Obsessive fixation on magical concepts can be characterized as a persistent and overwhelming preoccupation with the supernatural, occult, or fantastical elements. It involves an individual being consumed by thoughts and fantasies related to magic and its manifestations. People with this fixation may become completely absorbed in the idea of magic, spending excessive amounts of time researching and exploring various magical practices, such as spellcasting, divination, or witchcraft. They may read books, attend workshops, and engage in online communities or forums dedicated to magical beliefs and practices. The obsession with magical concepts goes beyond mere curiosity or interest; it becomes a focal point of the individual's thoughts and daily life. They may constantly seek out new information or experiences related to magic, often at the expense of other important areas of their life, such as relationships, work, or personal well-being.
Kastens worries that magical thinking can inadvertently be fueled by spirituality practices like the Law of Attraction, which teaches that positive thoughts produce positive outcomes while negative thoughts produce negative outcomes.
Kastens worries that magical thinking can inadvertently be fueled by spirituality practices like the Law of Attraction, which teaches that positive thoughts produce positive outcomes while negative thoughts produce negative outcomes. She checks in with herself to see if she s feeling like she doesn t have a choice in what she s thinking magically about, and if she doesn t, that s a red flag that magical thinking is showing up in a harmful way.
They may constantly seek out new information or experiences related to magic, often at the expense of other important areas of their life, such as relationships, work, or personal well-being. This fixation can lead to a sense of detachment from reality and an inability to effectively navigate everyday challenges and responsibilities. While a certain degree of fascination with magic or the supernatural is relatively common, an obsessive fixation on magical concepts can have negative consequences.
My Favorite New Age Spiritual Practices Ended Up Making My OCD and Anxiety Worse—And I’m Not Alone
I started to suspect I had a problem when I found myself in the basement one night moving laundry detergent jugs from shelf to shelf, certain that the right detergent placement would keep my partner from leaving me. This wasn’t because my partner would be upset about my organizational skills, but because I was convinced that this tiny, insignificant action could be a spell with wide-reaching consequences. Part of me knew I was being ridiculous, but that didn’t stop the panic in my body from driving me to frantically reorganize.
This is an example of magical thinking, which therapist Alegra Kastens, LMFT, says is “a belief that thoughts or behaviors have the ability to make things happen or not happen, when the thoughts or behaviors are not connected with the thing that could happen in any realistic way.” The most basic example of magical thinking is the childhood rhyme: “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.” It’s often experienced as part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can also happen in generalized anxiety disorder.
Experts In This Article- Alegra Kastens, LMFT, licensed therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders
- Natalie Henry, LCSW, anxiety and OCD-focused therapist
- Nisha Kuyvenhoven, MSW, therapist specializing in treating OCD and anxiety disorders
- Sarah Faith Gottesdiener, tarot reader, artist, and author based in Los Angeles
However, magical thinking is also a mainstay in New Age spirituality, an umbrella term for eclectic mystical practices including manifestation, astrology, crystals, and more. On Instagram, in spiritual spaces, and from practitioners and coaches sharing Law of Attraction-style manifestation like what you’d find in The Secret, I learned that everything is a spell, that my thoughts create my reality, that thinking or speaking something aloud can make it come true.
“Superstition, when taken too far, can become the tools having control over you.” —Sarah Faith Gottesdiener, artist, tarot reader, author
For a while, magical thinking felt great. I started out meditating on what I wanted to have happen in my life and imbuing intention into small moments, and I was supported in doing so by spiritual spaces I was part of: a sprinkle of cinnamon in my morning smoothie for abundance, a rose quartz in my pocket for love, a black candle on my altar for protection.
Related StoriesBut I quickly discovered the lines between “If I manifest on the full moon, what I want will happen,” and “If I touch this stone every day, everyone I love will be safe,” or “If I think a bad thought or say it out loud, it will come true,” are blurry. My anxiety took the concepts I learned in spirituality, took them to negative extremes, and ran with them. And I’m not the only one.
It can isolate individuals from friends and family who do not share their beliefs, and it may impair their ability to connect with others who do not understand or share their passion for magic. Additionally, this fixation can lead to a distortion of reality, as individuals may begin attributing all outcomes or events to magical forces, rather than accepting rational explanations. Managing an obsessive fixation on magical concepts requires a balanced approach. It is important for individuals to distinguish between fantasy and reality and to maintain a healthy perspective. Seeking professional help, such as therapy, can be beneficial in addressing underlying psychological issues that may contribute to the fixation. Engaging in grounding activities, such as hobbies or self-care practices, can also help redirect attention away from obsessive thoughts and toward more constructive pursuits. Ultimately, finding a balance between fascination with magic and a realistic understanding of the world is key to managing this fixation..
Reviews for "The role of society in promoting or discouraging obsessive fixation on magic"
- Alex - 2 stars - I found "Obsessive fixation on magical concepts" to be incredibly disappointing. The entire film seemed to focus solely on the magical elements, neglecting any character development or meaningful plot. I couldn't connect with any of the characters because their only purpose seemed to be to showcase their magical abilities. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes and emotions.
- Jessica - 2.5 stars - While "Obsessive fixation on magical concepts" had potential, it fell flat for me. The movie relied too heavily on its magical elements, leaving little room for a coherent and engaging story. I was left frustrated and confused, as the film seemed more concerned with showcasing flashy magic tricks than telling a compelling narrative. The characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it difficult for me to invest in their journey.
- Ryan - 3 stars - I had high hopes for "Obsessive fixation on magical concepts," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The constant emphasis on magical concepts overshadowed any character development or meaningful storytelling. The film seemed more focused on wowing the audience with visually stunning magical sequences rather than providing a well-rounded and engaging narrative. While the special effects were impressive, they couldn't make up for the lackluster plot and underdeveloped characters.