A Scientist and Magician Speaks on Science and Magick

[icymist]

am a scientist. I hold a degree in mathematics and have studied mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, and astronomy at the graduate level. I am also a ceremonial magician, alchemist, and a pagan. For many, the two worlds I inhabit are discordant: How can a mathematician believe in magick? For me, there is absolutely no conflict between my scientific vocation and my personal beliefs.

As a scientist, I do not attempt to verify magick in the laboratory. I do not seek through chemistry the Philosopher’s Stone. I do not believe in spirit photography, UFOlogy, cryptozoology, astrology, or any of the other pseudoscientific areas of endeavor. And yet I practice ritual magick.

Science concerns itself with the natural world of observable, measurable phenomena and nothing more. All areas of research claiming to be science are immediately subject to the scientific method and, if they cannot pass muster with regards to this, they are to be discarded or labeled pseudoscience.

Magick, on the other hand, concerns itself with the subjective, inner world of man. It seeks to transform the perspective of the practitioner, inspire its adherents, and elevate consciousness. The realm of magick is purely subjective in as much as no physical proof can exist of its efficacy. A talisman to acquire wealth cannot be proven to work simply because one receives a $1, 000.00 windfall, although one may subjectively know that one’s talisman aided in the acquisition. Attempting to claim that the talisman brought about wealth merely elicits leers, jeers, and disbelief. This is why the Fourth Power of the Sphinx is tacere or silence.
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[WhiteTara]

1. hmm. belief in talisman, but not astrology

seems a bit of a dichotomy.

[icymist]

2. The author didn't mention astrology in the article.

I'm not sure what you're getting at.