Fantasy and the Magickal World

(Note: I use the alternate spelling, "magick," to distinguish between spiritual beliefs and stage magic.)

In a nutshell, modern man has polarized magick and deities. Like Glenda of Oz, we ask, "Are you a good witch or a bad witch?" when it's not that simple.

Shortly before the beginning of the New Testament, the concept of an entirely evil spirit, a Satan (upper case S, different from the "satan" of the Old Testament), appeared in religious doctrine.
(Ref: The Origin of Satan, by Elaine Pagels.)

Since then, spirituality has become even more polarized. Perhaps we don't have time for a "shades of gray" approach, and it's easier to think in black-and-white terms.

Thus, the media gives us angels and demons. Ghosts are usually scary. Faeries are playful creatures with wings. And so on.

At this topic, you'll see a more academic approach, balancing elements of fantasy. For example, read my Banshee discussion, which remains the most popular article at this topic.

This doesn't mean that future articles are going to be tedious, dry, and snooty. No! *grin* Fantasy is important to understand magickal traditions, and you may be surprised at how much "fantasy" is real.

In fact, although the Xena television show may seem great fiction, it incorporates many accurate magickal elements.

By coincidence, some of the most reliable, academic literature on faerie and Celtic traditions is written by someone who (only) shares the same name as one of Xena's creators, R. J. Stewart.

Sorting the real from the sensational isn't always easy. Also, there is no proof when we're wandering among spiritual and magickal topics. You'll be disappointed if you're a fan of the self-proclaimed Amazing Randi.

Reality includes far more than we can prove with a scale and a measuring tape.

In upcoming articles, we'll talk about Merlin as a normal/flawed but powerful being. We'll also discuss the real faeries and other Irish and Celtic magickal traditions which are among us today.

Although we'll return to the subject of ghosts and haunted houses for Halloween, expect more articles about the magickal world in the coming months.

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