Magic, a Modern Day of Thaumaturgy Magic, once considered a realm of fantasy and folklore, has found a surprising resurgence in the modern world. While the traditional view of magic may conjure images of witches casting spells or magicians entertaining with sleight of hand, contemporary practitioners have redefined the meaning and practice of magic. Today, magic is no longer confined to the realms of illusion and trickery but is seen as a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and affecting change in the world. In the modern context, magic has become synonymous with the concept of thaumaturgy, which refers to the practice of performing miracles or supernatural feats. While many still associate magic with superstition or mysticism, a growing number of individuals are embracing it as a means of empowerment and spiritual exploration. These modern practitioners, often referred to as "magicians" or "occultists," draw from diverse traditions and philosophies, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary thought.
It is a high-thrill experience available to riders at height of at least 48”.
After a scenic ascent to the top of the lift hill, your boat is released into a wide trough, traversing a 180-degree curve, and finally tilting over the top of the 50-foot chute, quickly accelerating to 34 mph as you crash into 1,500 gallons of flowing water. One of the thrill rides is the famous X-coaster, which stands out as the first coaster of its kind in the nation and the ride makes it possible to experience inversion without the constraint of a shoulder harness.
These modern practitioners, often referred to as "magicians" or "occultists," draw from diverse traditions and philosophies, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary thought. One of the main ideas driving modern-day magic is the belief in the power of intention and energy. Magicians understand the interconnectedness of the universe and seek to harness this energy for their purposes.
Magic Springs celebrates 40th anniversary with new ride
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park general manager Jack Bateman, from left, Tracy Durham, Alfred Warren, Kristen Nicholson, Meaghan Ferneau and Mary Claire Hill react after riding the new ride Brain Drain at Magic Springs in Hot Springs. The park is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its opening with the park’s first new thrill ride in 10 years.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the park’s opening with a brand-new, 13-story attraction called the Brain Drain.
“Having the Brain Drain as our first new addition in over 10 years is just huge for Magic Springs,” said Michael Wampler, director of sales and marketing. “This ride, being a vertical-footprint ride, gives us a lot more latitude to do things, and I think our guests are just going to absolutely love it.”
The park reopened for the season Saturday. In a press release from the park, general manager Jack Bateman said, “There is no better time to experience Magic Springs than this season.”
“Come out and help us celebrate 40 years of family fun at Magic Springs.”
The newly added Brain Drain is over 140 feet tall and can hold up to 12 guests. The ride makes a steady climb toward the top, giving guests a spectacular view of the park and surrounding landscapes. As the ride inches upward, guests anxiously await for the drop, but it is not until the ride makes a click, when it drops to a speed of 47 mph. For a firsthand look at the ride, visit the Tri-Lakes Edition Facebook page.
“It is an amazing ride,” Wampler said. “As you are going up, you get to see a beautiful landscape setting, seeing over the national forest and almost to downtown.
“Then suddenly, you are rushing to the ground at 50 mph.”
Magic Springs opened on July 22, 1978, and later added the water park in 2000. According to a Magic Springs history website, the park closed in 1995 and reopened in 2000, along with the addition of the water park. Magic Springs has 20 rides and nine water-park attractions and pools. The park will celebrate its birthday July 22.
“I got to imagine there are lots of families who have had some magical memories while coming to Magic Springs,” Wampler said. “I have actually been on staff now for just over a year, and I am just thrilled to be here.”
The park is open weekends in April and May and daily from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-August.
“We think [our longevity] talks to the fact that we are Arkansas’ only theme and water park, and there is so much to do with a paid admission,” Wampler said.
This year, Magic Springs has 18 artists performing for its summer concert series.
“There is something for everyone,” Wampler said. “We are even doing an ’80s hairband festival on June 9. There is just a little bit of everything in our concerts for people.”
Acts include En Vogue, Kansas, Granger Smith, Queensryche, Martina McBride and David Crowder.
In addition to the concert series, Magic Springs will host four Dive-In Movie nights in July at the Wave Pool, featuring the following films:
July 6: Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
July 13: Smurfs: The Lost Village.
July 20: Justice League.
July 27: The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature.
Magic Screams will return beginning Oct. 6, now with longer hours — lasting from noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.
The Summer Concert Series, Dive-In Movies and Cooler Sundays are free with purchase of a ticket or season pass. Season passes are on sale for $64.99, plus tax.
“It is surprising where our guests come from,” Wampler said. “We’ve got visitors coming from Memphis, Shreveport, from northwest Arkansas and even Oklahoma.
“[Our concert series] is a full-day event, but the great thing is, [the concerts] are free with a paid admission. You definitely get your money’s worth.”
For more information, visit www.MagicSprings.com.
Staff writer Sam Pierce can be reached at (501) 244-4314 or [email protected].
They believe that through focused intention, rituals, and symbolic acts, they can tap into this universal energy and manifest their desires. This is often referred to as "manifestation magic" or the law of attraction. Magic today encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs. Some magicians draw inspiration from ancient traditions such as Wicca, Hermeticism, or ceremonial magic, adapting these practices to fit the modern world. Others explore chaos magic, a more experimental and eclectic approach that emphasizes the belief that belief itself is a powerful force. In addition to manifesting personal desires, modern magic is often centered around self-discovery and personal growth. Many practitioners see magic as a tool for understanding oneself, exploring the depths of the subconscious, and discovering hidden talents and abilities. Through rituals, meditation, and other magical practices, they strive to awaken their full potential and enhance their lives. Furthermore, modern magic is not limited to the individual but extends to the broader world. Many magicians aim to use their skills and knowledge to effect positive change in society and the environment. They may work towards social justice, environmental activism, or healing collective trauma. Magic, in this sense, becomes a means of activism and transformation on a global scale. Despite the skeptics and critics, modern magic continues to thrive and evolve. It has carved a niche for itself in the world of spirituality and personal development, attracting people from various backgrounds and worldviews. As more individuals seek meaning and connection in a fast-paced and often chaotic world, magic offers a sense of empowerment, wonder, and possibility. Whether practiced in solitude or within communities, modern magic is a testament to the enduring human desire for the mysterious and the extraordinary..
Reviews for "The Magic of Special Effects: Bringing Fantasy to Life on the Silver Screen"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Magic: a modern day of thaumaturgy" as I've always been intrigued by the concept of magic in the modern world. However, I found this book to be a major letdown. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth. The writing style was also quite amateurish, with awkward sentences and poor grammar. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging novel.
2. John - 1 star
"Magic: a modern day of thaumaturgy" was a complete waste of my time and money. The story was convoluted and confusing, with no clear direction. The author seemed to have thrown in every magical element possible without any coherent explanation or structure. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. I struggled to finish this book and regretted ever picking it up. Stay away from this one if you're looking for a well-crafted and cohesive magical story.
3. Jessica - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Magic: a modern day of thaumaturgy", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The world-building was insufficient, leaving me with more questions than answers about the magical system and how it worked in the modern setting. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing action scenes. The characters were also unmemorable, lacking any real depth or development. Overall, this book had potential but failed to deliver on its promises, leaving me unsatisfied and disappointed.