Magic has been a topic of fascination and intrigue for centuries, captivating the human imagination with its mysterious and inexplicable nature. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, the concept of magic has permeated various cultures and shaped beliefs and practices. Magic can be defined as the use of supernatural or mystical forces to influence or manipulate the natural world. It is often associated with spellcasting, illusions, divination, and the ability to bring about extraordinary events or outcomes. Throughout history, practitioners of magic have been revered as witches, shamans, sorcerers, or magicians, depending on the cultural context. One of the earliest recorded instances of magic can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where rituals and spells were performed to harness the power of gods and goddesses for protection, healing, and divination.
Tina: When you wanna say hello,
But keep it on the down low,
Gene: Or blow a little kiss,
She won't wanna miss,
Tina: Well, it's the Flappity Dappity,
Background singers: The Flappity Dappity,
Gene: Ooh, the Little Bitty Stinker
Background: The Little Bitty Stinker,
Tina: The Rubber Elbow Double Down,
Background: The Rubber Elbow Double Down,
Gene: The ESP,
Background: Oh, the ESP,
Tina: The Fake Left, Go Right,
Background: The Fake Left, Go Right
Gene: The Wiggle Waggle,
Background:The Wiggle Waggle,
Gene: Everybody now!
Gene & Tina: Just the Pinkies and the Smoochicane.
Crow and me, Watching from the bathroom, When I see you there bending that stick, I want to say, Hey, look at you, bend that stick Don t want to see a pigeon, Mr. Teddy Kathlen Kathlen One hand tackle and a two hand catch, Now we ve got shemozzle and we re leading the match, come on, Sitting on the town end, no place I d rather be, If it s our fate to lose then let s blame the referee, You think your team can take us.
One of the earliest recorded instances of magic can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where rituals and spells were performed to harness the power of gods and goddesses for protection, healing, and divination. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, magic was deeply ingrained in religious and spiritual practices, with individuals seeking blessings, curses, or prophecies from oracles and mystics. In medieval Europe, magic took on a different form as it became intertwined with Christianity.
Colorado just legalized ‘magic mushrooms,’ an idea that’s growing nationwide
The state is the second to approve regulated use amid a growing body of research into psilocybin’s therapeutic uses.
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Nov. 11, 2022, 7:01 PM UTC By Danica JefferiesVoters in Colorado approved a ballot measure legalizing the use of psilocybin and psilocin, two psychedelic compounds found in so-called magic mushrooms, in Tuesday’s midterm election, becoming the second state to do so in two years.
The measure narrowly passed, the AP projected, with 52% of the more than 2.2 million votes cast supporting legalization, with 93% of the expected vote counted as of Friday.
Harvested Mazatec psilocybin mushrooms in Denver, Colo., on May 19, 2019. Joe Amon / Denver Post via Getty Images file
The initiative allows for the use of psilocybin at state-regulated centers under the supervision of licensed facilitators. It also legalizes personal private use, growing and sharing of psilocybin and psilocin, as well as three additional psychedelic compounds — DMT, ibogaine and mescaline — by adults over the age of 21. Retail sales are not permitted, and the law has several limitations, including ones prohibiting use in public, in school, or while operating a vehicle.
“I’m in awe of what we were able to accomplish,” said Veronica Lightning Horse Perez, one of the lead proponents behind the legalization effort. “Over a million people voted yes on this. To think that many people see the value in these medicines, that many people know that these can be used for healing — that’s huge.”
Psilocybin is illegal at the federal level and in most states, though it is decriminalized in Washington, D.C., and more than a dozen other cities. But a growing body of research has found therapeutic, anti-anxiety uses for the chemical, prompting some states to consider relaxing restrictions.
Voters in Oregon passed a measure legalizing magic mushrooms for therapeutic use in 2020, and lawmakers in Washington and New York have proposed legalization bills this year.
Bills that would decriminalize possession have been introduced in 19 states — including Missouri, Iowa and Kansas — though none have been enacted. And more than a dozen states — including Florida, Oklahoma and Texas — have introduced legislation to further study the health benefits of psilocybin.
“More folks are starting to recognize and understand, when it comes to psychedelic therapy, this is not some sort of radical field. It’s becoming more mainstream,” said Oklahoma state Rep. Daniel Pae, who co-authored a bill that would authorize scientific research into psilocybin.
The bill, which passed in the Oklahoma House and is headed to the state Senate for consideration, would allow adults living with a handful of conditions to participate in state-run clinical trials using psilocybin. Texas passed a similar bill last year.
The potential of psychedelics to be a part of treatments for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependency and eating disorders is being evaluated in numerous clinical trials. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration marked psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy,” a designation that expedites the development of drugs that may be more effective than existing treatments.
Hawaii’s state Senate cited the FDA designation in March when it approved a bill that would assemble a task force to develop a long-term plan to make psilocybin available to adults over the age of 21 seeking mental health treatment. Connecticut lawmakers convened a group to study psilocybin last year and adjusted its state budget to fund therapy programs administering psychedelic treatments to veterans and retired first responders.
While more than 60 bills have been introduced around the country, the majority, including the Hawaii bill, are stalled in committee or have failed to get a vote. In Washington, legislators opted to study the substance after struggling to loosen restrictions. And in California, lawmakers transformed a bill to decriminalize use into one that would analyze policy.
In Colorado, the ballot measure’s victory marks the state’s second time making psychedelic history in three years. Denver became the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin in 2019.
For Kevin Franciotti, a Denver-based addiction counselor who received psychedelic treatment for an opioid use disorder more than a decade ago, this is Colorado’s “opportunity to be a leader in pushing American drug policy in the right direction.”
Not everyone is on board with legalizing psychedelics. Some opponents of the Colorado measure say it would promote using these substances before the FDA says they are safe.
“I’m hoping the rest of the country can learn the hard lessons from my state’s foray,” said Luke Niforatos, who leads two national organizations that opposed the drug legalization measure. “As the years go on and we learn more about this experiment, hopefully we’ll say we’re going to let the FDA and scientists lead medicine, not corporations.”
Danica JefferiesDanica Jefferies is an intern with the Data Graphics team for NBC News
The Christian Church viewed magic as heresy, associating it with demonic powers and witchcraft. Countless men and women were persecuted and accused of practicing dark arts, leading to infamous witch trials and burnings at the stake. However, not all magical practices were considered sinister or evil. In many indigenous cultures, magic was used for healing, protection, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. Tribal shamans and medicine men possessed special knowledge and skills to communicate with spirits and guide their communities. With the rise of rationalism and the scientific revolution, magic gradually lost its prominence and was dismissed as superstition. The belief in magic became relegated to the realms of fantasy, woven into literary works, fairy tales, and folklore. Nevertheless, the allure of magic persisted in the collective imagination, giving birth to iconic characters like Merlin, Gandalf, and Harry Potter. In modern times, magic has undergone a resurgence, albeit in a different form. Stage magicians and illusionists continue to captivate audiences with their mind-bending tricks and sleight of hand, blurring the line between reality and illusion. Additionally, the popularity of fantasy novels, movies, and role-playing games has reignited interest in the realms of magic and enchantment. While magic may be viewed as mere fantasy or entertainment by some, it holds a deep-rooted significance for others. It symbolizes the belief in the extraordinary, the inexplicable, and the possibility of transcending the limitations of the mundane world. Whether as a cultural tradition, a form of self-expression, or a source of wonder, magic continues to enchant and inspire us, reminding us of the limitless possibilities that lie beyond our understanding..
Reviews for "Magic in Everyday Life: How Yhat Magic Influences Perception and Creativity"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: I found "Some of That Magic" to be quite disappointing. The plot felt predictable and the characters lacked depth. It seemed like the author was just trying to tick off all the boxes for a successful romance novel without putting in much effort. The dialogue was cheesy and forced, making it hard for me to connect with the story. Overall, I was hoping for so much more from this book and I couldn't help but feel let down.
2. Michael - 1 star: I can't believe this book has received such positive reviews! I found "Some of That Magic" to be incredibly boring and poorly written. The plot was slow and uneventful, and the main characters were incredibly uninteresting. The author failed to create any real tension or excitement in the story, and I found myself struggling to finish it. The dialogue was stilted and awkward, making it hard to believe in the characters' emotions and motivations. I don't understand the hype around this book at all.
3. Emily - 2 stars: I wasn't impressed with "Some of That Magic". The writing felt amateurish and lacked polish. The pacing was off, with some parts dragging on for too long while others were rushed. The protagonist was supposed to be relatable, but I found her to be annoying and unlikable. There were several plot twists that didn't make sense and felt forced, making the story lose its credibility. Overall, this book just didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
4. David - 3 stars: "Some of That Magic" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The premise was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The characters felt one-dimensional and their actions often seemed illogical or out of character. The romance felt rushed and lacked development, making it hard for me to root for the couple. While there were some enjoyable moments, the overall reading experience was underwhelming. I think with some more polishing and deeper character development, this could have been a much better book.