Ok, I have been visiting this site for a while, but I just recently signed up. One thing that has bothered me in the chat is when people are perhaps discussing a kind of magic, e.g. blood magic, and someone just claims, with all confidence "blood magic is evil" or "blood magic is the only magic that works".
This bother's me, because it's as if these people don't understand that magic, in my opinion, can work differently for each individual.
Even saying things that sound like you know the only true way, like "fairies don't exist" or "black magic should be avoided
othing good ever comes of it" can really hurt other people, or even harm their belief and faith (which we all know is so important when involved in magic.)
Say, for example, one person has been doing dragon magic, and fully believes that dragons exist in some form, or are just invisible, they might be achieving what they feel are powerful spells, or may feel like they belong to something that makes them feel part of a bigger picture, and therefore more content with life. Say that someone tells this person "dragons don't exist. You're lying to yourself. Dragon magic doesn't work, I don't believe you. You are a fluffy". .. This could be positive, this could open this persons eyes to more down-to-earth magic... but is it right to just destroy someone's faith because you don't believe in the same things, or it hasn't worked for you?
Of course, one can argue that if this person is allowed to speak of these views, then others are allowed to speak of there views in retort.
For all we know, magic could be purely scientific, and be fully explainable in a few years, if people solve the mystery of the placebo effect, or prove that magic is all just in our heads. If we believe that this is true, spells don't work for many of us. I am fully aware that maybe, every time I do a spell, it could be only coincidence that it works. But if I believe this, then most of the time I am unable to do any form of magic. Maybe, the secret to doing magic is believing, without the doubt.
The point I'm trying to make, is that I feel people should not reject the beliefs of others, or make claims that something works but another thing doesn't, because by doing so, you might have damaged a persons faith in magic (which can take some a long time to be confident with) and therefore greatly affect that person's ability to do spells.
This is just my opinion, of course there are ways to argue against this, many of which are probably right. I am open to views, as long as they are not hostile. I did not mean to offend, and I hope I have not done so.
Great post solkross. It was excellently organized and presented. I fully agree with your opinion. It is not right to imply that others are "fluffies." I mean, who are outsiders to the craft to say that magic isn't real? Because that is exactly what we're doing if you say that another's beliefs are false.
I agree. I'm a very skeptical person and sometimes outright think another person's beliefs are nonsense, but it's one thing to voice your opinion which is normally done in a negative way and another to simply keep your opinions to yourself. Plus I'd hate to say something is ridiculous and then see proof it exists so I try to keep an open mind when it comes to another's beliefs.
The term "fluffy" gets thrown around too much. But the fact is everyone has the right to an opinion, and everyone else has the right to disagree. I think it would help if we all kept open minds and remember that everyone has had different beliefs and experiences and everyone has different talents so just because something doesn't work for one person doesn't mean it won't work for anyone.
i see your point, i've never met anyone who says blood magic is the only one that works, but i have come across those who believe it to be evil. everything always comes down to intent, nothings ever so black and white. blood makes it more personal and grants the spell more strength. myself, i've never done it because i tend to pass out when i'm hurt and full of energy, so i'm not sure if when the time comes for me to cast if i would pass out. the people who i've talked to who have used it say it works rather well though.
i do see your point, i have a friend who just recently converted. she sees a lot of truth in Wicca, but she can't get behind magic and spell-casting. while she understands it, she's skeptical, so she knows it wouldn't work. so she doesn't cast. she see's magic as more of a placebo effect. it doesn't make her any less of a Wiccan, and while she will listens to others views, she cannot believe in magic.
i've said it many times before, while everyone is entitled to their opinion, everyone should be adult, and calmly explain their view, then sit and listen to the other person. that person should respond with the same level of levelheadedness as the first person. i know this is the internet, and i know this is not a perfect world, but that's what i want. if someone was to say 'are dragon's real?' someone should respond with 'not physically, but astrally.' instead of 'you're being a fluffy bunny! they're not real! grow up and live in reality!' a calm answer to an innocent question will help the person instead of either making them defensive, or turn their back on paganism. at least, that's how i see it lol.
