Magic and other fascinating subjects

[saffronhare]

This thought process started churning once again for me when I was preparing to teach the Magic = Physics class at GC back in May and it's resurfaced with a vengeance over the last 24 hours or so, but with a twist. The words are imprecise just yet (oh! the shame!), so bear with me.

I talk about magic being a force without judgement. That its simplicity and power are not to be underestimated. That it operates according to universal rules whether we understand the forces at play or not. (yadda yadda yadda) Essentially, I speak of magic being a tool.

But what if magic can think? I mean -- what if magic thinks of me as a tool, too?

Generally, my cosmology and theology take into account that beings other than ordinary humans can tap into magic and use those forces for their own purposes. I'm a polytheist; that makes some sense to me. But is there a Magic behind the magic, like there may be a Being behind all the individual gods and goddesses that's just too big for my mind to encompass?

Some core values of my religion are free will, relationships entered into in love and trust, of mutual respect and honorable behavior. How does it change the power structure if a god is using magic to change and influence me without my permission -- or at least without my explicit knowledge? And is that any more comforting than the possibility that magic is working with its own agenda?

How is one to puzzle out the answer to a riddle when one can't even figure out the words?

Comments

Wordless Puzzle

[agrnmn.livejournal.com]

You're going have me pushing my Zen Buddist text your way if you aren't careful. Actually, it's too late I am going to add the one I'm reading now to your list.

Dammit, wench

[zylch.livejournal.com]

Now you've made me start thinking. Conveniently I don't particularly use magic, so I can ponder this one at my leisure.

Re: Wordless Puzzle

[teross50.livejournal.com]

How does it change the power structure if a god is using magic to change and influence me without my permission -- or at least without my explicit knowledge? And is that any more comforting than the possibility that magic is working with its own agenda?


Is there a difference ?
Do you trust the wisdom of the Gods to intercede in the fate of us mortals from time to time ? For our benefit