As a performing and ceremonial magician, I’ve often been asked—or, more accurately, challenged—with the question: “Can I combine magic effects with ritual, ceremony, seances, and still maintain reverence and empowerment of others?” 
For years, I wrestled with this exact question, constantly questioning myself and my motive, many moons ago I’ve reached a point where I was finally at peace and done agonising over it. Yet still, it’s important to me to hold in mind motive to keep my self in check.
As a magician I can appreciate that magic effects are no different from any other theatrical tool or prop of communication or performance—much like a drum, a harp, or the telling of a poem or story, illustrated or otherwise. With these tools, we can craft an immersive experience that allows our circle or audience to step out of their everyday reality and experience something transformative. The goal is always to empower, uplift, and inspire.
On the other hand, if a practitioner were to create, say, a theatrical, ritual, seance or provide even a tarot reading driven by the ego to fool that they have mystical powers, then issue doesn’t lie with the props, tools, instruments or even if the use magic effects themselves. Rather, it reflects them, the practitioner. The props are just instruments— what matters is the integrity behind how they’re used.
To answer the question simply: Yes, magic effects are wonderful theatrical devices that can evoke powerful, meaningful experiences, just like any other tool or prop. The key is to keep ourselves, as practitioners, in check—to ensure that our motives are aligned with creating a theatrical, magical experience that serves, uplifts, and inspires others in a fair and balanced exchange.
Whats your thoughts on this?
Magical regards
Mario Morris