Practice of magic

The practice of magic includes the use of special words, actions and objects. Most magic also involves a person called a magician, who claims to have supernatural powers.

To work most magic, the magician sings or speaks special words in a certain order. These magic words are called incantations or spells. Some incantations form prayers to demons, spirits or other supernatural forces. Many societies belive the magic will not work unless the magician recites the spells perfectly. Other magic words have no actual meaning, though they supposedly possess power when spoken by a magician.

Magic actions accompany the words spoken in performing much magic. Many of these movements act out the desired effect of the magic. For example, a magician trying to make rain fall may sprinkle water on the ground. The magician's combined words and actions form a ceremony called a rite or ritual.

Includes certain plants, stones and other things with supposed supernatural powers. Any such objects may be called a fetish. But this term often refers to an object - for example, a carving or a dried snake - honored by a tribe for its magic powers. Many tribes believe fetishes have magic powers because spirits live in these objects.

Many people carry magic objects called amulets, charms or talismans to protect themselves from harm. Many amulets and talismans are stones or rings engraved with magic symbols.

In some societies, nearly everyone knows how to work some magic. In other societies, only experts practice magic. Magicians may be called medicine men, shamans, sorcerers or witch doctors. In many societies, magicians must inherit their powers. In other, any person may become a magician by studying the magical arts.

Many societies belive magicians must observe certain rules and taboos (forbidden actions) for their spells to work. For example, they may be required not to eat various food or to avoid sexual activity for a certian period before the ceremony.