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==Qualifications== | ==Qualifications== | ||
In a practical sense, ritual magic can be performed by anyone, and therefore, anyone may call themselves a magician. For instance, some charms can be recited by individuals with no specialist knowledge nor any claim to having a specific power, while more complex rituals require specialised training in order to perform them. Some of the individuals who performed magical acts on a more than occasional basis came to be identified as magicians, or with related concepts like [[ | In a practical sense, ritual magic can be performed by anyone, and therefore, anyone may call themselves a magician. For instance, some charms can be recited by individuals with no specialist knowledge nor any claim to having a specific power, while more complex rituals require specialised training in order to perform them. Some of the individuals who performed magical acts on a more than occasional basis came to be identified as magicians, or with related concepts like [[necromancy|necromancer]], [[witch]]es, or cunning folk. | ||
Identification as a magician may stem from an individual's own claims about themselves, or it can be a label placed upon them by others. In the latter case, an individual could embrace such a label, or they could reject it, sometimes vehemently. | Identification as a magician may stem from an individual's own claims about themselves, or it can be a label placed upon them by others. In the latter case, an individual could embrace such a label, or they could reject it, sometimes vehemently. | ||
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[[File:01 The Magician.png|500px|thumb|Examples of The Magician card from various Tarot decks.]] | [[File:01 The Magician.png|500px|thumb|Examples of The Magician card from various Tarot decks.]] | ||
[[The Magician]] is the name of the first card in the [[Major Arcana]] in most traditional [[Tarot]] decks. The Magician as an object of [[occult]] study is interpreted as symbolic of power, potential, and the unification of the physical and spiritual worlds. This card was originally called the mountebank or juggler in earlier decks, indicating the ability of magicians to trick or entertain their patrons. | [[The Magician]] is the name of the first card in the [[Major Arcana]] in most traditional [[Tarot]] decks. The Magician as an object of [[occult]] study is interpreted as symbolic of power, potential, and the unification of the physical and spiritual worlds. This card was originally called the mountebank or juggler in earlier decks, indicating the ability of magicians to trick or entertain their patrons. | ||
==In fiction== | |||
Magicians and similar magic-workers are commonly found as characters in the fantasy and horror genres. In fantasy, a magician may be shown wearing a pointed hat, robes, and/or a cloak. In more modern stories, a magician may be dressed in a black robe if they are the antagonist. To introduce conflict, writers of fantasy fiction often place limits on the magical abilities of magicians to prevent them from solving problems too easily. A common motif in fiction is that the ability to use magic is innate and often rare, or gained through a large amount of study and practice. | |||
===Fictional magicians=== | |||
* Boris Balkan from ''[[The Ninth Gate]]'' (1999) | |||
* Chucky the doll from the ''Child's Play'' horror films | |||
* Doctor Strange from the Marvel Comics series | |||
* Dr. Alan Lanier from ''[[Nightmare on the 13th Floor]]'' (1990) | |||
* Imhotep from ''The Mummy'' horror films | |||
* Jafar from the ''Aladdin'' films | |||
* Jareth from ''Labyrinth'' (1986) | |||
* Magistimes from ''[[Eyes of the Tarot]]'' (1983) | |||
* Thulsa Doom from ''Conan the Barbarian'' (1982) | |||
==Famous magicians== | ==Famous magicians== | ||
Many individuals achieved fame and notoriety during or after their lifetimes for their work as magicians. In some cases, such as King Solomon, there is scant evidence they actually practiced magic in the strictest sense of the word, and this reputation was earned long after his death. | |||
* [[King Solomon]] | * [[King Solomon]] | ||
* [[Michael Scot]] | |||
* [[Aleister Crowley]] | * [[Aleister Crowley]] | ||
* [[Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers]] | * [[Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers]] | ||
==Other names== | ==Other names== | ||
Those who practice ritual magic may be called by other names, all of which have some connection to the umbrella term "magician." These include: | Those who practice [[ritual magic]] may be called by other names, all of which have some connection to the umbrella term "magician." These include: | ||
* [[Exorcist]] | * [[Exorcist]] | ||
* [[Shaman]] | * [[Shaman]] | ||
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* [[Warlock]] | * [[Warlock]] | ||
* [[Occultist]] | * [[Occultist]] | ||
* | * Sorcerer/Sorceress | ||
[[Category:Esoteric Vocations]] | [[Category:Esoteric Vocations]] | ||