Thanks, @selfhelp4trolls, for giving me the title for this post. I usually just come up with a theme to write about on the spot, ofttimes related to the Rune message as in this case. I was talking to Zack as I was doing the reading and he used that expression which felt quite fitting, not just because of the reading but because of how it describes an aspect of what I've been experiencing of late: a resurgence of my connection with practical magic.
When the word "magic" comes up in most non-casual conversations, the first reaction most people have is "bollocks!". I don't blame them. Once you get into spiritual and mystical work and you see the amount of individuals who use these practices for fun, just to "be cool" or worse, to take advantage of others, it's easy to see why few people take the concept seriously. There's also a general view that any form of magic is irrational, superstitious and inherently distinct from science, which is to be expected but not actually accurate. A serious magical practitioner is a person that seeks, above all, awareness and understanding and through it, the capacity to change their reality; this not only benefits from the scientific method but I'd say it actually requires it.
As the Rune below says, Magic is a common occurrence, we do it all the time. When we think, we're creating reality. What we feel, we manifest. Our actions are both a consequence and a sustenance for that process. We just don't necessarily realize what we're doing because the vast majority of it is unconscious, concealed under a thick web of unquestioned habits, so it appears that things are just happening to us out of mere chance, when in fact we're constantly shaping the events of our regular lives and have a lot more power over what we perceive than we assume.
Now that I'm back in the roleplaying communities here in my city and decided to start storytelling again, I began creating a new story with new characters using Mage: The Awakening Second Edition. The system's new to be still but I'm growing increasingly familiar with it and I'm almost done creating the characters as well as the plot for my one-shot story based on an intensely magical version of Caracas where spirits walk, animals communicate in their own languages and buildings can float above the streets. Although this is a game and the main purpose is for participants to have fun, my interest goes well beyond that, I want them to feel the magic, to present them with an opportunity to change their perspectives about it, and I intend to do this more and more in person and on platforms like this one.
This world is miraculous and full of wonder, and we have individual and collective authority over it. We can wield this knowledge as a tool for betterment, for greater freedom and enjoyment. That's how I live my life and that's what I can offer others with my example and my narrations. I want to spark more beauty for others to tap into, and I'm ready for it!
Rune of the Day: Ingwaz
Magic is a common occurrence, open your eyes to the everyday wonder of living and you shall realize the authority that you hold upon your world. A new landscape expands before you, pregnant with possibilities and alternatives; there is no reason for you to cling to a single way of approaching the challenges that you are facing, and even less need for you to go it alone. Generosity is a simple craft, accept it from others and practice it regularly, improve your thoughts and the world shall answer in kind. Soften your posture, you may be too defensive and mistrustful, allow yourself some kindness, seed the ground with it and watch the seeds turn into greenery for the enjoyment of the community. Honest service is a silent and invisible endeavor, it does not require announcement or permission, only commitment and dedication; let the laughter around you be your inspiration, let your intuition guide you where you want to go.
