1. What exactly is Ceremonial/Ritual Magic?
Ceremonial or Ritual Magic is a method of spiritual practice which has the aim of affecting the physical and spiritual world, in accordance with the will of the practitioner, magician or magus. It is, therefore, a means of spiritual development, whereby the magician applies ancient knowledge and wisdom in order to achieve a better understanding of themselves, the physical and the spiritual worlds in which they live. The ultimate goal or will of the magician is to become one with the spiritual realm and achieve what is known as 'conversation with their Holy Guardian Angel'.
2. What kinds of 'rituals' are performed?
It is important to understand that even under the heading "Ceremonial/Ritual Magic" there are several branches or types to consider. Most modern western esoteric practices owe some of their ritual make-up to the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, The Templars, Aleister Crowley, Dr. John Dee, Heinrich Agrippa, Eliphas Levi and the venerable Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Rituals can be everything from celebratory (marking the Equinox' and the Solstices) and initiatory (for the purpose of initiating neophytes or conferring degrees) to 'working' (for example: the evocation of spirit entities).
3. Is Ceremonial/Ritual Magic a religion?
No, it is a means of spiritual practice. It shares spiritual concepts with many different religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism as well as most ancient religions and Pagan practices. In a modern sense, it seems to align itself most easily with Paganism in that practices include concepts of duo, multi and pan-theism, the application of a "four element" concept to the physical realm and adoption of certain well-known magical laws or axioms common to most Pagan and Neo-pagan paths.
4. What 'branches or types' of Ritual Magic are there?
Some include:
- Enochian - based on 16th century astrologer Dr. John Dee
- Solomonic/Goetice - based on grimoires attributed to Solomon, son of David
- Golden Dawn - based on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
- Thelemic - based on the teachings of Aleister Crowley
5. Isn't this just black or satanic magic?
Certainly not! Satanism is essentially anti-Christian (or at least according to Anton LaVey - anti-establishment) and is based on a Christian construct, in which there is one God and one devil. Practitioners of Ceremonial/Ritual Magic rarely believe in anything rather they prefer to know through experience. Most would likely subscribe to a more scientific view of the universe and how it works on a quantum level. That being said, it is nevertheless true that the ancient Christian church outlawed the practice of magic; all things related to magical practices (including ancient texts and wisdom) came to be considered as evil, black, satanic and anti-Christian.
6. Can anyone practice Ceremonial Magic?
Yes, but it could be argued that anyone can drive a car, too. Not everyone is trained or skilled enough, however. Many drivers shouldn't be behind the wheel. Motor vehicles can hurt the driver and others, damage property or get one lost when not operated properly and skillfully. The practice of Ceremonial Magic is a deep training process of the mind – and just as one would not enter a martial arts tournament without the proper skills, knowledge and training…neither should one dabble with spiritual matters of the mind unprepared.
7. Is training and teaching available?
Yes. There are literally hundreds of books on the market dealing with this subject. Some, of course, are better than others and it is incumbent upon the reader to differentiate the various viewpoints and levels of difficulty. It is a lifelong spiritual quest and commitment. The best way to train is undoubtedly by interacting with an established lodge or practicing magician. There are many lodges around North America (some more visible than others) and many virtual opportunities afforded by the World Wide Web. Caution is required. Serious students learn that when they are truly ready, their teachers will appear.