Donald Michael Kraig > Quotes

“Magick is the science and art of causing change (in consciousness) to occur in conformity with will, using means not currently understood by traditional Western science . . .” In this case “will” is understood not in terms of the individual’s petty wants and desires, but rather as an intention that is in harmony with the fundamental essence of the individual’s Higher Self, and also in full accord with natural or cosmic law.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts

“In short, although we, as humans united through our collective unconscious, may have in some way created nonphysical entities, they now have an independent existence of their own.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Llewellyn's Truth About Calling Spirits

“Colleges are popular places for cult recruitment.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, A Llewellyn Educational Guide to The Truth About Psychic Powers

“Next come the magickally important Hebrew letters Yud-Heh-Vahv-Heh, YHVH for short, the Tetragrammaton. I have already discussed it, but let’s add some more information. The Yud looks like this: . The upper tip of the Yud is associated with the first Sephira. The rest of the Yud, along with the Heh (which looks like this: ), is associated with the second through fourth Sephiroht. The Vahv is an elongated Yud and looks like this: . It is related to the fourth through ninth Sephiroht. Notice the overlap between the Vahv and Heh. The second or last Heh is related to the tenth Sephira. The first Heh is known as the Heh Superior (Sup.) and the second Heh is known as the Heh Inferior (Inf.). Hebrew is read from right to left, and the Tetragrammaton looks like this: Vertically, it looks like this: The creatures in the next column are both real and unreal, while the tools of the following column are magickal tools. The lamen is a medallion hung around the neck to represent a certain power or quality. The names are the various God, archangelic, and angelic names, along with other words of power. The traditional magician of the Middle Ages wore two robes: an outer robe, representing the silence necessary to being a magician, which concealed a hidden, inner robe of truth. Today, most magicians wear only one robe, the two robes being more symbolic than actual. Finally, the last column is self-explanatory with the sole added note that the plant associated with the first Sephira is an almond “aflower.” That is, it should be blooming. This list of Kabalistic correspondences is by no means complete. But it is a good start. I suggest that you make up a series of Trees of Life, each one filled out with one of the columns. You may wish also to make up a very large Tree of Life putting many of the correspondences associated with a Sephira in the drawing of that Sephira. I urge a deep study of the correspondences now. Their importance will become clearer to you as we move into the study of Grey Magick. For a far more complete version”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts

“Magick isn’t something you do. Magick is something you are.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, The Magical Life of Scott Cunningham

“Then, like today, many books are published that imply all you have to do is burn some herbs, wear a scent, or mumble some words and magic happens. If that were true, every book on magic would be locked up under the Patriot Act!”
― Donald Michael Kraig, The Magical Life of Scott Cunningham

“The past is like a tunnel. It is a path already taken and cannot be changed. The present is like a large circular room with thousands of doors.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, A Llewellyn Educational Guide to The Truth About Psychic Powers

“Real psychics are not like electric lights. They cannot turn their abilities on and off at will on all occasions.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, A Llewellyn Educational Guide to The Truth About Psychic Powers

“Yes, it is perfectly fine to use your magickal abilities and knowledge to get ahead on this physical plane, to get money, friends, love, and fame. I frequently tell people that in the West it is difficult to be spiritual when you’re wondering where your next meal will come from or how you will support your family.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts

“The regular practice of magic can actually alter our body's chemistry. Does this sound far-fetched? It's not. Consider the effect that just thinking about food can have on your body. Your mouth starts to salivate. The brain sends out chemicals that directly or indirectly stimulate appetite and start acid flowing to the stomach. Blood also flows toward the stomach. Or consider the effect that thinking about sex has on the body! The glands begin to produce chemicals that prepare the body for sex. The brain, stimulated by sexual thoughts, also produces chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins are so powerful that they rival heroin as a pain blocker. Practicing magic also produces changes in our body chemistry.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Llewellyn's Truth About Calling Spirits

“a true magician always knows the exact meaning of every word and action of a ritual.”
― Donald Michael Kraig, Modern Magick: Twelve Lessons in the High Magickal Arts