Before You Cast A Spell: Understanding the Power of Magic - Softcover

McColman, Carl

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564147169 ISBN 13: 9781564147165

Publisher: Weiser, 2003

Synopsis

“[This] modern guide promises a careful approach to changing life through magic.” —Publishers Weekly
 
A user-friendly introduction to the spirituality of magic.
 
Before You Cast a Spell is for those newly interested in magic, as well as the veteran Witch, this book helps you discover the power and beauty of magic through eternal values such as love, compassion, hope, trust, and practicality.

In other words, this is not a book full of spells or lists of magical ingredients. Rather, it reveals the principles of magical energy and power, helping the reader to understand what makes magic work and why. After mastering the spiritual principles in this book, the reader will be empowered not only to work effective spells, but to also find happiness and joy-with or without a spell.

Before You Cast a Spell features:

• Understanding magic: what it is, where it comes from, and what it can (and cannot) do.
• Why some spells work, and why others don't.
• The single most important quality of all magic.
• How the chakras are a roadmap to understanding magic.
• Why ethics are so important to magic.
• How to find magical happiness-even without casting spells!
   

About this title

About the Author

Carl McColman writes about the spiritual life. His books published since 2010 express his love for contemplative, monastic and mystical Christianity. His older books, published before 2005, explored a variety of topics including paganism and goddess spirituality. Carl's work is characterized by an optimistic, expansive understanding of spirituality, rooted in Christianity while embracing the wisdom of the world's contemplative traditions. In his own words, "I am passionate about helping people to embody creative, joyful lives of love and service, formed by prayer, silence, and the wisdom of the saints and mystics." Carl McColman learned the practice of contemplative prayer at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He is a professed Lay Cistercian -- a layperson under the guidance of Trappist monks. He regularly speaks, teaches and conducts retreats on contemplative Christian practice, and blogs at www.carlmccolman.com.

Reviews

McColman argues that readers must understand universal spiritual principles before they attempt to go about casting spells, raising or directing energy, or performing other kinds of magical procedures. Especially directed toward neophytes, his book uses a chatty style, employing catchy phrases such as, "First of all, let's get crystal clear about something, straight up. Magic and spellcraft involve power-spiritual power." The author, a spiritual writer, teacher and speaker, takes readers through the myths of magic, laws of magic, ethics of spellcraft and concepts like the Goddess and the God. His approach is slow and precise, as he suggests, for example, that readers wait three days before casting a spell to make sure they really want the outcome. "Have you really tried every possible mundane means to achieve it?" he asks. McColman, who grew up Christian, believes the notions that magic is superstition or evil are "outmoded." His modern guide promises a careful approach to changing life through magic.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Weiser
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1564147169
• ISBN 13: 9781564147165
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192