Jessica (pictured below) sits at home and practices a levitation spell in her room. Unlike telekinesis, which is a rare magickal gift and difficult to cultivate, this spell uses reserved energy stored in a magickal item, concentration, and visualization to make the book float. While it is no simple task for any magick user, magickal students are required to learn, practice, and master this spell by second year—a skill the Dean argues that could one day save a life.
As a student at the Toronto Academy of Magick and Alchemy, levitation is one of the many skills she must learn before graduating from the four-year program. Along with Math, English, and History, Jessica’s education includes Elemental magick, defensive spells, and alchemy.
“We’re very proud of her,” her mother says. Janine is a dental hygienist and is very supportive of her daughter’s pursuit of the magickal arts.
“But what kind of jobs will be open to her after graduation?” I ask, wondering how a student of magick will survive in a technology-based world.
Her father leans forward and eagerly answers, “Oh, they’ve assured us that she’ll have her choice of jobs once she graduates. With magick, she can do anything.”
“The Academy in Toronto specializes in a number of fields, including new and exciting careers only available to those with magickal gifts. Jessie’s advisor recently informed us that there are also new and exciting opportunities opening up for wizards in the government and law enforcement!”
After speaking with Jessica and her family, I had the unique opportunity to interview Dean Matthius, head of the Toronto Academy of Magick and Alchemy.
“What do students gain from attending your school versus attending a witchcraft school or joining a coven?”
“First and foremost, students gain structured, hands-on learning from an accredited educational institution. We at the Toronto Academy of Magick and Alchemy are proud to provide our students with a recognized degree that opens up a number of opportunities for them out in the real world. Covens certainly serve an important role within the magickal community. However, they were never designed to provide standardized education or professional accreditation.”
“Do you feel this is something that witchcraft centers could one day offer?” I ask, sensing his disapproval the moment I mention witchcraft schools—like the one in Hamilton, Ontario. The Spiritual Center, owned and operated by Roisin Wells, is one of the largest magick and witchcraft facilities in Ontario.
The Dean answers me calmly, “Traditional witchcraft has served communities for centuries and continues to play an important role within the magickal world. However, only a structured institution can provide the depth of education, research, and professional training necessary to help students reach their full arcane potential. Thanks to the knowledge and experience passed down through the centuries, and carefully preserved by our faculty, our students are prepared to lead advancements in multiple fields, including molecular science, botany, and forensic science.”
“Is there any danger of magickal students replacing the need for modern-day experts in these fields?” It is a question that has been asked by many since the appearance of magickal kind eleven years ago.
“Not in the slightest. It is a rare individual who is born with the ability to harness and manipulate energy, and each student is unique, possessing different arcane strengths and limitations. For example, a student who naturally gravitates toward water would have difficulty controlling fire, while a student with a natural telekinetic ability often has no connection to elemental magick whatsoever. Nature, in its infinite wisdom, limits not only who is gifted with such an ability, but also how far that ability can go. It’s all a part of the natural processes of evolution and equilibrium.”
My stay with the Dean is short. Before leaving, however, I take a moment to admire the old tomes lining his bookshelves and the ancient tree carved into the wall behind him. I realize I am staring at a pocket of the old world, nestled into our modern times, and am reminded of a quote by Arthur C. Clarke:
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
-Arthur C. Clarke
Is it possible that one day there will be no difference between those who are born magickally inclined and those who simply have the technology?
One has to stop and consider the magick mirrors from fairy tales. They were used to view distant people and places, and to communicate across great distances—not unlike the cell phones and tablets we use today.
Perhaps human society as a whole is a lot more magickal than we think.
About the Author
Kyra Mehta is an investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories others overlook. Her work explores the growing relationship between humans and the magickal community, from emerging institutions and scientific discoveries to the mysteries that continue to blur the line between myth and reality. Guided by curiosity rather than assumption, Kyra believes every story deserves to be told with honesty, compassion, and a commitment to the truth. She also writes regularly on her personal blog, where she shares extended interviews, field notes, and investigations that don’t always make it into print.
