The concept of the magic circle has been widely discussed and explored in various disciplines, such as game studies, anthropology, and psychology. Coined by Dutch historian Johan Huizinga in his book "Homo Ludens," the magic circle refers to a temporary space or boundary that is created when individuals engage in play or games. This concept suggests that players voluntarily enter into this space, where they are bound by a set of rules and social norms that differ from those of the outside world. In the magic circle, there is a suspension of disbelief, where players accept the game's fictional world and its rules as real and meaningful. This allows them to fully immerse themselves in the game and experience a sense of freedom, exploration, and creativity. Within this bounded space, players can experiment, make mistakes, and explore different identities or roles that may not be possible or acceptable in the real world.
So I run into this video about Quartzsite, and some place called “Magic Circle”. Sounds good. I think I’ll check it out. Fair warning, the name (Wonder Hussy) and the context might cause you to think there is more in the video that there is. There isn’t. Safe For Work (mostly) and almost entirely a smiling face talking about the Magic Circle in Quartzsite. So what is it?
Last trip was the first time I d ever been stopped by snow ice on I-10, so now I ve added an optional Hwy 90 further south through part of Texas Oh, and on Yet Another Trip, took a Honda w a friend, over I-90 northern route. Not that sleeping in a Mercedes seat is uncomfortable, it s just that it isn t FLAT and laying on your side or back is not very easy at just that time when your Sit Upon desires not to be LAID upon either But I digress.
Within this bounded space, players can experiment, make mistakes, and explore different identities or roles that may not be possible or acceptable in the real world. The magic circle is not limited to traditional games but can also encompass other forms of play and interaction, such as sports, theater, and social gatherings. It has the power to create a sense of community and social cohesion, as players share a common goal or experience within the confines of the magic circle.
The Magic Circle
Winter was nearly over in Quartzsite when I received a request from my editor in Idaho where I worked summers as a reporter.
‘Hey – need a pic of a labyrinth for a photo illustration. Mine’s under 4 ft of snow. Heard there might be one in Quartzsite. Pic please?’
An odd request. I mentioned it to an RVer camped near me on the BLM camping area.
He smirked. “The Magic Circle is what you’re looking for. It’s at BLM South camping area. Go past the water station and look for signs on the right.”
Magic Circle? Sounds right for a maze made of rocks.
I grabbed my camera, jumped in the truck and off I went.
I found a sign, Magic Circle…and then another that said ‘Attention – Beyond this sign you may encounter nude sunbathers.’ [Snort, chuckle. Naked RVers? Yeah, right.]
I picked my way across a dry wash, waved at the few remaining RVers … and there it was! A maze made of carefully stacked volcanic rock and adorned with multicolored jewels.
I climbed out of the truck, camera in hand. I circled the circle, trying for a good angle.
One of the RVers I passed walked towards me. He held down the bottom of his T shirt with both hands, like a shy teenage girl at a slumber party, grinning.
“Hello! Can I help you?” he said, like some kind of authority figure.
I explained my maze-finding mission.
“Well, just be careful where you point that camera.” He chuckled. “You’re in the Magic Circle, now.”
“The maze, right? The Magic Circle?”
He laughed. “This is the Magic Circle!” He waved around the area. “The Quartzsite nudist colony! I’m only wearin’ this T shirt ’cause I got sunburnt the other day.”
The guy turned out to be with the Magic Circle Society, and he invited me to come and camp or just sunbathe anytime I wanted. Oh, my.
When I turned to leave he said, “I don’t mean to be smart or anything, but I hope to see more of ya!”
Cate Mueller is a web designer, editor, reporter and photographer in Bouse, Arizona. To visit her website, click here.
However, the magic circle is not a completely separate and isolated space. It is influenced by the context in which it exists, including the social, cultural, and political dimensions. The rules and norms that govern the magic circle are not arbitrary but reflective of the broader societal values and structures. Moreover, the magic circle can be seen as a reflection and critique of the real world. It provides a safe and controlled environment for individuals to explore and challenge existing power dynamics and social hierarchies. Through play, players can question and challenge the established norms and structures, leading to potential transformative experiences and social change. In conclusion, the magic circle is a concept that highlights the transformative and boundary-breaking nature of play and games. It provides a temporary space where individuals can explore and experiment, challenge societal norms, and experience a sense of freedom and creativity. Understanding the magic circle can provide valuable insights into the role and impact of play in our lives and societies..
Reviews for "The Magic Circle in Arizona: Illuminating the Unknown"
1. Karen - 2 stars - While I had high hopes for "The Magic Circle Arizons," I was ultimately disappointed. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, with too many characters and storylines to keep track of. The writing is also subpar, with awkward dialogue and clunky prose. I struggled to stay engaged with the story and found myself skimming through paragraphs just to get to the end. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. Sam - 1 star - I really wanted to enjoy "The Magic Circle Arizons," but it fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of nothing happening. The author seemed more concerned with showcasing their writing style than telling a compelling story. I found myself bored and frustrated with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read.
3. Amanda - 2 stars - "The Magic Circle Arizons" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The world-building felt shallow and underdeveloped, leaving me with many unanswered questions. The writing style was also a challenge to read, with confusing sentence structures and excessive use of flowery language that often detracted from understanding the story. I felt disconnected from the characters and their struggles, leading to a lack of emotional investment. Overall, this book was a disappointment, and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Ryan - 2 stars - I was excited to dive into "The Magic Circle Arizons," but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The plot was convoluted and difficult to follow, with too many unnecessary twists and turns. The pacing was uneven, with moments of intense action followed by long periods of monotony. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. While there were some interesting ideas, the execution fell flat, resulting in a lackluster reading experience. I would not recommend this book to others.