On "Magic" vs. "Magick"
Friday September 12, 2008
I got an email not too long ago from a reader who chastised me for using magic-with-a-c instead of magick-with-a-ck here on the blog. According to the email, obviously I'm not a Real Pagan or I would stick a K on the end of the word -- which came as a bit of a surprise to me -- so I thought perhaps I should explain why I spell it the way I do.
The use of the spelling "magick" originated with Aleister Crowley and the Order of the Golden Dawn. They used the pseudo-archaic magick-with-a-k to mean ceremonial or high magic as opposed to practical magic. In some traditions of modern Paganism, the magick-with-a-k is still used today, however, just as many traditions choose not to use it. Some, in fact, find it a wee bit pretentious to use unless you happen to actually BE a ceremonial magician (or would that be "magickian"?).
Because I'm someone who really needs consistency in my life, when I took over this site a year and a half ago, I made the decision to use magic-with-just-a-c-on-the-end in all pieces of content that make references to magic. The only time you'll see me use magick-with-a-k is if I'm directly quoting a source which spelled it that way. It's just a matter of personal preference, and anyone who really likes to spell it with a K is more than welcome to do so.
At any rate, I hope that clears up any confusion that might be lurking out there. For more info on things magically delicious, you can read here: Glossary - Magick
The use of the spelling "magick" originated with Aleister Crowley and the Order of the Golden Dawn. They used the pseudo-archaic magick-with-a-k to mean ceremonial or high magic as opposed to practical magic. In some traditions of modern Paganism, the magick-with-a-k is still used today, however, just as many traditions choose not to use it. Some, in fact, find it a wee bit pretentious to use unless you happen to actually BE a ceremonial magician (or would that be "magickian"?).
Because I'm someone who really needs consistency in my life, when I took over this site a year and a half ago, I made the decision to use magic-with-just-a-c-on-the-end in all pieces of content that make references to magic. The only time you'll see me use magick-with-a-k is if I'm directly quoting a source which spelled it that way. It's just a matter of personal preference, and anyone who really likes to spell it with a K is more than welcome to do so.
At any rate, I hope that clears up any confusion that might be lurking out there. For more info on things magically delicious, you can read here: Glossary - Magick
Comments
Patti,
You use the word in any way you choose!
we know what ya mean! LOL
On a side note, I’ve noticed some new fantasy themed video games I’ve played have taken to using “magick” instead of “magic” like they used to; FFTA:Grimore of the Rift for example. Curious as to why the recent usage and what the reaction of the people who insist on the use of “magick” for what they practice seeing their word of choice in a fictional context.
Personally, I use magick with a ‘k’ to differentiate from the practice of slight of hand type of magic. It not pretention, simply allowing people to know at a glance or through a web search what topic I’m discussing. Whether with a ‘k’ or without, I enjoy your articles, blogs and the chance to interact with others interested in the same topics. Blessings on you, Patti!
Some people have no life, they have to criticise other people because obviously, they are not satisfied with themselves. You know who you are, and stick to it… More power to ya.
you go girl
Good for you.
I personally find it asinine to add an extra letter, correct grammar and spelling is something we should all upkeep. Besides ‘magick’ is darn fluffy.
Anyone who says someone is not a “true Pagan” simply on the basis of spelling is mislead, shortsighted, or delusional.
That being said, I choose to spell the word with a “k” on the end simply to differenciate between stage magic (illusion) and actual magick.
But I say spell it any way you want, it doesn’t make you any less of a Pagan for spelling it with a “c” any more so than it makes me more of a Pagan for spelling it with a “k” added on the end or vice-versa.
Any way you spell it, Patti, we know what you mean, and we appreciate your always informative newsletter.
Just want to add that language is a living thing that’s always changing to suit the times.
I started out using “magic” in my books but in my later manuscripts have switched to “magick” just because I like its slight difference from mundane usage.
Dolores
I’ve never really given thought to the whole “ck” or “c” thing. I think like Luna H though, I use it more as a differentiation between the types of magick we do to the magic David Copperfield does. It annoys me that anyone whose beliefs are not agreed upon with someone else’s views, the oppositional person is automatically called a “fluff bunny” or some other typical remark to try and scare new practitioners into certain beliefs. Seriously, convincing someone else of your beliefs by saying that they’re not “real” or a “fluff bunny” (a.k.a. insulting) is not an effective way of arguing. Take a Public Speaking course at your local college, university, OR look it up on the Internet. You’ll get more people to come around to your views rather than insulting or intimidating them into it.
Honey, you spell it whatever way you choose. I think people just overdo it when they insist on it being spelt with a k. As for being “real” I wonder what this reader’s definition of real is.
If memory serves correctly. Mr. Crowley stated that the reason was to clarify the public perception of a magician, one who performs illusions, as opposed to one who performed true magick, spells, incantations and alchemy which is not slight of hand.
I thought the wiccan belief was different than that of Mr. Crawley! He was a black magick believer of Satan. There is no devil in Wicca! So why should we debate the spelling of the word magic in wiccan use compared to a Satanist’s version of the word? I’m just curious because I do not see the relivance or logic in this ordeal.
Gina – because not everyone who practices magic is a Wiccan. There are plenty of people who practice magic who identify as witches, Pagans, or other types of practitioners.
Not only that, Crowley wasn’t a Satanist.