Magic Basics-Using The Wand

Cause and effect is a basic part of magic. If you are not getting the effect you want you are "casting the wrong spells or mis-using your wand". I want to remind you that 'wand' is a metaphor for your mind, your attitudes, your actions or any tool you use to bring about the desired changes. So if you are not getting the desired changes it is good to stop and look at your practice of magic. You may not be clear about what you want. You may be pointing the wand in the wrong direction. If you have seen any Harry Potter movies you may have noticed that the students at Hogwarts school get very detailed instruction in their use of their wands. Just knowing there is a wand does not mean it will be used correctly. If you know that exercise will help you become healthier it also helps to exercise. Once I entered into a less than wonderful relationship because I had read "any relationship can be improved that can be talked about". I kind of blanked out the 'talked about part' and either because of his machismo or my shyness the relationship was never talked about and never improved. I didn't pick up the wand that had been presented to me. Using your tools is an art and a craft that is best approached with dedication and responsibility. We can all learn to manage our moods (that is one very effective magic wand). Being in control of yourself gives you control of your life. We can learn to use our mind better as well as develop other skills. So if you need to make a change in you life look for the tools to help you make that change. Some of the tools/wands you might use are: clarity of thought, self-nurturing, courage, creativity, cooperation with others, planning, research, among others. Don't be afraid to recognize the need for a better life. Become clear about your desires. Then reach out for them. If you are hit and miss about your goals they will be harder to achieve. Some people hold their desires inside until the need breaks out in anger. Then they exhibit such extreme anger that others react in negative ways, rather than agreeing to help that person achieve their needed goals. That is a very poor use of the magic wand. The wise magician recognizes that all have a right to a good life. Learn how to use your tools and get the good life for yourself. May the spark be with you.

Magic Against Predators And Dangers

The magic mind-set is one of alertness, not one of hiding your head in the sand. If you are the magician, holding the wand that creates a better life, it means you are the one in charge. Being in charge means being aware of the environment and circumstances. You have all the power in the world to accept the fact of predators and dangers. However, since many predators seek out the weak you probably won't draw them to you. Program yourself that predators and dangers may be there and that in order to keep to your purpose you will deal with them if necessary. Keeping to your purpose is the important thing. There are many ways to avoid foolish risk. Don't drive drunk. Notice if your environment is unsafe. Read contracts before signing. Clarify requests. Notice when you are in an emotional state that might cloud your judgment. Be aware when your resources and energy are low. Plan ways to renew your energy or resources. In stories about magicians I notice they are taught to calm their mind before chanting a spell. A calm mind is a magical tool in itself, even if danger is not around. Fear is meant to alert you. Be alert but do not let fear control you. Pull that spark of magic to you to help you deal with an adverse situation and put yourself on the road to a better life.

The Magical Key To Creativity

Doing things your way, effectively, can be tremdously satisfying and rewarding. That is what creativity is. The key to creativity is first: recognize the box, second: wonder what is outside of it. Chaos is the source for creativity. It is not creativity. It is chaotic to try to come up with something other than the wheel when the wheel is the best solution. But until you really check out what the goal is, then consider options, you may not be able to judge what is the best outcome.
My favorite definition of intelligence is: "The ability to learn from the environment." That is what you do when you bother to ask questions. You become aware of the environment and then decide how you will interect with it.
Developing the art of asking questions is a wonderful life help. Some helpful questions to consider as you go along are: Will this action have good or dire consequences? Am I acting in tune with my values? How can I add some zing to this product? Will this interest or irritate others, and what do I want it to do? Am I accurately assessing the situation? What is the situation? What interests me about this? Do I really like this? What toxic ideas from my past are influencing me right now? Is there a fear that is holding me back? How shall I deal with it?
Ask questions, accept answers (especially from your inner self), live well. Have a spark of magic in your life.

The Usefulness of the Gyre

A gyre is a spiral. But when it is called a gyre it is cloaked in a bit more magic than the ordinary spiral. Carl Jung referred to the gyre as the pathway of personal growth. Educators build a curriculuum on a spiral model, starting out with simple concepts in a subject and spiraling back to them over the years in greater and greater depth.
Alchemists wrote of the gyre. For your use, in your journey towards life mastery, spiral around and around your knowledge of self, gaining ever more understanding on that majestic journey. The well formedness of the spiral pattern lets you avoid snags yet keeps you on the path you need to follow.
Often nowdays people meditate by walking a labyrinth. If you look at the patterns
that are shown you will often see a spiral leading towards the center. Rather than going around in static circles, spiral around your growth and development. Come close and focus then spiral away and you absorb the lesson gained, then spiral in once more. There you can appreciate what you find or deepen your perception.