Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist uses magic figuratively.
The author tells a wonderful story about a boy named Santiago, who believes he is searching for treasure. His journey takes him to unknown places where he meets many people, and each place has a lesson or truth to teach the boy about life.
Santiago visits lands very different from his native Spain. He starts out as a simple young man who herds sheep. He decides, much to his father's chagrin, to be a shepherd. It is with his animals and in the lap of nature that he experiences his most peaceful moments. A dream of riches draws him along—as far as a desert oasis and eventually to Egypt.
However, I would postulate that Coelho is not talking about magic literally. While Santiago may begin his pilgrimage seeking a (magical) method to transform common metals to precious ones (like gold—this is commonly referred to as alchemy, which is a mythical form of magic), I think the author is more interested in portraying one's life as a search not for magic (or wealth), but for spiritual awakening.
In following his dreams, Santiago travels across nations, learning the Language of the World and becoming one with God.
We can infer that the truths the author shares through Santiago's acquaintances disregard the concept of magic, while pointing to a greater purpose, and one's ultimate source: God. Point in fact, it is important to note that Coelho wrote The Alchemist after he penned The Pilgrimage, a response to a spiritual awakening that he experienced while on a five hundred mile religious pilgrimage.
While it might seem that magic is at work—consider Melchizedek, with his dazzling breast plate of gold and his seemingly impossible knowledge of Santiago—a greater power is at play, and it is not magic.
Melchizedek tells Santiago:
When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.
This statement does not convey a sense of magic. In fact, with the phrase "the universe conspires," the reader may sense a plan being carried out, but not through some mystical incantation being exercised. For some, magic is how one might explain amazing things happening in someone's life, as if by chance. I believe it is safe to assume that this is not Coelho's intent.
A central theme of the story that relates to the idea of magic is alchemy:
Alchemy, or the process of transfiguring metal into gold, is a form of transformation, and transformation is one of the central themes of The Alchemist.
The transformation that the reader witnesses in Santiago's life is not about gold or precious gems, though they do have a place in the story. His transformation comes through a decision to learn from nature and not from books. He desires to solve problems placed before him so that he may realize his Personal Legend, and ultimately communicate and "commune" with the Soul of the World: God.
The concept of magic in the story refers to a life that does not see spiritual truths, which is the way Santiago is at the beginning. Magic is what Santiago originally believes will bring him what he thinks is most important: material wealth. Magic in the story is symbolic of good fortune that occurs through luck. It is symbolic of amazing things that are not credited to God. Coelho seems to share with the reader that what is truly powerful (and perhaps not easily explained in worldly terms) is not that which can be commanded by an alchemist (for instance), but instead by someone who has realized his universal attachment to God.
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