Magic

Magic is a term that covers a range of practices, beliefs, and performances aimed at producing effects that appear to transcend ordinary natural laws. In common usage, it denotes stage magic, which uses illusion and misdirection to entertain, and occult or religious traditions that claim to influence the world through hidden forces. The word derives from Latin magus, via Old French magie, from Greek magos.

Historically, beliefs in magic appear in many ancient cultures and were interwoven with religion, science, and superstition. In medieval and early modern Europe, magical practices included alchemy, talismans, and rituals. From the 17th century onward, the emergence of natural philosophy and skepticism led to a separation between occult practices and experimental science. In the 18th and 19th centuries, public interest in magical performance grew, culminating in a professional stage craft.

Modern stage magic relies on illusion, dexterity, and psychological misdirection. Performers use covert methods, props, and structured routines to create experiences that seem impossible, while the audience is aware that tricks are involved. Important elements include misdirection, concealed apparatus, and practiced hand movements. Ethical magicians emphasize transparent disclosure of the tricks’ nature after performances (depending on tradition).

Outside entertainment, many cultures maintain traditions that scholars classify as magic or mysticism, including ritual magic, divination, and healing practices. In literature and film, magic is frequently depicted as a system of supernatural rules with defined limits, influencing world-building and character development.

Notable figures include performers such as Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, who popularized stage magic in the 19th century, and magicians who popularized the modern art of illusion.