Peter Gossajer is a renowned magician and illusionist known for his mesmerizing performances and mind-boggling tricks. His unique style and captivating stage presence have made him a favorite among audiences around the world. Born and raised in a small town, Gossajer discovered his passion for magic at a young age. His interest was sparked when he received a magic kit as a gift on his eighth birthday. From that moment on, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of magic. Over the years, Gossajer honed his skills through relentless practice and study.
Even as a coach, I play in the arena of make-believe as I imagine that anything is possible. I use and have prescribed the success principle “Act as if.” When we act as if we are more confident, surer of ourselves and of our abilities, we are playing make-believe. We are inviting magic into our world and into ourselves. Whether that is fairytale magic or magic we create through our beliefs and actions, it is still magic.
We have become so educated and enlightened that we re taking the fun out of being curious, of exploring, of believing and allowing for magic, or even a miracle. We have become so educated and enlightened that we re taking the fun out of being curious, of exploring, of believing and allowing for magic, or even a miracle.
Over the years, Gossajer honed his skills through relentless practice and study. He diligently learned various tricks and illusions, from card manipulation to disappearing acts. His dedication to his craft paid off when he began performing at small local events, garnering the attention and admiration of both fellow magicians and the public.
Do you believe in magic?
I’m not sure exactly when or where I learned it. Was it overt, clearly stated in some book or class? Or did I more intuit it, sniff it out?
Magic is a bad theological term. Avoid it whenever possible.
I suspect this has to do with our Reformational roots. Magic was associated with the dark arts, the occult, paganism. And maybe just as much, it brought to mind hocus pocus, Catholic sacramentalism. Besides, we are humanists, learned people, gatherers of knowledge. None of this “eye-of-newt”* stuff for us.
Increasingly, however, I am drawn to the term magic.
I want to believe in magic. In our current context, I notice that “magical” is a favored, sacred adjective. Is that the power of Disney? Friends return from a European riverboat cruise and describe it as magical. A ceremony honoring an injured veteran or a retiring teacher. A dog reunited with its owner. A descant in the closing hymn of worship.
Magical! All of it. Joy, beauty, thrill, power, amazement. Something ineffable. Something apparently unquantifiable. Something holy, or nigh unto it.
We might conjecture that our attraction to magic is pushback on our coldly technological world. Magic consoles us, telling us that there are things beyond measure and analysis. With AI, for example, we want to hold on to the idea there is something essentially, mysteriously human that no computer will ever be able to learn. But we fear that perhaps we are simply neural networks all the way down. Can baseball be fully understood with sabermetrics or are there intangibles and magic X factors?
Is magic just a fizzier, funner (yes, I know that’s not a recognized word, but I’m on a campaign to make it one) term for what we used to call “god of the gaps”? It covers those inexplicable gaps until science is able to explain them?
+ + Magical Thinkers + +
In all honesty, it was writers and names who appear with some frequency here on the Reformed Journal that caused me to ponder magic and notice how I use and live the term.
In Tom Boogaart’s writings, I often hear him lamenting that we now live in a disenchanted universe — desecrated by our own doing. Glory, the holy, God — each has been deemed ancillary or unnecessary. Of course this has major repercussions for the way we live with and care for non-human creation. But the implications go much beyond that.
Interestingly, if I’m hearing Tom, he lays this disenchantment less at the feet of science and more at our barren understanding of the sacraments. How can we live in an enchanted world where God’s glory is among us if there is nothing enchanting in our sacraments? (As Daniel Meeter has observed, for modern, American Protestants miracles can happen everywhere except in church. “Uncle Lou’s leg grew longer. I found my car keys. My neighbor beat cancer.” But, the Lord’s Supper is merely a memorial, an object lesson!)
Jacques Ellul1912-1994
Then recently Jason Lief brought Jacques Ellul into the conversation on The Reformational, Jason’s substack newsletter. If I’m reading Ellul-through-Lief accurately, our world hasn’t been demythologized at all. The intensity of our conflicts and the vehemence of our rhetoric display that we are fighting about “holy” things, no matter how “secular” the issue might appear. All of our wars are still “wars of religion.”
For Ellul, then, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of freedom from all these religions — an iconoclastic smashing of the idols that claim to be magical. As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to win the latest wars of religion, but instead trust that Jesus has already undone all the empty magic of the world.
Boogaart, and many others, want to bring back magic — or at least re-sacralize the world. Ellul and friends say that Christ has released us from all the false magic around us. I’m not convinced they’re as much at odds as it might appear. Is Ellul possibly calling upon us to trust in Narnia’s deep magic? I don’t know.
+ + Magical Thinking + +
Still, I am thinking about magic — and noticing the magic I live with and hope for.
1. A few summers ago, we encouraged the children in our congregation to look for the “Green Man”** and even had a reproduction gargoyle. Some people worried we were preaching paganism. Our aim wasn’t to bring back pixies and sprites, but instead to cause the kids to watch for and enjoy the wonder of creation.
2. Like Abraham, I sometimes bargain with God in my prayers. On the news I’ll hear that food and supplies for 20,000 are headed to some crisis where 50,000 are in dire need. I’ll pray, “God, what if those supplies stretched to aid 40,000? Who’d be the wiser? Seems like you’ve done this sort of work before. Well, okay, how about at least 30,000?” Or I’ll pray, “God, what if all the bullets manufactured today would have an undetected defect that would cause them to miss their target? Or if all the missiles launched today would be duds? Okay, what if you’d make only 25% defective or duds? I’ll even take five percent!” Does it work? I don’t know, but sometimes I still pray like that.
3. I’m relatively convinced that partaking of the Lord’s Supper actually makes me a better person. A long term study has proven difficult. But short term, its impact appears to last until about Tuesday afternoon, sometimes even into Wednesday.
4. I’ve written about how I wonder if the large stone or metal crosses found in the town square of almost every French village aren’t merely cultural artifacts from days gone by, but somehow silently radiate the love of God. The teeny sign of the cross I discreetly thumb on my grandchildren’s foreheads at farewells. The minister’s raised hands at the benediction. All of these things “do something.”
Do I truly believe this?
Yes, kind of, more or less, depending on the day. It’s magical thinking, no doubt. I’m not claiming it proves anything or could ever be proven. But to disprove it is difficult, too. I’m simply saying I want to believe in magic.
* I was today years old when I learned that “eye of newt” is not a bodily part of an amphibian, but another name for mustard seed. So perhaps Christians do go in for eye of newt.
** It’s only conjecture, possibly even magical thinking, but was King Charles III inspired by our children’s times in worship to adorn the bottom of his coronation invitations with the Green Man. We’ll never know for sure.
Still, I am thinking about magic — and noticing the magic I live with and hope for.
Gossajer's performances soon caught the eye of renowned magicians in the industry, leading to opportunities to perform on larger stages and in higher-profile events. His skills and showmanship were praised, with many critics hailing him as a rising star in the world of magic. What sets Gossajer apart from other magicians is his ability to create unique and mind-bending illusions. His tricks often leave the audience in awe, questioning the very laws of reality. From making objects levitate to escaping from seemingly impossible situations, Gossajer's performances are packed with jaw-dropping moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. In addition to his on-stage performances, Gossajer also enjoys sharing his knowledge and love for magic with others. He conducts workshops and masterclasses, where he teaches aspiring magicians the secrets behind his illusions. He believes in the power of magic to entertain, inspire, and bring joy to people's lives. Gossajer's dedication to his craft, coupled with his unique style and showmanship, has earned him numerous accolades and recognition in the magic community. He continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of magic, captivating audiences with his unending creativity and precision. In conclusion, Peter Gossajer is a magician and illusionist who has captivated audiences worldwide with his mesmerizing performances and mind-boggling tricks. His dedication to his craft, unique style, and showmanship have made him a prominent figure in the world of magic. Through his performances and teachings, Gossajer continues to inspire and bring wonder to people's lives..
Reviews for "Uncovering the Wizardry: Peter Gossajer's Astonishing Feats"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Peter Gossajer Magic. I had heard so many great things about his performances, but when I saw him live, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks and illusions were predictable, and it felt like I had seen the same tricks before from other magicians. The overall performance lacked creativity and originality, and I left feeling underwhelmed.
2. Tom - 1 star - I regret attending Peter Gossajer Magic. It was an absolute waste of time and money. The show was poorly executed, and it seemed like Peter was just going through the motions without any enthusiasm or passion. The tricks were poorly performed, and there were several moments when it was obvious how the illusion was being done. I expected to be amazed and entertained, but unfortunately, it was a forgettable and uninspiring experience.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I attended Peter Gossajer Magic with high hopes, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The show felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive theme. The transitions between tricks were awkward, and it was sometimes difficult to follow the flow of the performance. Additionally, the audience interaction was minimal, which made it harder to feel engaged and connected to the magic. Overall, it was an average show that failed to leave a lasting impression.
4. Michael - 2 stars - Peter Gossajer Magic was a letdown. The tricks were mediocre at best, and there were no mind-blowing moments that left me questioning how they were done. The show lacked the wow factor that makes magic performances memorable. It felt like Peter was going through the motions without any real passion or excitement. I was hoping to be truly amazed, but instead, I left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
5. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't believe how unimpressive Peter Gossajer Magic was. The tricks were basic and easily decipherable, even for someone with little knowledge of magic. The performance lacked any innovation or uniqueness, and it felt like I was watching a generic magic show that lacked any sort of personal touch or creativity. Save your money and find a magician who can truly captivate and amaze you with their skills.