"Black" "White" Magic, all is one.

I've had this sitting in my blog for a while, but so few people read my blog I thought I'd toss it out here and get some different outlooks on the concept of how so called, "White" and "Black" magic differ from one another. Below you find my opinion, what about yours?

I've heard much discussion on the matter of so called "Black Magic" and "White Magic", especially among newcomers. It is a very regular occurrence that I check the various occult forums I frequent and find posts in the beginners section asking for information on "Black" or "White" magic, as if they are completely separate things like water and oil.

The common misconception is that so called "White" magic involves such things as: Healing, Contacting Angels, Banishing Evil Spirits, Astral Projection, etc

Likewise the common misconception that so called "Black" magic involves such things as: Curses, Summoning Demons, Sexual Rituals, etc

Let me ask you this:

When a terrorist uses chemistry techniques to create liquid explosives do we call it "Black Chemistry"?
Likewise when a scientist uses chemistry techniques to create medicine do we call it "White Chemistry"?

No its just Chemistry, a science consisting of laws which categorize different effects, how they happen and how to use them to your advantage,

Just like Magic,

The same energy forces which can be used to kill a cancer can be used to cause somebody's organs to rot.*
Its about your intention, magic is just magic.

That is not to say morality is irrelevant, simply that so called "Black" and "White" magic are NOT different things, the same laws are being used, the same fundamental techniques, the same archetypal energy, the only difference is the INTENTION of the person behind it.

It is your Intention that determines if your magic is "White" or "Black" if you feel the need to use such labels.

When it comes to morality I will only say this:
Power must develop hand in hand with responsibility and restraint.

* I have personally attempted neither of these acts, the statement was based on my research in magical theory.

So that is my opinion, what is yours?

Tags: black, evil, good, magic, occultism, white

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ibaramajo (Avebury Duty Witch) on June 11, 2009 at 11:38am: Well said there!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micky-P on June 11, 2009 at 11:49pm: Thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by wisti on June 11, 2009 at 11:41am: To me it's kind of hard to define. Others have sayed this in similar threds, to quote the shopkeeper from "the craft": True magic is neither black nor white, it's both because nature is both".

I kind of hate quoting a movie, but it's so true (I think). Magic it magic (when it's used in balance...but how about when it's not used in balance....can that be called black magic???? I'm not really sure); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micky-P on June 11, 2009 at 11:48pm: Balance is fundamental to all magical practices as I understand it. But even focusing on one aspect or another, (by aspects I refer to the fundamental dualistic forces, Active/Passive, Masculine/Feminine, Constructive/Destructive etc) can be "good" or "bad"

I mean, theoretically the constructive force could be used to heal, or be used to grow a tumor. Both are examples of constructive forces, generating growth. Except that the Tumor in the end is too much growth too fast.

so either way you skew your application of magic, it can still be beneficial, but also without balance come side effects like mentioned above.

Thanks for that quote I haven't seen that movie, and it is actually a good quote.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Edanna the Willow Witch on June 11, 2009 at 12:00pm: I always like your posts. You voice your opinion so eloquently! I agree with you here-- magic is just magic, neither black nor white. It depends on the intent of the caster.

Edanna; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micky-P on June 11, 2009 at 11:49pm: Not really my writing abilities have a long way to go. But thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micky-P on June 11, 2009 at 11:57pm: Ah I'm only active on Paganspace in sporadic bursts, so I probably didn't see those posts you mentioned. I dislike redundant discussions as well.

And as far as the argument goes, I like your personal viewpoint, its one of practicality. But it is a good thing to think about, so that when you do come to the stage of actually being able to effect others with your abilities, you don't have to stop and work out your morality and outlook.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Eistir - Satan's Sex Slave on July 4, 2009 at 4:01am: I fall into the "who cares" category.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mystic Witch on June 11, 2009 at 12:49pm: yes I agree it is your intention .
blessings; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by wiccan_werewolf on June 11, 2009 at 1:04pm: i believe theres no difference between white and black magic except the person who uses it. as you said magic (the same spell) can be used for good or bad it all depends what the person wants to use the magic for.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by WiccanVixen on June 11, 2009 at 1:17pm: What a well stated post!! I absolutely agree..magick is neither black nor white..it is the intentions of the user which defines it. I don't think that we all look at the White Oleander as a "black plant" or even the Belladonna ..yet, they are capable of snuffing a person's life out if used with an intent to do so.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Micky-P on June 12, 2009 at 12:11am: But even in the case of poisons, they can also be medicines.

Lithium is a very good antidepressant, however it is extremely toxic if the dosage is not exactly correct for the person's size, weight, metabolism, etc.

The same applies to many effective medicines which have been derived from poisonous plants.; ▶ Reply to This