Magician

The term has multiple uses, but two broad categories are of importance for this encyclopaedia:

(1) As a practitioner of occult powers and practices

This may range from the notion of a Magician as a practitioner of magic in the full paranormal sense.

Perhaps more relevant here is another (related) form of this, which refers to a practitioner of ceremonial magic, a system of occult techniques for spiritual development in an individual and/or community, also used to promote and or social cohesion. In some contexts, especially fantasy fiction, this person is also referred to as a Wizard, or Sorcerer. In this respect see also

The practices found here in the latter area in some sense lie at the base of much of what is broadly termed "African performance".

(2) As a person who practices a performance art form.

This may range from the notion of a Magician (or Wizard, Sorcerer) a practitioner of magic in the paranormal sense, to a practitioner of ceremonial magic, a system of occult techniques for spiritual development or social cohesion,

An entertainer who performs magic by creating the illusion of impossible or supernatural feats; also known as a stage magician or illusionist. In this sense it is a form of theatre and performance, and such magicians are listed in ESAT as performers.