spells, powers, ect.

[shortstuffO3]

I have a lot of questions that no one can seem to answer or they just get blown off. I want serious answers from people who know what they are talking about. First off, are there such things as powers. I mean I know that they probably exaggerate them to an extent, but can people really have them. Some people say that everyone has them, it is just learning how to use them. If that is possible, how do you learn. Spells, do they really work? Can anyone do them or do you have to be a "witch"? Also, is there a dark side to magic and a good side. I wonder this, because I just watched the new remake of the Initiation of Sarah and it had a lot of this stuff in it. The unknown and witchcraft has always fascinated me. I have a lot more of questions, but if anyone could answer these or point me in the right direction it would be a big help!

[mibn2cweus]

Mystical "powers" are intrinsically without power to directly alter reality, however, there is an inherent ability in them to have an affect on the behavior of those who believe in them and those who lack the knowledge to refute them.

[luna-tic]

Yes,it is possible to invoke good or bad spells upon others but this is an extremely serious practice and not to be taken lightly.The dark side or good side as you said comes from the person's actions and not necessarily as a result of their personality alone.
You do not have to be a so-called witch,wizard,shaman or anything else to perform such acts but true belief and knowledge from those who are skilled in these arts would need to be present before attempting to use it.
The power you spoke of "shortstuff03" is really within us all but to develop the gift to heal and help others in whatever way they can is far nobler than causing pain or grief for malicious reasons.
It's the same as a true martial artist learns self-defence and the spiritual,philosophical elements and should only consider attacking when there is absolutely no other way.
Witchcraft is not a game but if you wish to pursue learning about it,then good luck.

[dawkins]

Supernatural powers do not exist. Not one person on the face of this earth ever has been able to demonstrate a genuine supernatural power. However, as Mibn said, there is a danger that folks who dabble in the occult can suffer psychological harm so be wary.

[wizard69]

I agree with dawkins, there are no powers except in the mind of the practicionar.Years ago I had an intense interest in all things mystical/supernatural.I was a member of a paranormal research group,played with ouja boards,visited countless mediums,practiced magic and spells,I had friends that were wiches (and for good measure, one that was a satanist)I practiced various forms of divination and tried astral projection and attended seances.I read literally hundreds of books over several years and even placed adds in magazines such as Prediction in an attempt to meet people who profesed to have any kind of occult power.I found absolutely nothing that couldnt be explained by rational means.Nowadays when I hear of yet another so called unexplained event i just sit and yawn.There are NO magic powers in the universe.

[Rev Sermon]

I guess it depends on your definition of "mystical powers" but my quasi-scientific argument would be:
Chaos theory states that a very small action such as a butterfly flapping its wings can trigger a chain of events leading ultimately to a major event such a hurricane.
It is already possible for quadraplegics to activate computers, which can in turn control mechanical devices by the power of thought albeit with a range of technical gadgetry.
Is it then not possible to will something hard enough to cause minute changes to the universe at atomic level which could then spiral into something bigger?
Answer on a postcard...

[noxlumos]

I practice Kaos magick. I suggest you read Austin Osman -Spare and google something along the lines of "modern Kaos magick" to get more info on that. There are many belief systems all of which vary drastically, so pick the one that best represents your beliefs. You intention is everything, no matter which you align yourself with, so be nice :)

[Puddintane]

If you believe in them then they are real.

[Matheous]

"There are NO magic powers in the universe. "
wizard69 I am certain there is a huge scientific establishment on this planet who would dearly love to hear all your explanations cocerning the Universe. After all -anything outside our five senses just isn't reality- Is it?