Abstract

Defines magic as "the conscious attempt of an individual to imitate through ordinary sensorimotor means the operation of psi phenomena," and suggests that parapsychologists take a closer look at magic because it has always been associated with apparently genuine psi phenomena. Several examples are provided from the anthropological literature on shamans, who the author suggests are the historical forebears of both the modern stage magician and the modern medium, or psychic. Examples are also given from modern parapsychological research to show how magic can be used as a psi -conducive technique and is adaptable to current parapsychological theory. The reluctance of parapsychologists to deal with magic in relation to psi is also discussed. (45 ref)