What Magic Isn't

The question I used to ask myself and my mage comrades at cyphers was “what is magic?”, as if its definition were some elusive secret, and stumbling upon it would unlock some hidden power to enable us to advance the art form.

I’ve heard the Dan Sperry magic sucks rant. I’ve heard Armando speak out on the mass distribution of secrets. I’ve seen Eric Mead post gem statuses. If I see you, I see you. But in between all that, I hear the endless humming chatter of the magi masses, infatuated with something that I’m not so sure is real magic.

What isn’t magic? At one point laymen thought it was a hoaky novelty: wands and top hats. In the spirit of magic being a Way, and with as much compassion as I can have for the community of which I am a part, I’m compelled to define where not to go to keep moving:

1. Magic isn’t about popularity. Or being Liked. Or gaining Followers. If magicians are students of the art, what grade are we not graduating out of?
2. Magic isn’t about status, or making fake friends in high places for social ladder climbing. I’d rather sit at the lunch table of the people who are good than with the people are who are good at.
3. Magic isn’t about the money. If it’s a business, sell yourself. If it’s an art, express yourself. The money will come.
4. Magic isn’t about effects. The real secrets lay in the principles behind them (Tarbell).
5. Magic isn’t about releasing secrets. Secrets are sacred. I’d rather bestow to one than broadcast to many; master one than know many; love one, not many; one > many.
6. Magic isn’t about camera tricks. Or tricks for the camera. At least until the day a screen replaces a human audience, and smartphones replace people.
7. Magic isn’t about awards. Is the giving of astonishment to a fellow human being not rewarding enough?
8. Magic isn’t a contest. Masakatsu Agatsu- true victory is self-victory. No contest.
9. Magic isn’t about me. It’s about them. Their joy is my joy. Their reactions are the magic. Audience, performer: two heavens as one.

 Mages: What is magic not to you?