Water ignites magic Water has long been associated with mystical properties and magical abilities. From ancient civilizations to modern-day spiritual practices, the element of water holds a special place in the realm of magic. Water is a symbol of life and purity, making it a powerful tool for transformation and healing. In many cultures, water is used in rituals and ceremonies to cleanse and purify the body and soul. Whether it's through bathing, drinking, or simply being near it, water has the ability to wash away negative energy and bring about positive change. In addition to its purifying properties, water is also known for its ability to amplify intentions and manifestations.
Take a shot glass of water and one of whiskey (or another colored liquid). Place a card over the water to cover it. Flip the water glass so that it is directly over the glass of whiskey. Slowly remove a bit of the card so the liquids can interact, and watch the water and whiskey swap glasses.
So if you re swimming in a lake and there s a big current from the lightning strike flowing through the lake it sees you as a kind of short as it can jump 2m to an easy path. Chemical magic is an area of illusionary magic that relies on certain chemical and physical principles of nature in order to stupefy and excite the audience.
In addition to its purifying properties, water is also known for its ability to amplify intentions and manifestations. Just as water can carry energy and information from one place to another, it can also enhance and magnify the power of our thoughts and desires. By infusing water with our intentions, we can create a potent elixir that can help us manifest our dreams and goals.
Chemical Magic
February 29th is a day associated with good luck, bad luck, marriage, and even a little bit of magic, depending on what part of the world you’re in! Here in the Rare Book Collection you can learn about all types of magic, old and new, from sinister spirit-conjuring spells to innocent exploding bubbles. If you have an interest in magic and an aptitude for science, you might consider consulting John D. Lippy, Jr.’s Chemical Magic (1930).
John D. Lippy Jr., Chemical Magic (New York: A. L. Burt Company, c1930) | GV1547 .L7
Lippy was a renowned “Chemical Magician” who shared his love of magic through performing, writing books, and even designing toys. In 1955 he was the president of the “Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States”–one of America’s oldest continuing conventions–and was awarded the William H. Endlich Award in 1962 for his work with that organization.
Published in 1930, this book is a collection of over 150 “magical” effects made possible by chemistry. Lippy also includes a brief history of magic in addition to seven original magical monologues for the budding magician seeking inspiration.
Betty Jane Kolar “The World’s Youngest Magician”
Chemical magic is an area of illusionary magic that relies on certain chemical and physical principles of nature in order to stupefy and excite the audience. And so, it seems only appropriate that the RBC’s resident chemist chime in to share some of the book’s coolest tricks and explore some of the more complex chemistry in-play.
One of the most interesting demonstrations is a trick called “Burning Water”, which cleverly combines water, ether, and potassium to ignite a glass of water and give off a bright pink flame:
While the author may have given away the secret ingredients to his performance, we at the RBC found ourselves wondering about the roles that each chemical species plays in creating the spectacle described. Cue the chemist!
Firstly, ether is a flammable liquid and is less dense than water. So when the water is poured into the bowl containing ether, the ether rises and settles as a layer on top of the water. This provides a flammable layer on the surface of the water. Ethanol (rubbing alcohol) would also suffice in place of the ether–and is less hazardous!
The potassium (K) reacts with water to form a basic solution and hydrogen (H) gas:
2K (solid)+2H2O (liquid)→2KOH (basic solution)+H2 (gas)
The hydrogen gas is the key here; it reacts violently with oxygen in the air and ignites, making a spark. Remember that flammable layer of ether on the surface of the water? When the hydrogen gas ignites, it sets fire to that layer and, VOILA: magic burning water!
A video showing the violent reaction that results when pure potassium is added to water can be found here.
John D. Lippy, Jr.’s Chemical Magic is filled with many more chemical magic demonstrations, of varying difficulty, awe factor, and associated risk. Some of these include exploding bubbles, rubber bones, silver stars from candles, mental telepathy, turning water to blood, and walking away from your own shadow! The book promises to be entertaining for magic-lovers and chemists alike.
Rebekah Wells is a student assistant in the Rare Book Collection and a chemistry major at UNC who will graduate in Spring 2016.
Cause a stream of water to bend by applying an electrical field near the water. How do you do this without electrocuting yourself? Simply run a plastic comb through your hair.
Furthermore, water has a unique connection to the subconscious mind and the realm of emotions. Just as water can be calm and tranquil, it can also be fierce and powerful. By harnessing the energy of water, we can tap into our own emotions and intuition, gaining insight and clarity that can guide us on our magical path. Water is also a conduit for communication and connection. Through practices such as scrying and divination, water can be used as a medium for receiving messages from the spiritual realm. By gazing into a pool of water or listening to the sound of rain, we can open ourselves up to divine guidance and wisdom. Overall, water is a versatile and transformative element that has the ability to ignite magic. Whether it's through its purifying properties, its amplifying abilities, or its connection to the subconscious, water offers a gateway to the mystical and the unknown. By tapping into the power of water, we can unleash our own magical potential and create a life filled with wonder and enchantment..
Reviews for "The Language of Water: Communicating with the Magical Realm"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed by "Water ignites magic". The premise seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles. Additionally, the pacing was all over the place, with slow scenes that dragged on and sudden jumps in the plot that left me feeling confused. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not worth my time.
2. Emily - 3/5 - "Water ignites magic" had a promising concept, but I felt that it didn't live up to its potential. The writing style was a bit generic, and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. The character development was lacking, and I couldn't fully invest in the protagonists' journey. While there were some interesting magical elements, they were overshadowed by a predictable plot and lackluster world-building. This book just didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I found "Water ignites magic" to be a poorly executed fantasy novel. The world-building was minimal, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions about the magical system and the overall setting. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, hindering my ability to connect with the characters. Moreover, the plot lacked originality and felt like a rehash of familiar tropes. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed with this book.