When doing Magick doesn't make a difference

When doing Magick doesn't make a difference

Tommie Kelly

While I was doing all the daily and ongoing magick there was a hope that something positive would come out of it. That there would be some big contact, or some big revelation, or some big insight – ya know, it felt like I might actually get something by doing all this woo stuff.

And once I stopped, that hope went too.

But as we often say in Ireland (and I assume elsewhere, as it’s mentioned in an episode of Ted Lasso), “it’s the hope that kills you”. It’s just another way of saying what mystics and philosophers have said forever: attachment is the root of suffering. Hope keeps the heart tethered to a version of reality that isn’t happening. A heartbroken person can’t heal while secretly hoping to get back together. It’s the hope that keeps the wound open.

And I think that’s what was happening to me.

I wonder... maybe it wasn't the "hope", but rather the rigid expectations of something "big" happening, some "revelation".

Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, this isn’t a “magick isn’t real” moment for me. I’ve experienced too many strange, undeniable things over the years to ever go back through that door of doubt.

It’s more like I’ve realised these forces and moments of contact seem to operate on their own schedule and agenda. They show up when they want to, not when I demand them or hope for them. Which begs the question: if they’re going to do what they do anyway, why keep doing the rituals at all?

I'd suggest that he isn't talking about magick particularly. These same issues can happen in any venture, such as learning to paint or learning some skill to be used in gaining employment.

It may simply be that painting isn't the right choice, or the type of employment isn't appropriate - though I'd add, timing is relevant too. Something which is inappropriate today might be highly relevant five or fifteen years on, some things have their place as possibilities but we can't always predict which possibility will take place, or when.