Q U A N T U M M A G I C
"In the beginning there were only probabilities. The universe could only come into existence if someone observed it. It does not matter that the observers turned up several billion years later.
The universe exists because we are aware of it."
Martin Rees
The universe exists because we are aware of it."
Martin Rees
According to Quantum Theory probability waves overlap and continue forever. The interactions between different entities constitute a single structure of linked wave patterns, so that the entire universe can be thought of as an unbroken whole.
The waves form a matrix, with all parts of the system affecting all other parts. Non- local relationships exist between parts of the system that are distant from each other. It is impossible to distinguish two particles of the same type in a region of space in which they may be found simultaneously.
Particles loose their individual identity in such regions. Thus, the physical universe is fundamentally unified.
The waves form a matrix, with all parts of the system affecting all other parts. Non- local relationships exist between parts of the system that are distant from each other. It is impossible to distinguish two particles of the same type in a region of space in which they may be found simultaneously.
Particles loose their individual identity in such regions. Thus, the physical universe is fundamentally unified.
Quantum Magick
Reality As Described By Quantum Mechanics by Larry Cornett In quantum mechanics, reality is described by waves defining the probabilities of different outcomes from the same interactions. These waves manifest as what we have been taught to call matter, energy, particles, and/or waves when observed.
These probability waves overlap and continue forever. The interactions between different entities constitute a single structure of linked wave patterns, so that the entire universe can be thought of as an unbroken whole. The waves form a matrix, with all parts of the system affecting all other parts. Non- local relationships exist between parts of the system that are distant from each other. It is impossible to distinguish two particles of the same type in a region of space in which they may be found simultaneously. Particles loose their individual identity in such regions. Thus, the physical universe is fundamentally unified. The basic equation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics is Schrodinger's Wave Equation: 2 2 i h (p)Q /(p)t = - h /2m Delta Q + V(x,y,z) Q satisfying the normalizing condition: Integral 2 over all |Q| dx dy dx = 1 space where: h = 6.63E-34 joule sec / (2 pi) pi = 3.14... V(x,y,z) = Potential energy, as a function of coordinates x, y and z m = Mass t = Time (p) = Partial derivative of 2 Q = Wave function of the particle, where Q dx dy dz is the probability that the particle may be found in the volume element dx dy dz at a particular time. Values of Q are components of the "state vector." Values of Q are quantum mechanically defined states and constitute components of the "state vector." These quantum mechanically defined states define the probabilities of various results from quantum mechanically defined interactions. In one orthodox interpretation of quantum mechanics, a system exists simultaneously in all quantum mechanically possible states until an observer (or apparatus outside the system) interacts to "collapse" the state vector" and obtain an observation. Quantum mechanical systems can go from one configuration to another instantly, without passing through any states in between. Quantum mechanical movement is discontinuous, with all actions occurring in discrete amounts (quanta). Schrodinger himself discovered one of quantum mechanics' more distinctive features: whenever two systems interact, the mathematical waves that represent the two systems do not separate but remain linked. The link does not drop off with distance and the link acts instantaneously at both locations, but the specificity of the link can be diluted through interactions with other objects. What Underlies Quantum Mechanics? There are lots of hypotheses on the nature of the underlying reality described statistically by quantum mechanics. Some scientists are content with the hypothesis that there is no more subtle structure than the probability waves described by quantum mechanics; and reality, at its most basic level, has a large amount of randomness whose limits are described by the quantum mechanical wave function, making the wave function itself the fundamental reality. This is called the probability doctrine. It asserts that such indetermination is a property inherent in nature and not merely a profession of our temporary ignorance, from which we expect to be relieved by a future better and more complete theory. Einstein speculated that there must be some underlying mechanism, some hidden variables, that uniquely determines the outcome of the interactions quantum theory can only statistically predict. J.S. Bell showed mathematically that, if such a mechanism exists, and the math of quantum mechanics is strictly correct, hidden variables must not have any functional dependence on the separation of events in space and time. According to David Bohm, from both a consideration of the meaning of the mathematical equations and from the results of experiments, particles can be understood as projections of a higher-dimensional reality. This reality can not be accounted for by any force of interaction between independent entities, but can be understood as a process of enfoldment in a higher dimensional space. Information within the quantum wave determines the outcome of the quantum process. This information is potentially active everywhere but only actually active when and where it enters into the energy of an observed particle, implying that all particles have complex inner structures. Recently, superstring theory has been proposed, describing a ten dimensional webwork of space-time at an incredibly small scale (1E-33 cm) underlying the phenomenon described statistically by quantum mechanics, relatively, particle physics etc. Some scientists consider speculation about the nature of the underlying reality to be irrelevant, since the predictions of quantum mechanical equations match the statistics of the results of experiments. To the best of my knowledge, experiments have not been performed that unambiguously distinguish between these alternative world-views. On the other hand, experiments have been proposed; and some work is underway to check some predictions of superstring theory. Eventually, from the results of experiments, some of these hypotheses may be screened out and others elevated to the level of scientific theory. We are one and the same as the structures that underlie the matter and energy that we manifest as; and that structure is continuous, interconnected, and non local in nature. Whatever the underlying structure behind the interconnected wave pattern described by quantum mechanics (if any), we are that. Quantum Mechanics And Consciousness Getting back to established scientific theory, normal waking consciousness occurs when the nerve cell firing rate (synaptic switching rate) is high enough to spread out the waves associated with electrons to fill the gaps between nerve cells (synaptic clefts) with waves of probability of similar amplitude. This is described mathematically by the quantum mechanical mechanism of tunneling. These waves are interconnected throughout regions of the brain through resonances, resulting in a large, complex, unified, quantum mechanically defined resonance matrix filling a region in the brain. The waves are interconnected with each other and with information storage and sensory input mechanisms within these regions of the brain. The nerve cell firing rate (v') at which this occurs has been modeled mathematically by Evan Harris Walker (at the U.S. Army Ballistics Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground) and corresponds to the threshold between waking and sleeping consciousness in people and animals. For normal waking consciousness to exist, the synapse transmission frequency for the brain (v') must satisfy the condition: 2/3 v' must be greater than or equal to N /T where: N = The total number of synapses in the brain (in humans, about 5E11) T = Synaptic transmission delay time (the time interval required for the propagation of the excitation energy from one synapse to another) This theory ascribes consciousness to an association of the events occurring at any one synapse with events occurring at other synapses in the brain by means of a quantum mechanical propagation of information. The sense of individual identity is an aspect of the continuity of the wave matrix residing in the brain. Quantum Mechanics And Psychokinesis By merely observing a phenomenon (resonating ones brain with it) one can affect the outcome, since the physical mechanisms in your brain are part of the wave matrix described by quantum mechanics. The information handling rate in resonance determines the amount of effect, along with the elapsed time of resonance and the probability distribution of the phenomenon you are observing. According to Evan Harris Walker, quantum mechanical state selection can be biased by an observer if: W te is greater than or equal to -Log P(Qo-Qi) Q 2 where: P(Qo-Qi) = Probability that state Qi will occur by chance alone W = Information handling rate in process in brain Q associated with state vector selection (bits/sec) te = Elapsed time Q = Overall state vector Qo = Initial physical state of system Qi = State that manifests "paranormal" target event The effect of consciousness is incredibly small on macroscopic systems; but it can be measurable when it occurs on quantum mechanically defined and divergent systems, where a slight change can amplify itself as it propagates through the system. The effect is about 1E-17 degrees on the angle of the bounce of cubes going down an inclined plane. Changes in the angle of bounce result in changes in displacement of the cubes that increase about 50% on every bounce, and the effect is measurable after many bounces. The theory successfully and quantitatively modeled the differing amounts of displacement observed in experiments on cubes of different weights and weight distributions. Walker also modeled information retrieval in "guess the card" experiments. Simple, classical, random chance would predict a smooth, binomial curve for the probabilities of getting the right answer versus the number of subjects making successful predictions at these probabilities. Walker's model predicts that the curve would have peaks at certain levels of probability of getting the right answer above those predicted by chance alone. Experimental data showed peaks at the locations modeled. However, more people were successful at the higher probability levels than Walker's model estimated. This is considered to be evidence of learning enhancement. Scientific Theory Mr. Walker's ideas and equations would only be hypotheses if it weren't for the fact that they have been tested experimentally and found to predict the results of experiments with reasonable accuracy. The evidence meets the usual rules of proof for scientific theory, and this makes Walker's equations legitimate scientific theory. The non-local underlying wave patterns beneath manifestations of matter and energy that we hold in common with our surroundings allow us to influence reality and to obtain information about it using the power of the mind. This underlying interconnecting pattern is the very stuff of consciousness and manifests, not only as matter & energy, but also as psychokinesis, precognition and other phenomenon that are only now beginning to be recognized and embraced by some theories of modern physics. Implications Of Quantum Consciousness Theory Deflections caused by consciousness are not caused by force or energy in the conventional sense; but by something more subtle, namely effects within the underlying wave structure out of which matter and energy are manifestations (collapse of the state vector). To psychically obtain information about a target or to psychically influence events, one has to have one's brain resonating with aspects of reality interconnecting the brain with the target. The more one's brain resonates with non-local aspects of reality connecting with a target, the more communication and direct influence one can have on it. The more fundamentally diverse the potential outcomes of a process targeted are, the more effect one gets from resonating ones brain with it. Also, the more small changes in the system tend to amplify as larger changes in the end result, the more effect one can get. This provides an explanation of why patterns exist within seemingly random events and why successful magic often results in a chain of synchronicities. For a given subject (performing under optimum conditions and having no difficulty visualizing the nature of the experimental target nor psychological aversions to the target), the magnitudes of the results obtained in tasks to affect the readings on measuring devices (such as magnetometers, radiation detectors, Josephson effect devices, balances, etc.) can be related to one another by calculating the probability of the reading based on the standard physical principles of quantum mechanics. The sporadic nature of psi phenomena can be explained as a matter of outside observers randomizing the process, causing dilution of will data channels and randomizing the results.Thus, the need for secrecy in magical operations. One can no longer maintain the division between the observer and observed or between consciousness and the physical world. Rather, both observer and observed, along with both consciousness and the material world, are merging and interpenetrating aspects of one whole indivisible reality. Whatever the subtle level of reality underlying matter and energy, we are that (including our consciousness). If hidden variables exist, we are the hidden variables. It has been theorized that consciousness is an inseparable aspect of this underlying reality. When our awareness connects with the deepest layer of reality interconnecting everything, we may experience the level of consciousness beyond time and form reported by many mystics. It is this non local structure that we share with nature that makes it possible to "attune to nature," to psychically participate in nature, and to live in accordance with it. What we are usually aware of (normal waking consciousness) is a relatively superficial movement in the order of things. Behind the things we are aware of in waking consciousness are a vast array of less strongly linked phenomena. This latter realm is commonly called the unconscious (and parts of it the subconscious). The unconscious is not very accurate, since it forms a kind of ground of consciousness. Our awareness can link with this ground of consciousness to gain information and to influence events. The Gods, Goddesses And Nature Spirits At this point, I diverge from theory and describe some plausible hypotheses. Consciousness, at a fundamental level, is associated with the continuity of the underlying structures out of which matter and energy manifest. Everything shares this continuous structure; therefore everything has consciousness to some degree (though not necessarily normal waking consciousness). Quoting from Evan Harris Walker: "Consciousness may exist without being associated with either a living system or a data processing system. Indeed, since everything that occurs is ultimately the result of one or more quantum mechanical events, the universe is 'inhabited' by an almost unlimited number of rather discrete, conscious, usually non-thinking entities that are responsible for the detailed working of the universe. These conscious entities determine (or exist concurrently with the determination) singly the outcome of each quantum mechanical event, while the Schrodinger equation (to the extent that it is accurate) describes the physical constraint placed on their freedom of action collectively." In shamanic and in religious practice, one resonates with other intelligences to get their assistance, inviting them to join in the work at hand. These intelligences can be thought of as consciousness resonance matrices. Some may be localized, as we are (such as other biological intelligences, plant divas, power spot spirits, some deities, etc.); and some may be non localized (spirit animals in the other world, some deities, etc.). The personalities of the Gods, Goddesses and spirits that many practitioners of religion relate to can also be thought of as consciousness resonance matrices. They can be very non-specific and disperse, or very specific (such as the Orishas and other deities that can manifest in full possession of those who invoke them). Quantum Mechanics And Magical Ritual Consider a typical structure of magical ritual and its quantum mechanical explanation:
So What? To read about theories of magic is like reading about sports. You may pick up a few ideas; but to become proficient, you must participate and play the game. People have been teaching and performing magic for thousands of years, without the benefit of quantum theory. Many magicians have had to separate their scientific training from their magical practice. Now, magical theory has been merged with scientific theory, and more of the mind of those trained in science can resonate with magic. Also, critics of magic can be shown the scientific theory and data validating it, to show that there is more to magic than superstition. I have not seen any other quantitative scientific theories that explain the results of experiments on psychokinesis, extrasensory perception, and consciousness as accurately as Walker's theory, or that give as satisfying of an explanation of the synchronicities that I, as a worker of magic and a scientist, have observed from personal experience. This is not to say that these ideas represent ultimate truth, that alternative theories no not exist, or that flaws will not be found and that alternative theories will not replace them. I would welcome hearing from others who have additional information and insight into the applicability and limitations of the theories of modern Physics as applied to the occult. Multiple Universes? One interesting hypothesis is that of multiple universes. As I understand it, this hypothesis states that all of the alternative possibilities allowed by quantum mechanics actually occur, but in different universes. Magicians can interpret their magic as moving their awareness between these alternative universes. I have never seen the multiple universe theory set up mathematically in a way that would allow it to be quantitatively tested, using physical measurements (like was done with Mr. Walker's theory), It would be interesting to determine if and to what extent the multiple universe hypothesis can be integrated with Mr. Walker's theory. Consciousness, acting at a gross level, seems to be relativistic - something experienced by observers relative to their frames of reference. Consciousness, at its ultimate level, seems to be subtler than time and location. When two observers see the same thing, they both may have certain experiences in common, they both may affect the thing observed, and they may report some of the events the same and some differently. Experience may be categorized in a multiple universe mode and/or in a single universe mode. If would be interesting to know which mode is most useful for various purposes. It is obvious that some people have such a different personal perception of reality as to be seemingly out of touch with the world we experience around them. Their self-world image becomes more important than anything, and they adjust their memories and perceptions to meet whatever emotional needs they have at the time [9]. Delusions of personal reality and the high probability that such realities are real for the person experiencing that reality can result in interesting questions about what is real and what is unreal. Although the universe may be a seamless whole, most physicists describe it in two different modes, depending on whether things are being observed or not:
David Bohm has begun to develop new terminology that integrates both the process of observation and quantum theory. Note: "E" in numbers like 5E11 stands for five "times ten to the" eleventh power. |
Quantum Sorcery
The Science of Chaos Magic by Dave Smith Quantum theory: 1.A theory in physics based on the principle that matter and energy have the properties of both particles and waves, used to account for a wide range of physical phenomena, including the existence of discrete packets of energy and matter, the uncertainty principle, and the exclusion principle.
Sorcery: c.1300, from O.Fr. sorcerie, from sorcier "sorcerer," from V.L. sortiarius, lit. "one who influences, fate, fortune," from L. sors (gen. sortis) "lot, fate, fortune". Introduction Quantum Sorcery is a magical system which presupposes that an individual can cause desired effects to be manifest in the physical world via the exertion of will. This system makes no supposition regarding the existence or influence of any sort of divine creator; rather it is based upon the premise that the human mind causes minute changes in the behavior of subatomic particles and energy fields within space/time. These minute changes in turn cause a cascade of events to occur, which ultimately result in the desired effect. Although seemingly odd at first, this theory is in accordance with the second statement of the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus. One translation of this statement, by Idres Shah, reads: “What is above is like what is below. What is below is like what is above. The miracle of unity is to be attained”. Understanding the underlying principle of this statement is an essential part of the manifold magickal processes that comprise Hermeticism, the core of a number of traditional Western magickal systems. In addition, quantum sorcery also acknowledges the theory of sensitive dependence on initial conditions, also known as “The Butterfly Effect”. Edward Lorenz, a MIT meteorologist, coined the phrase in a 1972 talk based on weather modeling he had initiated in 1960. Quantum sorcery can be rightly regarded as a subset of Chaos Magick. Like its progenitor, the system is anti-dogmatic, result-oriented, and free-form. The system employs techniques of magick proposed by such authors as Spare, Carroll, Hine, Morrison, and Pesce, alongside of mathematical and scientific theories proposed by Dirac, Lorenz, Heisenberg, Bohr, and Mandelbrot. What is the Reason? The origin of this project arose from a simple question that I could not answer: What is the mechanism by which the will can cause physical changes in the observable universe to be manifest? How does magick work? My belief is that the force derives from humanity itself. Myriad religions and magical systems with vastly differing methods are seemingly capable of achieving these results, whether the process is referred to as prayer or spell craft. This would seem to indicate that it is not a particular external force which makes these results possible, or if it is, then it is a force which is universally available to all who seek to employ it, rather than being an insular deity. Occam’s Razor William of Occam, a 14th century logician and Franciscan friar, wrote: Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate Which is translated as: Plurality should not be posited without necessity This became known as Occam’s Razor. I apply this to mean that the explanation for a phenomenon which requires the fewest assumptions to be made is most likely to be correct. In this framework, I theorize that within a physical universe, composed of particles and waves that any force capable of manifesting an observable effect on these particles and waves must be of that physical universe itself, rather than external to it. More plainly stated, there is no need to ascribe miraculous or supernatural effects to an outside agent, when it is more probable that the effects originate within the magickian. The Psychic Censor As individuals mature within a culture, they are expected to subscribe, and in fact contribute to, the consensus reality of that culture. This generally includes accepting the dominant spiritual paradigm. James Carse, in Finite and Infinite Games, observes that a society will go to extremes to enforce its world view upon its members. The acceptance of external definitions of what constitutes the difference between real and unreal contribute to the creation and reinforcement of what Austin Osman Spare referred to as the psychic censor. This is a mechanism of the conscious mind which determines, based on rules which have been internalized from consensus reality, what limits are placed on possibility. In general, the psychic censor tells the conscious mind that magick is a fallacy, and that the power of the mind is insufficient to cause actual change in the universe. Fortunately, there a number of ways by which this mechanism can be negated. One of these methods, and probably the most frequently employed, is to ascribe magickal power to a higher source, such as a god or demon. This placates the censor by inactivating the self as the causal agent. The desire is passed to the erstwhile higher entity via prayer or evocation. Unfortunately, this method is logically fallible, requiring an even greater suspension of disbelief, and the adoption of a larger complex of assumptions than simply accepting that the self is capable of direct action. Another way in which the psychic censor can be avoided is by allowing the desire for change to be passed off from the conscious mind to the subconscious. This can be done via a variety of methods, including sigilization, glossolalia, or other methods which compress the linguistic construction of the desire into a symbolic form which can be better actualized by this part of the mind. This method was a hallmark of Austin Osman Spare’s magickal system, which Peter Carroll adapted into his system of Chaos Magick. It is generally effective, but relies on the concept of avoiding a lust for results. If the magickian is unable to expunge the desire from the conscious mind, then the psychic censor will be activated, and will counter the desire with disbelief, guilt, or other undesired processes. This effect can be lessened by conditioning the censor to accept a greater range of possibilities. There are a number of ways by which this can be attempted, including John Lilly’s metaprogramming, Bandler and Grinder’s neuro-linguistic programming, the Silva Method, hypnosis, meditation, and other systems which attempt to allow direct intervention and control by the self over thought processes. Many of these methods themselves are simply proxies by which the conscious mind is empowered to a greater proportion of its already existing capability. Quantum sorcery uses awareness of scientific principles, specifically quantum mechanics and chaos theory, to placate the psychic censor. This is accomplished by realizing that at a quantum level, physical reality itself is reduced to a field of probabilities which can be manipulated by the mere act of observation, and that minute changes in momentum and trajectory of subatomic particles can propagate to cause far greater physical effects in the objective universe. Reducing the scale at which an influence needs to be applied in order to produce desired results further helps to convince the conscious mind that such ends are attainable. A Multiverse of Possibilities With the discovery in the first quarter of the 20th century that subatomic particles such as the electron possessed the qualities of waves as well as physical matter, an entirely new system of models and theories had to be created to describe the new understanding of reality. One of these was the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This principle stated that on a subatomic level, that the position and momentum of a particle could not both be measured with a high degree of precision. The best degree of accuracy that can be obtained if one property was measured with a high degree of precision is a probability range for the other property. One theory that has been proposed as an explanation for this principle is known as the many-worlds hypothesis. This theory posits that the state of a particle is not uncertain, rather that all possible realizations of position and energy for every existing particle actually exist, each one having its own separate and unique universe. This condition is also known as quantum superposition. Based on theories of how many particles there are in the known universe, as well as the estimated size and shape of the universe, the total number of possible universes has been surmised to be approximately 10500. This collective set is also referred to by some physicists as the multiverse. Watch the butterfly flutter by Beginning in 1960, meteorologist Edward Lorenz began a series of weather system simulations at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In his modeling, he discovered that very small variations in the initial state of a complex system result in large differences in the end result. He detailed these findings in a paper titled Deterministic Nonperiodic Flow, which was published in 1963. In 1972, Lorenz gave a talk in which he asked the question: Can a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil cause a tornado in Texas? This gave rise to the more commonly known name for the initial conditions phenomenon, “The Butterfly Effect.” With regard to magickal practice, this bears close scrutiny. The impetus to change the outcome of a situation can depend on a myriad of factors which would seem at first examination to be irrelevant. Alan Turing, a mathematician renowned for his theories on machine intelligence encapsulated this phenomenon: “The system of the Universe as a whole is such that quite small errors in the initial conditions can have an overwhelming effect at a later time. The displacement of a single electron by a billionth of a centimeter at one moment might make the difference between a man being killed by an avalanche a year later, or escaping” In this framework, the question is how to effect the displacement of that single electron, so that the result is the one desired. Fractal forms reveal infinite scale “The number of distinct scales of length of natural patterns is for practical purposes infinite” – Benoit Mandelbrot Benoit Mandelbrot, a mathematician employed at the time at IBM, investigated a seemingly simple problem in the 1970’s: “How long is the coast of Britain?” What he found was that as the degree of scale employed in the measurement was taken to finer levels, the longer the coastline appeared to be. This was a result of smaller and smaller features appearing as the perspective was magnified. Features which appear to be straight lines on a small scale map are revealed to be complicated and jagged on a large scale map. He referred to these forms as fractal, from the Latin for “broken”. When fractal functions are graphed, the results can be viewed at any level of magnification, and they will appear similar. What does this mean to the quantum sorcerer? It means that there is no lower limit to the degree of visualization that can be employed when attempting to influence physical reality. In business language, the phrase “drill down” is often used to indicate a focus on the minutia of a given situation. Appropriating the terminology for this instance, the quantum sorcerer must drill down to the subatomic level in order to apply Will where it will be the most effective. Holographic Universe In Paris in 1982, a research team led by physicist Alain Aspect was able to verify the theory that particles which have previously interacted with one another will from that interaction forward be connected with regard to the phase of their waveforms. What was particularly of interest about this confirmation was that the exchange of information between these particles occurred at a speed greater than the speed of light. This has led to the theory, espoused by University of London physicist David Bohm, among others, that the universe is in fact a massive and intricate hologram. A hologram is an image created by reflecting a laser off of an object, and subjecting the reflected light to the light of a second laser. The resulting interference pattern is then captured. This results in a three-dimensional image of the original object. What is most noteworthy is that if a fragment of the image is torn off of the whole, that fragment will still contain a smaller but intact version of the original image. No intelligence is lost in the fragmentation. Those who espouse the holographic paradigm have suggested that the contact between particles so observed is not due to a signal sent between them, but is due to the fact that it is only our inaccurate perception which interprets the particles as separate, discrete entities. In this theoretical system, such particles are considered to be manifestations of the same underlying fundamental phenomenon. Extracted to its conclusion, the theory suggests that all objects in the universe are infinitely interconnected. Whether or not this theory has any validity has yet to be hammered out among theoretical physicists, but in any case, it is a useful model for visualizing manipulation of matter and energy for the magickian. As Michael Talbot states in his article on this paradigm, “In a holographic universe there are no limits to the extent to which we can alter the fabric of reality.” Mechanism Thus far, I have discussed the nature of reality, and posited that it is subject to manipulation by an individual, but I have not yet addressed how an individual might go about doing such a thing. Fundamental Forces There are four fundamental forces in the universe which effect matter. These are gravitation, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. If the momentum or position of a particle of matter is to be modified, it is most likely to be done via one of these forces. It is possible that there are other forces, as of yet undiscovered and unobserved, but these four are capable of explaining the behavior of matter in the current state of the universe. In a younger universe, closer in time to the “Big Bang”, it is thought at that all four forces become one, so it is theoretically feasible to suggest that as the universe continues to cool and expand, that other forces might yet be brought to bear. Gravity is the attractive force between all particles with mass. Electromagnetic force affects charged particles, as well as particles which possess magnetic attributes. The nuclear forces are those which operate within the atomic nucleus. It is the second of these, electromagnetism, that I believe must be the mechanism by which a human can physically influence reality on a subatomic level. In quantum theory, the exchange of energy between particles is modeled by the use of force carriers called bosons. In the case of electromagnetism, this force carrier has zero mass, and is known as a photon. Collisions between photons and other particles are fairly frequent events in nature. An example of this is the photoelectric effect, which is the result of a photon colliding with an atom with sufficient force to discharge an electron from its orbit, ejecting it from the atom. Biophotons In a 2004 study involving bio-energy healers, who were asked to focus their mental energy, the median increase in the energy output of the volunteers in the experimental group was found to be 8.3 volts, and lasted a median of 3.6 seconds. This was a test of the phenomenon known as biophotonic emission. Still considered a pseudo-science by most of the scientific community, this process has been studied by researchers such as Fritz Albert Popp of the International Institute of Biophysics in Neuss, Germany since the late 1970’s. Biophotons themselves were first documented in 1923 by Russian medical scientist Alexander Gurvich, who named them "mitogenetic rays". Assuming that biophotonic emission is an actual phenomenon, and that the intensity of emission can be controlled with adequate training, this would provide the physical mechanism by which a human could physically alter the behavior of subatomic particles. If this mechanism in turn can be combined with the visualization of an intended outcome, then the probability of actually causing that desired result to manifest could physically exist. Conclusion I have proposed that the phenomenon of magick derives its source not from a supernatural or higher being, but through the process of human bio-energy effecting subatomic particles. I realize that this is a stretch. Practitioners of magickal systems which presume that results are the purview of extra-dimensional entities would no doubt find this theory to be rubbish, as would most traditional physicists. I myself am not certain that this effect is factual or probable. I do believe however, that it is possible, and that is the key. Even if magickal results are obtained through an as of yet completely unknown mechanism, and this theory serves only as the basis of visualization, it is still an effective mnemonic device. Quantum sorcery provides a possible explanation to the psychic censor, and loosens the parameters of what the censor will permit to be manifest in the personal reality of the magickian. |