Introduction to natural magic (and a question of magic-health relation)

[Anna]

Hi, so I decided to ask for an advice - I have some theoretical literature worked on, but the "general books about magic" disappointed me, they were too brief and seemed just amateur and shallow. I'd show one, but I can't really see it on Goodreads, it's by Adrian Devine (that surname, huh) and I unfortunately didn't get to know anything. What I wish for is a decent book of natural magic basis after which I'd have an elementary knowledge and I'd be able to move on to books focusing on more detailed things. I actually can't find anything that would seem decent to me (on the contrary to e.g. runology to which I got easily introduced and I'm practicing, learning and developing for some time now). So if any of you ever came across such a basic, informative and wide introduction to natural magic, I'd be very grateful for recommendations :) (browsing through a list http://www.ancestral-gael.com/2008/05... of one of the kind souls here now)

Right, and I just recalled what I wanted to ask first and most importantly is... yeah, I became seriously ill a year and a half ago. Until this day I have some serious issues that no doctor could identify, not to speak of resolving. I've visited A LOT of various specialists, from authorited medicine professors through specialised doctors, finishing on non conventional medicine users of many kinds. Nobody helped. So just casually, because I think I lost my hope to live like I lived before the illness, if any of you read/practised/experienced dramatic influence of magic on health, I'd gladly listen...

[Nell]

The one that immediately comes to mind is Dion Fortune's Natural Magic - an oldie that I read long, long ago, so my memory of it is possibly enhanced by time :)

Scott Cunningham's Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic might fit the bill, although I haven't read it, but he has a decent reputation, and also other books to his credit that might be useful - e.g. Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic.

Sorry to hear about your illness. I haven't experience of any dramatic influence of magic on health, but I'd say that the best magic is that of working to strengthen the power of Mind and Will to boost healing.

Any way that can be achieved - natural magic, meditation, yoga - in other words whatever works for you - can only have beneficial results, and will help in any treatment you undertake.

Wishing you success in your search and full recovery :)

[Ancestral]

Hello Anna:

Just in relation to your request for book on natural magic, I would be grateful if you could elucidate on what you mean when you refer to natural magic? If I know what you seek, then I can make some more specific recommendations.

From my own point of view I would suggest that natural magic is the use of the forces of nature, with tools found in nature - without deferring to gods, specific spirits - the harnassing of energy as you find it be it the wind whipping the top of a mountain or the buzzy energy of an inner city. Is this the kind of thing you mean?

[Anna]

Thank you, Nell :) Obviously I'm not expecting wonders, but maybe, somehow, my answer lies in what certainly isn't lectured on medical studies. After all for centuries it were the wise women and their herbs and spells that were healing (or killing), while the superb and advanced medical knowledge is a fancy thing of the end of XX century.

Ancestral - to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what *exactly* I'm looking for, but your definition of natural magic appeals to me! I just wish for knowledge how to be even closer to nature, discover and benefit from its energy that is, let's say, rather unvisible to common folk. For my whole life I've been living in a forest and I'm sure I feel its "special" vibes, but I'd like to *understand* them, to use them (if "use" is an acceptable word, I don't mean taking what I want or violating anything anyhow) for magical purposes (e.g. divination for starters). Because no matter how long I might have lived near the Nature, no matter my love and respect, I still feel that I'm just an intruder, a tolerated one, yes, but still a two legged intruder who forgot the Nature's ways and knowledge long ago. I hope I don't sound like a freak now and that my point became a bit clearer, and thanks for a will to help of course :)

[Ancestral]

I'm not sure there are books that would suit, rather it's a matter of doing meditation/journeywork to connect, and further practical energy work to manipulate - I came to it from doing Reiki and Tai Chi during my New Age days way back when as if my use of the word "energy" didn't give it away. ;) I left that scene and headed down the pagan one, did more courses and, one day, something shifted and I had an easy access point to what I needed to work. I still find some landscapes/energies more difficult to access than others, and I know I am best by water when the wind is howling, but I am able to sense, and harness what I need.

One book I found somewhat useful, though quite a few reviewers dismiss it, is Art Of Conversation With The Genius Loci for identifying the spirits/energy of landscape and atmosphere. Others may have more recommendations for you. I must admit that these days I find folklore provides an inkling into what to do, such as the knots that were purchased by sailors to unleash the wind when they were becalmed. Lots of tidbits like that; however these are probably only useful once you learn the basics of harnassing what is to hand.

I'm sure other will have recommendations for you, too. I'm afraid I had a mostly practical introduction, so I'm not sure just what books are available.

[Holly]

Ancestral;

The concept of natural magic as you have described it is very intriguing to me. I live in an agricultural area in the midwestern US; a lot of corn, soy, wheat, and other field crops are grown in my county. Sometimes I swear you can get an energy boost, almost like a contact high, during hot weather in June and July when the corn is growing fast. I think that by being in tune with the green world around me; it acts as a stimulant. Needless to say, I get a lot accomplished in the summertime......but I'll be a slug come winter.

[Little]

I sing to the wind Devas to blow softly. Not sure it has much affect, but it certainly soothes me. :)

[Aaron, Moderator]

I assume you've already checked out this lady? It was the first thing I thought of, when I saw your question. It's more New Agey than Wicca, but I've seen it in action, and it's pretty cool.