We have all read about magic at some point. Sooner or later, a reader realizes that there is a wonderful world in which men can move objects with their minds, freeze rivers with a blow, or conjure objects out of nowhere. We all dream of a world where, at some point in life, a fairy godmother arrives and grants us the power to do anything we want with the snap of our fingers.
Since the beginning of time the human being has wanted to get a pinch of magic power; it is even spoken of in the wizards bible. When Pharaoh's sorcerers threw down their rods and they turned into serpents for all to see.
What is magic
Magic is a hidden science, in itself is the way in which a person, either through incantations, a blow of the wand, a magic amulet, a spell of words or something like that, is able to organize natural laws in his own way. Accomplish surprising and extraordinary things like disappearing and appearing people or himself, flying or levitation. It can also be understood as a speculum, where surprising tricks are performed or in a religious way in which dark rituals are performed in order to attract people from death.
Origin of magic
Magic has its origins in the Egyptians, when a scroll was discovered illustrating a trick, where a magician cut off the head of a goose, then he would say a few words and the goose would come back to life and walk as if nothing had happened. Later it was derived to the Celtic culture and the Greeks. In the beginning it was used to move masses and maintain power, generating fear; also to deceive and con people.
In ancient times the magicians were the priests, students of alchemy and they used it in ceremonies to convince the people of the mystical power of the gods in order for them to offer tribute, which they stayed.
In the Middle Ages, magicians were considered witches who made pacts with the devil. Therefore they were persecuted and burned in the squares. Centuries later in Greece and Rome a movement arose that showed a new type of magician, the sorcerers manifested as characters of attraction in a show. And it is in the seventeenth century when a professional magic act is shown for the first time in the middle of entertainment, with a show open to the public, but it is until the following century, when they began to take them seriously, recovering their prestige as artists and they managed to get lucrative earnings from presentations. It is at this time that the famous magicians were formed.
Magic and science
Since in many ways magic is science too, is known as the scientific basis of magic. Alchemy, which the so-called magicians of yesteryear used to work. It originally dates from thousands of years in the past. Schools that taught this science to their students were known from ancient Egypt. Doctors were instructed in alchemy; also the magicians and, from time to time, the pharaohs themselves.
His main creed, or his greatest quest, was to transmute the various metals into gold. And although we see it as something completely magical, since alchemy mixed both branches, the truth is that it has its scientific basis.
For example: Lead was the metal par excellence to work with, since when performing the calculations, it was only necessary to extract three of its 82 atoms for it to become the precious metal.
They also sought to find the creation of the well-known "Philosopher's Stone." The red stone that allowed not only to turn all metal into gold, but also distill the elixir of long life. Of the most famous alchemists, one of the greatest was Nicolas Flamel, who is credited with the success in making this stone, and that legend has been maintained because, although he died around 1400 AD, when he opened his tomb they found that it was totally empty.
Elements in alchemy
As with magic, the elements also have great importance in the alchemical arts. They are the same that we have known forever.
- Air: Taken from oxygen itself and used in various chemical reactions, this element was believed to be linked to discernment and that it could open and expand your mind and your senses in a way that would make it easier for you to achieve enlightenment.
- Water: With this element all alchemical experiments were carried out. Also the alchemists had their own water to work with, known as aguaviva, which was a kind of water much purer than the known one, and which they distilled through their own knowledge. It fostered empathy, sensitivity and tenderness; as well as the ability to have harmonious emotional relationships.
- Fire: It was the force of reaction and the one that allowed everything to happen. It was tied to self-perception, enthusiasm, and hard work.
- Earth: It represented will, stability, and confidence. They were the minerals used in the reactions and that allowed to be treated and used in his experiments.
- Ether: Also known as "spirit" it represented the life force present in the universe. It was tied to the very essence of life.
Famous alchemists
- Nicholas Flamel: Mentioned above, it was the alchemist who is credited with the creation of the philosopher's stone, in addition to having managed, therefore, to complete the study of transmutation of metals.
- Paracelsus: An alchemist who is also said to have transformed lead into gold. Many medical discoveries are attributed to him. He was also the first to identify overwork illness.
- Isaac Newton: Although his alchemical work is less well known of this scientist, he worked much more with alchemy than he did with physics. Even his theories regarding the law of gravity, he coined them thanks to his work with alchemy.
Contemporary magic
When speaking of contemporary magic, one cannot fail to mention Robert Houdin, a French illusionist, who is considered the father of magic at the beginning of this modernist era, he denied the charlatans who pretended to believe themselves gods and promoted the practice of illusionism. in shows on platforms, making use of the famous tuxedo, which gave an air of class and sophistication, since the acts were offered for high society.
Another of the renowned wizards, who is known worldwide from his time to the present day is the famous Harry houdini, who took his stage name in honor of the wizard mentioned above. He achieved his fame thanks to his great feats in escapism tricks.
To cover a more current stage, it is worth mentioning David Blaine, American illusionist, is known for his illusion and escape tricks.Magic has always existed, its principles are still applied, as well as the great feats that have been achieved, there is no limit, this art will endure.