Power of the Pen: The Magick of Language
Author - Holly Westwood
Whether you’re writing articles, a novel, a dream journal or even spells, our words and language shape our world and give us an unlimited source of power and potential. In a sense, language is a ‘living, breathing’ entity that is constantly changing over time. Our relationship to language and communication makes us human and gives us our place in the world. It is the driving force behind how we understand who we are, who everyone else is and how we share a connection to this planet. There is so much the written and spoken word can do for us, but how have our words been a source of inner strength to us in the past? And how can we put them to use in our daily lives? Let’s explore the historical connection we have with our mother tongue and think of some ways it has shaped our world view and think of some ways to make it work for our inner selves.
Words elevate us. While science may say that our species became human for the first time when we walked on two legs instead of four, what really sets us apart is our language. The human invention of communication based upon sounds, symbols, reading and writing is how we define ourselves in opposition to all others we share this planet with. Remember, although we share 95% of our DNA with the chimpanzee, what separates us from the zoo is not simply our brains or emotions, it is largely our interactions because of our immense abilities in communication. How and why we write gives many of us our identities. A letter to a loved one, an email at work, a tweet, etc. these things are individually human and life-defining. Putting thoughts out into the world means taking ones inner life and putting it out there to be mutually known. By writing or speaking we illuminate all that is otherwise unknowable.
Words have historic strength. In 1839, playwright and novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton said, ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’. But this is a concept we have known for much longer. The Assyrians in 500 BCE coined the first known version of this phrase, ‘the word is mightier than the sword’, in the Teachings of Ahiqar. In 63 AD early Jews were told that the word of god was quicker, more powerful and sharper than, ‘any two-edged sword’. It was said to be ‘piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul spirit’ and 'is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart’. There are many more examples of this, but I think we get the picture. Lytton’s phrase may be the one we are most familiar with today, but it is only because the phrase came from a time in which the ideas of power and language were already well established.
Words are magic. In the world of witchcraft, alternative therapies, mysticism, etc. spell work holds infinite power. Performing spells was one of the first ways we transformed language to work for us off of the page and become a living entity of its own. The root of the word spell comes from ‘spellam’ to mean story, saying, history, fable or myth. We have spell books from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Middle East; the ancients believed in the dynamism of the spell. It transformed to take on a new meaning and have magical connotations during the Middle Ages. But spells do not need to be performed by witches in order to work. When we’re seeking answers to emotional or spiritual questions, tapping into alternative realms of existence, through the use of a ritualised word practice, allows us to transform that energy into an actualisation of our intentions. Practices such as spell-casting were founded on the idea that the physical realm we live in is purely a manifestation of different energy waves. Our thoughts, consciousness and emotions make up our reality. As a consequence, by using the strength of language and the written word through a spell, we change our consciousness and the energy vibrations we inhabit, thus changing our world.
Words are cathartic. Writing is one of the ultimate forms of self-expression. Even when writing a dry academic article, there is room for individual style and choice of narrative, thereby eliciting personal freedom even when confined by a topic. Taking the next step up in creative writing, we give ourselves space to build our own worlds, inventing things as we wish we could experience them in our waking lives. In storytelling, there are often two forms of catharsis going on. First, there is the storyteller unburdening themselves of the thoughts and ideas that have often been long swirling around in their heads. Second, the emotional journey the audience is taken on while listening or reading comes to a cathartic end when the two conflicting forces in the story find their conclusion, thus allowing the audience to regain a form of cosmic harmony to their collective consciousness. Finally, of course, there is journalling and all other forms of writing for an audience of one. It almost goes without saying, but to write for only yourself is the ultimate form of emotional freedom. Delving into fear in your writing, for example, allows you to feel it fully, let it wash over you, and transfer the power it occupies in your mind to the page instead. You allow the journal to carry the weight of the words instead of your psyche. Alternatively, on a positive note seeing the joys of your life spelt out in front of you gives you the pleasure of experiencing them all over again; allow yourself to get lost in the euphoria of your best moments.
Perhaps you are struggling with a writing project yourself at the moment, or maybe looking to improve your journalling. To bring more power and strength to your writing, here are a few ideas that might help.
First off, have courage. Your words do matter. The most important audience is always yourself. Connect with yourself first and foremost before worrying about how any of your words will be received.
There are no rules. Nothing is off-limits, so never limit yourself. If you want to write a 200-page ode to your favourite houseplant, there is nothing to say you can’t. Equally, if some days you fancy writing one sentence and nothing more, go for it. All words are valid.
Tell the truth in your journalling. Being honest with yourself is the only way to make the words work for you.
Don’t be afraid to use prompts to get you going. It doesn’t take away anything from your creativity to use an existing sentence or two as a jumping-off point.
Sure, journalling is all about getting the feelings out on to the page and purging the soul, but sometimes, even when writing for an audience of one, power statements are needed. Power statements are concise. When writing to show strength and determination, be short and to the point. Peel back the layers of redundancy, ignore the desire to ramble and get to the core of the message in as few words as possible. Sometimes it feels good to say precisely what you mean without flourish.
Oh and just as a bonus, in case you hadn’t heard, we’re not rhyming poems anymore, so don’t worry about that either. Be bold, go forth and share your message with the world everyone. Best of luck. - Holly