The Definition of Magick According to Jacob Boehme

Jacob Boehme (1575–1624), a German mystic, philosopher, and Christian theologian, offered a unique and deeply spiritual perspective on the nature of magick. Unlike the popular and often misunderstood connotations of magick as mere sorcery or supernatural trickery, Boehme’s understanding was profoundly philosophical and intertwined with his vision of the divine and the natural world. For Boehme, magick was not about wielding power over nature or manipulating reality for personal gain, but a sacred interaction with the divine essence of the universe—a way to understand the hidden, mystical forces that govern life.

Boehme's approach to magick was inseparable from his Christian worldview, where he saw all of creation as a manifestation of God’s will. His writings, rich with symbolic language and metaphysical insights, reveal magick as a process of aligning oneself with divine wisdom and the cosmic order. This article delves into Boehme’s definition of magick, exploring its spiritual foundations, practical implications, and how it differs from conventional notions of magical practice.

"The Signature of All Things," (1776) which is often used in contexts related to Boehme's philosophy. This artwork represents Boehme’s vision of the universe as a harmonious, interconnected system filled with divine signatures—signs and symbols placed by God in nature that reflect deeper spiritual truths. The image is a detailed, symbolic representation of the cosmos, showing the interplay of light and darkness, the divine hierarchy, and the natural elements in a harmonious whole.

Magick as Divine Wisdom

For Boehme, magick was fundamentally an expression of divine wisdom—Sophia, the personification of divine knowledge. He saw the universe as filled with hidden knowledge and spiritual forces that could be accessed through a deep inner connection with God. In his view, magick was not about performing rituals or casting spells, but about attaining a higher state of consciousness that allowed one to perceive and interact with the divine blueprint of reality.

Boehme often described magick as the original creative force through which God manifested the universe. This creative magick was not separate from God but was an extension of His essence, a process that human beings could participate in by transcending their material limitations and tapping into the spiritual. Boehme believed that humans, created in the image of God, also possess this divine spark, enabling them to engage in the creative magick that shaped the cosmos.

Symbol of early 17th-century mystic Jakob Böhme, including the names "Christus", "Iesus" (Jesus), and "Immanuel" surrounding an inverted heart containing a Tetractys of flaming Hebrew letters of the Tetragrammaton, and at the bottom, the Pentagrammaton.

He wrote, “Magick is the mother of eternity, of the being of all beings; for it creates itself, and is understood in desire.”

In this statement, Boehme encapsulates his belief that magick is not an external force but an internal drive, a desire rooted in the divine that propels creation itself. It is the dynamic, living wisdom that brings forth existence and sustains it. To practice magick, therefore, is to align one’s own will with this primal creative force.

The Inner Journey: Magick as Self-Knowledge

Central to Boehme’s concept of magick is the idea that true magical practice begins with self-knowledge. For Boehme, understanding oneself was the first step toward understanding the divine. He believed that the human soul mirrored the cosmos and that through introspection, meditation, and prayer, one could access the divine knowledge within. This inner journey, guided by spiritual insight rather than external instruction, was a form of magick that allowed individuals to transcend their ordinary perceptions and connect with the greater truths of the universe.

Boehme’s emphasis on self- knowledge reflects his broader philosophical view that the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual) are deeply interconnected. Magick, in this sense, was not an external act but an inward process of discovering the divine within oneself. By knowing the self, one could understand the nature of all things, for the same divine essence that creates and sustains the universe resides within every person.

He saw this process as a path toward spiritual awakening, describing it as “the opening of the innermost heart of God in the soul.” For Boehme, the act of awakening to this divine inner truth was itself a magical transformation, a shift from mundane existence to a state of divine awareness.

This perspective challenges the conventional view of magick as something to be performed externally and instead frames it as a deeply personal, mystical journey.

‘It is not strange for a Man to write, speak, and teach of the Creation of the World, though he was not present when it was doing, if he has the Knowledge in the Spirit. For there he sees in the Mother, as in a Glass, the Genetrix of every Thing; for one Thing always lies in another, and the more is sought, the more is found, and there is no need to cast the Mind beyond this World; for all is to be found in this World, yea in every Thing that lives and moves. Whatsoever any looks upon, and searches into, he shall find the Spirit with the Fiat therein; and the divine Virtue beholds itself in all Things, as it is written, the Word is near thee, even in thy Heart and Lips. For when the Light of God dawns, or breaks forth in the Center of the Spirit of the Soul, then the Spirit of the Soul sees very well the Creation of this World, as in a clear Glass, and nothing is far off.’

(Three Principles 8:1)

The Nature of Good and Evil in Boehme’s Magick

Boehme’s philosophy also explores the dualistic nature of the universe—light and darkness, good and evil—and how these forces play into his concept of magick. He believed that creation was born out of the interplay between opposites, and that understanding this dynamic was essential to grasping the nature of magick. To Boehme, magick was not inherently good or evil; rather, it was a neutral force shaped by the intention of the practitioner.

This duality is particularly evident in Boehme’s writings about the “two magics” that exist within each person. The first is the magick of light, aligned with divine wisdom, love, and the pursuit of truth. The second is the magick of darkness, driven by selfish desires, pride, and a will to dominate. For Boehme, the ethical dimension of magick was crucial; it was the practitioner’s responsibility to align with the light and use magick in service of the divine rather than for personal gain or harm.

Boehme’s reflections on good and evil in magick also serve as a cautionary tale about the misuse of spiritual power. He warned against the pursuit of magick for egoistic purposes, as this path leads away from divine truth and into spiritual darkness. By embracing the magick of light, practitioners could foster a deeper connection with God, aiding their spiritual growth and contributing to the harmony of the cosmos.

 Magick as a Reflection of Divine Harmony

One of the most striking aspects of Boehme’s definition of magick is its emphasis on harmony and balance. He saw the universe as a finely tuned expression of divine will, with every element interwoven into a grand cosmic order. Magick, therefore, was a means of participating in this divine harmony, a way to realign oneself with the natural and spiritual laws that govern existence.

Boehme often used the metaphor of music to describe the harmonious nature of magick. Just as music is composed of different notes that blend together to create a beautiful symphony, so too is magick a blending of divine forces that creates the tapestry of life. To engage in magick, according to Boehme, was to attune oneself to this divine melody, to act in accordance with the spiritual rhythms of the universe.

This idea of magick as harmony underscores Boehme’s belief that the true purpose of magick was not to control or dominate but to heal, restore, and bring balance. Whether through prayer, meditation, or acts of compassion, Boehme saw the practice of magick as a way to contribute positively to the world, to uplift the soul, and to bring it closer to God.

The Legacy of Boehme’s Magick

Jacob Boehme’s unique perspective on magick offers a deeply spiritual and philosophical approach that stands in contrast to more materialistic or superficial interpretations. His writings invite us to view magick not as a tool for personal power but as a sacred interaction with the divine, a means of discovering the hidden wisdom that lies within ourselves and the universe.

Boehme’s magick is ultimately about transformation—of the self, of one’s perception, and of the relationship between the human and the divine. It calls us to look beyond the surface of reality, to engage deeply with the mysteries of existence, and to see the world as a reflection of the greater cosmic order. Through this lens, magick becomes not just an act but a way of being, a journey toward understanding the divine essence that permeates all things.

In a world that often separates the spiritual from the mundane, Boehme’s vision of magick reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the profound wisdom that resides in the natural and spiritual realms. His teachings encourage us to embrace magick as a path of enlightenment, harmony, and divine communion, guiding us toward a deeper appreciation of the mystical forces that shape our lives.