White, Black, or Gray Magic?
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Skye Alexander, author of Sex Magic for Beginners.
Many of us, when we begin studying magic, receive warnings from more experienced magicians urging us to stay on the white path and “do no harm.” I don’t doubt this advice comes from well-meaning sources—in fact, I’ve offered it myself, both in person and in print. But self-appointed guardians can sometimes be patronizing, and often we simply don’t know what’s right for someone else.
It’s important to remember that magical systems and concepts arise within historical, cultural, ethnic, geographical, and philosophical settings. What one magician or group of magicians believes to be ethical or appropriate might not be acceptable to another.
So what, exactly is the difference between white, black, and gray? That depends on whom you ask. Your intention—not just what you say or do—matters. Some magicians subscribe to the following definitions:
• White magic is performed for the purpose of connecting with spiritual forces in the universe, in order to gain wisdom, insight, or enlightenment.
• Black magic is done to harm or manipulate someone else.
• Everything else falls into the gray area.
I wish to point out, however, that I have no idea where these distinctions originated. Subscribe to them if you so choose.
If you consider this in light of the law of attraction, another picture emerges. The law says you can only attract what’s in alignment with your own resonance. If that’s true you can’t seduce, rip off, or manipulate someone who’s not ripe for the experience, using magic or mundane means. There’s really no such thing as “right” and “wrong.” The terms “good” and “bad,” “white” and “black,” lose their meaning.
In my book Sex Magic for Beginners, I suggest you trust your own instincts, instead of following someone else’s dictates—whether you’re a novice or an adept. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. But if it sings to you, go for it.
Our thanks to Skye for her guest post! For more from Skye Alexander, read her article “Sex Magic for Beginners.”
Where did these come from?
The historical antiquity of US neo-Wiccan revival. (circa 1960/70’s). When the outer forms of UK Wicca made it across the pond and into the States, it met up with the rise of Feminism, Goddess Worship and child of the flower power revolution (New Age philosophy).
While it can be easy to assume Black Magic equals malevolence – a definition which has been around pre-Biblical times and covers things such as the Evil Eye, and using spells to cause sickness other peoples cattle, sickness/death/impotence in romantic rivals, or impede combat ability. Such things to be a layperson description and iss more often than not just called witchcraft, sorcery or consorting with demons/spirits/et al.
A more technical use of the term from around the 1200’s and onwards, would be that black magic is anything which seeks to work the world of matter. This base seems to come from Alchemical and Gnostic thought, in that everything about the world is corrupt or base, or black. Pure spirit being gold or white. White magic therefore seeks God (divinity outside of the self) and removal of attachment to material things (such as money, enemies, family, power, health).
In modern terms, White magic is what raises ones’ Vibration. Black magic is anything which concerns with worldly affairs, or is practiced behind the backs of others (eg gossip!) or is aimed at fulfilling ones’ ego or desires!
Surprisingly enough for most people, healing magic therefore is rather Black as are many simple behaviours considered “non-magical”. Likewise most charity work is Black, as it focuses on the world or on things we like/desire as positive belief (the positive belief is ego work!).
Whereas improving personal judgement, exposing and learning (and judging fairly) new things (ideas, concepts) is a path to improving wisdom, and through improving ones’ own ability of wisdom, toward enlightenment and what is termed “God/Godesses’ true plan”.
What is often forgotten too is that life is a balance. And sometimes the best way forward does involve use of black magic, but balanced with wisdom. 🙂
^^^^^ glad someone else already took the time to say that.
Thanks so much for your interesting comments and for providing an informative, historic perspective.
well my dad’s practiced Gray magic for 32 years and it is known to be the most powerful magic according to him and he knows what hes talking about. Gray magic is when you can manipulate black and white magic and use it for the purpose that you want it to be used whether its good or bad. You can also manipulate energy and use it to your advantage but as I always say with Great power comes Great responsibility and I should know cause I study the Magic Arts. I do believe that I have Great power because of the spells I’ve performed happens Immediately and I’ve had conformation from the people I’ve put the spell on to help them with certain things. I think it pretty awesome really. Well if you have any Questions or want to be friends with me my E-mail is matthewpark92@yahoo.com please feel free to also friend request me on Facebook if you have one it will be under the name of matthew park if you cant find me look for the name maureen park it will be a picture of a sun set and I will be under her friends list its easier to find me that way. If this information was useful or not please write and tell me I would appreciate it. Thank You and Blessed Be!
I had an ex do black magic found out by the a crystal asking if he was using black magic it said yes. He used it to keep my son from me. I had an mix feeling for him but I truly love him. He won custody and I also lost rights to my other 3 kids I only have two kids with me.
Confusing but it clean’s up a bit
I found this website very helpful to my specific needs and wants about black, gray, and white magic thank very much for making it possible to have found this sepific article.
[…] Everything else falls into the gray area. (Source) […]
I found this wonderful to my knowledge about black, gray, and white magic. thank you so much