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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."
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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].
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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.
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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].
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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].
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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
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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.).
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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.
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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.
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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].
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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.
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