Preparing for Magic I: Models

Models of Magic

The principle on which magic works is a fairly simple one: certain actions, materials, places, and qualities in the world are symbolically connected to one another, and by affecting one in a significant way, we affect the others. Four basic expressions of this idea have formed in the zeitgeist, each with their own cheerleaders, cons, and naysayers, each with flaws and each with their own valuable lesson to teach.

• The Natural Model of magic concerns itself with the materials you use, and when. Plants with medicinal properties in the body are assumed to have the same medicinal properties upon the world around them; minerals that bear resemblance to celestial bodies like stars or planets are said to confer the qualities of the heavens onto their bearer; and when strange things happen around you in nature, it is only prudent to take notice, because you are a part of nature, which means the strange things are happening to you. This model is heavy on equipment and preparation, but pleasantly tactile and material for wizards that need to have a physical representation of their magic. People who delight in the element of Earth will find it very easy to work with.
• The Spiritual Model of magic concerns itself with the intelligent consciousness of things normally perceived to be inert; everything from stones, streams, and plants to tea-kettles and porcelain dolls to the concepts of Loneliness or Truth are approached as conscious entities, capable of forming relationships with human beings who are willing to hear and see them. This model of magic is dangerous in the hands of those who need to justify their actions through a higher power, but can be the easiest method for people who need a social dynamic to do their best work. Those who delight in the element of Water will use it to great effect.
• The Psychological Model of magic concerns itself with the plasticity of human behavior; how easily we mold our experiences in life around what we choose to believe; the hopeful are only those who seek out hope, and the wicked are only those who seek out opportunities to be cruel, and suffering. It reaches the end of its usefulness when affecting things that our mental self has no power to control, but it can be the safest model for rigorous self-inspection and self-modification. Those attuned to the element of Wind are well-suited for it.
• The Energetic Model of magic concerns itself with a field of potential action and change that supposedly surrounds all things, and that can be manipulated by trained and talented adepts. A person’s innermost beliefs and intentions are shown plainly in the aura they emit, danger can be averted by raising a shield of force between yourself and the offending party, luck and misfortune stretch out like a spider’s web in all directions, visible to the perceptive eye. This model easily gets out of hand when practiced by people who struggle with hallucinations or delusions, but can be of excellent use to those who make constant mental connections to their environment. Those with connection to the element of Fire are often Energy magi.

It is the Chaos Wizard’s responsibility to verse themselves in all four models; to use what works from each, as needed. Even if a selection is made to specialize, it cannot be made a crutch or a placeholder for identity.

This is because the path of chaos wizardry requires rigorous self-inspection and mental inventory. One must be willing to evaluate skills, flaws, and traits in themselves, and determine whether or not they are useful or harmful to the life one aspires to lead. The work of strengthening the fore and eliminating the latter will be more important than any ritual, potion, or hermetic truth that you will discover while working with this path. Laying open the Self and all of its habits as a toolbox allows the Chaos Wizard to apply themselves to any problem that presents itself to them. Refining existing tools, and disposing of broken ones, is crucial to this process.