As some people may know, I aspire to be a druid. I sometimes tell people about it, but most of the time I don’t get into the subject at all. It tends to create conversations in which people try to trick me into saying I practise nonsense.
When I do tell people about it, or when people ask, I often get the question ‘but can you do magic?’. I know where this question comes from. I’ve played World of Warcraft and seen Charmed, and the answer to the question if you see it in that light is of course, no I can’t. But I’d like to raise an important question here, or maybe two.
First of all, what is magic? But more importantly, what do you perceive to be magic?
Let’s start with the easy, documented way.
mag·ic /ˈmædʒɪk/ – noun
- 1. the art of producing illusions as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc.; legerdemain; conjuring: to pull a rabbit out of a hat by magic.
- 2. the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Compare contagious magic, imitative magic, sympathetic magic.
- 3. the use of this art: Magic, it was believed, could drive illness from the body.
- 4. the effects produced: the magic of recovery.
Definition number one isn’t what people mean when they ask me the question. They’d ask that if I tried to be the next David Copperfield. Number two is very vague indeed: first of all, it is a sceptical one (‘presumably’) and secondly, what do the terms natural, supernatural, an incantation and forces mean in this context? Three talks about the art, which is as vague as a definition could ever get. Definition four is where it gets interesting: it focuses on the effect of something rather than on the way of achieving that effect.
If by the word ‘magic’ you mean sparks and fireworks, then no, I cannot. But magic to me is making someone happy by saying just the right thing at the right time. Magic is when someone comes along and inspires you when you just didn’t know what to do. Magic is that pretty view from your window on a beautiful evening. Magic is having that special person who was so much out of your reach say “I love you” to you. Magic is what I see when the sun shines, or the rain falls down. The trick is to stand still and appreciate it.
Then, the sparks and fireworks will exist. At least on the inside of you.
I have it in my bookcase, but thanks ^^
Heh! I hadn’t expected anyone who knows -that- book to pop up :D
Willow: if you’re curious about the book, it can be found at Project Gutenberg.
You forgot one;
MAGIC, n. An art of converting superstition into coin. There are other arts serving the same high purpose, but the discreet lexicographer does not name them. – Ambrose Bierce (1842 – 1914) The Devil’s Dictionary
Hey girl :) Nice to see you post such a long and well thought out piece again.
Now, on with the matter at hand! …
How do I define “magic”? It’s actually not that far from what you describe, although there’s one thing that you don’t have in the list that I do. So my definition would be along the lines of what you said, plus the following:
The ability to affect change in your own surroundings by force of will. The force can be gathered in any fashion that suits you, like a prayer, a song, an incantation, a though, a word, a movement… Anything that makes it real to you. Once you have given force to your wish by reaffirming it, you will automatically set things in motion to reach that goal. Even if you’re not consciously aware of it.
That may sound like a lot of mumbo-jumbo, but what I mean is this: it is basic psychology :)
If you believe hard enough in your wishes, you will automatically start working towards them ensuring that they come true. Hence, the human mind and spirit are part of the magic :)
This is also why I believe that it doesn’t matter what you believe in, as long as you believe it. In preschool I was a Christian (per default, since that’s what everyone else was), in high school I was a rebel, in college I was a Wiccan/Asatruar and now (as an adult) I’m an agnost with a firm belief in psychology. In my book it doesn’t matter how often you change religion, simply because you can and because you should! Just go with what suits your needs because that will ensure your wishes coming true :)
Hello! I enjoyed reading this post and commend you on being real, and posting your beliefs. I myself have been interested in the wiccan religion, and have bought many books. I’m more of a nature person myself. This to me is the only religion really that is real, that uses nature as it’s intended, and that which also lets oneself be there selves. With all the Christianity out there, especially in my small town, where one goes to church religiously then goes home to beat the wife, drink and talk down and/or beat the children…. it seems only for public reaction they go. What happened to just looking in ther mirror and facing the true self. Accepting it, and then getting to the source of one’s errs.
Sorry, I got a little off topic…here in this town there is no way in hell I could announce my true thoughts about my beliefs, I’d be fingered as a satanist or bad person. It’s bad enough I have a couple of piercings…lol
Two thumbs up!