Natural magic

Natural magic
Magic Mag"ic, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr. ?. See {Magic}, a., and {Magi}.] 1. A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc. [1913 Webster]

An appearance made by some magic. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

2. The art of creating illusions which appear to the observer to be inexplicable except by some supernatural influence; it includes simple sleight of hand (legerdemain) as well as more elaborate stage magic, using special devices constructed to produce mystifying effects; as, the magic of David Copperfield. It is practised as an entertainment, by magicians who do not pretend to have supernatural powers. [PJC]

{Celestial magic}, a supposed supernatural power which gave to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets, and to the planets an influence over men.

{Natural magic}, the art of employing the powers of nature to produce effects apparently supernatural.

{Superstitious magic}, or {Geotic magic}, the invocation of devils or demons, involving the supposition of some tacit or express agreement between them and human beings. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration; enchantment. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Natural magic — in the context of Renaissance magic is that part of the occult which deals with natural forces directly, as opposed to ceremonial magic, in particular goety and theurgy, which deals with the summoning of spirits. Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa so… …   Wikipedia

  • natural magic — 1. The art of working wonders by a superior knowledge of the powers of nature 2. The power of investing a work of art with an atmosphere of imagination 3. Sleight of hand • • • Main Entry: ↑magic natural magic see under ↑magic • • • Main Entry: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • Natural Magic — la. Magia Naturalis (in English, Natural Magic ) is a work of popular science by Giambattista della Porta first published in Naples in 1558. Its popularity ensured it was republished in five Latin editions within ten years, with translations into …   Wikipedia

  • natural magic — noun (in the Middle Ages) magic practised for beneficial purposes, involving the making of images, healing, and the use of herbs …   English new terms dictionary

  • Magic — Mag ic, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr. ?. See {Magic}, a., and {Magi}.] 1. A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Natural theology — is a branch of theology based on reason and ordinary experience. Thus it is distinguished from revealed theology (or revealed religion) which is based on scripture and religious experiences of various kinds; and also from transcendental theology …   Wikipedia

  • Magic (paranormal) — For related ideas, see Magic (disambiguation). Magia redirects here. For other uses, see Magia (disambiguation). Magical redirects here. For the song, see Magical (song). Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses by John William Waterhouse Magic …   Wikipedia

  • magic —    A superior power created by the combining of inner power with supernatural forces and beings such as ANGELs and DEMONs. The term magic is derived from Greek, either from megus, which means “great” (as in “great” science); from magein,… …   Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology

  • Magic —    The Renaissance was the golden age of belief in magic, defined as an organized science focused on the understanding and practical application of observed phenomena that cannot be explained by conventional, rationalistic philosophy and science… …   Historical Dictionary of Renaissance

  • natural — adj. & n. adj. 1 a existing in or caused by nature; not artificial (natural landscape). b uncultivated; wild (existing in its natural state). 2 in the course of nature; not exceptional or miraculous (died of natural causes; a natural occurrence) …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”