Original post: Meadhbh
I don't have a conflct with either one. They can both be usefull tools in explaining the universe. So long as a person doesn't become to dogmatic with what they believe I think then there is no reason why they can't believe in both. The problem comes when they start to believe the have the whole thing figured out, and every one else is wrong. No matter what they believe.
Science and Paganism
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Original post: S33k3R
My understanding of quantum physics is light at best, but quantum physics actually contradicts Newtonian physics...or lets say it doesn't play by the same rules. Figuring out planetary orbits, gravity theory and light is all groovy according to Newtonian physics, everything works in a predictable manner and is provable by observation.
However, when we get down to elementary particles, we enter into looking glass territory and things go pear shaped. You are right when you say "probability" is more of a factor at this level than at the planetary level. It is this probability that is the key.
I think magic works in an infinitesimally small and narrow hairline crack in reality, that allows an outside thought or influence to enter into the equation and tip the scales one way or the other.
To me, the art of magic lies not only in the how of it, but also it the when of it...how do you physically alter a situation a to bring the scales more in your favor, then, when you judge the time to be right and the scales are balanced just so... cast your intention to the wind and watch the scales fall.
My understanding of quantum physics is light at best, but quantum physics actually contradicts Newtonian physics...or lets say it doesn't play by the same rules. Figuring out planetary orbits, gravity theory and light is all groovy according to Newtonian physics, everything works in a predictable manner and is provable by observation.
However, when we get down to elementary particles, we enter into looking glass territory and things go pear shaped. You are right when you say "probability" is more of a factor at this level than at the planetary level. It is this probability that is the key.
I think magic works in an infinitesimally small and narrow hairline crack in reality, that allows an outside thought or influence to enter into the equation and tip the scales one way or the other.
To me, the art of magic lies not only in the how of it, but also it the when of it...how do you physically alter a situation a to bring the scales more in your favor, then, when you judge the time to be right and the scales are balanced just so... cast your intention to the wind and watch the scales fall.
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Original post: eatsbugs
Okay, to reclaim my name, I've been without internet, so please don't think of me as some random preachy guy.
Also, I'll take back what I said about Liber Kaos, as I know nothing and did little to look up its background. However, I am aware that Crowley and several of this followers wrote several of their texts under influence of drugs. That is fairly common knowledge, however.
I suppose my largest concern with the science v. magick problem is that there may come a time, and there has been in the past, where a magician may decide to use his views that don't line up with any other practice of discipline to sway the uneducated. I think that is unethical, and it should be the purpose of all magick-users to practice in honest knowledge of all things they do so that no one is taken advantage of. Unfortunately, the system that has arisen out of our collective disorganization has lead to lots of miseducation.
Okay, to reclaim my name, I've been without internet, so please don't think of me as some random preachy guy.
Also, I'll take back what I said about Liber Kaos, as I know nothing and did little to look up its background. However, I am aware that Crowley and several of this followers wrote several of their texts under influence of drugs. That is fairly common knowledge, however.
I suppose my largest concern with the science v. magick problem is that there may come a time, and there has been in the past, where a magician may decide to use his views that don't line up with any other practice of discipline to sway the uneducated. I think that is unethical, and it should be the purpose of all magick-users to practice in honest knowledge of all things they do so that no one is taken advantage of. Unfortunately, the system that has arisen out of our collective disorganization has lead to lots of miseducation.
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Original post: Luke Saint
[QUOTE=eatsbugs;356191]
I am aware that Crowley and several of this followers wrote several of their texts under influence of drugs. [/QUOTE]
Which followers? I am curious (I do not doubt you, I'm just not up on these things).
Does drug-induced brilliance negate the brilliance?
[QUOTE=eatsbugs;356191]
I am aware that Crowley and several of this followers wrote several of their texts under influence of drugs. [/QUOTE]
Which followers? I am curious (I do not doubt you, I'm just not up on these things).
Does drug-induced brilliance negate the brilliance?