Magical Theory Black Magick Ask someone what black magick is these days and you're likely to get

the standar d party line: Magick has no color. Well whupdeedo, that's informative. Most of the people handing out this response about magick having no color only h ave a vague idea themselves what the term "black magick" actually means. They t end to think that the terms "black magick" and "white magick" denote intent. Un der this misconception a harmful intent working would automatically qualify as " black magick". (This is actually usually true, but not for the reasons they thi nk) Likewise, any beneficial magick working would automatically qualify as "whi te magick". This is false. Sadly, this is about as much information as you are likely to get from the majority of the pagan community when you ask about "blac k magick". There are two main types of magick: Theurgia and Goetia.

Theurgia, also known as "high magick" or "white magick" is magick designed to al ign the will of the mage with the higher will (godhead, universe, etc.). The fo cus is on edifying the mage in a spiritual manner. Goetia, also known as "practical magick", "low magick" or "black magick" is magi ck designed to impact the environment with the will of the mage; to affect wordl y things for worldy purposes. These are technical terms. Classic "dark arts" magick such as evocation, sorcer y, necromancy, cursing and various enchantments do fall under the "black magick" category, but not for their intent. A spell to get a job would also fall under the "black magick" category, as would love spells, money spells, a spell to fin d lost objects or any other working aimed at a mundane result. I think the reason most pagans don't bother to know this is they are mired in tr ying to avoid old Christian anti-witchcraft terminology and they mistakenly attr ibute the concept of "black magick" to that rhetoric. The Greek terms predate C hristian anti-witchcraft sentiments of the latter centuries. "Goetia" happens t o also be the title of one of the more infamous medieval grimoires. An educated examination of this tome reveals a system designed for evocation of demons with out compromising the alignment of the mage to the higher will. The more ridiculous reason I've seen given set determined not to use the word "black" racial classifications. This just further e of the term "black" in reference to this f that God is light and the absense of God th skincolor or 20th century politics. is a sort of politically correct mind with any negative connotation due to illustrates their ignorance as the us category of magick comes from a belie is darkness. It has nothing to do wi

Perhaps it would be a greater service to the pagan community if those asked abou t "black magick" would just respond, "I don't know" until they bother to find ou t.