In the science of physics, Work is done when the proper force is applied to the proper object in the proper manner. Any failure of force, application or object results in no Work being done.

In the art of Magic, the same principle is true. If the proper force is applied to the proper object in the proper manner, certain results follow. The most common errors causing failure are:

Wrong Force: Attempting to use magic in a manner unsuitable for the chosen intent, i.e. “letting karma take care of” people who disagree with oneself (it’s the lazy man’s way of saying “I’m right but I can’t prove it or do anything about it!”) , “reflecting negativity back” on someone you don’t like (you’re still consciously directing harmful energy at your victim, so why not go for the gusto?), or seeking a new lover by “increasing your own sense of self-love and personal attraction” (have you ever SEEN the kinds of creeps that stalk attractive people? Want more of that?).

All these errors are consciously made in the interest of avoiding personal responsibility for wanting to do something selfish, i.e. perform practical magic in one’s own interests. Best avoided by owning up to allowing yourself a bit of self-serving activity once in awhile.

Wrong Application: Most magical failure stems from just plain doing it wrong. Anyone in the manufacturing industry can tell you “there’s a trick to everything” which massively simplifies the job at hand, and tends to work out better than taking the long way around the barn.

These are errors like doing magic to win the lottery or other games of chance. Magic requires concentration and intent, and since nearly everyone playing ANY games of chance is willing themselves to win, using magic to boost your chances would be only marginally successful. It’s like putting on the pads and uniform and jumping into an NFL playoff game, just to acquire a football. Why go to all that trouble, risk and expense, when you could easily go purchase one at Big 5 Sporting Goods? Get the picture?

There’s a trick to everything which doesn’t involve conflict. Want to get rid of a troublesome co-worker? Do a spell to get them a better job somewhere else. They’ll be delighted to go and you’ll get brownie points with the universe for having done them a favor. Need money? Do a spell to bring you the things you needed the money for in the first place, like getting the landlord to spot you a month’s rent for doing some minor work around the property, instead of doing the standard money-grubbing spells.

Wrong Object: Most of the time people, not just magicians, tend to have no idea how to actually get what they want out of life. They spend entirely too much time banging their heads against all the wrong walls, and they end up getting nowhere with it.

For example, an associate of yours is absolutely insufferable, but also untouchable because he has endeared himself to a powerful, wealthy or influential person also of your acquaintance. Instead of directly attacking the person or their benefactor, why not direct your will to cause a subtle correction in their personality which causes them to be somewhat less useful to the Big Guy? Everyone protects their interests, but almost nobody protects their talents. You could also summon a new co-worker who’s even more to the boss’ liking, or reshape his preferences so he likes you better.

What about that hot chick down the hall who has no interest in your various charms? Instead of forcing her to love you by impairing her judgement (love spells are so crude), why not acquire yourself something which makes you a hell of a lot more interesting to her? This might be a new car, or an exciting hobby, or even a date with her best friend. Never underestimate the power of envy to really motivate someone. You could also use the same effort you’d have put into that love spell to charm others in her circle of friends with a glamour, so that she spends all day surrounded by people talking about how great you are. The keynote here is that there is almost always more resistance to a frontal assault, but a clever flank might just get you the success you need.

In all, most magic fails because people just plain don’t think it through. Take the time to figure out what you want, how best to make that happen, and most importantly, what else your actions might cause. It doesn’t do any good to win eight million dollars if you got it in a lawsuit from the bus that ran you over and left you paralyzed. Ten minutes of clever creative thought can save you hours of work and weeks of waiting for results.

So, the next time you’re preparing a bit of work to make changes in your world, give it a little extra thought and see if there isn’t some clever way to get more bang for your buck by thinking outside the box.

Speak Truth AND Power, my young apprentices