Introduction to Magick: Lesson II Energy

     For those who practice witchcraft, life’s a magical experience and it’s the desire for a magical experience that attracts many individuals to the Wiccan religion.   After all, creation and transformation are what Wicca and Magick- is all about.

     In Lesson I, we discussed how the Art of Magick is the intentional manipulation of universal energies through the utilization of the laws of nature in conjunction with the power of the mind and emotions.  In this lesson, we’ll discuss what some of those laws are, how they affect energy, and how Wiccan’s bring those principles together in spellcraft.

     To understand how to manipulate energy, we must first understand what energy is.  Physicists define energy as “the property of matter and radiation which is manifest as a capacity for motion and interaction.”  In other words, the movement of atoms and molecules creates a source of power that can be harnessed.  Our modern energy sectors are based on this concept.

     However, thousands of years before Benjamin Franklin’s historic kite flight (with a key), witches were creating, harnessing, transmuting, and utilizing the energies of nature.  As Wiccans, we define this natural energy as the life force of the Goddess that permeates all things, and we believe this life force can be harnessed for humankind’s betterment and personal growth.

     Scientists isolate elements from the material world and through the use of machines they generate energy from the atoms and molecules of those elements. That energy is then transmuted into power, which can be used immediately or stored for example, in a battery.

     Wiccans and Witches, too, take elements from the material world.  We call these elements correspondences.  A correspondence is an item found in nature that carries the same energy signature as that which we wish to manifest.  Our spells are the machines, and our bodies, minds, and emotions become generators and transmitters.  We can then send that energy out, or store the energy in items like crystals, candles, metals, and herbs.

     All correspondences used in spellcraft are chosen based on the item’s energy signature.  Unique energy signatures have been proven by modern science.  Science tells us that everything in the universe seen and unseen is made up of atoms.  When atoms bond together, they create different elements that scientists have categorized into the periodic table.  Each element on the periodic table emits a specific radioactive energy signature that is created by atomic decay.  So science has proven that everything emits energy, and the energy emitted is dependent upon atomic structure.

     Although a rock appears completely solid, it’s actually moving atoms held together at an atomic level.  The moving atoms create energy, and as the atom decays, the energy is released in the form of radioactivity.  The type of radioactive energy emitted from the rock is dependent upon what the rock is made of.  Limestone is made up of calcite and dolomite and gives off a completely different radioactive energy signature than quartz (which is composed of oxygen and silicon).  And although currently small in scale, quartz is used as an energy conductor for watches, computer chips, and electronics.

     Colors, too, emit energy, as do plants, water, air and- your body has its own electromagnetic field.  This is science.  The premise behind witchcraft is that everything has its own energy and when used in the right combination, the atomic energies can bond together to create an element.  This is chemistry.  When the elements are set into motion through intention, they attract like elements and bond together ultimately forming mass.  This follows the laws of physics. 

     The mass-energy equivalence is derived through Einstein’s Principle of Relativity which states that the laws of physics are the same for all inertial reference frames.  On its most basic level, the equation means that energy and matter (or mass) are interchangeable.  Mass creates energy, and energy creates mass.  They are different forms of the exact same thing.  According to Einstein, “Everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it.  Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get that reality.  It can be no other way.  This is not philosophy.  This is physics.”

     While scientists need specialized equipment to read energy signatures, witches do not.  Some witches are born with innate gifts to read and interact with energy, but most witches who come to the craft have to learn how to see, feel, and work with energy.  And with training and practice, it can become easier than you would initially imagine. 

     One of the easiest ways to learn how to start seeing energy is by reading trees.  Trees have an extremely strong life force which results in a strong energy field.  How do you read a tree?  Well let’s first begin by locating a tree to read.  For the beginner, lots of noise can be a massive distraction so a busy public park isn’t ideal.  Any type of tree can be read but try to choose a large healthy one and sit about 30 to 50 feet away.

     For a few minutes, simply observe the tree and let your eyes wander around it. When you are ready, you will mentally ask the tree for permission and assistance in reading its energy.  Shift your gaze to the sky slightly above and to the right of the tree (when you’re first learning to see energy, it’s easiest to see from your peripheral vision).  Let your eyes relax and unfocus.   When you see the energy field in your peripheral vision, shift your eyes back to the tree.  The first several times you do this, you’ll probably lose sight of the energy field.  Keep practicing and eventually you’ll start to see the energy field with a full-on gaze.

     A similar exercise can be performed indoors with plants and people.  Set a plant in front of a light-colored background (like a white wall) to practice observing its energy field.  Use the very same concept in observing people and you’ll soon begin to notice that a human’s energy field grows larger and glows brighter when they talk about subjects that bring them joy!  Naturally, you’ll observe their energy field dim and shrink during illness, stress, fear, or worry.

     There are also a few simple exercises to help you learn to feel energy.  Sit in a quiet and comfortable position and touch the tips of your pointer fingers together.  Stare at them for about ten seconds.  Slowly move your fingers apart.  You’ll soon notice a thread of energy that stretches.  Keep practicing until you can separate your fingers about six inches apart without breaking the energetic connection.

     Next, repeat this exercise using your palms by pressing them together as if in prayer.  Close your eyes.  As you gently pull your hands apart, focus on the sense of feeling tension (sort of like stretching a rubber band).  Keeping your eyes closed and remaining focused, gently bring your hands back together.  A few inches before your hands touch, you’ll begin to sense a resistance that you’ll need to push through before uniting your palms again.    

     You can then use this same exercise on objects and people.  Place your hand on the object you want to feel and then slowly pull your hand a few inches away.  Now bring your hand back toward the object.  When you sense its resistance, hold your hand in that position and feel the object’s energy.  Once you have mastered this exercise, you may congratulate yourself!  You will now be ready to start working with energy – and as Einstein stated… “Energy is everything.”

– The Goddess Kingdom© 2022