Ceremonial Magick (Myths of Ceremonial Magick)
Ceremonies make up the basics of ceremonial magick. Magick explains what our intellect and science fail to explain. In a way, this is an escape from the reality that rationality cannot account for all that exists. One must have a complete and thorough knowledge of the world around us for ceremonial magick to be operative. One could always do with a lot of practice and study, one should be clear of one’s goals when trying on ceremonial magick.
Ceremonial magick has its origins in religion and religious practices. The philosophies of the Jews, the Christians, and the ancient Egyptians along with the ideals of ancient Indian and Chaldian civilizations conglomerate to form a method of spiritual achievement. Ceremonial magick forms an inherent part of the list of ways to the path to paradise.
The first myth associated with ceremonial magick is that its practitioners are believed to have practiced numerology, astrology, and alchemy. Today, these are considered to be pseudo-scientific. Although these concepts stand aloof from modern science and scientific principles, they are as much scientific. The practitioners don’t practice any of these arts or skills, they want to identify with God when they practice ceremonial magick.
Despite all this, the second myth associated with ceremonial magick is that it is a religion among people. It is believed to be practiced with the most sacred ceremonies. Magicians often claimed themselves to be associated with some religion, like Christianity. Ceremonial magick is a kind of ritual, and not a religion in itself. Its practitioners cannot be said to be practicing a religion. They are all bent on performing magick.
In close pursuit comes the third myth regarding ceremonial magick. The practitioners are considered to be practicing a form of magick that equates them with the Divine Being. The practitioners don’t claim to have an affinity with God. They merely act on the energy present in the world that makes things happen.
The fourth myth about ceremonial magick is that the ceremonial magicians have a strong belief in their ability to change the conscious and semi conscious beliefs of the subjects. Magick is believed to play a large role here where logic and reasoning fail to do anything.
The fifth popular myth about ceremonial magick is that it is equal to meditation. This is not the case, the magician does not focus on a particular object or thing. It has absolutely different concepts and is based on different principles. Ceremonial magick is thus criticized for being artificial. The ceremony involved replaces the desire for the object concerned. Ceremonial magick, unlike meditation, involves certain gestures made in line with a particular motive in mind. It could be considered equivalent to an entire drama enacted without the paraphernalia of drama.
The popularity of ceremonial magick can be gauged from the fact that groups have been formed for the study of the system behind the magick. One such group is taught by Donald Michael Kraig in Oklahoma. One such group is taught by Donald Michael Kraig in Oklahoma.