Ceremonial Magic and Pagan Traditions - A Comparison

In this article I would like to present a high-level comparison of pagan magical traditions and ceremonial magic. Too many these are alien to one another, and in some aspects that is correct. However, once you look into them there may be more similarities than differences.

First, briefly, I would like to discuss my background. I have been involved with Western Ceremonial Magic, most specifically the Order of the Golden Dawn, for about 26 years at the time of this writing. I have reached an adept grade, and am part of the running of a local, independent Golden Dawn Temple. I have taught several classes on Western Ceremonial Magic, Tarot, astrology and several other subjects. As far as pagan traditions go I am a relative newcomer, having been involved with them for about five years now and am in the process of my second degree training in a family-based pagan tradition. I do not claim to be an expert in any pagan tradition, but I am somewhat familiar with them.

First, I would like to talk about how and where the different traditions developed. Now, the term “pagan” is extremely broad, and I will continue to use it in that broad sense. Nearly every culture in the world had some sort of tradition that could be considered pagan. Of course, what most people think of is traditions that come from Celtic, Germanic, Scandinavian, Romany, and to an extent Greek and Roman origins. There are many, many others of course. The traditions are centered primarily with a connection to the Earth to some extent. Many are very nature oriented, and those that are not specifically nature-based still have a strong connection to the Earth, although that may be through the worship of gods and goddesses associated with natural events. They are sometimes organized, but more often than not do not have a rigid structure to their teachings, nor even a formalized group of teachings. In general they originated with family or village traditions that were passed down and spread through communities. Someone would do something that worked and that practice would be added to the tradition. With some exceptions, there is not a formal method of practice, but students are taught to experiment and grow on their own to a large extent. Some of the more organized systems do initiate into a priesthood, but not always.

The ceremonial traditions are not so different. Like the pagan traditions, ceremonial systems can be seen nearly all over the world. What we commonly consider ceremonial magic, however, generally originated from Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Judeo-Christian traditions. As you see, there is a bit of overlapping in the areas of development. Ceremonial traditions are typically found in people of a scholarly background, or those initiated into priesthoods or mystery schools.  Many of these traditions have a strong connection to nature as well, but it is only part of their teachings and at times it is neglected for scholarly pursuits. These systems are normally very structured and designed to get a student to a specific point of understanding or competency. In the beginning the teachings are generally closely regulated, but later the student is free to follow other knowledge. Their members are generally formally initiated into the tradition and advancement through the tradition is highly graded. The grading structure is not arbitrary but built in to the tradition and mythology of the teachings.

It is important to note that while a great deal of pagan traditions are also considered religions, this is not the case with ceremonial magical practices to a large extent. This can be seen in the Golden Dawn, which has Judeo-Christian, Egyptian and Greek traditions actively operating in it at the same time, and later adding Rosicrucian and Enochian as well. The ceremonial mindset is one that “all traditions contain elements of the truth” and therefore can be used. Generally, pagan traditions will focus solely on one practice or mythology in their organization.

There are a few striking differences between paganism and ceremonial magic. Some, such as the existence of formal teachings and grade structures, I have already mentioned. One of the largest differences I have found, however, is the goal of their work. With the pagan traditions it seems that they are more focused on results that effect the world around them. There are various spells to achieve results, produce certain effects, have a good harvest or favorable year, positive interactions with others, etc. Spiritual development is something that is done later in training, and in a few cases I have observed is not practiced at all. Ceremonial magic takes the opposite view. Its first goal is the spiritual development of the initiate. The student is instructed in ways of integrating the higher spiritual powers, often termed the higher self or the true self, before any practical work is performed. Also, there is a period where the lower self, the mind, emotions and physical body, are purified and refined to connect to and house the higher spiritual presence. After this is done the initiate then can begin doing practical work under the direction of the higher will.

Another difference is where these two traditions draw energy from for their work. Pagan traditions will draw energy from nature and their environment. They draw from the energy of the Earth, the elements and from other natural entities. Ceremonial magicians draw energy from the spiritual source, knowing that the spirit rules over the physical, which is actually just the manifestation of the spiritual realm on the physical level of existence.

Pagan magical workings tend to be simpler affairs, normally needing a minimum of preparation, a simple altar and a short spell or ritual. Ceremonial practices tend to be longer, taking into account a many things such as astrological influences, formal liturgies, and long, drawn out rituals. Of course, pagan traditions do have some long drawn out rituals and ceremonial magicians do shorter and simpler works as well, but in general they are as first mentioned. 

There are many more differences and similarities that could be mentioned. These are just a few. The goal with this is not to say one is better or worse than the other, but to promote understanding between the two. You are drawn and practice the system that is right for you. The only true “right way” is the way that is right for you. However, I do feel that there is much that the two systems can learn from one another. They are all paths of growth, liberation and enlightenment and should all be respected as such.