During the last week I have been in a creative groove. Writing, crocheting, and then, painting. Now I’m not what any one could conceive of as a true “artist” but then again, I don’t really care. I don’t create for anyone else but me. And when I do create it is with but one purpose. I use my art as magick.
I can hear the skeptics already. “I’m not artistic.” “But I can’t even draw a straight line let alone paint.” I have no talent at all.” No worries and no excuses. Neither am I. But art as magick isn’t all about talent and how fabulous it is going to look when you are done. It is about connection with spirit, connecting with the forces all around you. It is about fun and letting our visions find form. Magickal art is, well, magick first and foremost. Aesthetics are secondary.
The most significant difference between art for art’s sake and art as magick is the intention, the focus behind it. Before I begin a project I make a conscious decision on the subject of my creation. Will I be using the object in ritual? As a focal point for contemplation and meditation? Perhaps I am creating something that will make my home more attractive while infusing it with peace and love. Take my latest two projects for example. I painted four separate pieces for my book on the Elements. The other is several crochet pillow covers for my home. Each of these has a different feel, and are for a very different purpose. Yet each is filled with intention and magick.
Art as Magick – Making Intuitive Choices
Once I’ve decided on how my art shall be used, I gather my supplies. No matter the medium, be it needlework, sculpting, drawing, or painting, as you choose your supplies focus on your goal. You may even wish to infuse your paints, clay, or yarn with the energy you wish to create, making magick even before you even begin your work. Place your hands over your supplies and envision them filling with the energies required for the task at hand. Blowing on them with your breathe- giving them your energy – also connects you with your chosen medium. Then, each brush stroke, each stitch, each line drawn is infused with focus, with purpose, with energy and magick.
Using your intuition, choose the colors, the style, the shape of your creation. Focus on your magickal end result. What colors feel right for a painting to be used in meditation? Blue? Green? Your favorite aunt has requested your assistance in healing her thyroid issues. Knitting a scarf by choosing a soft yarn in a healing color would be perfect for that goal. Allow you goal to shape itself in your mind then, reach for that paint brush, those knitting needles, that clay, and begin.
Using Your Magickal Art
Once you’ve finished your creation, it’s time to put it to good use. Hang your new painting in your meditation space where you will be able to see it often. Place a warm, peace infused afghan over your husband’s chair providing him with that energy each time he drapes it over his lap. Your new sculpture (however lop-sided or squishy – you should see mine!) will look perfect on the mantle, especially since it was created to act as a guardian for your home.
As you place each piece in its new location, speak to it, remind it of what it was designed for. Touch it, then the wall, the mantle or shelf it is being placed on and let it know that this is now “home”. By doing so you are creating an additional magickal bond with the item, guiding it towards its purpose. Magick is alive people, and the things we create with it are our
responsibility. Make sure each item knows what it was designed for and what your expectations are.
All that is left to do is enjoy your art! Share your creations with friends and family. Show them off, no matter the level of artistic talent you may have. Share the joy of making magick, of creating art, and changing the world for the better one “masterpiece” at a time. May you find joy in those things your heart, mind, and hands fashion.
Blessed Be!
