Lesson 5 - Magick

This is the fifth lesson in the free druidry course of the Druid Order of Tristram.

Druidry is first and foremost a religion, focusing on worship of Nature and the Divine (Awen) in their many forms. This should always be the prime concern of the Druid. Magick is secondary to that worship, and not all Druids choose to practice magick. Nevertheless, magick does play a part in some form in most, if not all, religions. As in other religions, then, so in Druidry we find magick. But let me reiterate that it should be a secondary aspect.

Magick is a way to focus your will and emotions to cause change in both the macrocosm and microcosm. Practice it only when there is a real need. Don't do magick that will harm anyone in any way whatsoever, or interfere with their free will. When in doubt, don't do magick.

1. Write a bidding prayer, stating what it is you want to achieve. Be clear and precise.

2. Set up the altar, cast the circle and say the prayer as explained in previous lessons. Meditate to cleanse the mind.

3. Summon the God(dess) you want to work with (if using a pantheon) or the Awen (if not or when in doubt). You will find more information on the pantheon in a later lesson.

E.g., say 'Awen,I do summon thee forth unto me, be the torch which will guide me, immolate me in your presence, as your child on the path of the One Eternal Light.' (of course you are free to use your own words here).

4. Draw down energy. We all have Life Force Energy within our bodies. It is this same energy that can be used for healing. Stand and spread your arms wide and imagine a surge of energy come down your arms and traveling down your spine into your body. Make sure that your back and neck are comfortably straight so that the Energy can safely move down the spine. Do this for as long as you feel inspired to do so. Your aim is to build up the energy to as high a point as possible.

5. Statement of Purpose. Read the bidding prayer you have written before. If possible, speak the words aloud, otherwise they can be said softly or even whispered. Make sure that your intentions are known in no uncertain terms.

6. Release the energy. Spread your arms wide and imagine the energy flowing out of your body, out of the Circle into the universe to initiate the magickal change in the manifested world (Arbred). Do this for as long as you feel inspired to do so.

You are done. Thank the Deity/Awen and uncast the circle in the opposite direction. Quietly and reverently leave your sacred space. Go do something relaxing and allow the power of the experience to fill you. It is also a good idea to write down any thoughts or impressions you received.

The instructions given in this lesson are a very basic form of magick. Further reading into the subject is
recommended.