Power 'Layering' for Magickians

At first glance this looks like a lesson in magickal correspondences. But alas, my friend, take that second glance. What can be called 'power layering' is what many magickians neglect to do once they have brought together their various spell components; incantations, herbs, stones, symbols, sigils, etc. This neglected part of magickal practice is often what makes the difference between a spell that does what it is intended to and one that doesn't.

Put into the tiniest nutshell I can manage, "power layering" is the practice of bringing ALL OF YOU into the spell. In my long travels I have observed people that read their spell off a piece of paper with a dull, lifeless, monotone. They use tools that have not been properly enchanted and call upon deities they have no connection to. There's no life, no spark, no POWER. Magickians that just go through the motions don't get much magick done. It matters little that the right rune or Tarot card is chosen, whether the spell rhymes or even that the moon phase and planetary hour is correct. If the magick worker is missing from the working a lot of nothing will manifest.

So what goes into 'power layering?' We will assume that you have already coordinated and arranged the various correspondences with the appropriate elements on your altar or working area. Above and beyond that fundamental preparation is where the critical work happens. We must now "layer" or bring to bear those things unique to YOU. To put it plainly, applying intense emotions, our own physical sensations and getting as many of our five physical senses as possible involved will greatly add to the effectiveness of this spell. That is where most people stop, if they go that far at all. There is yet more to do, however. In addition to all of the above you may also bring a belief system which is totally in harmony with the elements, deities or spirit entities (if any are being employed,) procedures, intent and with virtually every aspect of the ritual itself. Being sure that every layer of your working dovetails seamlessly with every other is a key that is often overlooked.

Here's a an analogy that may help to illustrate the point. Somewhere early on in elementary school we learned how to magnetize certain kinds of metals using a magnet. The explanation I was given at the time was something about how our magnet could realign the "molecules" in the other metal so they were all pointing in the same direction. As I was researching the science behind how magnets work for this BLOG it became clear that there is so much MORE to the story I got at school! Magnetism involves very complex issues, 'upward' and 'downward' electrons spinning around atoms and even quantum mechanical principles! Since this post is not really about magnets but about magick I will simply say that my research confirmed that my 60's era teacher was correct, in principle anyhow.

To make the most use of this analogy and image above let yourself imagine that each one of those arrows are some part of your magickal equation. In order for the aspects or your magickal working to have the greatest power to effect change in your world they should all be pointed in the same direction. The aspects of your working or spell must also include all those elements in YOU, the magickian. They should all be part of your magickal equation.

Many, if not most magickians, fall a bit short in this department and it affects their ability to achieve the best results. For instance, are you using a pentacle in your spellcraft when you have greater faith and confidence in the cross or some other symbol? Ideally one should be fully aware of what they perceive as powerful, reliable and feels right. When there are elements either inside or outside of you that are working at cross purposes or are not harmoniously 'aligned' like the electrons in our magnet, the attraction for what you want will be weaker.

Some people will balk at the idea of using an Ankh in a "Wiccan" ritual. Likewise, they may object to using a Crucifix at a "Druid" working. Naturally, if you are working in a group it is wise to observe a certain ritual etiquette and respect for the beliefs of others. There is nothing to gain from pissing off the people you're working with. On the other hand, if you are working alone with the purpose of doing magick, you do not have to abide by the strict guidelines of a tradition with which you are not wholly in sync. Traditionalists will argue this point with me but I speak from first-hand experience. I am not parroting magickal theories I picked up at Barnes & Noble. Say what you wish, the simple truth is you CAN mix traditional elements effectively in magick. Magick that integrates your own unique energies and belief systems with all the rest of your ritual will be powerful indeed. The concept of "power layering" is about making a layer of correspondences, a layer of entities or deities, elementals (if appropriate,) a layer of magickal timing, a layer of your personal thoughts, emotions (a motive power all its own,) a layer of your unique beliefs all integrated, all "aligned' like a magnet toward your desired outcome.

Before we move on we should address a legitimate concern about mixing in magick. Integrating your beliefs into your own personal tradition or simply mixing and matching elements from here and there is fine as a general rule but please use common sense and caution about what you bring together. For example, there are certain entities that don't get along together. The same is true of people, right? Going along with the human example, if you were to invite (invoke) a German SS officer into your circle to work with a Jewish Holocaust victim, what kind of cooperation could you expect? Or would you invite the archangel Michael and that entity known as Satan to work together? If the two individuals you invoked happen to be two spirits that are opposed to each other no good will come of it. So be careful that the elements you include in your Craft work are reasonably compatible. Aside from not bringing clashing energies together there is no reason I can think of to avoid customizing your magickal practice for greatest affect.