Hi.

If I might throw a little something on the table for discussion.

I would like to split the subject into two parts.

One part would be ma-gic, the ma-nagement of things which exist.

The various magics you have mentioned are management practices concerning things already exist including time, space and circumstances. They are generally based on trade, force of will, contracts, deception, supplication, leverage of power and so forth as well as higher and more noble motivations. Intention determines the color. It is just like real life because it is.

It should be noted that charge of criminal action can apply to white or dark practice but not to gray practice where outcome is left to determination of the grand or universal weaver.

The next part would be sorcery or sourcing, which is bringing something which does not exist into existence. If it is needed but not available then create it. Pretty straight forward.

Authority or ability to author, establish would be the key to legitimate magic or sourcing. This is something that the individual must learn for himself. A master can only take one to the edge. From there one must be able to finish teaching one's self what he would like to know. It's a personal path as unique as the individual practitioner. Most importantly I think that authority is not bound by ritual or dogma or other crutches.

Magic and sourcing, in effective form would render the chains of material technology servant and not master. Natural resources could be utilized and not brutalized.

This is a nutshell, for what it may be worth. The tree is beyond interesting.

I do think that those who fear artful practice do so because they fear themselves.

Mike

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: There are many opinions on this subject & it has my head
: spinning. While I'd never want to dabble in black magic I
: can see it has certain applications in today's world. For
: instance, toppling a crime lord from his pedestal.

: Do any of you perform magic rituals for yourself or others? Is
: it based on Wiccan? Cabala? Ceremonial? Folk magic or
: Shamanism? Black magic, dark magic, white magic, light
: magic?? Left hand, right hand, Thelema? Angel magic?

: If any of you practice, I'd like to discuss it here.

: Thank you for your time,
: Para