The Energy Model of Magic

An Exploration of Subtle Forces Across Time and Tradition

Magic, in its many forms and traditions, has long drawn upon the notion of "subtle energies" as a foundational explanation for phenomena that transcend the mechanical and the visible. While the scientific method has only recently begun to probe the electrical, magnetic, and quantum mysteries of the universe, occultists and esoteric philosophers have spoken for centuries of invisible currents that animate life, power rituals, and connect consciousness to cosmos. This energy model of magic isn’t monolithic, but a tapestry woven from disparate cultural threads, each with its own language, imagery, and metaphysical assumptions.

Western Concepts

In the late 18th century, Franz Anton Mesmer introduced the concept of "animal magnetism," a universal fluid he believed permeated all living things. According to Mesmer, this vital energy could be manipulated, much like magnetic fields, to heal illness, influence minds, and facilitate mysterious phenomena. His séances and healing sessions, though controversial, seeded Western thought with the idea that invisible forces could underlie health, consciousness, and interpersonal influence. From my research, it was a bit like “The Secret” was some years back.

Baron Carl von Reichenbach, a 19th-century chemist and naturalist, claimed to have discovered the "Odic force" (or "Od"), a subtle energy emitted by magnets, crystals, plants, and even humans. Reichenbach’s experiments, though dismissed by mainstream science, were intended to bridge the gap between Mesmer’s fluidic theories and empirical measurement. His work contributed the idea that life and matter both radiate energies detectable by sensitives or psychics.

Éliphas Lévi, a French occultist, advanced the concept of the "Astral Light," a subtle substance that permeates and connects all things—akin to a spiritual ether. The Astral Light, in Lévi’s system, serves as the medium for magical acts: it stores thought, memory, and intention, and is the canvas upon which will and imagination are impressed. This concept deeply influenced later magical systems, particularly the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Thelema.

Then, Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1871 novel, "The Coming Race," popularized the concept of Vril—a mysterious energy wielded by a subterranean super-race to power technology, heal, and effect miracles. Though fictional, Vril became a cultural meme, influencing occult societies (particularly Theosophy) and speculative science. Vril was portrayed as a latent potential within the human being, accessible through will, training, or initiation. Vril echoed Mesmer's notion of a universal energy, and was likely based on his ideas, but extended it into realms of science fiction. All that being said though, H.P. Blavatsky and others took it quite seriously, at about the same time they were introducing Eastern concepts into Western Occult thought.

Eastern Concepts

In Indian philosophy, "prana" is the life-breath or vital force that animates every living being. Prana flows in the body through channels (nadis) and is regulated by breathwork (pranayama) and yogic discipline. The subtle body is mapped with chakras—energetic centers that govern psycho-spiritual processes. Mastery of prana is said to confer health, enlightenment, and supernatural abilities (siddhis).

"Qi" (Chi or Ki) is the Chinese principle of vital energy, central to Taoist metaphysics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and martial arts. Qi flows through meridians in the body and is balanced by practices such as qigong, acupuncture, and tai chi. Harmony of Qi is seen as essential for health and spiritual cultivation, and its manipulation is thought to grant resilience, healing, and even extraordinary feats.

Aleister Crowley, no doubt influenced by Theosophy, heavily integrated Western and Eastern concepts of energy, and solidified Eastern practices into Western Occult practice.

In the 20th century, the concepts of chakras and kundalini—once esoteric elements of Tantric yoga, entered Western occultism and New Age spirituality. Chakras are visualized as spinning wheels of energy, each associated with different physiological and psychological functions. Kundalini, envisioned as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, can be awakened and made to rise through the chakras, transforming consciousness and unlocking mystical potential. These ideas have been popularized via books, yoga studios, and modern magical orders, often blended with Western models of subtle energy.

The energy model even permeates modern mythology. The "Force" in Star Wars, inspired by Eastern and Western concepts alike, is depicted as an omnipresent energy binding the galaxy together. Jedi and Sith manipulate the Force through discipline, emotion, and will, a fictional, yet culturally potent, echo of Prana, Qi, and Vril.

Reiki has achieved mainstream recognition in wellness and alternative medicine circles. Based on channeling "universal life energy" through the hands, Reiki draws from Buddhist and Shinto traditions but has been commodified and systematized for global consumption. Its popularity marks the widespread acceptance of energy models in commercial and therapeutic contexts.

The energy model of magic is less a single doctrine than a constellation of metaphors, practices, and beliefs—each striving to articulate the invisible forces that shape life, mind, and cosmos. Whether framed as animal magnetism, Qi, prana, mana, orgone, or the Force, these concepts offer magicians and seekers a language for mystery, a tool for transformation, and a bridge between the worlds of matter and spirit. In an era when science and spirituality often clash, the energy model persists as a testament to humanity’s enduring desire to comprehend, navigate, and co-create the unseen currents of existence.

I’ve mentioned before that my introduction to ‘magical energy’ occurred early on. I was about ten and my dad enrolled me in a martial arts class because I was a weird little kid and got picked on a lot. I had a really awesome instructor who really stressed meditation, breathing exercises, and the concept of Qi. As it happened, I was also getting into Magic at this time, too, and the books I was reading sometimes mentioned ‘energy’ as well. On top of that, I was a child in the late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s and had an intimate knowledge of ‘The Force’. It all just kind of clicked. I had the benefit of actual phenomenal experiences instead of various cultural interpretations right from the beginning.

Most people I’ve discussed the experience with say they commonly experience ‘energy’ by way of warmth, tingling, and vibrations, often localized in specific body areas such as the spine or hands, and sometimes as chills, adrenaline-like shocks, and emotional responses. Sometimes it’s like electricity in and around them. I understand these explanations when people say things like that because I’ve experienced them too. If you work with magical energy, you likely do as well.

The methods for raising and directing magical energy are varied too, including meditation, chanting, and visualization techniques. Various forms of breathwork seem to be popular, as are what Chaos Magicians might refer to as excitatory, or ecstatic, gnosis. These are things like dancing and sex.

I thought there might be some people who are new to the idea of magical energy, so I devised a short experiment. I tried to mix Western and Eastern ideas. Here ya go:

Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor or crossed beneath you. Close your eyes and rest your hands on your knees, palms facing upward. Take a few deep, slow breaths.

Imagine roots growing from the base of your spine and the soles of your feet, descending deep into the earth. With each exhale, feel yourself anchored, stable, and connected. Allow the earth’s calm strength to rise up through these roots, filling your body with serene energy.

Bring your awareness to your breath. Inhale gently through your nose, drawing the air down into your abdomen. As you inhale, visualize a soft, white light entering your body, gathering at your solar plexus (just above your navel). Hold the breath for a moment, feeling the energy concentrate.

Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension or distraction. Repeat this breathing cycle for several rounds, with each inhale drawing in more light, each exhale letting go of what you don’t need.

Begin to gently rub your hands together, feeling warmth and tingling build between your palms. When you sense a subtle heat, separate your hands a few inches and imagine a ball of light forming between them. With each breath, see and feel this ball growing brighter and more vibrant, pulsing with your intention.

If you wish, you may softly chant or hum, letting the vibration run through your body:

“Energy awaken. Energy rise.”

With each repetition, sense the ball of energy growing denser and more alive.

When you feel the energy is at its peak—tingling, warm, luminous—focus your mind on a purpose or place in your body (for example, your heart for compassion, your hands for healing, or your third eye for insight).

With intention, gently move your hands (or simply your awareness) to that spot, visualizing the energy flowing into and suffusing this area. See it expanding, illuminating, and empowering that part of your being.

Take a moment to simply feel, allowing any sensations of warmth, tingling, or subtle movement to flow and settle.

When you’re ready, thank any energies you’ve connected with. Visualize excess energy gently flowing down through your roots into the earth, leaving you balanced, centered, and whole.

Open your eyes. Take a few moments to notice any changes in your body or mood. Carry this awareness with you as you return to your day.