#pathandpractice: reflection

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Four: Do you see a difference between magic and witchcraft? If so, where do you draw that line?

Though magic and witchcraft can intermingle, I view them as independent entities as not every practitioner of magic is a witch, and not every witch practices magic.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Three: When did you first understand what “magic” meant to you, and how has that definition changed over time?

Honestly I feel like I am still figuring that out. However one aspect that seems to stay constant, even before I identified as a witch, was seeing magic in the little things.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day One: How do you define magic? Is it energy, intention, relationship, will, or something else?

I believe magic is a combination of the above and more. I don't like to limit it to just one explanation because what's magic to me isn't always magic to someone else. I also believe that magic isn't always some big grand thing, but many small, perhaps even mundane things. And just because science has explained it, doesn't mean it can't still be magical.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Seven: How does your definition of magic influence the way you practice it?

As my definition of magic is kind of open ended, its influence on my practice isn't restricting. I don't feel like I have to conform to a rigid routine or one specific path unless I choose to. Nor do I have to disavow mundanity or scientific facts in favour of mysticism and spirituality. They can coexist, and while that can make things difficult at times, there is still magic in the contrast they create. The will to believe in the mythical even through my skepticism is a magic in and of its own.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Six: Do you think everyone can practice magic, or is it something that calls to specific people?

While I do think magic may call to certain types of people more than others, I don't think that only specific people can practice magic. It may be harder for some to get into (myself for example as I can be quite skeptical), but I believe if you put your mind to it, you can make magic work for you.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Five: How do your spiritual, cultural, or philosophical beliefs shape your understanding of magic?

Being skeptical tends to lead me to question a lot of spiritual concepts. Though I wouldn't say I outright deny supernatural forces, I do lean heavily into questioning the validity of them before throwing aside the mundane and accepting that some things are just beyond our current understanding. I'd like to think this helps me weed out my own personal "true experiences", but at the same time I know my skepticism has hindered my spiritual beliefs. Thus I am now striving to find a healthy balance between what I perceive as reality and blind belief in the mystical.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Ten: If your craft had a motto related to the nature of magic/witchcraft, what would it be?

Magic is what you make it.

Your perception, actions, and attitude are what will create a meaningful outcome. No one else can dictate your path for you. Taking inspiration from others is fine but don't lose yourself following someone else's path.

[ofcedarandbone]

🌙 10 Days of Reflection: Defining Magic & Witchcraft

Day Nine: How would you explain what magic is to someone who doesn’t believe in it?

I feel like that would all depend on the person. If they're completely shut off to even humouring the subject, I don't think any explanation would persuade them. However if they were open to indulging me, I'd probably explain magic as those little coincidences that just seem to pop up at the right or wrong time.