Magic, it is a word used to describe all things supernatural, mystical, and surreal. What is it really? The word at it's most basic level is used to describe the most primal forces known to us such as the elements of nature. At it's most powerful it is used to describe the very fabric of creation and the very nature of existence itself. The following questions and topics will break down fact from fiction. It will also further describe how it is seen in the mundane and religious context.
How is magic perceived by religion and the media vs. reality?
Cult. Magic is a word often used to describe supposed satanic rituals. Witches would cast magical powers on the helpless added by satan's powers. It would often require physical sacrifices of brutality, violence, and even murder. People thirsty for power would supposedly use magic to gain unearthly riches. They just had to believe in the indoctrination that by by doing the most profane acts imaginable in the name of magic was the only way.
Media. Often times witches would cast primal magical spells for both good or evil. They would perform powers to bewilder the senses or get whatever their heart desires. Generally the media never makes a true commitment that it has a nature of it's own accord with it's own desires such as in a cult like belief system. What is less known is that the nature of connectivity, a strong component in both how magic functions and the foundation to the faith, is often found in found in all forms of media outlets including social and gaming media. It could even be argued that the media's independent stance on magic is a nod to it's connection in all things.
Reality. Magic is just a word to describe the strong connectivity we feel towards all things in existence, change, similarities, and it's influences on the natural world. That means magic is both us and not us at the same time. It is impossible for it to be any more good or evil than that which already exist. It can be the conduit for change such as supernatural phenomena. However, change is as likely to occur as much as you, I, or science can make it happen. That doesn't mean that it is impossible buildings to fall from the sky, but that would be the theoretical dilemma that has stumped a mage or two over the years.
What does science believe about magic and how related are they?
Firstly. Let's be very clear that science is a way of studying the natural world and is not a religious belief. You can say the same thing about magic, but I would argue that magic is closer to a faith than a practice of study.
Science. From the very beginning science and magic has always had a love hate relationship. It was both science and magic that started the Salem Witch trials. Often times science and magic both seeded their foundations in the same studies such as in herbs, alchemy, and the occult. However, science and magic differs where magic extends beyond the shortsightedness of science. In my opinion both have played strongly healthy roles on each other and the community at large. In the end both have a strong history of disdain for the each of their failures such as the plagues brought on man by scientific failures, and the soothsayers and charlatans of those in the name of "magic" that brought about the deaths of many innocent victims.
Science does actually support the existence of magic, but magic denies that science is a perfect method of study. Magic is the belief that all things are connected. When we relate what that means in the eyes of science. How does a tree relate to a bird or iron? When you break all things down through the scientific method. You will find that all components in existence are made of the same building blocks.
How does magic fit in with in reincarnation?
Reincarnation is the belief that when we die. We will be able to be reborn for whatever purpose that can be found on the Wavesphere. Magic is the belief in our connectivity and our relativity to our own existence. If we die and wherever we go. Two things will always be true to us. we will always exist in some form or another as magic always exist and we will always be connected to all things in the universe. Reincarnation is just a state of change and one possibility of how we spend eternity.
Where does magic fit in with christianity? Doesn't christianity think that magic is evil?
When you read genesis and the creation of humans. You will find that God created man through a miracle. The bible actually goes into detail in the ingredients used to create humanity. However, when we use these ingredients. we don't get a man. There is two logical explanation for the mismatched out. One is that God used alchemy to fuse the ingredients together to create a man. Another is that God used magic to change creation to remake natural objects into life.
In some of the text it does refer to magic as evil. However, magic is just a word used to describe that which is paranormal. Magic back then does not mean the same thing as magic of today. It also could be referring to gaining powers through the beckoning on satan and evil acts. Countless words have had their meanings change over the years. It is imperative to keep the right context in mind whenever discussing or reading religious text.
Does magic believe in or come from God/s?
It is possible for magic to come from or be a God, but it does not change all prementioned information. We are magic and if we are part of a god or come from a god. That does not change what we are. It is entirely possible for a god or gods to exist, but not for a god that creates. We have and always will exist in one form or another. A superior being could have almost or all sway over that existence, but they can only change what is.
What does your religious beliefs feel on the subjects discussed? Please try to be respectful of each other's religious beliefs, but feel free to comment any thoughts of the matter even if they are in dispute of subject matter. I hope that the topic was very enlightening to newcomers to magic and everyone feels welcome to voice their thoughts or a new subject for the next wavesphere.
Wavesphere out.