Spinning Stardust | Weaving Gold

Real Magic

by Natalia Iwanyckyj

Past lives. Parallel universes. Psychic phenomena. To some, these are beliefs of the deluded and misguided. To others, they are inadequate descriptors of unseen forces at play on our planet and in the universe.

Reading is one of my favorite ways of expanding my awareness of what is, and what might be. While every book offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to learn, when I am yearning for a more intense awareness-expanding read, I seek books where the extraordinary and ordinary merge, weave, and intersect. That is also what I aim to write.

Fantasy, while a delightful escape, is described as being not scientifically feasible. There are many phenomena I am not prepared to discard as unfeasible. Science is a perpetual work in progress. New discoveries are made daily, and scientists build upon their understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology constantly.

In Visionary Fiction, growth in consciousness is the central theme of the story and drives the protagonist, and/or other important characters. The story often uses reincarnation, dreams, visions, paranormal events, psychic abilities, and other metaphysical plot devices. The emphasis is on our limitless human potential, where transformation and evolution are entirely possible.

Defining Magical Realism is trickier. According to Bruce Holland Rogers, Magical Realism is always serious and never escapist, because it is trying to convey the reality of one or several world-views that actually exist, or have existed. Yet more lighthearted books, such as those by Menna van Praag and Alice Hoffman also appear on magical realism lists. And the magnificent books of Elizabeth Cunningham also have elements that I consider magical realism.

As I search for real magic in the world, I continue to read in the genre of Magical Realism.

I’d love to expand both my reading list and my list of resources.

What have you read that opened your mind to ideas that seem impossible? Please share in the comments box below.

I am also compliling a list of scientific sources that validate metaphysical phenomenon, including past lives, parallel universes, and psychic abilities. If these topics interest you, please stop by and contribute.

The wish not to believe
can influence as strongly as
the wish to believe.
~ Ian Stevenson, M.D.

This post is part of the Magic Realism Blog Hop. Over twenty blogs are taking part in the hop. Over three days (29th – 31st July 2016) these blogs will be posting about Magical Realism. Please take the time to click on the links below to visit them and remember that links to new posts will be added over the three days, so do come back to read more.