The issue of magic on a practical level presents a number of serious
concerns. 1) Defining precisely what is meant by the term magic.
2) This leads to the related problem of whether the same concept is
actually involved in the many discussions in the literature.
3) There is also the question of whether the nature of magic has changed
over the centuries.
4) The implications of not only believing in magic but being involved in it
varies from society to society - perhaps in our scientific age things are
different - perhaps.
Thus we have a complex issue involving hashkofa as well as halacha which is
ideally dealt with on an individual basis. This complexity is reflected in
Reb Moshe Feinstein's treatment of this issue which is best studied with a
talmid chachom rather than simply summarized. The other sources I list
below also reflect the sensitivity of the issue. Halacha is often best view
as an informed dynamic dialogue between scholarly sources, public and
individual situations and one's spiritual aspirations.
Two sources dealing with the issue of magic are 1) the latest volume of the
Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah IV #13 page 172 which deals with magic tricks. 2)
The "real" stuff is discussed by Rav Yaakov Hillel in his volume Faith and
Folly published by Feldheim or a more comprehensive version in Hebrew Torah
Tamim Tihyeh HaShalem revised edition published last year. With specific
attention to Practical Kabbla. The Shulchan Aruch deals with this Yoreh
Deah Simon 179.There is also a dispute about when magic is less onerous
than Avoda Zara. The Netziv in his commentary on Breishis notes that
according to one opinion Avraham gave his children from Hagar the secrets
of magic because this is less problematic for a non Jew than being involved
in Avoda Zara. Rav Sternbuch also talks about the use of astrology and palm
reading as well as the Goral HaGra in volume I of Tshuvas V'Hanhagos # 454
while in #453 he talks about magic at weddings.
Various commentaries such as the Drashas HaRan note the linking in the
Torah of the avoidance of the magic of non Jews and using Prophets instead.
Even the Rambam acknowledges the reality of psychic abilities (Introduction
to Mishna] when he discusses the difference between prophets and other
paranormal abilities.