developing secular magical goals
As a basis for developing magical goals, I want to first define works of magic to be a means of utilizing some form of power. Despite the connotations of domination or strength associated with the word power, I’d like to use it more generally to refer to the mechanism behind enacting some change in the state of the universe as a whole. When “doing magic”, there is a destination in mind. While that destination may be as abstract as achieving spiritual enlightenment or as specific as passing a difficult class, magic is used as vehicle for doing something. Therefore, magic is a means for enacting a change in the state of the universe, and is a means of using power. Power itself is a very abstract idea, as it may refer to phenomena documented by the physical sciences as well as our more loosely defined goals of magic. In magic, I tend to group intents into four secular groups: success, knowledge, protection, and nurture. Among these groups, there are also reasonable subdivisions of external vs internal affect (which refers to where the magical effect is directed) and material vs emotional affect (which refers to how the magical effect manifests).
The goal of success broadly includes luck, abundance, love, and any other intent that seeks to bend the world to the practitioner’s will. When performing success magic, there is a clear, often physically measurable goal to be attained. This sort of magic is largely external, in that it seeks to change a circumstance or perception that is not encompassed by the practitioner themselves. Additionally, this sort of magic generally manifests as a material gain, though it does get a bit subjective if we’re talking about love-drawing spells or beauty glamours. Herbal associations might include cinnamon, ginger, chamomile, nutmeg, marigold, and citrus. Planetary associations might include the Sun, Venus, and Jupiter. Mineral associations might include aventurine, citrine, carnelian, tiger’s eye, and pyrite. Success should be associated with the element of fire.
The goal of knowledge broadly includes any development of psychic, intuitive, or empirical knowledge, as well as bolstering communication, technological development, and improvement of memory. Knowledge seeking magic would encompass any spells done to develop psychic ability, intuitive sense, or gain new perspectives on a situation. This sort of magic is largely internal, as it is directed at the mental ability of the practitioner. Additionally, this sort of magic generally manifest with a material gain such as increased mental performance or intuitive knowledge. Herbal associations might include mugwort, fennel, rosemary, gotu kola, and wormwood. Planetary associations might include Mercury, the Moon, Neptune, and Uranus. Mineral associations might include fluorite, blue chalcedony, amethyst, sodalite, lapis lazuli, and labradorite. Knowledge should be associated with the element of air.
The goal of protection broadly includes anything that would bolster the safety of the practitioner. Protection magic may take the form of binding, banishing, hex-breaking, and purifying. This sort of magic is largely external, as it is directed at objects or entities that are perceived as threatening to the practitioner. Additionally, this sort of magic is largely emotional as its effect serves to bring peace of mind and a sense of safety to the practitioner. Herbal associations might include cayenne, mistletoe, garlic, aloe, clove, St. John’s Wort, and many others. Planetary associations might include the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Pluto. Mineral associations might include smoky quartz, jet, obsidian, and black tourmaline. Protection should be associated with the element of earth.
The goal of nurture broadly includes all magical self-care, as well as anything that soothes, relaxes or fosters the emotional growth of the practitioner. Nurturing magic may take the form of a ritual bath, cleansing, or grounding meditations. This sort of magic is largely internal, as it is directed at the emotional state of the practitioner. Additionally, this sort of magic is largely emotional as it manifests as healing and soothing of the practitioner. Herbal associations might include rose, lavender, chamomile, hops, valerian, lemon balm, and eucalyptus. Planetary associations might include Venus and the Moon. Mineral associations might include rose quartz, lepidolite, rhodochrosite, jasper, and howlite. Nurture should be associated with the element of water.
This categorization system was largely designed with my own practice in mind, as an alternative to invoking the elements, planets, or other spirit entities as an abstract leading concept. I hope to later develop these categories into a system of sigils like Solomonic pentacles that can be used as talismans or as icons in spells and rituals.
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