I'm looking for a more descriptive choice of words to evoke the sense of *"magic in the air"*, or *"something in the water"*, something intangible, hard to place, etc, to describe a phenomenon that is ostensibly unexplainable or unplaceable, so the best explanation is attributing it to some supernatural power. 

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> The community's unmistakably rural feel is not due to [something intangible]; it can be explained by zoning and minimum lot size regulations. 
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So far, the best word that gets at what I'm trying to say is "alchemy" or something along those lines: witchcraft, black magic, etc. Are there any idioms that capture this idea as well? I'm seeking either single words, or multiple word phrases. I understand that the words I've floated so far span a range of connotations; I'd welcome suggestions covering a spectrum of positive to negative connotations. 

Any insight on this type of construction would be appreciated. Especially examples of similar ideas expressed in literature or common speech.