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Internet Book of Shadows, (Various Authors), [1999], at sacred-texts.com


 
 
                                QUANTUM MAGIC 
 
 
      REALITY AS DESCRIBED BY QUANTUM MECHANICS
 
      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 [1].  It is impossible to distinguish 
      two particles of the same type in a region of space in which they
      may be found simultaneously [2].  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         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."
 
                                                                              859
 
      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 [2].  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  [7].
 
 
      WHAT UNDERLIES QUANTUM MECHANICS?
 
      There are lots of hypotheses on the nature of the underlying
      reality described statistically by quantum mechanics.
 
      o 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  [2].
 
      o 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.  
 
      o 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 [3].
 
                                                                              860
 
      o 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  [1].  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 [10].
 
      o 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.  
 
                                                                              861
 
      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 [4].  
 
                                                                              862
 
      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 
      [5].  According to Evan Harris Walker, quantum mechanical state
      selection can be biased by an observer if [5]:
 
 
        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 [6].  The theory successfully and quantitatively
      modeled the differing amounts of displacement observed in
      experiments on cubes of different weights and weight
      distributions  [5].  
 
      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  [5].
 
                                                                              863
 
      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 [4,5].  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) [5].  
 
      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  [5].  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  [5].
 
      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  [5]. 
      Thus, the need for secrecy in magical operations.
 
      One can no longer maintain the division between the observer and
 
                                                                              864
 
      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  [1].  
 
      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  [8].  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 (4):  "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.). 
 
                                                                              865
 
      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:
 
      o Purify one's mind  and one's surroundings, freeing them of
        interfering resonances, quieting the static so that one can
        get a clear and strong resonance on the target desired.
 
      o Achieve a non-localized state of consciousness, often by
        resonating ones mind with ones inner being, with the Earth,
        the sky, and ones surroundings. 
 
      o Meditate on the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water)
        representing non-local essences.  This helps your mind to
        resonate powerfully non-locally.
 
      o After reaching out with one's mind and connecting its
        resonance pattern intimately with the non-local web of wave
        patterns connecting everything, invoke deities whose natural
        function is related to the purpose of your ritual.  If
        successful, this connects your mind to a powerful,
        established, non-localized, intelligent resonance matrix that
        (hopefully) joins in the magic.
 
      o Focus on the target of the work, connecting with the target. 
 
      o While connected with the target, visualize the end result
        desired, thus creating a resonant template for the phenomenon
        one wants to achieve.
 
      o Energize the resonance through dance, drumming, chants, pure
        channeling of will power, or other means.
 
      o Release the energy into the target while strongly visualizing
        the target achieved (energizing the resonance in the target).
 
      o Ground,  removing ones mind from the direct, resonant link
        with the target, so that the patterns you have set in motion
        in the target can continue with minimum interference  (to
        throw a ball, one has to let go).
 
      o Thank and say goodbye to the intelligences one works with, thus
        disconnecting ones mind further from other resonance matrices.
 
                                                                              866
 
      There are other forms of magic, and much more detail to the
      forms I described.  There are also ethical considerations.  This
      paper provides a description of some aspects of the integration
      of quantum mechanics with magickal thinking, but it does not
      cover everything.
 
 
 
 
      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.  
 
                                                                              867
 
      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  [7]:
       
      o A classical, mechanistic mode for the definite attributes of
        observation, and 
 
      o A statistical, mathematical, quantum mechanical mode for the
        wave patterns described by quantum mechanics.
 
      David Bohm has begun to develop new terminology that integrates
      both the process of observation and quantum theory  [1].
 
                                                                              868
 
      REFERENCES
 
      1.     Bohm, David.  Wholeness and the Implicate Order, ARK
             Paperbacks, London, 1983.
 
      2.     Merzbacher, Eugene.  Quantum Mechanics, John Wiley and
             Sons, Inc., New York, 1967.
 
      3.     Bell, J.S.  "On the Problem of Hidden Variables in Quantum
             Mechanics, Review of Modern Physics 38, 447-452, 1966.
 
      4.     Walker, Evan H.  "The Nature of Consciousness,"
             Mathematical Biosciences 7, 1970.
 
      5.     Walker, Evan H.  The Complete Quantum Mechanical
             Anthropologist. U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratories,
             Aberdeen Proving ground, Maryland, presented at the 73rd
             Annual American Anthropological Association Meeting,
             Mexico City, November 19-24, 1974.
 
      6.     Walker, Evan H. and Nick Herbert.  "Hidden Variables:
             Where Physics and the Paranormal Meet," Future Science,
             edited by John White and Stanley Krippner, Anchor books,
             Garden City, New York, 1977.
 
      7.     Herbert, Nick. "Notes Toward A User's Guide to the Quantum
             Connection," Psychological Perspectives 38,  Jung
             Institute of Los Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.
 
      8.     Bohm, David. "Consciousness and Self-Consciousness-A
             Working Paper," Psychological Perspectives 38,  Jung
             Institute of Los Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.
 
      9.     Bohm, David. "Beyond Relativity and Quantum Mechanics,"
             Psychological Perspectives 38,  Jung Institute of Los
             Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.
 
      10.    Bohm, David and Peat, David. Science Order and Creativity,
             Bantam, 1987.
 
 
 
 
      ***************************************************************
 
      I used WordPerfect to write this article, and I used CompuServe B 
      protocol, Procomm 2.4.1 and an Everex Evercomm 24 modem to transmit it. 
      I don't know how to transmit Greek and many mathematical symbols with 
      this software and hardware.  As a result, I had to use non-standard 
      symbols in the equations.  Any suggestions?
 
      Note that "E" in numbers like 5E11 stands for five "times ten to
      the" eleventh power.
 
                                                                              869
 


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