The term magic in its various translations has been used in a number of ways. From the point of view of an established religion, it has often been used as a pejorative term for the pagan rituals of competing ethnic groups, as belonging to a inferior (hence blasphemous or idolatrous) culture. The magic and religion article deals largely with this aspect.
Among occultists, magic is a fairly neutral term which has some varied connotations, such as white magic and black magic. The famous occultist Aleister Crowley chose the spelling magick to distinguish "the true science of the Magi from all its "counterfeits," such as stage magic. Today many use that spelling in the same or otherwise similar way, often to connote a pagan or wiccan system of belief rituals, that endow individuals with superphysical abilities.
As with all paranormal claims, magic has yet failed to be supported by credible controlled scientific experimentation, and can only be studied seriously for its influence in cultural or religious matters. This article provides an overview of specific magical traditions and practices. It also discusses the use of magic as a plot device in various kinds of fiction.
- History of Magic
- Mediæval Magic
- Modern Magic
- Magic FAQ
- Famous Personalities in Magic
- Magic Around the World
- Africa
- America
- American Indians
- Anglo-Sexons
- Arabs
- Australia
MAGIC AROUND THE WORLD
- Africa
- America
- American Indians
- Anglo-Saxons
- Arabs
- Australia
- Austria
- Aztecs
- Babylonia
- Burma
- Cambodia
- China
- Druids
- Egypt
- England
- Divination
- Astrology
- Augury
- Cartomancy
- Dowsing
- Fortune Telling
- Geomancy
- I Ching
- Omens
- Tarot Cards
- Necromancy
- The Veritas Academy; Online source for Magic(k), Psionics, Qigong, Martial arts and Spirituality. (http://www.theveritasacademy.net)
- RealMagick (http://realmagick.com)
- Thelemapedia, the Encyclopedia of Thelema & Magick (http://www.thelemapedia.org)
- Free Encyclopedia of Thelema (http://www.egnu.org/thelema/index.php/Main_Page)
