Reviewing The Mystique Behind Magic
Say the word ‘magic’ and most people will picture fluffy white rabbits being pulled from top hats. However, magic has a long and bloody past. In this article, we’ll uncover the history of magic and reveal how mystical powers still play a large role in modern society.
The earliest signs of practical magic are found in the history of ancient Egypt. A ‘magician‘ during that age was a class of priest or ‘magi’. A large number of Egyptian magical papyri in Greek, Coptic and Demotic have been recovered. They contain early examples of the use of “magic words”, believed to have had the power to command spirits, as well as the use of wands and other tools.
Practitioners of magic believe that it works in a variety of ways but is based in natural forces. These magical forces are said to exist alongside the four fundamental forces of nature: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force and the weak force. These believers are said to manipulate the elements using symbols and other objects. Symbols are believed to magically take on a physical quality of the phenomenon or object that they represent. By manipulating symbols, users can manipulate a target.
Concentration or meditation can have tremendous magical powers. According to renowned writer and mystic Aleister Crowley, focusing on an imagined object produces mystical attainment or “an occurrence in the brain characterized essentially by the uniting of subject and object.” Others believe that the subconscious is capable of contacting spirits who in turn can work magic. Versions of this technique are used today. For instance, a runner about to run a race will visualize crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors. Or, someone who is trying to overcome addiction will picture themselves leading a productive and sober life. One element that magic and prayer share is a foundation in religion. Both magic and prayer involves worship and possibly sacrifice to a supernatural being or god. This divine being is then expected to intervene on behalf of the person offering the prayer. However, prayer requires the approval of a god. Magic does not require this kind of consent. A black magician can achieve his desire by performing a ritual or controlling spiritual beings addressed by his spells.
Mysticism may have taken a backseat to science, but the magic of the unknown continues to be a part of our society. It’s easy to think that magic is nothing more than the musings of primitive peoples, but we must ask ourselves why some individuals cling to these beliefs. Is it possible to commune with the gods via prayer and rituals? Consider this - countless people are afraid of black magic. Why would they experience fear if history didn’t show that there was something of which to be afraid?
Tags: black magician, Magic, magical powers, magical world, magician, master magician, might and magic, the magic
