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Her evidence that the speed of light and other physical constants were mental constructs, not inviolable absolutes, provided a clear path to global harmony.
Real magic falls into three categories: mental influence of the physical world, perception of events distant in space or time, and interactions with nonphysical entities. The first type I’ll call force of will; it’s associated with spell-casting and other techniques meant to intentionally influence events or actions. The second is divination; it’s associated with practices such as reading Tarot cards and mirror-gazing. The third is theurgy, from the Greek meaning “god-work”; it involves methods for evoking and communicating with spirits.
Magical power intended to manipulate or exploit others is called black magic.
found myself intently wishing that the tornado would go somewhere else. Even in the midst of extreme magical thinking, I knew that my wishes were just a way of coping in the face of peril.
I base my assessment on the fact that telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinetic effects have all been independently repeated in laboratories around the world.
After all, a Gallup poll in 2005 showed that nearly 75 percent of Americans believe in at least one “paranormal” phenomenon, like psi, but a mere 0.001 percent of academic scientists are actively engaged in studying the ontological reality of these experiences.9 What’s wrong with this picture?
Nor would most individuals embrace magic as real the moment they realize that through the application of magic it would be possible, at least in principle, for others to know their private thoughts, manipulate their health, or influence their finances. The mere idea that such feats may be possible can evoke severe paranoia.
Like any struggle for political power, gaining the allegiance of the masses is much easier by inciting fear of the “other” than by encouraging love and compassion.9
In addition, those magical practices seemed to be consistent with conditions found to enhance psi effects in laboratory studies, including a reliance on altered states of consciousness, concentrated visualization, goal-oriented imagery, positive expectations, strong belief, and intense emotions.
If you take that path, it’s especially important to maintain strong social connections so you can talk about your experiences and remain psychologically well grounded.
AI Summary
Real Magic by Dean Radin presents key insights from the contemplative tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
- [To be expanded]
Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.