The Concept Of Magic In The Hold Life Has By Catherine J. Allen
The question of whether magic is real has been debated for thousands of years by several individuals across the world. Many avenues of magic have been represented universally in media. Shamans practice this so-called magic on numerous people and believe fully in its ability to heal. The Hold Life Has by, Catherine J. Allen, represents this concept of magic as something with complete reality with narratives to support it.
Shamanism and those who practice this tradition have been around for centuries. The word shaman originates from the Tungus Tribe in Siberia. Even though shamans are present across the world, the ones in Cusco, Peru are very influential and known universally. Allen talks extensively about these specific shamans and how they have aided in the healing through magic of countless across the globe. “Shamans are individuals on whose spiritual powers others depend”. Various shamans are paqo, which means they are healing and use light magic, while they are also layqa, which omit negative energy and use the darker energy to their advantage. Historically, black bewitchment is evil and taboo, while the white kind consists of charms and blessings.
There are several reasons why one may choose a layqa over a paqo, but the biggest reason is that they desire to put harm onto others. Most shamans will not get physically involved with a third-party individual, but layqas will put curses or do harm upon others without their permission. There have been many stories about curses being put onto people, which have proved to be true in some circumstances. Light theurgy has also been very helpful according to narratives told by people after visiting one of these shamans. The curses and supernatural are quite real according to many narratives, supporting this position.
Magic exists and can be shown through many stories from individuals that have visiting a shaman and gotten their rituals. Magic, and whether or not it does exist, is in the eye of the beholder. Every person is going to have a different view on magic, if asked, because it means something different to each being. In the opinion of the people of Cusco, magic surely does exist and it helps others believe in it too. Many personal narratives of travelers coming to Peru, visiting shamans, and leaving feeling enlightened or physically calmed. According to this evidence, it is assumed that magic does exist and can help many people around the globe.
In conclusion, the debate of whether magic exists through the narratives told by individuals who have experienced miracles that cannot be explained by anything else other than magic. Shamanistic practices across the world have been studied and have been found to be extremely helpful to countless people. Magic may or may not exist, but the number of humans it has helped across the globe is telling of how well it may appear to work. Allen in her novel shows how beautiful the underappreciated culture surrounding shamanism and magic is.
