What Is It Capable Of? Options

I'm relatively new to the serious study of magick. I've been reading some of the works of Aleister Crowley, Gerald del Campo, and other thelemists. After reading about thelema, I'm left with the distinct impession that magickal workings are, in practice, essentially useless. All of the claims of "magickal" happenings seem to be spiritual and introverted in nature. They seem to be a means to better understand one's self, much like buddhist forms of philosophy and mysticism. Here is what I want to know: What are the actualy practical applications of magick? Is it possible for magick to effect dramatic, tangible change in a subject outside of the practitioners own mind? What kind of changes can be observed?

I'm relatively new to the serious study of magick. I've been reading some of the works of Aleister Crowley, Gerald del Campo, and other thelemists. After reading about thelema, I'm left with the distinct impession that magickal workings are, in practice, essentially useless. All of the claims of "magickal" happenings seem to be spiritual and introverted in nature. They seem to be a means to better understand one's self, much like buddhist forms of philosophy and mysticism. Here is what I want to know: What are the actualy practical applications of magick? Is it possible for magick to effect dramatic, tangible change in a subject outside of the practitioners own mind? What kind of changes can be observed?

I believe in miracles. I believe in dramatic magickal effects as well as subtle meaningful syncronicities.

Once, I made a pot of stew with four servings for my husband and I. At the time we were both broke and that was almost the last of the food. Three teenaged friends of our showed up. Knowing they were dumpster diving most of the time to eat, I offered them food. As I stirred and dished the food I thought over and over to myself, "Let there be plenty." Four servings feed five people two bowls each. There were left overs. And more left overs the next day.

I attended a Pagan Picnic in St. Louis in the late 90s. It was a muggy, hot, cloudy day. The elements manifested at the opening ritual. When earth was called there was a very warm calming sensation. Air was called and cold wind blew through the circle. Fire was called by Dana Eilers, author of The Practicle Pagan. The clouds parted and the sun beat down on us. Water was called. The clouds gathered again and it started to rain.

These are just a couple of examples. No fireballs or flying but it's magick enough for my life.

This post has been edited by Masery: Nov 6 2006, 03:12 PM

Once, I made a pot of stew with four servings for my husband and I. At the time we were both broke and that was almost the last of the food. Three teenaged friends of our showed up. Knowing they were dumpster diving most of the time to eat, I offered them food. As I stirred and dished the food I thought over and over to myself, "Let there be plenty." Four servings feed five people two bowls each. There were left overs. And more left overs the next day.

So you don't think that perhaps the recipe was just bigger than you initially thought?