer to it. We can't tell you what is right for you, nor advise you on this. You have to study it out for yourself and determine what fits.
It's part of personal responsibility and we take that seriously in all forms of paganism.

I wish you many blessings on whatever path you choose.