Say the word ‘magic’ and most people will picture fluffy white rabbits being pulled from top hats. However, magic has a long and bloody past. In this article, we’ll uncover the history of magic and reveal how mystical powers still play a large role in modern society.

The earliest signs of practical magic are found in the history of ancient Egypt. A ‘magician‘ during that age was a class of priest or ‘magi’. A large number of Egyptian magical papyri in Greek, Coptic and Demotic have been recovered. They contain early examples of the use of “magic words”, believed to have had the power to command spirits, as well as the use of wands and other tools.

Practitioners of magic believe that it works in a variety of ways but is based in natural forces. These magical forces are said to exist alongside the four fundamental forces of nature: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong force and the weak force. These believers are said to manipulate the elements using symbols and other objects. Symbols are believed to magically take on a physical quality of the phenomenon or object that they represent. By manipulating symbols, users can manipulate a target.

If you don’t have a rabbit’s foot or eye of newt handy - don’t despair. Magical powers are believed to exist in your own mind. Renowned writer and mystic Aleister Crowley believes that focusing on an imagined object produces mystical attainment. Others believe that the subconscious can contact spirits who can grant wishes and desires. This method of magic is comparable to a runner visualizing crossing the finish line in victory or an addict picturing a life that includes sobriety. Both magic and prayer involves worship and possibly sacrifice to a supernatural being or god. This divine being is then expected to act in favor of the individual praying. However, prayer requires the approval of a god but magic does not require this kind of consent. A master magician can have success by performing a ritual or controlling spiritual beings addressed by his spells.

Science has dramatically changed the way we look at our world, but the ancient art of magic is still practiced by devout believers. Can religious might and magic impact the outcome of everyday events or change a person’s destiny? Is magic the solution to problems we can’t explain through science? It may sound farfetched but perhaps there’s a reason ancient rituals and rites have continued to live on through the centuries.

It truly is a lifetime path to discovering your true voice and one that doesn’t necessarily ever end. You can never have enough voice training when learning to sing so seek out coaches and training whenever you can.  For the lifelong singing student, here are a couple of tried and true tips:

A Tight-Rope Act: Flex Some Muscles While Letting Go of the Rest
Singing is a lot like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time - its more about coordinating multiple things at the same time. You have to keep some of your muscles completely relaxed while strenuously pushing different muscles to their peak. You should be able to keep your tongue, jaw, throat and shoulders completely relaxed while focusing all of your tension on the diaphragm. Do not use your shoulders or your throat for any power, this will only constrict your voice.

Singing Myth: More Air Means More Volume
To sing louder, many people try to focus on using more air behind their voice.  Much the opposite is true - this only makes your voice more quiet. Exactly like whispering, your voice will actually soften if you release the air out of your mouth before it has a chance to hit your sinus cavities. The volume in your voice really comes from resonating and reverberation throughout the cavities in your body instead of breath.

Journey To That Tricky Diaphragm
If you don’t know where your diaphragm is, here’s a way to discover where and what it is. First, put your hand just above your stomach and right below your rib cage - this is called the solar plexus.  Then, let all the air go from your lungs.  When you think you’re done, push still a little more.  Can you feel it tighten? That’s your diaphragm getting tired. If you still can’t locate your diaphragm, you might want to try Singing Success for more exercises like this.

Get Your Voice Revved
Before you try to hit those upper tones at the top of your range, make sure you’ve properly warmed your voice up. Your vocal range increases the warmer your cords get, and you’ll be able to hit higher and higher tones. If you go for tones that are too high, too soon, not only will it sound horrible, you’re putting your cords in risk of being damaged. If your throat starts to get a little soar - STOP - gently sing lower pitches until you are sufficiently warmed up. If you really want to take your vocal range to the next level, check out Singing Success for more in depth information

Keep these tips in mind as you craft and perfect your voice and singing style. Keep the right muscles relaxed while focusing on the diaphragm, don’t put too much breath in your lungs (just about as much as you use when you’re speaking), and be sure to sufficiently warm up before hitting the tones in your upper register.  Also, work with a vocal teacher or an instructional course like Singing Success by Brett Manning to keep your training active.