Witchcraft and Magick?

Tom, is the practice of (Good) Wiccan Witchcraft that includes ritual Magick, meditation and visualization, etc. for the purpose of spiritual development, healing, penetrating this material realm and directing energy (for healings, etc.) contrary to healthy spiritual practice? I have believed in the one true God who created everything in infinity all my life and I don't see that belief changing. I do however believe that one can find spiritual enlightenment through the many paths of other cultures that practice meditation, e.g. Zen Buddism, etc. I see meditation as the vital Key, no matter the name of the practice.

Now see, in regards to the "godhead" I know "god the creator" differs from the Wiccan belief of the "Goddess and God" that hold the high place. One of my questions are, is there really any difference (what's in a name?) or can it be likened to my example of the path of the Budda and the Christ or the God; the Creator? When meditating in a wiccan ritual, can I replace, God the creator or if I make reference to the Goddess/God, are they not one in the same as the One God? (I'm really not a crackpot, I'm just getting real specific here).

I am a practicing psychotherapist and the wiccan practice of "magickical"techniques is in many ways very similar to some of the very effective and mainstream therapeutic techniques that I have used over the years with clients. So you see the conflict is a bit more complex. Many levels of issues; questions about the truth and fables and fears I've been filled with.

I do have to admit, many parts of the wiccan practice intrigues me... hopefully for the right reasons. I seem to be continually drawn to it. Am I obsessed, possessed or following my heart and mind? Others have warned me that it is "evil" or of "satan" which are concepts I have not embraced for over 20 years, but it brings back old fears of mine. Now I'm at a bit of a standstill trying to justify my qust/path-whatever it is.

I am very sensitive, creative mind. I tend to be emotional at times and can become very depressed if I become out of balance-even if I think I am out of balance sometimes...I want to be careful. I would appreciate your thoughts or insights on this subject.

Diane P

My view is that beliefs and rituals lead nowhere. Ask yourself: how long do they exist and what have they achieved?

As you noticed yourself, so-called "magickical" techniques are logical methods that can be used to influence our consciousness in any direction. The danger is that using such techniques one can mis-program your consciousness, which is more dangerous for you than exploding an atomic bomb in your pocket. The danger is that such techniques are used with TOTAL disregard for the Purpose of Universe and The Purpose of our Existence in it.

Please read The Freedom of Choice again and try to establish your own view about The Purpose of Existence. Then only choose activities that do not contradict or sabotage this Purpose, or else you will contradict yourself. Keep thinking until you eliminate all self-contradictions and conflicts from your views and actions. The only truly important thing is how much we Understand about ourselves and the Universe that we are a part of.

Don't forget that one tiny piece of manure can make the entire house quite smelly. One tiny thing that contradicts The Perceivable Reality of the Universe makes the entire philosophy that embraces such a thing quite misleading, if not dangerous. Keep thinking.

Tom