| M |
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| Mabon |
This is the Autumn equinox, celebrating the gathering of
the final harvest by Neopagans and Wiccans. It is one of the eight Sabbats or holidays in the Neopagan festival calendar, and takes place on 1st or 2nd
September depending upon tradition. |
| Macrocosm |
The greater world or universe, distinguished from the
Microcosm (see below) with which it corresponds (as above, so below).
|
| Macumba |
See
Lukumi. |
| Magi |
Plural of Magus. |
| Magician |
Someone who is skilled in the mysterious and hidden
art of magick, with the ability to attain objectives, acquire knowledge, and perform 'works of wonder' using supernatural or non-rational
means. Some of the more modern magicians, such as Aleister Crowley
and those who follow the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
or the Ordo Templi Orientis,
describe magick in rational terms, using definitions (meanings of words, terms or phrases), postulates (starting assumptions from which
other statements are logically derived) and theorems (statements which can be proved on the basis of explicitly stated or previously
agreed assumptions). |
| Magick |
Magick is usually defined as ritual acts performed
with the intent to cause change or to transform the magician or the environment. The loosest definition of magick is an act of intent or will
designed to result in a specific outcome. |
| magical Record |
A magical record is a journal or similar source of
documentation containing magical events, experiences, ideas, and any other information that the magician may see fit to add.
Aleister Crowley wrote,
"It is absolutely necessary that all experiments should be recorded in detail during, or immediately after their performance. The more
scientific the record is, the better. Yet the emotions should be noted, as being some of the conditions. Let then the record be
written with sincerity and care; thus with practice it will be found more and more to approximate to the ideal." |
| magical Weapons |
As with magick, a magical weapon is any instrument
used to bring about intentional change. With that said, in practice, magical weapons are usually specific, consecrated items used within
Ceremonial/Ritual Magick. There is no hard and fast
rule for what constitutes or does not constitute a magical weapon. If a magician considers it to be a weapon, then a weapon it is.
However, there does exist a set of magical weapons with particular uses and symbolic meanings. Some such common weapons/tools include
the dagger/sword, wand/baton, cup/chalice, disk/coin, holy oil, lamp and bell. See also
Thelema - magical Weapons.
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| Magus |
Used to denote an accomplished ritual magician,
the plural form being Magi. The root word of magick and magician, magus is taken from Simon Magus, the name of a first century
magician/healer who was reviled by the early Christians. See also Magician above. |
| Major Arcana |
The name given to the 22 'Trump' cards in a
Tarot deck. Arcana is the plural form of the Latin word 'arcanum', which means
'closed' or 'secret'. See also Minor Arcana below. |
| Malkuth |
Malkuth is the tenth and final Sphere (Sephirah) of divine
emanation according to Kabbalah, representing the plane of material existence. The word Malkuth means kingdom. See also
The Sephiroth. |
| Malleus Maleficarum |
Translated as The Witches Hammer, this is one of the
most important late medieval theological texts against witchcraft. It was written by two
Dominican friars, Jakob Sprenger (1436-1495) and Heinrich Kramer (1430-1505), and filled with detailed descriptions and definitions, as a result of
which it quickly became the most authoritative study of witchcraft and the methods of detecting it. Thus it became the handbook for
witchfinders, and served as a guide to the Holy Inquisition for more than a century. |
| Mandala |
A sanskrit word meaning ‘section’, a mandala is a symmetrical design used for
meditational, or spiritual purposes. Tibetan Buddhists are known for the mandalas they take months to make from coloured grains of sand, which, when complete, they blow away to demonstrate the impermanence of all things. See also
glyph. |
| Mantra |
A chanted sacred mystic syllable, word or verse used
in meditation and japa (continuous chanting, i.e. repetition of a mantra) to still the mind, to balance the inner bodies, and to attain
other desired aims. In her book Initiations and Initiates in Tibet, Alexandra David-Neel speaks briefly of the mystical use of the mantra,
Aum mani padme hum! (‘The Jewel is in the Lotus!’). Each of the six syllables refers us to a specific world or universe. As
the practitioner breathes in while repeating the mantra, the worlds come into being within his body, an event he is to visualise. As he
breathes out, they dissolve into nothingness. |
| Mark of the Beast |
See Symbols used in Occultism. |
| Mars |
The 4th planet from the Sun, named after the Roman god of war, the
counterpart to Ares in Greek mythology.
Astrologically, Mars rules
Aries. |
| Martinism |
A mystical tradition, founded by Louis-Claude de
Saint-Martin in 18th century France. The 20th century saw a revival of some of the practices which pre-date
Martinism proper and which directly inspired it. Martinism is a form of mystical or esoteric
Christianity, which sees the figure of Christ as The Repairer who enables individuals to attain an idealised state similar to
that in the Garden of Eden prior to the Fall. |
| Materialisation |
The unusual or
paranormal
manifestation or appearance
of a spirit as 'matter' (basically, someone who has passed away appearing in bodily form). It can also refer to the sudden appearance of an
apport. |
| Meditation |
The practice of inner focus which renders an advanced state
of awareness. It includes a variety of techniques for some individuals that may or may not incorporate spirituality which can calm and soothe
as well as provide insight. |
| Medium |
In
spiritualism, a medium (often called a channeler) or spirit medium is
someone who claims the ability to receive messages from spirits, ghosts, or other discorporate entities, or claims to be able to channel such
entities, i.e. to write or speak in the voice of these entities rather than in his/her own voice. This may be in a language completely
unknown to the medium, a phenomenon known as
xenoglossy. |
| Mercury |
The smallest planet in the solar system and the closest to
the sun, Mercury was the messenger god in Roman mythology, and the counterpart of Greek Hermes.
Astrologically, Mercury rules
Gemini and
Virgo. |
| Merkabah |
Practical Kabbalism
concentrated on the Maaseh Merkabah (The History of the Divine Throne or Chariot). The Maaseh Merkabah centred on the mystical
adoration of the Throne Chariot of God (as described in Ezekiel Chapter 1, verses 26-28). |
| Microcosm |
The lesser, physical world, said to parallel the Macrocosm
(see above), or greater world (as above, so below). |
| Minor Arcana |
The name given to the 4 suits of cards in a
Tarot deck. See also Major Arcana above. |
| Mishna |
See
Talmud. |
| Moon |
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite, taking 27 days
and 8 hours to circle the Earth.
Astrologically, the Moon rules
Cancer. |
| Mystic |
A term applied to someone who believes in the existence of
realities above and beyond the realm of human comprehension. |
| Mysticism |
The belief that one can rise above reason to achieve direct
union with God or the Divine through meditation and intuition. In mystical practices, one attempts to merge with God or the
Divine through a disciplined quest to achieve enlightenment. Some forms of mysticism include the
Kabbalah, Sufism (Islam), Yoga, and Buddhism. |
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