How to classify magic?

[Viktor]

I'm interested in how magic could be classified and whether there already is well known classification of magic,
and if so how can we improve it? (because I assume there is no "official" classification)

Reason I'm asking this is because classification of anything not just magic helps in understanding the thing being classified,
because it provides you with a breakdown or a high level overview of something.
From that point on it's easier to understand, to chose, to compare or to do anything you might want.

Every classification must be based on something and there may be multiple bases, for ex.
1. Based on purpose of magic, we could classify magic depending on purpose of a subtype of magic
2. Based on origin of magic, we could classify magic depending on it's origin
2. Based on desired outcome, ex. good or evil, we could classify magic on based on that, etc.

I'm not entirely certain how classification of magic would look like and more importantly on what basis should one type of magic be different from other
and what would be valid bases, therefore I'm leaving this open for discussion.

 

[Yazata]

I'm interested in how magic could be classified and whether there already is well known classification of magic,
and if so how can we improve it? (because I assume there is no "official" classification)

Reason I'm asking this is because classification of anything not just magic helps in understanding the thing being classified,
because it provides you with a breakdown or a high level overview of something.
From that point on it's easier to understand, to chose, to compare or to do anything you might want.

Every classification must be based on something and there may be multiple bases, for ex.
1. Based on purpose of magic, we could classify magic depending on purpose of a subtype of magic
2. Based on origin of magic, we could classify magic depending on it's origin
2. Based on desired outcome, ex. good or evil, we could classify magic on based on that, etc.

I'm not entirely certain how classification of magic would look like and more importantly on what basis should one type of magic be different from other
and what would be valid bases, therefore I'm leaving this open for discussion.

I forget the specifics but Isaac Bonewitz (read a Dutch translation once, no idea what the book is called) spoke about different colors of Magick.
Edit:
Like green magic is for agricultural purposes etc.

 

[Viktor]

I forget the specifics but Isaac Bonewitz (read a Dutch translation once, no idea what the book is called) spoke about different colors of Magick.
Edit:
Like green magic is for agricultural purposes etc.

Sounds interesting, I have searched for his books and it seems it's

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book, however I'm not able to find a pdf.

Meanwhile I have also searched on the subject of my question and was able to find classification for LHP or black magic, ex:

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Which breaks down black magic to:

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In same fashion other types of magic could be classified, ex. white magic and herbalism (or green magic) as you called it can be further broke down like black magic and so on for every category and sub category.

For example, elemental magic, is elemental magic a sub category or category, if it's sub category what's it's category?
Knowing this might help to know what to study or what to search for.

But there doesn't seem to be well established categorizations, or I didn't search hard enough.
Also this site has some starting insights:

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But I don't find it complete.

 

[Yazata]

For example, elemental magic, is elemental magic a sub category or category, if it's sub category what's it's category?
Knowing this might help to know what to study or what to search for.

But there doesn't seem to be well established categorizations,

Then again, the Tree of Life makes a lot of sense. Elemental magic in Malkuth, which is the basis for the other Sephora with appropriate colors. Green for Netzach and love, because you want something to blossom.
I think that those colors and correspondences probably are the best. They spent quite some time thinking about it

 

[Viktor]

I think that those colors and correspondences probably are the best. They spent quite some time thinking about it

Indeed, associating with colors is useful, perhaps that's why there is white and black magic called that way, I've been playing master of magic game in which you have your spell book and cast spells on opponents,
it's interesting how developers categorized magic with colors there as well, ex. blue for sorcery "realm", green for nature realm, white for life realm, red for chaos realm and purple for death realm etc.

While this is just a fantasy game and not real, I perfectly understand how colorizing makes sense if nothing else then for remembering a variety of options, which help a little for the subject since magic is diverse and huge topic.

While it's possible to go that route and it probably wouldn't be wrong, I would prefer something mainstream and official so that when you talk about it everybody understands you.

 

[Taudefindi]

I have searched for his books and it seems it's

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book, however I'm not able to find a pdf.

Seriously?I have this one.

 

[Viktor]

Seriously?I have this one.

You mean you have a pdf? can you share it please?

 

[Taudefindi]

You mean you have a pdf? can you share it please?

I though it was already shared in the book shares section but sure.
I'll do it right now.

 

[killing raven sun]

all energy flow is subject to conscious manipulation

not sure how you classify that

 

[Viktor]

all energy flow is subject to conscious manipulation

not sure how you classify that

Not all energies are same so it's a generalization.
It's like saying all entities are spirit and then asking what is spirit or how to classify one?

 

[killing raven sun]

energy is energy, its all just electric charge, that is all the universe is, you can use the energy any way you want, classify it until you bleed, but its just consciousness being expressed, you learn to control that and you are classified as a GOD

 

[catpottery]

I'm interested in how magic could be classified and whether there already is well known classification of magic,
and if so how can we improve it? (because I assume there is no "official" classification)

Reason I'm asking this is because classification of anything not just magic helps in understanding the thing being classified,
because it provides you with a breakdown or a high level overview of something.
From that point on it's easier to understand, to chose, to compare or to do anything you might want.

Every classification must be based on something and there may be multiple bases, for ex.
1. Based on purpose of magic, we could classify magic depending on purpose of a subtype of magic
2. Based on origin of magic, we could classify magic depending on it's origin
2. Based on desired outcome, ex. good or evil, we could classify magic on based on that, etc.

I'm not entirely certain how classification of magic would look like and more importantly on what basis should one type of magic be different from other
and what would be valid bases, therefore I'm leaving this open for discussion.

Magic is usually based on methodology rather than result, since there are multiple ways to achieve the same goal. Someone can invoke a deity or spirit to bring about a great cataclysm, or they can use their own thoughtforms to do the exact same. One would be considered ceremonial magick, while the other would be considered a mentalistic practice, or "mental magic". One makes usage of ritual, the other of visualization and energy manipulation.

 

[Bo Hanson]

Seriously?I have this one.

Me too.

Post automatically merged: May 28, 2023

I'm interested in how magic could be classified and whether there already is well known classification of magic,
and if so how can we improve it? (because I assume there is no "official" classification)

Reason I'm asking this is because classification of anything not just magic helps in understanding the thing being classified,
because it provides you with a breakdown or a high level overview of something.
From that point on it's easier to understand, to chose, to compare or to do anything you might want.

Every classification must be based on something and there may be multiple bases, for ex.
1. Based on purpose of magic, we could classify magic depending on purpose of a subtype of magic
2. Based on origin of magic, we could classify magic depending on it's origin
2. Based on desired outcome, ex. good or evil, we could classify magic on based on that, etc.

I'm not entirely certain how classification of magic would look like and more importantly on what basis should one type of magic be different from other
and what would be valid bases, therefore I'm leaving this open for discussion.

Magic, a concept used to describe a mode of rationality or way of thinking that looks to invisible forces to influence events, effect change in material conditions, or present the

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of change. Within the Western tradition, this way of thinking is distinct from religious or scientific modes; however, such distinctions and even the definition of magic are subject to wide debate. Practices classified as magic include

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,

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, incantations,

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,

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, spirit mediation, and

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. The term magic is also used colloquially in Western popular

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to refer to acts of

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and sleight of hand for entertainment.

Although magic has an

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relationship with Western religion and science, it is rooted in the main institutional, social, and

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traditions in Western

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. Moreover, modern attempts to arrive at a universal definition of magic reflect a Western bias.

Magic has been classified ín the world into two main types:

Imitative or Sympathetic Magic ​

Imitative magic is based on similarity. It is the idea that like produce like”. In imitative magic the magicians acts similarly to the desired result. For example if anyone to be make torture, his statue is to be beaten on the head in the hope that it will become mentally tortured. Similarly if a rejected lover may make his statue through magician and some special procedure is followed the lover would be succeed is his mission. In some societies if the people want rain, the magician produce smoke which is the symbol of could in the hope that it will give rain. These practices are passes through a specific procedure by the magician. In other societies, persons are sacrifices to give tears and this will be considered as the symbol of rain.

Contagious Magic​

Contagious magic is based on the principles that things or persons which come once is contact to one another can influence each other after separation. For example, the relationship between man and his body parts which remains is close and permanent contact to one another. In tribes where contagious magic is in practice, people conceal their teeth, mails and hairs because they fear that if these things might touched by the enemies who can easily give harm to the owner of the teeth or nail by practicing magic on it. Contagious magic is in practice in Bangladesh, Africa, India and some extent in Pakistan.