Magick is often misunderstood as a mysterious force, but in its many forms, it reflects a deeper connection between humanity and nature. From ancient practices like healing with herbs to invoking spirits, magick has long been used to influence the world around us. Neo-Paganism, with its roots in the 1960s counterculture, has shaped a unique interpretation of magick—one that emphasizes attunement to nature rather than control.
Magick as Control
Aleister Crowley famously defined magick as “the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will.” Some Neo-Pagans believe magick involves manipulating an unseen spiritual energy to influence the world. However, critics argue that this type of magick, which treats nature as a resource to be controlled, mirrors modern technological exploitation. Eco-feminists, like Barbara Walker and Trudy Frisk, challenge this instrumental view of magick, urging instead for a relationship of reverence and participation with nature, not domination.
Magick as Psychology
For others, magick is about inner transformation. Dion Fortune’s definition of magick as “changing consciousness according to the Will” highlights the psychological aspects of magick. Neo-Pagan rituals, rather than trying to control the external world, focus on shifting the practitioner’s internal world, fostering personal growth. Through symbols and rituals, magick becomes a tool for self-integration and spiritual healing, rooted in Jungian psychology.
Magick as Re-enchantment
Finally, magick can be understood as re-enchantment—the act of seeing the world through a lens that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life. This perspective opposes the reductionist view of the modern world, which treats people and nature as mere resources. For Neo-Pagans, magick invites us to rediscover the magic inherent in our environment, celebrating nature’s beauty and our deep connection to it.