I'm utterly baffled by all this talk of Magick...What is it exactly? Is it like, magic? As in Merlin levitating objects and higitus figitus stuff? Why is it spelled Magick? So far it ust seems like meditation and stuff from that "Learn magick in 12 steps" thread...

It is spelt magick to distinguish it from 'magic' as in conjuring tricks. Also in the older times it was spelt magick as I think that 'k' was a sacred letter (I may be on the wrong track here)

magick means different things to different people.

sybelle is quite very right about magick being spelled to seperate it from sleight of hand like david copperfield versus natural energy diversion by will, intent and thought...true magick in my opinion is from the mind, whether it's called psychic ability, energy control, mind over matter, it's all one in the same...but why meditation and focus is crucial to it's success.

I personally believe in the universal energy that runs through all natural things, and can be focused in inanimate objects(either naturally being or by intent). This is done by using one's mind and energy to merge, combine, influence and guide this energy to bring what you need(not necessarily what you want)to your life.(like attracts like etc.) Because it's from your mind, enhanced by the subconcious...it'll never be what you consciencly envision(especially if it's from another conscience energy you've called upon)...it's never like a wish or harry potter , but i do believe in being careful for what you wish for...

I'm not sure where the k started at, but i'm sure it was something good a wiccan had to contribute...probably scott cunningham, he's one of the few authors of the subject i do respect.

And merlin was just a great magician who knew how to manipulate the forces of nature in a most magnificent way(most druids did)

I think you can blame Crowely for the extra K.

extra k been around since medieval times..

Hahaha, Jordyn, Magick sounds a lot like Taoism (one internal force controlling the universe and everything in it) In my Kung Fu practice, we do use meditation techniques to harness our 'chi' energy...Sounds a lot like what your saying.

The Tao or universal force seems to be a very popular theme these days, I'm seeing it everywhere...I dunno, though, I'm still a big skeptic

Oh ya, my experience with the Merlin character is limited to the wacky antics of Disney's Sword in the Stone cartoon...Man, that was a sweet movie...

i believe and feel merlin was just the lucky druid with the clever wits and wisdom to lead some gaelic(maybe keltic) chieften to a pillar of greatness resulting in the story of camelot from minds that needed a...faith that something good can always come back...it's morals are good too

i've had several people tell me i should take up tai chi...maybe i will if that many people suggest it for me. but i'll still see the little people

Chi and Magick are the same thing, based on differing uses, as an extreme comparison Dragon Ball Z vs Merlin(Disney if you like)

Tai Chi is a very healthy exercise and I highly reccomend it to anybody...From my experiences with Yang tai chi, it's not so difficult to learn if you have never taken an external or 'power focused' martial art before (it gets really difficult for people like me who have trained in external martial arts are asked to slow down and be soft...)

It can also be a very powerful fighting art if you have a mind to practice hard enough...Although, most people don't use it like that.

i prefer the excalibur type of merlin...

Yes, but Crowley brought it into common use...

Magick is of the subliminal mind...conjuring of thoughts into and of other people is what it entails. Fully understanding the straight forward meaning of what your are saying as well as understanding all other possible interpretations. Case in point, the table does not have to levitate for the person to believe the table is levitating.

-Cincinnatus

Magick is a fancy term for delusions, skewed perceptions and strange practices.

i highly disagree with that statement.
A)if it were only a delusion, why does herbal magick help so many people when they are ill, and no, modern doctors didn't discover herbs (well most, as far as i know)

the only skewed perceptions that you may recieve are only when you may be taking some form of hallucinogenics(i know i spelled that wrong)

C) its only strange to those who may not be familiar with it and possibly fear it. for example, i find it to be a strange practice that Christians kneel when praying to their God. i'm not trying to offend anyone by saying this, i'm simply using another religion's practices as an example

i hope i haven't wandered into too much of the religious aspect of magick...

A) There is nothing Magickal or Mystical about herbs. Some herbs have medicinal qualities. A process of Scientific experimentation would reveal what herbs worked. Not Magick.

Meditation and practices associated with Magick are meant to, and do, cause physical changes. These physical changes make the individual more prone to experiencing things which could be labelled "supernatural". This is a proven and documented fact.

C) The strange practices was just my little gibe. Not to be taken too seriously. I do agree with you, though. It is a matter of personal experience.

the rest i'll agree too...even your frivilous jibe

Before the age of what we accept as Science, i agree. However, these Herbalists used the "scientific method". Just more evidence of why Science is so dominant.

Scientists do say that they don't know...they just don't like to leave it at that.

Except for the fact there are certain practices which were done over the boiling potions,elixirs and panaceas to increase and inhance their already healing effects.
Although to the rest I do agree with the above statement.

even scientist were dismissed as witches, heretics and other degrading terms...how do you know that todays practictioners are not tomarrows scientists...i believe you were the one that posted scientific studies suggesting ley lines being a reality...what's to say there are not people, or our minds have the ability to tap into natural energies, working with them(is not our mind a natural energy itself?)...it would be more of a mental science, but because there is no black and white, hardcopy proof it's dismissed as magick... most people do dismiss what they don't understand as flights of fancy...that doesn't make them right...