Most people reading this will know that adding the "k" to "magic" is not merely an affectation. Rather, it is a way to discriminate between the entertainment known for pulling rabbits out of hats (magic) and techniques for harnessing internal and external energies that will help us change ourselves and our environment (magick). I like to define the difference simply as "Magic is an attempt to imitate magick, by artificial means, as part of entertainment." Although the spelling with the "k" has a long history (there was a time when manuscript copyists were paid by the letter, resulting in the many words with needless double and multiple letters), it was Aleister Crowley who is credited with

Okay, you've assembled your two cubes and painted them black. Read part one if you don't know what I'm talking about. The next step is to add a door. I can't tell you the appropriate size because it will depend upon how thick the walls of your cubes are. Measure the height and width of the open side of your altar. Be sure to measure in a couple of locations because the cubes may not be perfect. Remember the carpenter's motto: measure twice, cut once. Your local lumber yard can cut a board to size for you. I suggest using plywood at least 3/8" thick. If you go much thinner the door may warp. The choice of hinges is up to you. You might prefer "invisible" hinges (they're completely on the

Most descriptions of magickal altars describe what goes on them. They advise that you use a box, a small table, or just about anything, then cover it with a cloth and put all of your ritual items on it. The ceremonial magick altar is different. Often, it will have no cloth cover at all. The design and shape of the altar, however, is fairly specific. Let's look at why: It is a double cube. The reason for this is simple. When you form a magickal circle, you literally become a small version of the universe within the circle. The two cubes represent all things: the smaller (microcosm) and the greater (macrocosm). They also remind us of the principle, "as above, so below." What we

Well, I'm back after spending a wonderful weekend at the Pagan Unity Festival with about 300+ other people. A great time was had by all. Being a boy from L.A. I wasn't used to the humidity, but when it rained it cut that out and was a pleasant relief. The lightning made a great show, too. I'd like to thank the wonderful people who put on PUF and would certainly encourage people to attend in coming years. They put this great sign on my cabin door: My only disappointment was that Raven and Stephanie Grimassi didn't make it. Apparently there was mechanical problems with three planes. I gave workshops on the evocation of spirits and psychic self-defence. I also volunteered to stand in