The Formula for Magic!
sense and sensibilty, 2023. Photography by Amida Oluwatobi
Overall: There is a formula for magic. To get spiritual or supernatural results, one must apply a combination of - Knowledge + Intention (Imagination) + Action. The combination of these ingredients will always result in spiritual or supernatural power in motion.
K + I² + A =
💥
K + I² + A = 💥
What is Magic?
Magic refers to the use of supernatural, or in this context, spiritual powers or forces to influence events, effect change, or create the perception of change. It is the capacity to control natural forces through supernatural means.
What we are referring to as magic, in the context of this teaching, is in direct relation to spiritual power in motion, or simply put, spiritual results. On a day to day basis, whether knowingly or unknowingly, people are constantly doing or attempting to do magic. People are constantly trying to influence the realm of the unknown with prayers, petitions, pleas, all sorts of rituals in form of spiritual practices, in other to get their desired results i.e influence their realities.
Magic is an art, a spiritual art if you prefer, even a skill, which like every other thing in this universe has its own principles which it stands on for it to exist, and be effective.
The Role of Spirit in Magic
The term ‘Spirit’ encompasses all of that which is abstract, unknown and unseen, yet has the ability to influence every facet of our reality in this world.
Spirit is the basic natural (for some supernatural) force, principle or substance of life, that animates the body (physical structure) of living as well as nonliving things. It is the vital principle or animating factor within humans, and in fact all (non) living things.
We continue to include “non living” or “inanimate things” in our descriptions because it is understood within indigenous worldviews that all things which take a physical form embody spirit in one way or another.
Why would anyone want to engage in anything that yields spiritual results? Because all things begin in the unknown, with the abstract, in spirit before ever becoming matter.
The spirit realm is the causal realm; it is where causes originate. We, as humans, live in the realm of effects, where those causes manifest. Let’s repeat this for emphasis: the spiritual realm is the realm of cause.
Every day, people perform or attempt forms of magic to influence their physical realities. All spiritual practices, whether indigenous or otherwise, are rooted in ritual. These rituals are engaged with the hope of producing supernatural or extraordinary results. And at their core, all such ritual activities are expressions of magical essence.
With the formula for magic outlined in this teaching, you’ll be able to examine any ritual you practice and determine for yourself whether it can truly yield spiritual or supernatural results. You no longer need to rely on hope alone, this formula gives you a way to self-assess with clarity and know in advance whether your actions will produce the results you seek.
The Formula for Magic
The formula for magic is, KNOWLEDGE + INTENTION | IMAGINATION + ACTION (K+I²+A).
A combination of all of these factors, as a build up on one another, will always result in magic.
Let’s explore each ingredient a bit more for the sake of clarity:
Knowledge is the understanding or awareness of facts, ideas, or concepts, gained through experience, education, or observation. It reflects a state of familiarity with objects, situations, or principles. At its core, knowing is tied to one’s mental state and level of awareness.
True knowledge is something you can justify. While knowledge can be propositional (a form of true belief), it must also be supported by justification. This is why knowledge can be preserved not only in books and documents but also in expert systems, including indigenous traditions.
You’ve likely heard the saying: knowledge is power. But in the realm of magic, this becomes even more precise—applied knowledge is power. It is not enough to simply know; we must act on what we know. Only then can knowledge transform into results.
Intention (I¹) is a mental state in which one commits themself to any course of action. It involves having a desire or desired outcome in mind, while carrying out a plan or action. Intentions are prospective in nature, meaning they are not yet executed, or immediate. They simply guide behavior as it happens, but they are (and should always be) very definite. When it comes to magic, as in spiritual results, intentions are crucial, they are so crucial that they are at the center of the formula itself. Your intention holds everything else in place. When it comes to magic, it is invaluable.
Imagination (I²) is the ability to form mental images, sensations, or ideas without direct input from the senses. It can re-create past experiences with new variations, or generate entirely new scenarios. This uniquely human faculty allows us to explore possibilities beyond the present moment and beyond the limits of our physical environment.
In magic, imagination may not always be a consciously applied ingredient, but it is always present—shaping, coloring, and empowering the process. Those who intentionally cultivate and make use of their imagination often achieve results that far surpass those who do not.
The power of imagination is one of humanity’s most untapped treasures. To imagine is to begin creating; the active use of imagination is itself a form of action. Truly, you can manifest anything you can clearly envision.
Action, is a physical or mental activity. It can be a small or large movement, a thought, or even a conscious feeling.
When it comes to magic, actions are best guided by intentions.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of your creed, whether you are religious or spiritual or indifferent, whatever your belief systems are. If you desire spiritual or supernatural results, you now have a clear formula you can use to review, or evaluate, any ritual you engage in hopes of getting magical results. Now you can know for sure.
