What Is Magic?

At its most basic, the word "magic" carries with it the idea of special powers, or at least the illusion of possessing such powers.

At one end of the spectrum, the word implies someone who has the ability to do things that few other mortal beings can do. A magician in this sense would be someone who, for example, is able to walk on fire, levitate off the ground, or read other people's minds.

The other end of the spectrum, however, has a more practical or even cynical understanding of the term. It takes the view that magic is a form of trickery, even deliberate deceit. A magician in this sense of the word is someone skilled at lying and who is cleverer than his audience. He is intent on "pulling the wool over" others' eyes.

In reality, and for our purposes, let's come to an understanding of magic that takes the middle ground. Magic isn't pure supernatural power, but it isn't garden variety mean-spirited deception, either.

A good magician is one who gives the appearance of possessing special powers, an impression that both he and his audience agree to believe in together. Magic is meant not to outwit, fool or upset anyone-it's meant to surprise, astonish and delight.

In this view, magic is something wonderful and enjoyable, both for the practitioner and for the audience members who are also involved. It is an entertainment, a diversion, an escape from our mundane, ordinary lives. It is a chance for all of us to brush up against the possibility of something greater than ourselves!

How Do They Do It? Learning from the Great Magicians

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