02/07/2024
What does “Will” mean to you?
The concept of “Will” gets talked about a lot in magical circles, and means different things to different people. For some, it simply means unstoppable determination, the driving "umph" behind all of your magic. To others, that definition sounds an awful lot like something you impose on the world and on others, “power over” Nature rather than “power with” Nature. Domination instead of cooperation. So others choose to think of Will, especially in terms of magic, more as a combination of intent + desire + sincerity. Still others, such as the followers of Aleister Crowly's teachings, see Will as a sort of personal destiny—an inner voice that goes beyond everyday desires, and will lead you to your unique purpose and calling in life if you only listen to it.
I like the second definition, “intent + desire + sincerity”, if for no other reason than because it implies that Will doesn't exist in a vacuum. We don't just will things out of the blue. We will based on our values, our loves, our hopes and fears, our vision of what life filled with happiness and harmony and satisfaction looks like.
And Will can be strengthened, and is strengthened, when we work to strengthen our other mental and spiritual faculties—interest, attention, imagination, memory, creativity, love, confidence, habits big and small...the list goes on.
Which is one reason why I love this little book by Charles Godfrey Leland, “The Mystical Will”. It's a collection of simple techniques on how to strengthen your Will, but also your attention, your interest in the world, your happiness, your creativity, your memory, and your ability to do productive work and enjoy yourself while doing it.
And to me that's the essence of the Craft. It's not just about honoring Nature and the Divine. It's the alchemy of self-transformation and self-mastery, and the power to weave the life you desire.
Also, there's a story behind how I came to own a rare copy of this book, but that's for another post.
