Magic and ACIM
Among the difficult teachings of the Course to accept are the teachings on magic. Students tend to place great emphasis on forgiveness, and rightly so, for learning to apply this is a first major step in awakening. But many, including myself, have applied this are we are still here in the dream so obviously more needs to be realized and applied.
One of the greatest hurdles, and much more difficult than forgiveness in my opinion, is applying the Course teachings on magic.
The question that needs to be addressed is this. Exactly what is the Course referring to when it speaks of magic? In other words, “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.” Lesson 79
We are told that “Magic is the mindless or the miscreative use of mind.” T-2.V.2
We are further told that, “The whole distortion that made magic rests on the belief that there is a creative ability in matter which the mind cannot control. This error can take two forms; it can be believed that the mind can miscreate in the body, or that the body can miscreate in the mind.” T-2.IV.2
The Course tells us that any attempt at creation that runs contrary to God’s will is magic, but it is usually referring to some creation in connection with the body when speaking of it.
The main focus of magic as miscreation is linked to the manifestation of various illnesses and pain linked to the body.
“The body cannot create, and the belief that it can, a fundamental error, produces all physical symptoms. Physical illness represents a belief in magic.” T-2.IV.2 I said before that illness is a form of magic. T-5.V.5
This runs contrary to to what humanity is taught about illness. Standard medicine teaches that the body produces illness through a mysterious weaken immune system, bad genes or many reasons unknown. Disease just seems to magically appear for no apparent reason.
To the contrary the Course says there is a reason behind all illness and it is the belief that the body can create disease, as if by magic, pretty much divorced from the power of the mind.
Then it makes the claim that attempts to heal the body by anything but right-mindedness is also magic:
“All material means that you accept as remedies for bodily ills are restatements of magic principles. This is the first step in believing that the body makes its own illness. It is a second misstep to attempt to heal it through non-creative agents.” T-2.IV.4
We are also told that trusting in magic is the only cause of pain:
“No risk is possible throughout the day except to put your trust in magic, for it is only this that leads to pain.” M-16.11
So what are some of these magical material means that we see as “remedies for bodily ills”?
“Magic imprisons, but the laws of God make free. The light has come because there are no laws but His. We will begin the longer practice periods today with a short review of the different kinds of “laws” we have believed we must obey. These would include, for example, the “laws” of nutrition, of immunization, of medication, and of the body’s protection in innumerable ways.” W-pI.76.7-8
“You really think a small round pellet or some fluid pushed into your veins through a sharpened needle will ward off disease and death.” W-pI.76.3
So, this magic that imprisons seems to include all the remedies that medical science offers us.
Even the wearing of glasses to improve vision is considered magic:
Thus you believe that you can change what you see by putting little bits of glass before your eyes. This is among the many magical beliefs that come from the conviction you are a body, and the body’s eyes can see. W-pI.92.1
Then it gives us this advice for healing:
“So do we lay aside our amulets, our charms and medicines, our chants and bits of magic in whatever form they take. We will be still and listen for the Voice of healing, which will cure all ills as one, restoring saneness to the Son of God. No voice but this can cure.” W-pI.140.10
All this may cause faithful ACIM students to ask if they should discontinue all reliance on modern medicine and seek healing from God through right thinking.
It all depends says the Course.
“Physical medications are forms of “spells,” but if you are afraid to use the mind to heal, you should not attempt to do so. The very fact that you are afraid makes your mind vulnerable to miscreation. You are therefore likely to misunderstand any healing that might occur, and because egocentricity and fear usually occur together, you may be unable to accept the real Source of the healing. Under these conditions, it is safer for you to rely temporarily on physical healing devices, because you cannot misperceive them as your own creations. As long as your sense of vulnerability persists, you should not attempt to perform miracles.” T-2.V.2
The student who depends on orthodox medicine for healing is told here that if he is “afraid to use the mind to heal” in place of what his doctor may advise that he is “vulnerable to miscreation.” In other words, the act of replacing orthodox healing with true miracles is very fearful and this fear can make the disease worse. Because of fear then it may be best to use orthodox medicine.
Indeed, this fear is difficult to neutralize. For instance, if a student has heart problems and the doctor tells him it is essential to take a certain medicine or he could have a heart attack, most would be fearful of relying on the right mind instead the medicine.
I try and rely on these Course recommendations as much as possible, but I still have a ways to go in this step in the awakening process, as I do use reading glasses. I still need work on getting my mind right so I can have perfect physical vision again, but perhaps spiritual vision is more important.
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