Dear Friends in Magic,
Every path in magic is unique, yet we all share the joy of discovery. Sometimes the most meaningful steps we take are the ones that lead us in unexpected directions. In this Museletter, guest columnist Evelyn Ehlers shares her story about the magic of wandering, and what can happen when we dare to step off the familiar road.
The Magic of Wandering
“Of magic doors there is this…
you may not see them even as you are passing through.”
– Linzi Day
In my classes with Jeff he encourages me to explore different paths in magic, to move out of my comfort zone, and be open to new experiences. All of which helps my magic evolve. Taking his advice I tried an experiment. What would happen if for one year I made choices in magic that were the opposite of my current path? Would my magic grow? Would my path in magic change? Would I change? Here’s my story and the results of what happened when I decided to step off my path and wander.
Playing With Fire
I loved performing baseball magic, classic magic, and card magic, but I still felt something was missing. Then a friend told me about the Weekend of Wisdom – three days of “a deep study of magic with evenings of deep mystery.” This was not the type of class I would typically attend, so it was the perfect place to begin.
There was plenty of magic teaching, but we also learned about alchemy, honoring the elements, and participating in fire magic. I held a ball of fire in my hands. No gimmicks, I was truly holding fire! I had learned magic, watched magic, and performed magic, but during that weekend I actually felt magic. Moments so pure and real that the way I approach my own magic was forever changed. Just one step off my path and I found what had been missing. I discovered the mystical side of magic, and, just as important, the mystical side of myself.
Curiouser and Curiouser
Down the rabbit hole I went. I had planned to attend the Master Class and work on my close-up magic, but instead chose to step way out of my comfort zone and detour into the Vegas desert for Mayfire, an alchemical fire circle hosted by Jeff and Abigail. This was a great opportunity for me to further explore the mystical side of magic and to experience magic from a very different
perspective. I found wonderful inspiration in the dancing, singing, drumming, chanting, and storytelling around the Fire. I came away enlightened and overflowing with new ideas for my magic.
Next up, instead of attending the Card Mastery class, I ventured into Tarot Magic. Only I didn’t use the Rider Waite deck, I learned with Baseball Tarot cards. My new path brought me full circle back to where it all started – with baseball magic. One day you’ll see me with sponge balls, the next day with a pendulum. The mainstream and the mystical. One keeps me grounded, the other lets me explore. I can’t imagine one without the other. My magic needs them both.
Revelations
Back to my initial questions. By making opposite choices did my magic evolve, did my path in magic change, did I change? The answer is yes!
In just one year, I found my way to the Fire, which has become a main source of inspiration for my magic – a profound and life enriching experience that helped me understand what real magic is and how it feels. I developed an interest in Ritual and Ceremonial magic – a genre with a world of new possibilities, opportunities and audiences. I became a Baseball Tarot reader, worked my first psychic and healing arts fair, joined a drum circle, and found a new community of like-minded friends. There is now more mystery in my mainstream magic, and the mystical has become more familiar.
My overall magic has improved. It’s more genuine, and my confidence in performing has grown. With this newfound confidence, I’m making my way from behind the close-up table to parlor and stage. I learned that a non-linear approach to magic keeps me engaged, challenged, and increases my overall depth of knowledge. With each new experience comes the exuberance of feeling like a beginner again, with endless potential for my magic to grow.
Magic Doors
There are magic doors everywhere waiting for you to step through. Detours on your path lead to unexpected places, where inspiration for your magic awaits. How do you find these doors? Start with Mystery School. Is there a class you find interesting but is different from the current magic you perform and/or study? Give it a try. There is no safer space to try something new.
Bridge the gap. If you come across a subject you would like to explore but it’s far out of your comfort zone, add a dose of familiarity–the way I used baseball as a vessel to learn Tarot.
Wander back in time. Is there a topic you wanted to pursue but set aside? Revisit your notes and ideas from the past, and awaken untapped passions.
Give yourself permission. When writing your goals, leave a blank space for something not currently in the realm of your imagination. Leave room for a magical experience that will only happen if you step off your path. I never would have thought to write “perform magic at a fire circle” on my goal list.
Storytellers
I hope my story inspires you to step out of the box and wander into areas of magic that you have yet to explore. You may find, as I did, an entirely new path to follow, leading to a treasure trove of wonder that will ignite your imagination, inspire your creativity, and elevate your magic. When you encounter a magic door on your journey, take a chance and step through. Trust in yourself and the universe, and most importantly, collect your stories and share them with us. It’s through our magic and our stories that our paths, no matter how different, are connected.