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Magic
General term for ‘‘magic art,’’ believed to derive from the Greek magein, the science and religion of the priests of Zoroaster (see Magi), or, according to philologist Skeat, from Greek megas (great), thus signifying ‘‘the great science.’’ It commonly refers to the ability to cause change to occur by supernatural or mysterious powers and abilities. In the twentieth century, magic has been more stringently defined as the ability to create change by an act of the will and the use of the cosmic power believed to underpin physical existence. Contemporary magicians also distinguish between high magic and low magic. The latter refers to using magic to make changes in the mundane world, from concocting love potions to drawing money to oneself.
General term for ‘‘magic art,’’ believed to derive from the Greek magein, the science and religion of the priests of Zoroaster (see Magi), or, according to philologist Skeat, from Greek megas (great), thus signifying ‘‘the great science.’’ It commonly refers to the ability to cause change to occur by supernatural or mysterious powers and abilities. In the twentieth century, magic has been more stringently defined as the ability to create change by an act of the will and the use of the cosmic power believed to underpin physical existence. Contemporary magicians also distinguish between high magic and low magic. The latter refers to using magic to make changes in the mundane world, from concocting love potions to drawing money to oneself.
The former refers to disciplined change of the self, and practitioners of high magic compare it to yoga.
