They know me as magic. In a world full of wonders, there exists an intriguing entity known as magic. For centuries, it has captivated the minds of individuals, inspiring awe and curiosity. Its mystical nature and incredible abilities have left an indelible mark on the collective human imagination. Magic, oftentimes personified and given a physical form, intertwines with our lives, shaping our beliefs, cultures, and stories. Throughout history, numerous civilizations have embraced the concept of magic.
Course explores ‘Magic, Witchcraft and Healing’
Perched on a shelf in Thomas Ward’s home office is a set of Vodou dolls.
Curiously, they’re not in the shape of human beings but are little round balls topped with conical “hats.” Filled with dense soil and wrapped tightly with black and red ribbon, they’re as heavy as paperweights.
Ward, associate professor (teaching) of anthropology at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, shows the Vodou artifacts to students in his spring semester course “Magic, Witchcraft and Healing” (ANTH 373).
“They’re beautiful objects,” he says of the Vodou dolls, which he brought back from a trip to Haiti in 1983.
“They can be used for healing and they can also be used for the dark arts.”
But Ward is no Severus Snape.
“Our class explores the magical components of healing, and while witchcraft can be used for healing or harm, our class focuses only on ‘white magic,’ rather than black magic, which is believed to cause harm.”
That doesn’t stop some of his students expressing curiosity about the dark side.
“They ask me, ‘Are curses real?’ ‘Can a witch put a curse on you?’” Ward says. “From the indigenous perspective, absolutely. Most non-Western cultures believe that curses can be used for harm.”
But anthropologists and Western scientists would argue that it’s the power of belief that causes people who know they’ve been cursed to have accidents.
“It depends on who you are, where you are, what culture you’re in, your own belief system,” Ward says.
Throughout history, numerous civilizations have embraced the concept of magic. From the ancient Egyptians and their belief in the power of spells and amulets to the medieval alchemists and their pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone, magic has been a constant presence in human society. It has been associated with both the natural and the supernatural, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Magic and healing
Ward’s course explores the cross-cultural aspects of healing in non-Western traditions.
In the anthropological, cross-cultural context, the term ‘magic’ is used for non-Western methods of healing or other ritual practices. Ward defines magic in the context of this course as unexplained causality.
“Something happens and it causes something else to happen and we see the result, but we don’t know exactly how it works,” he says, noting that the term is used even in quantum physics to explain causal relationships that we don’t completely understand.
Haitian Voudo dolls are often used for healing, according to anthropologist Thomas Ward. (Photo: Courtesy of Thomas Ward.)
Magic is not constrained by limits. It defies conventional logic and understanding, challenging the rationality of the world. It possesses an undeniable allure, drawing people in with the promise of the extraordinary. Whether it be through the illusionist's sleight of hand or the wizard's spellcasting, magic transports us to realms beyond our reality, captivating our senses and expanding our perception of what is possible. The fascination with magic goes beyond mere entertainment. It taps into our desire for wonder and the belief in hidden potentials. It provides an escape from the mundanity of everyday life, offering a glimpse into a realm where anything is possible. In this realm, the laws of physics are suspended, and imagination reigns supreme. **Magic allows us to push the boundaries of what we believe to be true, challenging our understanding of the world and opening our minds to new possibilities.** From the tales of mythical creatures and enchanting lands to the rituals of shamans and witches, magic is deeply ingrained in our cultural heritage. It is a universal language that transcends boundaries, connecting people across time and place. It has been a driving force behind the creation of countless works of art, literature, and cinema, infusing them with an otherworldly aura. Yet, despite our fascination with it, magic remains an enigma. It eludes our grasp and understanding, leaving us with more questions than answers. Perhaps this is the true beauty of magic - its ability to keep us intrigued and perpetually seeking. It reminds us that there are still mysteries in the world, waiting to be unraveled. **Magic challenges us to embrace the unknown, urging us to explore the realms of possibility and discover the extraordinary within ourselves.** So let us embrace the allure of magic, allowing ourselves to be transported to worlds of wonder, where dreams become tangible and miracles abound. Through it, we can tap into the depths of our imagination and unlock the magic within ourselves. For, in the end, **magic is not just an external force, but a reflection of the human spirit and its boundless potential for creating the extraordinary**..
Reviews for "Beyond Entertainment: How Magic Can Create Meaningful Experiences"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in "They know me as magic". The plot was confusing and the characters were bland and one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them or understand their motivations. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and lacked fluidity. Overall, it was a forgettable and lackluster read.
2. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "They know me as magic" because it was just that bad. The story dragged on and there was no clear direction or purpose. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the descriptions were overly verbose and unnecessary. I found myself constantly skimming through pages just to get to the end. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "They know me as magic" had an interesting premise, but it fell flat in execution. The pacing was inconsistent and the story lacked depth. The characters were poorly developed and their actions didn't always make sense. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it just never did. It left me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more from the overall experience.
4. David - 1 star - I regret picking up "They know me as magic". The writing was awkward and the storytelling was disjointed. There was a lack of cohesiveness throughout the book and it felt like the author was trying to force too many ideas into one story. The plot twists were predictable and didn't bring any excitement or intrigue. I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately gave up on finishing it.
5. Lisa - 2 stars - "They know me as magic" had an interesting concept, but it ultimately fell short. The pacing was slow and the plot lacked originality. The characters were forgettable and their interactions felt forced. The dialogue often felt stiff and unrealistic. It had potential, but it failed to deliver on its promises. Overall, it was a disappointing read.