The Art of White Magic
White magic, much like its darker and more commonly-known counterpart
‘black magic’, is a technique intended to bring about
changes in the earthly realm as a result of spells or focused energy
and concentration. Both forms of magic have been under intense scrutiny
by believers and nonbelievers alike. While skeptics dismiss the
techniques as nothing more than meaningless hocus pocus, those with
strong religious beliefs (including Christians) criticize its practice,
arguing that dabbling in magic (whether white or black) is the devil’s
work. According to the religious critics, white magic, despite its
supposed good intentions, is tantamount to Satanism.
For
Good or Evil
Of course, white magic practitioners have a very different opinion,
insisting that their methods, although admittedly controversial,
are actually real and completely benevolent. These “good”
witches argue that magic in itself is a neutral phenomenon; that
is, it is up to the magician to determine whether the spells will
be cast for good or evil. Herein rests the major distinction between
white magic and black magic.
Whereas black magic is intended to cause harm and sometimes even
death, those who use the art of white magic, sometimes called priests,
priestesses, shamans, clerics, or witches, claim to do so in order
to bring about positive change within their own lives or the lives
of others. For example, this type of magic is deemed to promote
spiritual growth, heal the sick, or bring good fortune. On a more
practical level, spells exist to alter the weather for the better,
increase one’s chances of securing a job, or improve a person’s
relationships. White magic has also been known to be used for preventative
reasons such as to protect a house, ward off evil spells, or prevent
illness. The religion Wicca is based on these benevolent principles
and holds that Wiccan magicians derive their powers from Mother
Earth or the Oneness that unites all living things.
Theories and Viewpoints
With regard to the distinction between white and black magic, one
theory states that they are derived from completely different sources
and are therefore, not at all the same. Proponents of this theory
argue that white magic is derived from altruistic sources such as
gods, goddesses, or the Universe, whereas black magic is derived
from evil or malevolent sources such as Satan or demons.
Another viewpoint involves the concept of the left-hand path versus
the right-hand path. Those who harness the power of white magic
have often been described as witches who follow the right-hand path.
This path is one that steers clear of any social taboos and instead,
adheres to more conventional social standards. According to this
classification, white magicians also believe in a form of judgment,
being some deity or the power of karma.
Conversely, according to the left/right-hand paradigm, practitioners
of black magic are thought to follow the left-hand path. This path
embraces deviation from social standards for behavior and instead,
encourages their followers to develop their own standards for acceptable
behavior. Following this line of thought, black magicians may promote
sexual immorality and even incorporate it into their rituals—something
that a white magician would never do.
Like black magic, white magic often involves the use of ritual,
a series of specific steps that must be performed precisely in order
for the magic to achieve its intended effect. This ritual could
be as simple as chanting a series of words in sequence, or significantly
more complex, involving a fixed combination of both words and actions.
According to some white magicians, all that is necessary to cast
a spell is intense and focused concentration on the desired result.
Some white magicians use tarot cards or other means to predict
future events. Since the foreseeing of future events does nothing
to change them (good or bad), this practice is considered by most
magicians to be benevolent. Still, critics with strong religious
beliefs argue that the use of tarot cards and the like is just another
form of Satanism.
Whether or not white magic actually works to bring about positive
change in the Earthly realm is an ongoing debate with no clear answer
in sight. For those who believe in white magic, it is a way of life
that connects us to the world of spirits and yields impressive practical
results as well. For skeptics, however, the results of white magic
(if they are acknowledged at all) are consistently dismissed as
mere coincidence.
Article by Terri Lewis:
Terri Lewis is a relationship advisor specializing in
alternate therapy and is an authority on wicca and pagan culture
and tradition. Terri provides content for the website Free
Love Spells and Information.