What called you to white magic?

[valkyris]

Hey. I'm fairly new to learning the different types of magic in a structured way, and currently am exploring and learning more about different types. I felt called to learn more about theology/magick in general through signs, phenonenom and other experiences as I'm sure lots of us have, however now looking back on it with a bit more knowledge I think some of these signs could have been demonic in nature. I'd like to learn more about what people personally experience white magic as? Did you feel called towards it, or did you gravitate there on your own through other branches? I'm gonna have a look at some previous threads to see if there's any tips/resources for beginners but feel free to add them here if you are replying/want to share.

 

[Zelator2148]

I came to it through my study of the Hermetic Qabalah and the writing of Israel Regardie, Aleister Crowley and others, where I learned about invocation and evocation. I had no interest in summoning demons, so I pursued invocation, banishing and talismanic magic.

 

[Aeternus]

Hey. I'm fairly new to learning the different types of magic in a structured way, and currently am exploring and learning more about different types. I felt called to learn more about theology/magick in general through signs, phenonenom and other experiences as I'm sure lots of us have, however now looking back on it with a bit more knowledge I think some of these signs could have been demonic in nature. I'd like to learn more about what people personally experience white magic as? Did you feel called towards it, or did you gravitate there on your own through other branches? I'm gonna have a look at some previous threads to see if there's any tips/resources for beginners but feel free to add them here if you are replying/want to share.

Well, I can say that I felt both the call for White Magic as well as the need to do it and continue practicing it.

I felt my call to due White Magic as in my family my grandma has a lot of powerful energy to heal the evil eye using of course folk rituals from my country (Romania). This motivated me to study more about the Angels, as well as Incense and so on and so forth.

Now when it comes to the need of practicing it as well as continuing to do such, it came from when I had bad experiences with Satanism and Black Magic. Really damaging for the aura and the whole soul and when I decided to leave Satanism, I managed to develop even more on White Magic as I developed vast Kabbalistic knowledge about the Shem HaMephorash and many other things related to God, the Tetragramatron, Angelic Magick, and so on and so forth.

 

[Nembra]

Hey. I'm fairly new to learning the different types of magic in a structured way, and currently am exploring and learning more about different types. I felt called to learn more about theology/magick in general through signs, phenonenom and other experiences as I'm sure lots of us have, however now looking back on it with a bit more knowledge I think some of these signs could have been demonic in nature. I'd like to learn more about what people personally experience white magic as? Did you feel called towards it, or did you gravitate there on your own through other branches? I'm gonna have a look at some previous threads to see if there's any tips/resources for beginners but feel free to add them here if you are replying/want to share.

I don't like this dual polarity between "white" and "black" magic for several reasons. Firstly, it is crudely simplistic, there are many axes across which spiritual powers can be compared. More importantly, it's not even a clear distinction as it is.

In the system I'm using the colour white is associated with a certain domain of powers representing gentleness, joy and detachment, but it has relatively little to do with the common conception of "white magic"

 

[Eldros]

I agree that there are more nuances to spiritual skills than just black and white.
Even Gandalf had some "black" knowledge and wasn’t afraid to apply it when necessary.
The use of force and the target may be more important in determining the effect than the colour itself.

 

[Nembra]

I agree that there are more nuances to spiritual skills than just black and white.
Even Gandalf had some "black" knowledge and wasn’t afraid to apply it when necessary.
The use of force and the target may be more important in determining the effect than the colour itself.

There's also the problem of confusion caused by implying that the perceived moral character of certain practices is just a matter of aesthetics or some nebulous "order versus chaos" distinction. On one side "white" magic is sometimes used to excuse harmful or vile-intentioned practices; on the other side some "black" magicians often reframe manifestations of abject cosmic malice as vaguely more chaotic or self-oriented.

I'm not trying to make blanket statements about practitioners of either, but I find that this distinction ultimately fails to bring any value into the conversation and might very well lead some in danger's way.

 

[Phillian]

Well, I am aligned with some thoughts already shared by @Nembra & @Eldros , perhaps because I study Orishas and lineages. Even in those practices there is this idea that those who align with Left Lineage are "bad" & "wicked" and those who align with Right Lineage are "god" & "virtuous"... And well, I see the same misconception is aligned with "Black Magic" & "White Magic" when in both cases I think neither is good or evil, is how you use and practise them that gain that property.

That being said, I align more with "White Magic" because I like its approach to magic, but at the same time I do not like to label myself as a White Witch; I think it limits us to what one can achieve and unlock. Alas, why I am drawn to this side is a mix of experiences I had in the past, as well, due to the entities that had visited or reached me. At times, I was more aligned with "Dark Magic" but one day a friend asked me to read their relative's fate because they were ill, and I saw their death... On that night, I dreamed of it and learned the precise date; the dream itself was not scary... But I was scared of myself and my cards... So for years I avoided the tarot cards, and even feared touching one again. And yet, the occult still drew for me, so I started to try to reconnect with that call and be more mindful of my approach. Along the way, I studied other branches, lore, and practices, and every time I was asked for insights or readings, I began creating habits of warding myself and those who came to me, since I feel a calling to aid others.

Also, as I mentioned before, the entities and deities that I had encountered are more aligned with the concept of "White Magic" so it is also a reason why I work more with this sort of essence. However, as I told you at the start, just because something is defined as "Black" or "White", or "Left" or "Right", does not mean you cannot use other areas of knowledge, especially when something draws you. Take the example of the Lord of the Rings: Saruman was a White Wizard, and his magic became "Evil", yet he still was Saruman the White. Or, if you like a reverse media reference, you have Elphaba; she clearly is a White Witch, and yet she is seen as the "Wicked Witch"... So, I have two questions for you @valkyris , since you are on a quest to self-discovery: what draws you to "White Magic"? And what makes you fear or back away from "Black Magic"? You don't need to answer if you do not desire, but it is something that I think will enlighten some hidden truths about you and your craft.

 

[Nembra]

Take the example of the Lord of the Rings: Saruman was a White Wizard, and his magic became "Evil", yet he still was Saruman the White.

Not the best example since one of the key signs of him becoming really, no-quotation-marks evil was actually abandoning that title.

 

[Phillian]

Not the best example since one of the key signs of him becoming really, no-quotation-marks evil was actually abandoning that title.

I see your point, and I know it is true, however, I was referring to his live-action movie portrait, since it is more well-known than the book lore (plus, entering through the book lore would lead to more confusion, because of the wizard's true mission and the meaning behind each colour, etc.) or the old animation movies, since those are more faithful to book lore.

 

[Nembra]

I see your point, and I know it is true, however, I was referring to his live-action movie portrait, since it is more well-known than the book lore (plus, entering through the book lore would lead to more confusion, because of the wizard's true mission and the meaning behind each colour, etc.) or the old animation movies, since those are more faithful to book lore.

It's fine, don't mind my pedantry.

 

[Phillian]

It is fine, I get it as a Tolkien fan, I do. Anyway, back to the OP question.
In the traditional perspective, which I disagree with, this is the principle:

-White Magic-

• Goal: To help, heal, and protect
• Method: Using prayers, blessings, herbs, and positive energy
• Principle: Causing no harm and working in harmony with nature

-Black Magic-

• Goal: To gain power, control others, cause harm
• Method: Using curses, hexes, and manipulative spells
• Principle: Turning inwards for power, which was believed to carry negative consequences

As you can tell, there are already a few controversial ideas in these views. Particularly in the principles, but before I dive into that, let me put this image in your head. Visualize a flame; the flame itself on its own is just a flame. Think of this flame as Magic; when in the hands of a caster, it can be used for many things. For example, you could use the flame to light up a candle or to cook a meal, or you could use it to burn someone or a forest. In the traditional view, the first example would be seen as White Magic, and the second as Black Magic.

However, "White Magic" can easily be turned evil if it violates consent or natural balance. Here are some scenarios:

• The Unwanted Healing Spell: Imagine casting a powerful healing or peace spell on someone who is intentionally going through a difficult, transformative grieving process. By artificially erasing their pain, you are interfering with their personal growth and autonomy.
• The Forced "Good" Behavior: Casting a spell to make an aggressive person calm down seems "good." But spiritually, you are forcibly altering someone's free will and mind without their permission. That is psychological manipulation, even if the goal is peaceful.
• Disrupting the Natural Balance: In nature, a predator must kill a prey animal for the ecosystem to survive. If you use "white magic" to protect every prey animal, the predators starve. True goodness requires allowing the dark parts of nature to exist.

Now, let me show you a counterpoint: how can "Dark Magic" be used for good? Here are some examples:

• Spiritual Restraining Order: If a person is actively abusing or stalking someone, a "black" practitioner might cast a binding spell to freeze their actions, sap their energy, or banish them from the area. The mechanism is aggressive and restrictive (black), but the outcome is protection and justice (good).
• The Destruction of Hexes/Curses: Sometimes you have to destroy a curse or aggressively break a toxic energetic tie. This requires breaking, cutting, or burning energies, actions that are inherently aggressive and destructive, yet necessary for survival.
• Curses for Justice: Historically, oppressed people who had no legal rights or physical protection used curses against tyrants or abusers. When the powerless use destruction to stop a powerful oppressor, the magic is destructive (black), but the motive is survival and justice (good).

So, in summary, it is a matter of perspective: you have the flame in your hands; it is up to you how you use it and with what intention. Hope that helps clear your doubts and give a new insight into the topic.

 

[HoldAll]

The concept of white magic probably only arose in the late 15th century when Pico della Mirandola defended his 'natural magic' against the Church authorities. He was a noble, so they couldn't just haul him before the Holy Inquisition. Since that time, white magic has stood for what scholars of religion call 'licit' or 'learned magic' as a tool for philosophical inquiry - I know Latin and have friends in high places, so put those thumbscrews away this instant! Folk magic never experienced that black vs. white quandary, and neither did witchcraft, apart from fairytales about wicked crones cackling evilly over their cauldrons. Nowadays there's no authority deciding what's licit and what's illicit, and there's no 'forbidden knowledge' anymore since nobody has the power of forbidding anything occult anymore. Magicians accusing each other of being 'black brothers' has gone long out of fashion.

Since the emergence of postmodernism and chaos magic, the whole black vs. white magic debate has gone the way of the dodo, in my opinion. Your personal taste and your ethics decides which colour your magic has. Sometimes ruthless real-life intervention may be called for, sometimes it's about knowledge and wisdom just as Pico claimed, who gives a shit. Studying Liber Null & Psychonaut and Liber Kaos by Peter J. Carroll may prove liberating in this respect. What you do with your magic and how to do it is up to you. I see magicians as radically independent beings forging their own paths, as spiritual anarchists, as it were.

 

[Eldros]

There's also the problem of confusion caused by implying that the perceived moral character of certain practices is just a matter of aesthetics or some nebulous "order versus chaos" distinction. On one side "white" magic is sometimes used to excuse harmful or vile-intentioned practices; on the other side some "black" magicians often reframe manifestations of abject cosmic malice as vaguely more chaotic or self-oriented.

I'm not trying to make blanket statements about practitioners of either, but I find that this distinction ultimately fails to bring any value into the conversation and might very well lead some in danger's way.

It's fair. I agree that labels rarely tell if an item is dangerous.
White or black shouldn't be used as a moral shortcut because intent, method, aim, and effects are more important.

 

[Aeternus]

It's fair. I agree that labels rarely tell if an item is dangerous.
White or black shouldn't be used as a moral shortcut because intent, method, aim, and effects are more important.

I agree . Like I like to say. There may be people dressed in white, but that doesn't mean they are good (Heaven's Gate and its prophets who were "all about Light" and lead to a lot of suicides because of it).

It is fine, I get it as a Tolkien fan, I do. Anyway, back to the OP question.
In the traditional perspective, which I disagree with, this is the principle:

-White Magic-

• Goal: To help, heal, and protect
• Method: Using prayers, blessings, herbs, and positive energy
• Principle: Causing no harm and working in harmony with nature

-Black Magic-

• Goal: To gain power, control others, cause harm
• Method: Using curses, hexes, and manipulative spells
• Principle: Turning inwards for power, which was believed to carry negative consequences

As you can tell, there are already a few controversial ideas in these views. Particularly in the principles, but before I dive into that, let me put this image in your head. Visualize a flame; the flame itself on its own is just a flame. Think of this flame as Magic; when in the hands of a caster, it can be used for many things. For example, you could use the flame to light up a candle or to cook a meal, or you could use it to burn someone or a forest. In the traditional view, the first example would be seen as White Magic, and the second as Black Magic.

However, "White Magic" can easily be turned evil if it violates consent or natural balance. Here are some scenarios:

• The Unwanted Healing Spell: Imagine casting a powerful healing or peace spell on someone who is intentionally going through a difficult, transformative grieving process. By artificially erasing their pain, you are interfering with their personal growth and autonomy.
• The Forced "Good" Behavior: Casting a spell to make an aggressive person calm down seems "good." But spiritually, you are forcibly altering someone's free will and mind without their permission. That is psychological manipulation, even if the goal is peaceful.
• Disrupting the Natural Balance: In nature, a predator must kill a prey animal for the ecosystem to survive. If you use "white magic" to protect every prey animal, the predators starve. True goodness requires allowing the dark parts of nature to exist.

Now, let me show you a counterpoint: how can "Dark Magic" be used for good? Here are some examples:

• Spiritual Restraining Order: If a person is actively abusing or stalking someone, a "black" practitioner might cast a binding spell to freeze their actions, sap their energy, or banish them from the area. The mechanism is aggressive and restrictive (black), but the outcome is protection and justice (good).
• The Destruction of Hexes/Curses: Sometimes you have to destroy a curse or aggressively break a toxic energetic tie. This requires breaking, cutting, or burning energies, actions that are inherently aggressive and destructive, yet necessary for survival.
• Curses for Justice: Historically, oppressed people who had no legal rights or physical protection used curses against tyrants or abusers. When the powerless use destruction to stop a powerful oppressor, the magic is destructive (black), but the motive is survival and justice (good).

So, in summary, it is a matter of perspective: you have the flame in your hands; it is up to you how you use it and with what intention. Hope that helps clear your doubts and give a new insight into the topic.

True indeed . I for example cut chords with toxic individuals and entities alike in my past. Cutting of the chords (violent action in the astral), but it certainly cleans my energetic field.

One last thing I would like to add is perhaps a theoretical aspect of Magnum Opus, besides the union of Masculine and Feminine aspects (Positive / Negative) in the energetic perfection way, is to also reach the balance needed with the powers that are associated with such energetic pairs. There is magic that can heal, don't use it for unwanted healing like you've said. There is then curses for justice. Weight the value of the curse, clean yourself energetically afterwards and let the Universe do the rest of the things.

 

[ModernMagus]

During the 1970s, 80s up to mid 90s, the white magic label was generally reserved for protection and healing practices for yourself and others. That was generally accepted in the occult world. This included becoming closer to the Divine with mystical activities. Now that people are far more educated as a whole, rationalizations abound to reframe their activities as neither black nor white, or dismissing labels as ignorance or worse.

This distinction was emphasized during the "Satanic Panic" fueled by the media in the 1980s and furthered by foolish law enforcement authorities coupled with always eager to judge and perpetually anxious religious women of the time. (I know. I observed it.) New books and other material was offered on bookshelves announcing white magic practices to distance themselves from "the other" kind of magic for years. Thankfully, the nonsense ended due to a lack of fuel having virtually no basis in reality. However, the concept of white magic practice persisted and has remained even if it has evolved.