Real World Magic

Real World Magic

Musings on Magic

Drifting around on social media recently, I came across some musings on magic (and writing about magic) by Steven Erickson, the bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, The Malazan Book of the Fallen. He is a brilliant writer, but too dark and secular for me to enjoy fully. I found the conversation intelligent and engaging, though I disagree with some points by him and other commentators. He generously adds that it is just one man’s opinion.

He started with the Oxford dictionary definition of magic as listed here:

Oxford Dictionary:

mag·ic

/ˈmajik/

noun

1. the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.

“suddenly, as if by magic, the doors start to open.”

Mr. Erikson focused on several words of the definition, the summary of his main point being that magic is best defined as “mysterious.” Magic is a power or “influence” unknown. The “unknown” makes it magical. He does not want to delve into the “supernatural” because it cannot “be explored in a pseudo-scientific sense” and “relates to forces operating on a level of reality not commonly perceived.” He did mention, however, “All human cultures possess some ideation of magic, of the miraculous and the unseen.”

It seems to me that Mr. Erickson is coming from a worldview influenced by secular western thought of the Enlightenment Period and the nineteenth century philosophies that heavily overshadow our contemporary society. I can understand this perspective. After all, there are many things in the universe that appear mysterious or even magical until we discover the process or reason for how it works. For instance, a metallic object may appear to be floating by “magic” until we discover the properties of electromagnetism. Sailors sick and dying on a ship may have been attributed to a “curse” centuries ago, but now we understand scurvy and the need for Vitamin C. Learning the cause or the mechanics of a process or power takes away the mystery and becomes part of the “natural order.”

Magic is Spiritual

Mr Erikson’s discussion sparked energetic thoughts in my head, too. I would like to delve more into the supernatural component. What makes magic “mysterious” beyond just being unknown? Its connection to the supernatural or spiritual.

In the real world, magic or magical properties are almost always associated with spiritual or religious beliefs in some form. The Native American talks of connecting with the animal spirits or the powerful “medicine” of their weapons. The oracle of Delphi gave out prophecies based on visions given by the gods. Even the eastern ideas of chakras and chi/ki have spiritual components to them. So does the Bible, which may surprise many!

To have a proper discussion on magic, you cannot leave out the spiritual. I find the average person today has some interest in mysterious, extraterrestrial, or supernatural experiences, (that is why fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and games are so popular) but may be hesitant to discuss it with others because of the potential for appearing less intellectual. (Personally, I think such interest is a longing for our Creator that He put within all of us, many times misguided by falsehoods, but that is another discussion.)

From a Biblical perspective, the supernatural is part of the created order. Already, by chapter 3 of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, one reads about a Creator God, a talking serpent, and an angelic cherub with a flaming sword. There are multiple appearance of angelic beings, as well as God’s own interactions throughout the Bible. This is enough for the Bible to be completely dismissed by the secular materialist, whom Mr. Erikson calls “atheists.” When something supernatural occurs in a Biblical story, like a floating axe, it is attributed to either God Himself, an angelic servant, or a disobedient spiritual entity. So if the voodoo doctor claims to curse someone and odd things occur, there may be a rebellious spiritual being involved. That is why divination and sorcery are forbidden. You cannot touch on such things without being idolatrous.

The Bible discusses supernatural ideas in abundance, but there are still many things, vast amounts even, that are not explained in God’s Word. The five senses can not perceive much of the supernatural, thus also limiting the scientific method. Because so much of the spiritual world is unknown yet affects the mechanical or material world, it is mysterious. Many know this mysterious influence as “magic.” Understanding a small fraction of the spiritual world and that it has some influence does not entirely take away the mystery. Even if we understand spiritual entities may be involved, we still do not know how or why or the level of influence. This makes discerning reality in modern times, with its many scientific discoveries, very complicated. I still find the created order very exciting and even “magical” because of the both the amazing scientific discoveries and spiritual mysteries, especially knowing a Good God watches over it all.

Magic in Story

After stating all this, some may be amused that in my created world of Veardalan, the magical system is more mechanical—a natural power that is part of the created order similar to electricity. Spiritual beings exist and some understand how to wield enormous power, but they all get their power from the same source: the “extra” energy or “essence” given off by all the created world, similar to the “force” in the Star Wars franchise. I do this so as not to promote idolatry.

In conclusion, I believe the Bible is true and that it teaches that a spiritual world and spiritual beings exist and that God the Father Himself is Spirit. These spiritual entities affect our material world in ways we can only glimpse. This influence is truly magical, some from God for His glory, and some rebellious. Learning how to discern what is spiritual and what is natural is something we can all seek to understand.

Do you have thoughts on magic? Comment below!

Coming November 1st, 2023

The Inn at the Forest’s Edge, a Fantasy Novelette, launches November 1st! An epic fantasy adventure with timeless values that anyone who enjoys reading classic fantasy will appreciate. And yes, there is some magic! Learn more here.