A MAGICAL LIBRUM


The subject of magic is a large one, too large in fact to fully
treat here. There are a number of excellent books on the subject of
magic, and I would refer you to them. You'll find many of my favorites
in the Suggested Readings section of this book. Anyone in the Order can
perform magic. You don't need titles or honors to do so.


The Magic Circle and Tools of Magic

Magic is most often performed within a magic circle. Some believe
the circle must be cast in order to "keep out unwanted or unfriendly
spirits or entities." While it's true that the circle will certainly do
this, that is not the real reason we use a circle. Instead, the circle
is used to contain and concentrate the magic energies the magician is
raising, so that it can be released at the proper time during a spell.
When creating the magic circle, it is a good idea to call upon a
guardian spirit. This can be a spirit with whom you already have a
relationship, or any of the various gods out there. A popular option is
to call upon one of the legendary Knights of the Round Table or any
other character. The theory is that, even though they may have been
literary inventions, the centuries of people reading about and believing
in them have given them life on a spiritual level. I personally call
upon the Spirit of Sir Gawain of Orkney.
There are many tools of magic, as I'm sure you'll find in other
books on the matter. The tools most often used within the Order are the
Pentacle, salt and water, candles and incense, wands, swords, and
daggers. Note that as with the Shrine, it is perfectly allowed for a
non-Knight to own and use both sword and dagger in a magical circle,
though not in the Green Chapel.

Pentacle : a disc with the five-pointed pentagram, either drawn,
painted, or carved upon it. It may be as simple as a painted wooden
disc, or as elaborate as a gold or silver one. This sits in the center
of the work table and is used in many ways.

Salt and Water : a bowl of salt at the right of the work table
represents the element of Earth, while a cup of water on the left of the
work table represents Water. Having both on your work table is a good
idea, as they are often called for in spells. Some substitute sand or
dirt for salt. Spring, lake, or sea water seem better choices than tap
water, but any water will do.

Candles and Incense : both add to the magical atmosphere of the
circle. In addition to lighting your circle, candles are very often
used in specific spells. A little later, I'll give a method for charge
and light, then extinguish a candle.

Wand, Sword, Dagger. Wands are sometimes associated with Air,
sometimes with Fire. Swords and Daggers are always associated with Air.
All have some function in many spells, and are sometimes
interchangeable. There is a formal exercise to consecrate most magical
tools listed later, which can be used for wands, daggers, and swords.
Note however that many swords have an inherent spirit. Some spirits are
named, while others await you to name them. This is the origin of the
names of such swords as Arthur's Excalibur. See your Chaplain if you
have any questions about the spirit of your sword, and he may be able to
help you.


Warding the Circle
The following is the basic framework for magic. It can easily be
modified to suit your needs.
First prepare the area by setting up a small work table. This can
be the same table you use as the altar of your Shrine. Unless the
spells you plan to cast specify a direction, it is usually appropriate
to place the table facing north. Place your Pentacle in the center of
the table, with the bowl of salt to the right and the cup of water to
the left. Assemble all the other tools and items you need for your
spell(s).
Using your wand, sword, or dagger in your dominant hand, walk the
perimeter of a circle large enough to contain you, your work table, and
all the tools you'll be using. It needn't be a perfect circle of exact
dimensions. Point your tool outward and downward as you walk,
envisioning a beam of light touching the floor and creating the magical
barrier, encompassing the entire area. As you walk, say words such as these:

I create here a circle of power to manifest my will.

Now stand before the worktable and raise the tool, saying:

This is a time that is not a time, in a place that is
not a place. I stand at the threshold between the Worlds.
May the Ancient Ones watch and protect me on my magical
journey.

If you care calling upon a specific spirit, you can say something
like this:

I call upon the Guardian of this place, that I may be
safe to explore the Mysteries. I call upon [name of spirit] to
protect me now and in my daily life.

You may now proceed with whatever spellwork you plan to perform.
Afterward, you should release the energies raised and ground yourself
again.


Releasing and Grounding

When all your spells have been cast, stand again before tool you used to ward the circle, saying:

By the powers of the Ancient Ones, I bind all powers
within this circle into my spell(s). I release this energy
into the Universe to manifest my will!

Stand for a few moments, feeling the energies being released.
When you feel ready, thank and release any spirit(s) you may have called
upon, with words such as:

Farewell, [name of spirit]. My thanks and blessings for
your presence here. May there always be harmony between us.
Go in peace and power.

Now, before clearing the work area, sit down to eat and drink a
snack of some sort. Working with and directing magical energies can be
taxing, so replenish some of your body's physical energies.


Consecration of Tools

Here is a way of cleansing and dedicating various tools for use in
the magic circle. Set the tool upon the Pentacle. Hold your projective
(dominant) hand over the tool, saying:

I conse crate you, [name of tool], to cleanse and purify
you to serve me within the magical circle. In the names of
the Lady of the Lake and the Merlin of the Isles, you are
consecrated.

Now take the tool in your projective hand and send energy into it,
cleansing it of all negativity and past associations. Unless doing so
would damage the tool, sprinkle it with salt, pass it through incense
smoke, over the candle flame, and sprinkle it with water, saying:

I charge you by the powers of the Old Ones: by the
Great Goddess and the Great God; by the virtues of the Sun,
Moon, and the Stars; by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and
Water; that I may obtain all that I desire through you. By
the powers of the Ancient Ones, you are charged!

The tool should now be put to immediate use, to strengthen and
bind the consecration.


Charging and Lighting a Candle

Hold the candle between the palms of your hands. Breathe deeply
and visualize your goal, projecting personal energy into the candle.
Say words such as:

I charge you by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and
Water. I charge you by the powers of Sun, Moon, and Stars.
I charge you by the powers of the Ancient Ones!

Place the candle in its holder. Strike a match and draw the flame
downward to the candle, lighting the wick. Rather than blowing out the
match, extinguish it with a quick flick of your wrist.


Extinguishing a Candle

Some believe a candle should never be blown out, as this may
diffuse the energies you've raised within it. Instead they pinch the
flame with a wetted thumb and finger, or put it out with a candle
snuffer. Others believe that blowing out the candle sends this energy
into the Universe to manifest your will. Decide on your own which method
you prefer. Regardless, here is something to say which will reinforce
whatever spell you've used the candle for:

Though your flame is gone in the physical, you still
burn brightly in the astral.



Conclusion

 This section has been brief, since there is no shortage of good
books on the subject of magic. I hope you consult some or all of the
ones listed in the Suggested Readings section. Remember that above all
else, a true member of the Order does not perform magic which would harm
or manipulate others. Everything you send out into the Universe will
return to you threefold. Also remember that the true key to magic is
belief. If you believe your spells will work, they will.


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