Black Magick

[PhaedraP]

Black magic gets a bad rap. Many modern witches and spell casters refuse to practice it at all. However, black magic is an historical reality and has been a staple of magic throughout the ages.   There really is no such thing as “black” magic.
Delving into the nature of magic requires too much depth for this summary, but it is necessary to highlight the commonalities of magic in various cultures. As the manipulation of energy, spirits, matter, and more, it is important to recognize that magic does not have a color per se. Typically, what constitutes “black” magic is subjective; people label certain spells “black” because they disagree with the results of those spells. Lets dispel the myth of a “black” magic – magic is magic; none of it is inherently black, white, gold, or gray.
That being said, the term “black magic” is typically used to refer to curses and hexes. Less commonly, it is used to refer to any magic used for personal gain. Therefore, it can refer to anything from a curse intended to cause sickness to a spell intended to bring wealth and financial success.  This raises an old ethical dilemma – is it always wrong to hurt another? What if it’s to save a life? To right a wrong? For me the answer is most definitely NO. There is a time and place for “black” magic. You should, and can, use it when necessary.
How black magic works and what is required for successful spell casting.  “Black” magic works just like any other type of magic. A spell caster, through the manipulation of certain energies, forces, spirits, or matter, brings about an intended result. For those of you familiar with casting magic spells, this is elementary. For those unfamiliar with it, keep on reading.
Every culture has its own form of black magic. When looking at the traditions of the ancient Druids, manipulation of natural energies was key. In contrast, throughout the continents of Africa and South America the invocation of spiritual beings and constructs dominated. However, with the invention of the Internet, increased communication, and global travel we live in a unique situation. Modern black magic employs a mixture of global traditions, resulting in the potential for effective and powerful spells.
However, it is important to remember that casting spells is a time-honored tradition, requiring years of experience and practice, much like surgery or medicine. An essential requirement for black magic, like all magic, is therefore a competent spell caster. Spells should not be approached by the inexperienced because any spell can turn out badly no matter what the intention may be; this is especially true for black magic.
The role of the witch in black magic and why black magic is not for the inexperienced.
Magic is unique in that it is an art, science, and trade all in one. To become an adept caster, real magicians spend years upon years honing their abilities. Going back to the analogy of surgery, an inept surgeon could cost an individual his or her life; black magic is the same way. So if you’re looking for a spell, you’ve got two questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I personally qualified to cast such a spell?
2. (If not) Who is qualified to cast such a spell?
Assuming you are not, let’s examine the role of the spell caster in casting spells for third parties. Many people are shocked to find out that they do not have to know magic themselves in order to have a spell cast! You simply have to find a qualified and willing to do so.
Spell casters, witches, mages, witch doctors, shamans, and magical practitioners of all titles act as third party intermediaries for individuals who seek spells. Every culture has had, at some point, individuals who are professional practitioners of black magic. These individuals have plied their services to other people who do not have the required magical ability to cast spells. In fact, casting spells for others, rather than for oneself, has historically been the rule rather than the exception.
Black magic in this case works with the combined intention of the spell caster and the individual seeking the spell.  For example, if a person requests a black magic spell from a witch, it is the combined power of the witch and the intention of the person requesting the spell that causes a result. The power and success of the spell is therefore determined by factors such as the skill of the witch and the intention of the individual requesting the spell. There are also other factors to take into consideration one of the most fearsome is Karma and Karmic Retribution.
The main issue surrounding black magic is the potential for repercussions. To put it simply, most people are afraid if they use black magic it will come back to harm them. This has manifested itself in the form of the “Karmic Burden,” the idea that we carry a sort of spiritual permanent record. It’s also been popularized by some Wiccan traditions, emphasizing the “Rule of Three.”  However, it is important to remember the historical record of “black magic.” Spells, curses, and hexes considered part of “black” magic have been used throughout the ages, in all cultures and in all traditions. The aversion to “black magic” is a relatively modern one, and a specifically Western one.  While we do have Karma, it is not an omniscient force or a cosmic official transcript of every action we’ve done. Rather, it is a balance, an energy, that can be manipulated and adjusted like everything else. Because of this, not all spells will necessarily affect your Karma.  The degree to which a spell will affect your Karma, or if it will at all, is based on the skill of the spell caster. An inexperienced witch might very well damage his or her Karma by casting a curse, while an experienced witch will be able to cast the same curse safely. Skill and experience, therefore, are key to spell safety. Skilled witches are able to avoid the Karmic repercussions of spells, while unskilled might incur Karmic repercussions from even “white” spells.
So to summarize black magic
1. There is no “black” magic per se, all magic is equal.
2. Black magic is not intrinsically evil or bad, and has been practiced in every culture by respected magical professionals throughout history.
3. Black magic will not harm you, as long as you are or have found an experienced and competent spell caster to cast your curse or hex.