We are All Magicians

We all start out knowing magic.

We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, 

and comets within us. 

We are born able to sing to birds 

and read the clouds 

and see our destiny in grains of sand. 

But then we get the magic educated 

right out of our souls. 

Robert R. McCammon

We are all spell-casters

Words are spells. Every word you choose to write or speak has the power of life and death. You can cause someone torment, or dramatically bring them joy. And yet we throw words around with abandon, especially in the digital battleground where a level of anonymity can bring the worst out of people.

With this much power, clarity becomes key. Is communication actually taking place? Is your meaning being heard? What was your goal in saying or writing that?

You will see what power something as simple as a meme can have. One will cause a smile, another may give hope in the battle for mental health, another may cause a tear.

Of course, sometimes, an element of ritual can increase its impact. What impact would a handwritten thank you card with a personal message mean to its recipient? You can influence another person’s emotions, for better or for worse.

Will you use your power to compliment someone and increase their confidence? Or to belittle and put them into the shade?

We are all enchanters

Not only are you surrounded by enchanted items, but you have the ability to enchant (or curse) them yourself. Do you have a dress that has been complimented so often that it feels like it has a confidence enchantment on? Have you kept your child’s early drawings because they give you a happiness boost?

Some of these magical artifacts might be anchored to memories, such as a concert, or a celebration, while others might be pop-culture references. Perhaps a key-ring of Wonder Woman that brings you strength.

You are surrounded by these items and you can charge them by recognising their power every time you hold them. Imagine them glowing, or surrounding you in a rainbow of light.

You can also create them by complimenting other people’s clothes, jewelry, or even their car. You can anchor positive associations to any physical item, or you can curse them.

Those snide remarks about someone’s top, or furniture, might not have a dramatic effect, but it moves the needle of happiness a percentage or two into the dark.

We are all shamans

You have grown up understanding the meaning of things. It is linked to storytelling, and out of that comes metaphor and symbolism.

We all dream, and if we pay attention, those dreams can force us to be introspective. To reflect and decide what the truth is. Whether you think it is some sort of message from the universe, or your subconscious processing your experiences, they can be of benefit.

The meaning will be personal to you — perhaps a dream of drowning means being overwhelmed, or a wasp sting suggesting dangers lie ahead. Taking a moment to consider that message will allow you to be self-aware, consider your actions and thoughts, and make more informed life decisions.

They can get you to slow down and interrogate your current situation and possible outcomes. Spending this time will highlight possible dangers or opportunities that you may have missed on the autopilot of everyday life.

Words aren’t just words — they are powerful spells. Communication is magic, and if you embrace a less mundane label for yourself, you might just remember the incredible influence you can have on the world around you.

No matter what word you choose, you have the ability to impact your reality and the reality of others.

What impact will you have?

Adapted from the writing of Darren Horne on October 16, 2019, at urbanhowl.com