“Magic Always Works”
This rather embarrassing oddity of a statement is largely and loudly touted as the prime principle or first axiom of magical philosophy by contemporary writers, teachers, lecturers, etc. From what I have gathered the phrase “magic always works” emerged as the first and foremost statement during the latter part of the 20th century, fitting nicely into the New Age neurosis of the period.
The clunkiness and absurdity of the statement makes it a little hard to deal with but I’ll have a go.
What Does “Always Works” Mean?
If the phrase “magic always works” is meant to imply that one will get what he or she wants every time magic is enacted, we can chalk this “axiom” up to more fluffy delusions sponsored by modern spirituality. I believe, however the statement is an awkward, clumsy way of reminding the reader that magic is a real force capable of affecting phenomenon in the real world.
Duh. Imagine my embarrassment if it were otherwise. Here I am publishing my little books and updating my blog and living my daily life on the back of a magical worldview and paradigm, I would truly hate to think this were all in the name of something that isn’t real.
I think of all those Harry Potter fans waving toy wands and spending good money on pretend spell books. I can’t wrap my mind around this and can only assume it’s a thing people do because they are preemptively and totally convinced that actual magic does not exist.
Nuts and Bolts and Moving Parts
Indeed magic is a process with subprocesses and internal cause-effect mechanisms. Just like carpentry or playing guitar, magic involves fundamentals, techniques, tools, and methodologies.
If you pair the wrong technique with a tool or use the wrong tool for an issue, you can expect your outcome to be other than what you desire.
One time while receiving the name of a spirit from an oracle, I misinterpreted one letter. The being’s name was spelled with ‘on’ at the end when it should have been ‘od’. The magical results fell short of and a bit off track from what I wanted. Only later did I realize my error.
I called the wrong spirit to aid me in a task. No surprise then, the work was attempted but not fulfilled by a creature not up to the task at hand.
This actually excited me! The fact that small mistakes could net specific results meant there were nuts, bolts, and moving parts to this magic stuff, and that made it all the more real to me!
Can You Always Get What You Want?
I’m not the guy to answer that. It’s not my area of expertise nor do I even work in that department.
I’m just out here on the sales floor (or production floor if you prefer factory work) with the rest of you. I think you can get what you want as long as you’re doing the right things and whatever you want is actually available in the inventory.
You can also make mistakes.
The forces opposing you might be stronger than you or your magic.
What you want may not be available at the time.
And so on and so on…
Gardening Always Works!
I am a professional gardener of 30 years or so. I enjoy the work, though I am phasing it out for more cushy stuff like blogging. Anyway, I advocate gardening as good for the mind and body and I have a good deal of technical knowledge concerning methods, plants, environmental considerations, etc.
Can I say honestly “gardening always works”?
Honestly this puts me back in that weird spot I was at the start of this article. It’s just a weird thing to say or ask isn’t it?
Part of the problem is this idea of something “working” in a vacuum, or by itself. To me, this is just a product of the laziness of our era, wherein people want ideas and systems that do the work for them while they chill and cash the checks.
If the goal is a nice flower bed that attracts butterflies and a soothing water feature with running water sounds, to include a comfortable bench and some shade for those enjoying the space, then garden absolutely works so long as:
- I have my spade and other tool suite with me.
- I, from start to finish, execute sound technique and, using good methodology follow a proper plan.
- I have access to all the plants and other materials the job calls for.
- Weather and other environmental factors like other work crews in the area or an ancient fossil in the ground where I dig, are amicable to my presence and progress.
- The customer likes the finished project.
- Their check clears the bank. (Actually this isn’t even required for the gardening to have worked, it just makes me a lot happier.)
Magic is a Skill Like any Other
Similarly magic always works if my ducks are in a row and the necessary boxes can be checked. However I can make mistakes and other factors can prevent my success.
Whether or not the fuzzy bunny brigade likes it, you can absolutely cast a spell and see nothing for your efforts. Sometimes we just can’t see the effects and sometimes the forces we conjure and release have nowhere to go because of our ignorance or incompetence.
Throw this axiom in the trash where it belongs. accept that magic is obviously a real thing, and proceed to the next axiom, which is the first in a set of legitimate axioms and principles I recommend to new practitioners.