A magia tradicionalmente e na sua concepção mais comum poderia ser definida como "manifestação na realidade objectiva, por meio de ritual, um evento visualizado na mente"" (definição de Éris Kallisti).
No entanto em muitas escolas esotéricas, o alvo de transformação ainda continua a ser o Eu, o próprio ser humano.
Alguns alquimistas procuravam transformar a substância de chumbo em ouro, enquanto outros alquimistas que trilhavam uma vertente mais espiritual procuravam transformar o próprio ser humano em ouro.
Mas qual seria o objectivo final deste tipo de magia? Transformar o ser humano em quê?
O filosofo Richard Taylor diz que uma característica que distingue os seres humanos de todos os outros seres é a criatividade, e por isso para ser humano cumprir a sua natureza teria de desenvolver esta faceta criativa.
Algumas situações de Richard Taylor:
"[Creativity] is certainly what distinguishes us from every other creature. Human beings are, by virtue of their intelligence, capable of creating things that are novel, unique, sometimes of great worth, and even, though rarely, of overwhelming value.
One thinks, for example, of scientific theories or great works of art or literature, or profound treatises like Spinoza's Ethics, or the great and lasting music that emerges from the creative genius of one person. It is here, certainly, that we see what distinguishes us from all other living things and entitles us to think of ourselves as akin to the gods" (Richard Taylor, Restoring Pride)
"Thus instead of supposing that work of art must be something that all can behold - a poem, a paiting, a book, a great building - consider making your own life a work of art. You have yourself to begin with, and a time of uncertain duration to work on it. You do not have to be what you are, and even though you may be quite content with who and what you are, it will not be hard for you think
of something much greater that you might become. It need not be something spectacular or even something that will attract any notice from others. What it will be is a kind of excellence that you project for yourself, and then attain something you can then take a look at, with honest self-appraisal, and be proud of " (Richard Taylor, Restoring Pride)
