It is really interesting to me how
magic is somehow incorporated into everyday life. We do not often
think about how our own little "rituals" that we do
everyday can be considered to be a form of magic. It is also
interesting how, during the Middle Ages, magic was considered a very
high form of education that was actually taught at private schools
and universities. It became such a common thing to many people that
many of these educated men did not even consider themselves magicians
in any way.
Bailey even mentions in his writing for
this week that many astrologers did not think that they were
performing magic. "Rather, they would have presented themselves
as wise men and philosophers exploring the forces of nature"
(Bailey 94). Alchemists also found themselves in the same boat. While
their studies were considered be belong in the magical category, they
really thought of themselves as "natural philosophers exploring
the hidden properties of nature" (Bailey 95). In fact, Bailey
even mentions how these forms of "magic" were very much
accepted among society at the time. It is a wonder how these views
could turn against these practices and label them to be acts from the
devil.
Questions:
1. What are some of your own personal
"rituals" that you take part in?
2. Do you consider these acts (your own
or the examples given in our textbooks) to be considered "real
magic"?
Bailey, Michael. "The Rise of
Learned Magic" 2007. Print.
You provide great lead ins for the larger picture of ritual vs. magic vs. research (natural science, mathematics, etc.). The ritual practice of research and progression by which those inherently dedicated to explore the world around them results in the observation of patterns. This exploration is the very basis of the scientific method, which is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. Highly educated individuals, magic to some. Repeated application of activities and to achieve new or same results is ritualistic in itself (I brush my teeth morning and night to magically prevent cavities and yuck mouth). The rituals surrounding star gazing led to the basics of astrophysics, math galore, better preparation of crops and more. I still consider physicists as magicians, as only they know what the heck is really going on...or not going on. It's all relative ; )
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm so glad you posted about this, because I found this topic to be quite intriguing when we discussed it in class. I am particularly interested in how magic and religion cross paths, because many of my "rituals" revolve around my religious beliefs. I'm still muddling over my views on this certain topic, but I am excited to delve deeper into what magic truly is and how it can be defined.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGoing off of what Kelsey stated earlier, I too thought this topic was interesting. I never really thought of my "rituals" to be anything out of the norm until we discussed it in class. As an athlete I have many pregame rituals that may fall in the category as "superstition".
I would have to go along with what Shelby is saying. I run Cross Country and have a million pre-race rituals. If I happen to miss one of these rituals and perform poorly that's the first thing I blame it on. It's definitely all superstition but I could see just as easily how people could think the exact opposite.
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ReplyDeleteI've definitely been thinking a lot about this topic a lot over the last few days, and I've been taking closer note of my little "rituals". It's very interesting to me how closely these every-day actions relate to the magic and superstition of times long gone. I think that perhaps we each carry a sense of magic or superstition deep inside that we have sort of repressed because of scientific advancements and logic. Regardless, it's a very interesting topic to think about.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating subject! I have a ritual that I do every time I ride my motorcycle (just about every day). I have to put my protective gear on in a certain sequence or else I believe that some kind of problem will happen during my ride. Pants first (always right leg first), then jacket (left sleeve first), gloves (left hand first), then my helmet. If I deviate from this, I have to start over. Then, when I get on the bike , I have to say a "prayer". I can see where this could be considered magic.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for sharing "confessing" how rituals inform your life. I would like to hear more from softball and cross country folks (it is true that the "secret nature" helps inform its power though, right?).
ReplyDeleteIt is referred to as superstition--meaning "above the point of logic"--but of course it seems logical enough that we do it! Isn't superstition in the eye of the beholder?