Musing on Black, White, and Grey Magic (2)

For me, applying these various definitions is problematic.  For example, the following is an actual ethical dilemma that happened in my life. Where I live, the son of one of my condo neighbors committed a murder.  Since their son was already a menace to the neighborhood, everyone wanted the family gone.  A spell could be done to remove the family.  This spell would be considered either white or black or grey magick depending on the point of view of the user.

            Because we want to be safe, the spell could be construed as white magick.  The community’s well-being is at stake, therefore the family must go.  Their leaving will make the place safer since they were so negligent in raising their son.

            The spell could also be considered to be black magick.  The focus of the spell is to have these people leave.  It does not matter whether they have the means or want to go.  Also, they could be innocent of any wrong doing.  What matters most would be what I personally want.  In addition, I would not particularly care about what they want.

            At best, the spell would be a grey magick one.  The intention of the spell would be to keep the neighborhood safe.  The charm in the spell would have to take into consideration whether the family wanted to move or not.  Means would be offered to have them leave.  A compromise would be to separate them from the rest of us. (In real life, the family did move to be closer to their son in prison.)

            Black, white, and grey magick depends on who does the defining.  I see most magick as shades of grey.  For example, asking the moon to grant a wish may involve violating someone’s free will.  This is an example of grey magick to me.

Musing on Black, White, and Grey Magic (1)

For me, “black”, “white”, and “grey” magick are modern constructs.  Ancient Pagans had a different concept of magic.  For them, “white” magick was what was sanctioned and brought blessings to their society.  In contrast, “black” magick was considered to be that which was subversive and hidden.  In today’s modern society, the curse tables of the Greeks and Romans could be considered to be black magic.  However, they were considered by the ancients as “grey” magick since they neither brought blessings to everyone nor were subversive to their society.

            The modern concepts of black, white, and grey magick are rooted in the monotheistic faiths of the West.  The world view shared in these faiths is of a vast spiritual battlefield between good and evil.  Because many Pagans were originally raised as Christians, much of Neo-Pagan thought still retains Christian undertones.  Therefore, grey magick came to be defined as white magick with elements of black magick.

            In researching various definitions of black magick amongst Neo-pagans, I found that a majority focused on “evil” or “darkness”.  Included in some of these definitions are discussions of the differences between the Left-Hand Path (such as Satanic) groups and Right-Hand Path (such as the majority of Neo-Pagans) groups.  The definitions seek to contrast good and evil by how these Paths view the world.

            The definitions ranged from “drawing on malevolent powers for gain without regards to others” (1) to “expecting miracles from humiliations and subjection.” (2)   One definition was more neutral – “hoping good will emerge from violations of the laws of nature.” (3) These definitions were rooted in the concept of doing evil versus good.

            In contrast, white magick is generally defined by helping the community or seeking a blessing.  Personal betterment and the healing of others are also included in the definition of white magick.  Grey magick is usually defined in the breach by implying that it is usually for the good of all but may involve some suspect activity.

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Works Cited:

1.  “Black Magic”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_magic.
2. Rideau, “White Magic vs Black Magic”, http://fare.tunes.org/liberty/white_black_magic.html,
3. Ibid. 
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GABOON VIPER: Dangerous Beauty

The heaviest Snake in the world, Gaboon Viper is easily identified by her broad triangular head.  Her spade-shaped head houses her huge venom sacs.  As an ambush predator, Gaboon Viper anchors her heavy body to the ground.  Stationary, She waits for an unwary animal to come by.  In a lightening fast move, She kills her prey with her venom.

            Because of her sedentary nature, Gaboon Viper is usually underestimated to be a dangerous Snake.  Also, her mellow placid nature lulls people into a false sense of security.  However without warning, Gaboon Viper will bite and kill them.

            Preferring to be invisible, Gaboon Viper digs Herself into the leaf letter of the floor of the African jungle.  Her intricately patterned body also helps to camouflage Her.  Purple and dark browns mix with pastels to create a work of sheer beauty which is her body.  With interlocking diamonds and triangles, sacred geometry is openly displayed on her skin.

            Gaboon Viper seems mellow and colorful.  In addition, her body is a work of art to be admired.  However hidden underneath that beauty is a deadly Snake.  Look but do not touch.  Do not be lulled into a sense of safety.  Remember beauty hides Gaboon Viper’s danger and death.

AFRICAN PUFF ADDER: Pay Attention

Found throughout Africa, African Puff Adder (Bitis arientans) is responsible for many lethal snake bites.  A seemingly sluggish Snake, He can strike at his victims at lightening fast speeds.  In fact, this bad-tempered Snake is credited with the most fatalities from Snakes in Africa.

            Active at night, African Puff Adder enjoys swimming in the water.  Later, He will lay on a warm road which retains the sun’s warmth.  During the day, African Puff Adder basks in the sun either on shrubs or in footpaths.

            Before striking, African Puff Adder puffs Himself up and hisses a warning.  Since He is the fastest striking Snake in the world, African Puff Adder will strike deep into his victim’s flesh.  Many times, his prey will die from physical trauma before succumbing to the venom.  Moreover, African Puff Adder can strike sideways as well as front ways.  So his victims have no opportunity to escape.

            Pay attention hisses African Puff Adder.  You need to look where you walk or you will step on a Snake.  Be prepared and not be surprised at anything or you will not be able to get away.