Why I don’t Use The Spelling “Magick”

You’ll notice that I don’t use the spelling “magick” and instead use the spelling "magic".

This is due to the etymology of the word “Magick”. In the 20th Century, Aleister Crowley popularized the term “magick” to distinguish intentional occult magic from stage magick. I absolutely respect his decision to do so and applause others for their choice to use it if they are using Crowleys work as an influence.

However, I don’t personally use Crowley’s work and am not teaching spirituality from his perspective--although, I do see some cross-cultural similarities.

When I use the word “magic” I am referring to the spiritual etymology of the word magic:

“The root word for magic (Greek: mageia; Latin: magia) derives from the Greek term magoi, which refers to a Median tribe in Persia and their religion, Zoroastrianism. The Greco-Roman tradition held that magicians possessed arcane or secret knowledge and the ability to channel power from or through any of the polytheistic deities, spirits, or ancestors of the ancient pantheons.” (Britannica)

It is this historical significance of using magic for spiritual ritual and communion with a higher spiritual power—the folk magic that lingers across ancient cultures and belief systems. 

The magic of turning to the spirits.

I use “magic” instead of “magick” because to me, magic without a k is honoring all of those magical practices our ancestors used thousands of years before Crowley existed.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica, inc. (n.d.).A History of magic in western worldviews. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/magic-supernatural-phenomenon/History-of-magic-in-Western-worldviews