Magic is often defined as the use of beliefs, rituals, or actions intended to influence natural or supernatural forces. We see it differently. To us, magic is the beauty that exists all around us. It is the presence of energy creating harmony in everything it touches. In this sense, magic is simply the expression of God’s energy, visible in humans, plants, and all of nature.
Magic Growing Right Outside Our Door
We have a garden filled with flowers of many colors and sizes. Some were given to us by friends, which makes them even more meaningful. Living in Marin County, we recently experienced a heat wave, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s. As a result, many of our plants began to bloom, and those that produce fruit started attracting bees for pollination. Watching this unfold is truly beautiful. To us, this is real magic, God’s magic.
It is especially remarkable when you consider the food we grow. From tiny seeds, a wide variety of vegetables emerge, eventually becoming part of our meals. That transformation, from seed to nourishment, is a kind of magic that often goes unnoticed.
Natural Magic vs. Staged Illusion
This perspective is very different from the kind of magic we see in entertainment, such as shows in Las Vegas, where illusions are carefully staged. In nature, nothing is staged. Everything unfolds on its own. In our backyard, large trees have grown tall and strong over time. Their growth is another example of this natural magic.
This also differs from the miraculous stories often found in religious texts, such as the Bible. While those stories are meaningful to many, we see magic not as something extraordinary or supernatural, but as something continuously present in the natural world.
Healing as an Expression of Natural Magic
Healing is another area where perspectives differ. In many traditions, healing is seen as a miraculous event. For us, healing is about allowing the body and life to unfold naturally. It comes from providing the body with what it needs, nourishing food, a supportive environment, and reduced stress. In contrast, modern society often introduces chemicals into our food and creates pressure to constantly achieve, which can disrupt this natural balance and contribute to illness.
Where Belief and Understanding Meet
Magic exists somewhere between belief and understanding, between what religion describes and what science explains. We happen to know a magician who occasionally performs for us, and his skill is impressive. At times, he even reveals how the illusions work, showing how easily perception can be influenced. In nature, however, there is no deception, only process and transformation.
Renewal After Destruction
Even in events like floods or fires, which can seem destructive, there is a form of magic in the regrowth that follows. New life emerges, and ecosystems rebuild. Though we may resist these events due to their impact on our lives and property, they are part of nature’s cycle.
Love and Harmony in the Animal Kingdom
Looking at the animal kingdom, we see harmony in life’s design. While it can sometimes appear harsh, love plays a powerful role, especially in the bond between parent and offspring. This connection is one of the purest expressions of magic. Humans experience this as well, though it can become overshadowed by the demands of modern life, particularly the pursuit of success and financial security.
Energy Is the Truest Magic of All
In the Star of Light, we center our philosophy on energy, which we see as the truest form of magic in the universe. Everything else can be viewed as interpretation or illusion, shaped by our values and perceptions. The ego, in particular, creates many of these illusions. Yet as life comes to an end, the ego fades, and we return to a more natural state, our soul.
