You'll hear the coming from me a lot. I'll call it the Art a lot, and to me, it fits. Magick is an Art and the Witch is crafting it (wink). Anyways, back to the topic. In magick, personal power is aroused, infused with specific purpose, released and directed toward its goal. Here is the definition according to Scott Cunningham (a favorite author of mine):
Magic: The movement of natural energies (such as personal power) to create needed change. Energy exists within all things -ourselves, plants, stones, colors, sounds, movements. Magic is the process of rousing or building up this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Magic is a natural, not supernatural, practice, though it is little understood.
Everything is connected. This applies to magick as well. The only thing I do not agree with in the above definition is that magick is not supernatural. I think that if you can move natural forces to create a change, that is pretty supernatural, and pretty cool! There is three common types: personal power, earth power, and divine/ether power.
Personal power is the life force that sustains us. We absorb this energy from all around, from food, the moon and sun. We release it in walking, exercise, etc. It never runs out, till we leave our physical shell (body). When you do a spell, and infuse too much personal power, you might feel very tired. Personal power should be used in combination with earth power or divine/ether power.
Earth power is the power that is found in/within our planet and it's natural products. Such products as stones, trees, wind, flames, water, crystals, colors, scents, etc. All possess a unique and very individual powers.
Divine/Ether power is the power that exists in the form of the Gods. Personal power and Earth power in effect are manifestations of Divine/Ether power. When you call a particular god or goddess, spirit, fairy, etc. to aid in a spell, you are bringing in Divine/Ether power. You see Divine/Ether power at work in Wicca.
Now, you need to learn the basics of magick. You'll learn more about it in the Spellcraft sections, but the majority will be here. How does magick work? Well, you first decide to do a spell, you're already setting the magick oven onto pre-heat. Some of us are lucky and you just think about doing a spell, forget about it due to other things, and the desired change just happens. It sorta works like a wish. I know I've done it before, many times. Just thinking about it gets the personal power wheel turning. When you gather the supplies, etc. for the spell, you are adding more personal power.
The next thing is, don't let your magick get so complex! Enjoy it in it's simple form. I have nothing against High Magick (aka large rituals, etc), but simple magick is easy to learn and can be fun. Simple Magick is often known as Low Magick, or magick that is simple in form and casting. Witchcraft is an example of low magick, but not always. Some Witchcraft sects can be involved in the next form.. The next type of magick is High Magick, which I defined earlier, you see it used by Ceremonial Magickians and some Druids. Is simple, low magick less powerful than high magick? No, and don't let me see that thought cross your brain again. I speak from personal experience on this one. High magick has it's benefits, but concentrated Low Magick can be quite impressive.
Trust yourself. Don't belittle yourself until you think magick is useless. If you do that, then magick will become a useless option!
Don't be afraid to write a spell, go over it a few times for errors and do it! I know some people that get so worked up on it, that they just never do it. And the spell, from what I saw, would of been great! You're not going to get anywhere if you don't get off that dusty old chair and get your hands dirty! Magick isn't easy to learn, but once you got it, you got it! I smile when I notice a spell working, and feel great.
But people say you're practicing dark magick! Well, if you are, then they have reason to talk (just kidding). If not, don't listen to them. If you are truely wanting to get somewhere in your magickal practice, then it would be best to not waste time being drawn into such junk. I can't even remember the amount of times I've denied practicing magick to people who ask me. I was afraid to, feeling the need to live up to that person's expectations. Or to hide myself for fear of being treated like a freak or a moron. Well, I regretted it, and still do today when I catch myself doing it (grin).
Your first step to learning magick, is to listen to the forces around you. Sit outside, and don't push it. Just let it come to you. If a leaf flies in your face, you go inside and then a storm rolls in, don't go running around knowing it would come. I've done it and it's moronic (rofl). I started myself by looking at the sky, and if I got an impression, I'd say it aloud. If it happened, then I got a gold star. If not, I learned what impressions meant what.
In the end, magick is a lifelong practice.
Sometimes without seat belts (wink).