The Threefold Effect of Magic
|This question is about the fear of magical repercussion, known as the ‘threefold law’.
Hi Venus,
Another question for you, here goes: though I was not raised with any formal religious tenets, I did explore Judaism, Xtianity, and took a series of classes on Wicca. To my detriment from those studies, I have a sincere fear in the repercussions of following the satanic path. For example, sending out negative energy to harm another will come back at me 3 fold – something I do not want or need. Another would be the consequences of performing any type of satanic ritual and opening myself (inadvertently) up to negative energies that again could/would bring about negative consequences in my life or to other loved ones.
Are my concerns baseless? Given the amount of time you’ve been involved with the occult, if there is truth to any of what I state above, I’m assuming you’ve either experienced it, or found it to be total BS. If baseless, if you could provide a starting place (aside from The Satanic Bible) where I should being, it would be appreciated. Thanks for your time, and I look forward to your reply.
“magical repercussion” is the belief that harmful actions will return to you. It is a moral standard that is used within certain religious and occult groups to maintain a standard and a code of ethic amongst its followers. such beliefs are best when they are used in a group setting. because satanism is not really communal – it is not a community of followers who are of one belief, the idea that there should be one law or standard of [magical] behaviour seems quite useless.
though I was not raised with any formal religious tenets, I did explore Judaism, Xtianity, and took a series of classes on Wicca. To my detriment from those studies, I have a sincere fear in the repercussions of following the satanic path
first i have to wonder, if you have had all of this experience then why are you seeking to make a change into a path that is contradictory to what you originally started out with?
the only benefit that i can see with a situation like that, is to use satanism as a way to further yourself from these beliefs. other than that it seems kind of counter-productive to what you have chosen to learn already. Judaism, Christianity and wicca have common roots, and by this i mean that there are several sources that all three have in common, most notably the dualistic belief in good vs. evil. and the use of a golden rule that is similar.
the repercussion you fear is taught by the studies that you have learned. but, if you consider this, these are their religious teachings about what they oppose and because of this they have created reasons why they want their followers to be good and live according to their morals. for centuries both Judaism and Christianity have used the name and idea of satan in a divisive way – to make their followers accept the consequences of punishment or reward. these are only teachings of their religion which when taken out of the context of their religion mean nothing at all. they do not represent a worldwide moral standard.Even within different sects of Christianity and Judaism there are different rules and interpretations of morals.
the idea to remember within Christianity and Judaism is that ‘satan’ was originally a title – it means slanderer or accuser. most of the religious works by these groups portray Satan as fallen angel or as a spirit who opposes god. outside of a religious view it is easy to see how this ‘Satan’ really refers to those who oppose the religious and moral authority of the ‘righteous’. a Satan could literally be anyone or anything that is against their god.
your fear comes from these teachings, which show that whatever is outside of their teachings are considered false and evil. you will find this type of exclusion in many religious groups who claim that their way is the one and only way to enlightenment. there are many religions in the world besides these two, and each of them offer a spiritual path, if you are willing to believe what they claim as a religious truth.
Wicca is a religion and it is no different when it comes to religious morals. They teach that magic will return to the caster threefold either for good or for harm. this idea would be great but magic in itself does not reproduce its own effects, regardless of what they teach in that one particular faith called Wicca. if this were true then ALL magicians from any age would have had the same issue! They do not, because it is only a teaching that is found within Wicca that relates to the religious practice of wiccan magic.
Magic has no morals or guidance, but some people ascribe moral uses for magic because they want to include morals or ethics in their magic practices. there is no such standard in satanism because satanists do not all share the same practices and beliefs. in fact you will find that there are quite a few satanists who understand that satanism is not a collective experience, but an individual experience.
For example, sending out negative energy to harm another will come back at me 3 fold – something I do not want or need. Another would be the consequences of performing any type of satanic ritual and opening myself (inadvertently) up to negative energies that again could/would bring about negative consequences in my life or to other loved ones.
Perhaps, don’t direct your harmful magic at your loved ones?
its not so much about actual consequences as it is your *belief* in said consequences. with your religious background it is easy to understand where your source of fear comes from. but your fear is only related to what you have been taught. I can not help you undo years of religious belief but i could suggest a few things if you do want to explore satanism
Religion is all about perspective.If you truly believe in something spiritual,you're content with that and no longer in search of any other religion related stuff.It really doesnt matter who or what you believe in,as long as you're peaceful inside but theres one thing important:whatever is your choice with religion,do not believe in anothers truths always search for yours,get any perspective you can and form your own.belive in what suits you.Cause if you start living with someone elses rules,you're no longer yourself,you slowly become them.
dont become a stereotype!
“‘satan’ was originally a title – it means slanderer or accuser.”
Also “Adversary”. This is the Hebrew name of the enemy of the Judeo-Christian God.
“its not so much about actual consequences as it is your *belief* in said consequences.”
My two cents, for what it is worth, is just the opposite. It is not about some superstition about bad things coming back to you 3-fold or yadda yadda. It is about real consequences. Every action has consequences – some good, some bad; some reason, some disproportionate. Regardless, if you do the deed you pay the price. Sometimes the consequences for a good action is a high price; sometimes vice versa.
Magick, and I believe also life in general, requires situational ethics – not some blanket code.
“first i have to wonder, if you have had all of this experience then why are you seeking to make a change into a path that is contradictory to what you originally started out with?”
The purpose of my original question, and the response to the above is I found what I studied lacking (Judaism, Xtianity, Wicca) and remain agnostic for many years. Only by happening upon ‘The Satanic Bible’ in a bookstore, did I find a religion/thought system that really appealed to me. That led to further searching on the web, where I found your site and others that have proved helpful. However, before beginning the magical part of the journey, I wanted clarification on any potential consequences. As you said, that concern came from the investigation of other religions.