Is having a magical world view the same as being superstitious? As the author of a young adult novel about a magic teen growing up in modern Salem, I say positively, NO!

People who are "superstitious" believe that wishes cause supernatural changes in the real world. "If I just wish hard enough, Little Timmy will ask me to the dance," or "I'm feeling lucky, so I know I'm going to win the lottery tonight." Lots of people think this way. I'm sure we all do it to some extend at times.

On the other hand, having what I call a "magical world view" means believing enough to try, to see, to watch, to take some small action. Some people believe in magic enough to wear their best dress when talking to their ideal date about the dance. Some people buy lottery tickets knowing they might win (after all, somebody is going to win), but they know they are probably just making a nice donation to the state's school budget.

Superstitious people fill the void of doubt with dread and wild leaps of logic. Magical people fill the void of doubt with hope, good cheer and the sure knowledge (proven by real world experience) that tomorrow can be a wonderful new day.

R. D. Robbins is the author of "My Romantic Spell," an urbane fantasy about a witch child growing up in modern Salem. While Robbins grew up in a New Age family not far from Salem, he has worked for years as a quality manager and believes that "magic is doing what works." Go to http://www.lulu.com/rodneyrobbins for more information.