Some Thoughts on Magic

The other day I realized that I’ve been studying the history and belief systems of various kinds of magic for 50 years. I thought others might find some of my conclusions interesting, so here’s what might be the first of several blog posts.

Anyone who wants to write in the various fantasy genres can profit from some understanding of “real” magic, that is, the beliefs about magic that real people have held throughout history. Magic that has some depth, some feeling of reality, enhances a story...