Author’s note: This is something I wrote a while ago. I rediscovered it while searching for something else in my files, but after doing a search on my site, I don’t think I ever posted it. If I did, and you read it before, my apologies. If you haven’t read it before, I hope you enjoy it
I was watching a television show about Picasso last night. At one point the art dealer who was financing Picasso’s early work told him that he should learn to start separating his life from his art. Being a writer, I shared Picasso’s outrage at this. Because all true works of art, music, literature and poetry are defined by life. This is what inspires me and it is what drives me to make posts that may, in turn, bring others to find a reflection of their own life in my art.
So what does this have to do with the Craft? It should also be a reflection of your life. Ask yourself why you are drawn to an Earth-based religion, or philosophy if you will. Think of the feelings you get while walking in a nature. The smells and sounds around you. The sense of life at the core of it draws you in and makes you think about your own life and existence.
Remember the crisp air of a fall day. Neither Summer nor Winter yet, but that wonderful in-between time that makes you think about the cycle of life. Have you found yourself watching a fire and being entranced by the constant and ever changing motion of the flames. Or sitting on a porch and just finding yourself lost in the sound of the rain.
And then there is the day to day of life itself. The longing to break free of the drudgery. To find a deeper meaning within it all. To let your spirit soar on wings of inspiration. Isn’t that, at least in part, what led you here?
This is Magick. It is, and should be, an outward expression of the inner you. The Deities you choose. The Path and Tradition you follow. The Spells you Weave and the Charms you make. Your choice of ingredients. Your aims and goals.
And no great artist becomes one without experimentation and mistakes. When you say “I am a practicing witch” it does not just mean that you are casting spells. It also means that you are constantly learning, perfecting and experiencing your craft.
Life changes. It is not just one single thing. Do not let yourself become stagnant and dogmatic in the ways in which you practice. One thing I’ve discovered through teaching is that I am always learning things from my students. Each of us, as individuals, have our own points of view; our own way of looking at things. And students, especially those who are new to the Path, may be approaching things from an entirely different direction and viewpoint.
There may be something you’ve done the same way for years. And then a student says, “Why couldn’t it be done like this?” Resist the impulse to say “That’s the way it’s done.” You will be doing them, and yourself, a grave disservice.
Think always on the “why not?”
Let it reflect what you are feeling at this moment. And, most of all, let it reflect your values.
Do not be afraid of change. It is what makes this mortal coil so interesting. There is not just one season in life just as there is not just one season of the Earth. And no one way that is right. Keep moving forward.
Also, be aware that what you do does have an impact on others. Keep your Intent as pure as your Will.
What you put out is what you will receive in turn. Know yourself, what drives you, and what you desire. Mindfulness should always be intrinsic to what you do.
There it is; your Practice is your art. And your art is your life. Embrace it and be one with it. And let your Soul be filled with the wonder of it all.
Brightest Blessings.
Marc Sylvir 