As I contemplate, formulate, organize, and plan all the mystical and magical topics I wish to share, teach, and work on with my Patreon Community, I keep coming back to clarifying and defining for myself the abstract concepts and energies that underly both esoteric and exoteric spiritual practices. Much of it comes down to power, what we think power is, how we use it, and if we use it.

Often when we say that someone has power or is in a position of power, it’s implied that they are in control of others and/or wealthy. And while those two things, like other objects, can enhance one’s power, they are not power itself. So let’s define power.

Power comes through French from the Latin word potēre, to be able, [to] can, to have the ability (physical, mental, etc.). Power isn’t something we gain or take from another. It’s not a tangible object, but an intangible potential (again that Latin potēre root) within each and every one of us. When we become aware of our power, what we are capable of, that is when we step into our power or own our power.

Then comes the question: how do we use our power, or not? This is where integrity, ethics, respectfulness, compassion, and boundaries come in, and these are things each individual must find and understand for and within themselves.

I go deeper into this contemplation on power as well as the “Can’t Curse, Can’t Heal” concept in the video below, which I made last Spring. Interestingly almost a year later I had another discussion on Spiritual Ethics, which is an important topic that I feel is spiritually bypassed all too much. Without compassion and acknowledging the foreseeable impact or consequences of our actions, using our power can come from our shadows and cause much more harm than good.

What are your thoughts and experiences? Please share in the comments below or on YouTube if you listen to the videos!