a) First of all lets focus on what the Course refers to as magic:
- “Magic is the mindless or the miscreative use of mind.” T-2. V
- “All material means that you accept as remedies for bodily ills are restatements of magic principles.” T-2. IV
- “I said before that illness is a form of magic.” T-5.V
- “Your faith is placed in the most trivial and insane symbols; pills, money, “protective” clothing, influence, prestige, being liked, knowing the “right” people, and an endless list of forms of nothingness that you endow with magical powers.” W-50
b) “This is a crucial question both for teacher and pupil. ²If this issue is mishandled, the teacher of God has hurt himself and has also attacked his pupil. ³This strengthens fear, and makes the magic seem quite real to both of them.” (ACIM, M-17.1:1-3)
c) “There is, however, a temptation to respond to magic in a way that reinforces it. ²Nor, is this always obvious. ³It can, in fact, be easily concealed beneath a wish to help. ⁴It is this double wish that makes the help of little value and must lead to undesired outcomes. “(ACIM, M-17.2:1-4)
d)“How many times has it been emphasized that you give but to yourself? ⁷And, where could this be better shown than in the kinds of help the teacher of God gives to those who need his aid? ⁸Here is his gift most clearly given him. ⁹For, he will give only what he has chosen for himself. “ (ACIM, M-17.2:6-9)