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The true meaning of magick

   If you are new to the occult world, chances are you've encountered the word "magick" and thought it was a misspelling, when in reality that couldn't be further from the truth.

   The word "magick" was coined by the famous and infamous Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), whose influence in esoteric history, despite being a very controversial figure with controversial teachings, is undeniable.

   The main reason why this word is still used today, even by magickal practitioners that don't follow his esoteric lineage like myself, is because the differentiation from the regular term "magic", is both meaningful and useful.

   There are several implications as to why Crowley chose this exception above others (I mean, he could've created the word "majik", "magik" or even "magique"), but, by adding the "k" at the end, he made it work with a numerological system used in ceremonial magick.

   As for the need for a specific word that is dissimilar from the regular word "magic", there are 2 reasons behind it. The first one is a way to differentiate what a true magician and witch would do regarding their craft in opposition to what an illusionist or an escapist would do.

   One way to understand it better is by thinking about the second major arcanum of the tarot, called appropriately "the magician". The magician card has a person standing in front of an altar with all the tarot minor suites on a table. As you might know, each suit represents an element, and so the figure represents the magickal practitioner that has mastered the elements and knows to work with the universe and his will (remember that last word because we are going to talk about the will later too).

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   On the contrary, when you draw the card of the magician downward, the meaning is quite different, the second arcanum reversed means a trickster that will make you believe he is performing magick but he is actually performing a magic trick, an illusion, a con. 

   So, the separation of the 2 terms and meanings was coined for most real-life magicians who wished to take the craft seriously, and rightly so.

   As for the second meaning of the word magick; Crowley developed his own philosophy in which, what he would call "true will" and destiny were very intertwined, and so magick was also used to describe those acts of will or synchronicity that would lead you to your destiny.

   That's all for today my wiccurious! Keep on the lookout for more secret passages into this magickal universe.

Source

Beyer, Catherine. "The Difference Between Magic and Magick." Learn Religions, Sep. 7, 2021, learnreligions.com/magic-and-magick-95856.