What does the name Magic mean?

Answer 1

"Magick is the Science of understanding oneself and one's conditions. It is the Art of applying that understanding in action" ~ Aleister Crowley.

The earth, and everything around us is made up of particles of energy, all vibrating

at different frequencies - those that vibrate relatively slowly mass together and form

solid objects which we can all see and touch, these take different forms of course,

such as the living body, or water for example, both very different but each made

up of exactly the same thing..energy. Now those particles which vibrate at higher

frequencies are not visible to the human eye, but they are there, think of air for

example.

The fact that everything is made of those same particles, means that it is connected, and can be influenced - just like when the brain sends a signal to a limb to make it move; both are part of the same body although appearing to be in two different areas.. and an action in one results in a reaction in the other.

This action and reaction is central in Magick. Performing a ritual or spell, or simply thinking of what it is that you need, is an action (thoughts are things!), and actions result in reactions. The trick with Magick is in learning first to attune (tune into) that connection present in the universe, and then to guide yourself within it so that you can recognise and take advantage of opportunities.

This is just the tip of the iceberg where Magick and how it works is concerned. My door is always open if you need further information.

If on the other hand you meant stage Magic.... well, that's another story!

•He asked what is magic.

Given that the spelling is M A G I C ,this magic you're talking about is the art of sleight of hand techniques, there's a saying in this art which is the hand is faster than the eyes, this kind of art is purely for entertainment purposes.

** The question was posted in Magic & Illusions, and in Paganism.. he got two answers for the price of one! :)

Answer 2

Magic comes from a middle eastern word meaning "wisdom" (Magus, Mage and Magi are related terms) and generally referred to the king (or chiefs) council. They were astronmers and mathematicians, but also priests and would teach ways that a king could win the favor of the gods.

This has since been translated as any sort of ability that cannot be explained by science (including tarot, Astrology, alchemy, and so on)