Aleister Crowley said this about magic(k):

• "Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will"
• "Every intentional (Willed) act is a Magical act."
• "Magick is the Science of understanding oneself and one's conditions. It is the Art of applying that understanding in action."

Now I have quoted this because it is simple, and to the point, not because I believe that Aleister Crowley was right on everything. People will have different ideas on magic, or how to get what you want, and this is my take on the subject, but not necessarily the only correct one. My aim in this is to provide a practical, non-fluffy point of view on this.

Let's have a look at the magician tarot card, rider-waite version, because it provides a lot of insight.





You will notice that on the table in front of the man, there is a wand, a sword, a cup, and a pentacle. These represent the elements. Above his head there is an infinity symbol, suggesting that the knowledge available to him has no beginning or ending. He is reaching to the heavens, suggesting that he is channelling spiritual energy, or inspiration, to make his desires real. When the magician appears in a reading, it generally means that you will be sucessful in your plans, or the correct things are in place for success, or this is a good time to start something.

The 5 elements that are required for success: 1) Fire (or the wand). You need action to back up desires. For instance, if you want a job, you have to physically go door knocking, or go to the shop for a newspaper etc. It is a necessary ingredient.

2) Water (or the cup). Represents desire. You need to have sufficient desire to get what you want, and be willing to act on these. Without this, you will not put in enough effort to get what you want. You must also be able to clearly identify your desires, otherwise your actions will be inconsistant, scattered etc.

3) Air (or the sword). Represents ideas, and thought. You must have a clear idea of how to get what you want. Unclear thought, unworkable plans, a lack of planning will most likely lead to failure.

4) Earth (or the pentacle). Represents tenacity, (You may need to keep on trying, and not get what you want straight away). Also represents the physical application of plans, enough money, and the end physical manifestation of your desires.

5)Spirit. Represents the overall purpose. I guess any ritual, witchcraft, divination etc can be put into here. These things are good for increasing the level of success, but as can be seen by, for example: a businessman starting a new company, not always necessary. I don't think the system of witchcraft, ritual, divination etc you use is important, rather that the intent is clear,  and is backed up by 4 elements as described above.

Now, I realise that this is a lot of common sense to people, I just wanted to add a different view on it. The wisdom behind the elements, and why all of them are neccesary for success, is a philosophy I use in my life.