Magic is the art of producing a desired effect or result
through the use of incantation, ceremony, ritual, the casting of spells or
various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural
agencies or the forces of nature.
Magic has been practiced in many cultures,
and utilizes ways of understanding, experiencing and influencing the world
somewhat akin to those offered by religion, though it is sometimes regarded as
more focused on achieving results than religious worship. Magic is often viewed
with suspicion by the wider community, and is commonly practiced in isolation
and secrecy.
Modern Western magicians generally state magic's primary
purpose to be personal spiritual growth. Modern perspectives on the theory of
magic broadly follow two major views. The first sees magic as a result of a
universal sympathy within the universe, where if something is done here a
result happens somewhere else. The other view sees magic as collaboration with
spirits who cause the effect.
