In modern cultures, roles once performed by shamans, medicine men, alchemists and other miracle workers have been usurped by scientists, doctors and entertainers. Modern day professionals don’t resort to the illusion of magic to achieve their objectives, but they use the fruits of science. The techniques of deception used by shamans in their rituals and ceremonies are no longer used by scientists and professionals, but have been handed down from generation to generation to the theatrical magicians of today. Due to the primacy of science, deceptive techniques have disappeared from from professions previously undertaken by shamans. Likewise, the practical aspects of magic, such as healing and predicting the future, have all but vanished from contemporary Western culture. Magic is now considered to be a purposeless form of entertainment.
After an absence of centuries, magic has returned to health care. Magic is, however, not used There are several projects around the world that use magic tricks to help people get better. Magic can be actively used by letting patients perform magic tricks to help them recover from injury. Magic can also be performed by so-called Clown Doctors, dentists and nurses to help young patients cope with the stress of hospitalisation. Several programs exist to use magic in a clinical setting:
- Open Heart Magic: Performing close-up magic to children in hospitals at their bed side.
- The Healing of Magic: Program established by magician duo The Spencers.
- Project Magic: Implementation of David Copperfield’s program in Belgium.
- Rehabracadabra: Magic therapy program by Occupational Therapist Debbie Fisher and he magician husband Cody Fisher.
- Magicians Without Borders: Magic shows for children in refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals around the world.
Project Magic
The Healing of Magic
Magic and Autism
If you are interested in reading more about the use of magic in health care, go to the bibliography or buy Perspectives on Magic and other books on the science of magic from the bookshop.