Real Magic

1. Real Magic Exists Beyond Illusion and Belief

This is about real magic.

Defining Real Magic. The book distinguishes real magic from stage illusions, fictional portrayals, and fraudulent practices. Real magic encompasses mental influence over the physical world (force of will), perception of events distant in space or time (divination), and interactions with nonphysical entities (theurgy).

Categories of Real Magic:

• Force of Will: Intentionally influencing events or actions.
• Divination: Perceiving distant events or images through space or time.
• Theurgy: Evoking and communicating with spirits.

Evidence-Based Approach. The author advocates for exploring real magic from a scientific perspective, emphasizing the vast scientific literature that supports its existence. This approach aims to bridge the gap between traditional scientific understanding and the often-dismissed realm of magic.

2. Science and Magic: Not Opposites, But Complementary Lenses

First, there’s no doubt that science is the most accurate lens on reality that humanity has developed so far.

Science as a Lens. Science is acknowledged as the most accurate lens for understanding the objective, measurable, physical world. However, it excludes the subjective experience of consciousness, which is central to understanding magic.

Limitations of Science:

• Focuses on the objective, measurable, physical world.
• Excludes subjective experiences and consciousness.
• Often dismisses phenomena that challenge its established paradigms.

Bridging the Gap. By redirecting scientific methods to explore consciousness, we can transform magic from an impossible fantasy into a natural aspect that can be studied. This approach requires a new worldview that integrates both science and magic.

3. Magic's Enduring Presence in Culture and Thought

Magic is everywhere.

Ubiquity of Magic. Magic is not a relic of the past but remains intensely present in various forms, including prayer, religious rituals, affirmations, and positive thinking. These practices are often dismissed as infantile magical thinking but are based on age-old magical principles.

Examples of Magic in Everyday Life:

• Prayer: Intentional magic aimed at affecting the world.
• Wearing sacred symbols: Sympathetic magic connecting to deities.
• Affirmations: Positive thinking based on magical principles.

Reinterpreting Magic. Instead of viewing magic as nonsense, it should be seen as a forerunner of the future of science. This perspective acknowledges that current scientific theories may not fully explain these effects, but future theories may.

4. The Esoteric Tradition: A Hidden History of Suppressed Knowledge

Every time you find in our books a tale the reality of which seems impossible, a story which is repugnant both to reason and common sense, then be sure that tale contains a profound allegory veiling a deeply mysterious truth…and the greater the absurdity of the letter the deeper the wisdom of the spirit.

Suppression of Esotericism. The esoteric tradition, the study of hidden or occult knowledge, has been vigorously suppressed in the Western world for centuries. This suppression has led to a deliberate ignorance of esoteric topics in academic life.

Key Periods in Esoteric History:

• Ancient Times: Emergence of mystery schools and Neoplatonism.
• Middle Ages: Suppression by the Catholic Church and the Inquisition.
• Renaissance: Rediscovery of Hermeticism and Kabbalah.
• Enlightenment: Rise of scientific rationalism and disenchantment.

Esoteric Worldview. The esoteric worldview proposes deep interconnections among all things, including the mental and physical. It suggests that consciousness can directly influence the physical world, challenging conventional scientific assumptions.

5. Practical Magic: Attention, Intention, and Gnosis

Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.

Core Elements of Magic. The essence of magic involves applying attention and intention, modulated by belief, imagination, emotion, and clarity. Ceremonial rituals and elaborate settings are not essential but can aid in focusing the mind.

Key Components:

• Attention: Focused mental energy.
• Intention: Clear and specific goals.
• Belief: Conviction in the possibility of success.
• Imagination: Vivid visualization of the desired outcome.
• Emotion: Amplifying the intention with strong feelings.
• Clarity: Precise understanding of the desired result.

Gnosis as a Gateway. The most important skill for developing magical abilities is entering the state of gnosis, often achieved through meditation. Gnosis involves transcending ordinary consciousness and accessing deeper states of awareness.

6. Scientific Validation: Evidence for Psi Phenomena

The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.

Statistical Significance. The scientific literature on psi phenomena includes thousands of experiments demonstrating statistically significant effects, often exceeding odds against chance of a billion to one. These experiments provide evidence for telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis.

Key Classes of Experiments:

• Ganzfeld Telepathy: Testing conscious telepathic impressions.
• Remote Viewing: Perceiving distant events or images.
• Presentiment: Physiological reactions to future events.
• Random Number Generators (RNGs): Mental influence on random physical systems.

Challenges and Controversies. Despite the evidence, psi research remains controversial due to ideological clashes and assumptions within the scientific worldview. Skeptics often dismiss positive results as flukes, flaws, or fraud.

7. Merlin-Class Magicians: Exceptional Talents in the Real World

In a way, we are magicians. We are alchemists, sorcerers and wizards. We are a very strange bunch. But there is great fun in being a wizard.

Real-World Examples. The book presents case studies of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary magical abilities, including St. Joseph of Copertino, Daniel Dunglas Home, and Ted Owens. These cases involve multiple credible witnesses and documented evidence.

Case Studies:

• St. Joseph of Copertino: Known for levitation and miraculous abilities.
• Daniel Dunglas Home: A physical medium who demonstrated levitation and other phenomena.
• Ted Owens: Claimed to influence weather and call in UFOs.

Scaling Up Effects. These case studies suggest that the small effects observed in laboratory experiments can scale up to jaw-dropping proportions in rare individuals with high talent. These individuals challenge conventional understanding and highlight the potential for exceptional human abilities.

8. The Perennial Philosophy: Consciousness as the Foundation of Reality

I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.

Core Tenets. The Perennial Philosophy proposes that reality consists of a single Universal Consciousness, from which all things emerge. This perspective challenges the materialistic scientific worldview and suggests that consciousness is primary over the physical world.

Key Ideas:

• Consciousness is fundamental.
• Everything is interconnected.
• There is only one Consciousness.

Implications for Magic. This worldview provides a framework for understanding how magic works. It suggests that consciousness can directly influence the physical world and that phenomena like telepathy and precognition are natural aspects of reality.

9. The Future of Magic: Science, Technology, and the Mindscape

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

Integrating Science and Magic. The future of magic involves integrating scientific understanding with esoteric principles. This integration could lead to new technologies and a deeper understanding of consciousness and its role in reality.

Potential Developments:

• Psychic robots: Conscious robots with enhanced psi abilities.
• Advanced technologies: Devices that amplify and harness consciousness.
• New scientific disciplines: The study of the psychophysical nature of reality.

Ethical Considerations. As we develop a greater understanding of magic, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications. The power to manipulate reality must be wielded responsibly and with a deep understanding of interconnectedness.

Last updated: July 16, 2025