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'''Magic''', sometimes known as '''sorcery''', is a [[concept]]ual system that asserts human ability to control or predict the [[nature|natural world]] (including events, objects, people, and physical [[phenomena]]) through [[Mysticism|mystical]], [[paranormal]] or [[supernatural]] means. The term can also refer to the practices employed by a person asserting this ability, and to [[belief]]s that explain various events and phenomena in such terms. In many [[culture]]s the concept of magic is under pressure from, and in competition with, scientific and religious conceptual systems. This is particularly the case in the Christian West and the Muslim Middle East where the practice of magic is generally regarded as blasphemous or forbidden by orthodox leadership.

'''Magic''', sometimes known as '''sorcery''', is a [[concept]]ual system that asserts human ability to control or predict the [[nature|natural world]] (including events, objects, people, and physical [[phenomena]]) through [[Mysticism|mystical]], [[paranormal]] or [[supernatural]] means. The term can also refer to the practices employed by a person asserting this ability, and to [[belief]]s that explain various events and phenomena in such terms. In many [[culture]]s the concept of magic is under pressure from, and in competition with, scientific and religious conceptual systems. This is particularly the case in the Christian West and the Muslim Middle East where the practice of magic is generally regarded as blasphemous or forbidden by orthodox leadership.

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

Through late 14th century Old French ''magique'', the word "magic" derives via Latin ''magicus'' from the Greek adjective ''magikos'' (μαγικός) used in reference to the "magical" arts — in particular divination — of the Magians (Greek: ''magoi'', singular ''mágos'', μάγος), the Zoroastrian astrologer priests. Greek ''mágos'' is first attested in [[Heraclitus]] (6th century BC, apud. [[Clement of Alexandria|Clement]] ''Protrepticus 12'') who curses the Magians and others for their "impious rites." Greek ''magikos'' is attested from the 1st century [[Plutarch]], typically appearing in the feminine, in μαγική τέχνη (''magike techne'', Latin ''ars magica'') "magical art."

Through late 14th century Old French ''magique'', the word "magic" derives via Latin ''magicus'' from the Greek adjective ''magikos'' (μαγικός) used in reference to the "magical" arts — in particular divination — of the Magians (Greek: ''magoi'', singular ''mágos'', μάγος), the Zoroastrian astrologer priests. Greek ''mágos'' is first attested in [[Heraclitus]] (6th century BC, apud. [[Clement of Alexandria|Clement]] ''Protrepticus 12'') who curses the Magians and others for their "impious rites." Greek ''magikos'' is attested from the 1st century [[Plutarch]], typically appearing in the feminine, in μαγική τέχνη (''magike techne'', Latin ''ars magica'') "magical art."

=== Theories of adherents ===

=== Theories of adherents ===

Adherents to magic believe that it may work by one or more of the following basic principles:{{Fact|date=July 2007}}

Adherents to magic believe that it may work by one or more of the following basic principles:

* '''Natural forces that cannot be detected by science''' at present, and may not be detectable at all.  These magical forces are said to exist in addition to and alongside the four [[fundamental forces]] of nature: [[gravity]], [[electromagnetism]], the nuclear [[strong force]] and nuclear [[weak force]].

* '''Natural forces that cannot be detected by science''' at present, and may not be detectable at all.  These magical forces are said to exist in addition to and alongside the four [[fundamental forces]] of nature: [[gravity]], [[electromagnetism]], the nuclear [[strong force]] and nuclear [[weak force]].