Magic

Magic is the practice of beliefs, rituals and/or actions which are said to control and manipulate, either natural or supernatural, beings and forces. Typically, magic is categorised as independent from both religion and science, due to its various beliefs and practices.

Individuals who engage in magical practices are referred to as either magicians or witches. Although, connotations have varied from positive to negative at times throughout history, magic "continues to have an important religious and medicinal role in many cultures today".

Black magic has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes. With respect to the left-hand path and right-hand path dichotomy, black magic is the malicious, left-hand counterpart of the benevolent white magic. In modern times, some find that the definition of black magic has been convoluted by people who define magic or ritualistic practices that they disapprove of as black magic.

White magic has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for selfless purposes. Practitioners of white magic have been given titles such as wise men or women, healers, white witches or wizards. Many of these people claimed to have the ability to do such things because of knowledge or power that was passed on to them through hereditary lines, or by some event later in their lives. White magic was practiced through healing, blessing, charms, incantations, prayers, and songs. With respect to the philosophy of left-hand path and right-hand path, white magic is the benevolent counterpart of malicious black magic. Because of its ties to traditional Paganism (nature worship), white magic is often also referred to as "natural magic".