Just what is this thing we call "magic"? Let's consider
the definition that comes to us from Webster's dictionary:

"The art of persons who claim to be able to do things by
the help of supernatural creatures or by their own
knowledge of nature's secrets....

Something that charms; any seemingly hidden or secret
power; as, the magic of a voice; the magic of a great name....

Sleight of hand....

Seemingly requiring more than human power; startling in
performance; producing effects which seem supernatural...."

Pretty interesting stuff, right?! In this definition we
get a whole bunch of different ideas, all of them working
together and yet somehow contradicting each other.

On the one hand, we have the idea that there's something
supernatural at work. Something superhuman, or "out of this
world."

But at the same time we are meant to understand that it's
only "seemingly" so. Magicians "claim" to have special
powers, but whether they actually do is up for debate.

Nevertheless, Webster's definition of magic helps to give
us a starting point for our journey through this ancient
art form.

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!

The Magic Superstars

Just as there are movie stars, super athletes, and Nobel
Prize-winning authors, there are also some magicians whose
talents and skills set them apart from the rest. All of us
amateur magicians admire them and can stand to learn a lot
from these magic superstars!

This article was extracted from the book 'Discover The Magic Trick Secrets You're Not Supposed To Know'. To find out more please visit
www.DiscoverMagicTricks.com


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