Art Is Magic and Magic Is Art

A Stream in Springtime by Frits Thaulow

 In the words of graphic novelist and self-described wizard Alan Moore,

There is some confusion as to what magic actually is. I think this can be cleared up if you just look at the very earliest descriptions of magic. Magic in its earliest form is often referred to as “the art.” I believe this is completely literal. I believe that magic is art and that art, whether it be writing, music, sculpture, or any other form, is literally magic. Art is, like magic, the science of manipulating symbols, words, or images, to achieve changes in consciousness. The very language about magic seems to be talking as much about writing or art as it is about supernatural events. A grimoire for example, the book of spells, is simply a fancy way of saying grammar. Indeed, to cast a spell, is simply to spell, to manipulate words, to change people's consciousness. And I believe that this is why an artist or writer is the closest thing in the contemporary world that you are likely to see to a Shaman.

detail from a painting by Lucy Synk

For me, consuming art truly does feel like healing, opening to transformation, and nourishment for the soul. I love to experience art in many forms, including music, painting, dance, sculpture, film, and literature, and I feel most connected to the written word, especially as poetry or literary fiction. I curate some of my favorite spellbooks for the spirit in my affiliate storefront on Bookshop.org, which supports real local bookstores and authors such as myself. Welcome to the Magic Nutshell Bookshop, my pantry of potions for the heart and mind.