HOW MAGIC AND ESP WORK - A QUANTUM MECHANICAL PERSPECTIVE

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, along with the experience of space and time, 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 in both time and space.

So far I have seen Physicists publish four alternative explanations for the underlying, interlinking wave patterns implied by quantum mechanics:

* The wave pattern is the most fundamental level of reality, and there is nothing more fundamental (this is the most popular view in the Quantum Mechanics text books, other than providing no explanation)

* Consciousness is the underlying link (E.H. Walker)

* Information (the negative reciprocal of entropy) is the underlying link

* Space and time, as described by quantum mechanics, are epiphenomena manifested by other phenomena. What underlies conventional space-time are variables and dimensions not limited by usual concepts of space and time. At least some of the variables in these realms (hidden variables) act everywhere at once linking the time-space phenomena described by quantum mechanics. Superstring theory, supergravity, and other theories cover the nature of these hidden variables.

Whatever the subtle level of reality underlying matter, energy, space, and time, we are that (including our consciousness). Consciousness is an inseparable aspect of this underlying reality. If hidden variables exist, we are the hidden variables.

The non-local underlying wave patterns beneath manifestations of matter, energy, time and space that we hold in common with our surroundings allow us to influence reality and to obtain information about it. This underlying interconnecting pattern is the very stuff of consciousness and manifests, not only as matter & energy, but also as psychokenesis, precognition, and other phenomenon that are only now beginning to be recognized and embraced by some theories of modern physics.

Normal waking consciousness occurs when the nerve cell firing rate (synaptic switching rate) is high enough to cause the probability waves associated with individual electrons to spread out throughout the brain, filling the gaps between millions of nerve cells (synaptic clefts). This is described mathematically by the quantum mechanical mechanism of tunneling. In this theory, the synapses fire separately at low synaptic firing rates. As the rate of firing increases, more and more synapses fire simultaneously, ultimately leading to collective physical behavior.

The linkage between synapses is provided by hopping conduction (a succession of quantum mechanical tunneling events) between RNA molecules, etc. linking millions of synapses and controlling the release of chemical transmitters between nerve cells. The coupling unifies the wave field describing the likely position of electrons throughout regions of the brain. The waves are interconnected with each other and with information storage, sensory input, and movement related mechanisms within these interconnected regions. The sense of individual identity resides in the continuity of the process ⁽¹⁾.

The theory accurately predicts the threshold nerve firing rate between waking and sleeping consciousness in people and animals⁽¹⁾. It also explains the nature of dreams and quantitatively predicts observed characteristics of neurological communication and related physiology ⁽¹⁰⁾.

When this theory was extended to cover the influence of the conscious wave patterns in brains on outside phenomena, it accurately and quantitatively predicted the differing amounts of displacement caused by consciousness that were observed in experiments on bouncing cubes of different weights and densities ⁽²⁾. It also successfully predicted the improvements from chance repeatedly observed in "guess the card" experiments ⁽²⁾; and its predictions fit other experimental results.

Deflections caused by consciousness are not caused by force or energy in the conventional sense; but by something more subtle -- namely coupling effects within the underlying wave structure out of which matter and energy are manifestations. The magnitude of these effects can be accurately predicted by modeling the coupling between the brain and the target. The amount of effect is determined by⁽²⁾:

* The information handling rate at which consciousness in the brain couples with the target

* The amount of time that the coupling occurs, and

* The probability of the desired outcome in the absence of conscious intervention

It is the non-local structure that we share with nature that makes it possible to "attune to nature," to psychically participate in nature, and to perform magic. When our awareness connects with the deepest layer of reality interconnecting everything, we may experience the level of consciousness beyond time, space, and form reported by many mystics.

This theory has been developed in considerable detail by Evan Harris Walker, formerly of the US Army Ballistics Research Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland ^{(1, 2, 3)} and who currently directs the Walker Cancer Institute⁽¹⁰⁾. I have published several articles based largely on this theory^{(4, 5, 6, 7)} and refined my previous explanation of his theory based on the information in his recent book The Physics of Consciousness⁽¹⁰⁾.

Other theories of how and why magic works exist, including Cabalistic theories, Buddhist and Hindu metaphysical theories, theories of the nature of the Gods, theories based on unified fields, etc. Many parallels exist among these theories. The most important one is the connection between individual consciousness and the universe (with or without the intervention of Gods, Goddesses, etc.).

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. What follows is an outline of how to perform a magical ritual.

WICCAN MAGICAL RITUAL

Consider a typical structure of a Wiccan magical ritual and its explanation:

* 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 coupling to the desired target.

* Achieve a non-localized state of consciousness, often by coupling one's mind with one's inner being, with the Earth, the sky, and one's surroundings.

* Meditate on the elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) representing non-local essences. This helps your mind to connect powerfully non-locally. In Wiccan rituals, this is usually done by invoking each element in a different direction.

* After reaching out with one's mind and coupling it 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 powerful, established, non-localized, intelligent consciousness matrices that (hopefully) join in the magic.

* Focus on the target of the work, connecting with the target (usually by visualization and/or by an object link).

* While connected with the target, visualize the end result desired, thus creating a template for the phenomenon one wants to achieve.

* Energize the connection and thoughtform through dance, drumming, chants, pure channeling of will power, and/or other means.

* Release the energy into the target while strongly visualizing the target achieved (energizing the template connected to the target).

* Ground (sending excess energy back to the Earth), removing one's mind from the direct 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); then share food and drink,

* Thank and say good-bye to the intelligences and essences you worked with, thus disconnecting one's mind further from related non-local matrices.

There are other forms of magic, many of which involve a similar flow of consciousness.

Each of the above steps in ritual is a form of meditation which should be practiced individually until one is proficient at it. The best book I have found covering all of these techniques, meditations to improve one's ritual effectiveness, and how to weave these together into Neo-Pagan ritual is The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk⁽⁸⁾. Those serious about learning magical ritual are advised to read this book and work with the individual meditations therein. Other good books also exist.

To create one's own rituals, one can put individual meditations, invocations, etc. that are good for the aforementioned purposes on to 3x5 cards, and collate them together into rituals of your own design. You can also do this with files on a personal computer. If you know what you are doing and follow appropriate magical and ethical practice, you can expect good results.

ETHICS AND DANGERS

The ethics of magic is tied in to the mechanics of magic. To transmit a psychic signal, you must resonate it in your own mind. One's mind creates the original edition of the effect one wishes to produce in the target. If the target is receptive to your signal and linked to your mind, a copy of the signal in your mind may connect with the target, and be transmitted. You are left with the original edition.

Generally, only a fraction of the signal in one's own mind is transmitted. The rest remains with the person generating it and with the associated media involved in transmission. To magically hex another person is to hex oneself. To do manipulative magic on another person is to perform similar manipulation on oneself. To perform unrequested magic on another may result in unwanted magical effects on oneself. It is prudent not to create, energize or transmit a thoughtform that you would not like to receive at least threefold yourself.

Much magic is directed at the universe and one's own circumstances, without specifically targeting or visualizing specific other individuals. Nevertheless, one may sometimes get magical backlash because of effects such magic may have on others. A good technique to avoid backlash is to filter the spell with a sincere affirmation that it be for the good of all and according to the free will of all. The best book I've seen covering such considerations (as well as providing practical spells and methods of becoming proficient at divination) is Positive Magic, by Miriam Weinstein⁽⁹⁾.

If one performs magical ritual, it is important to clearly separate one's magical state of mind from one's state of mind in everyday reality, and to be consciously in control of and aware of which state one is in. Most forms of magic work by affirming and visualizing the end result desired and channeling "energy" into the vision to build a thoughtform that will mold events into the desired pattern. Visualizations are most effective when they are a total experience, with the senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, and emotions in accordance with the desired end -- while all thought processes function as if the desired end is a reality. Psychic "power" is channeled into this mold, and things happen.

Unfortunately, some magical people fail to keep their magical and rational states of mind separate. The result can be involuntary magical visualization. Madness comes with mistaking thoughtforms of what should have happened or what one wants to happen with what has occurred and what is occurring. This slippage can manifest as rewriting of history, being off in one's own world and perceived as a space case by others, "1984" style "doublethink," and pathological lying.

Rituals such as casting a magic circle and calling quarters, invoking elements and deities to initiate a magical state of mind, and grounding after work is done and thanking and dismissing the powers invoked to end this state of mind help keep magical and rational states of mind separate. When not actively performing magic, the magician's consciousness should link with what is occurring and with that which has occurred in ordinary reality, and the magician should be able to function in harmony with nature and with one's surroundings.

DISCORDIAN ANALYSIS

Everything is true in some sense, false in some sense, meaningless in some sense, true and false in some sense, true and meaningless in some sense, false and meaningless in some sense, and true and false and meaningless in some sense.

REFERENCES

1. Walker, Evan H. "The Nature of Consciousness," Mathematical Biosciences 7, 1970. http://users.erols.com/wcri/QMcons1970.html

2. Walker, Evan H. The Complete Quantum Mechanical Anthropologist. US Army Ballistic Research Laboratories, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, presented at the 73rd Annual American Anthropological Association Meeting, Mexico City, November 19-24, 1974.

3. 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.

4. Cornett, Larry. "Quantum Magic," Amaranth Anthology, published by Larry Cornett, Fairfax, VA, (also published in Amaranth #36 in Pagan APA #40), 1988.

5. Cornett, Larry. "Laws of Magic, "Amaranth #39 in Pagan APA #43, June 5, 1989.

6. Cornett, Larry. "A Quantum Mechanical Theory of How Magic Works," Amaranth #6 in Pagan APA, May 12, 1983. (also published in Druid's Progress in 1985)

7. Cornett, Larry. "Bell's Theorem, Consciousness, and Magic," Amaranth #9 in Pagan APA, November 21, 1983.

8. Starhawk. The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess, Harper and Row Publishers, San Francisco, 1989.

9. Weinstein, Miriam, Positive Magic: Occult Self-Help, Phoenix Publishing Co., Custer, WA, 1981.

10. Walker, Evan Harris. The Physics of Consciousness: The Quantum Mind and the Meaning of Life, Perseus Publishing, Cambridge Massachusetts, 2000.

11. Bonewits, PEI Real Magic, Creative Arts Book Company, Berkeley, CA, 1979.

Other References On Quantum Mechanics, With Implications Concerning Consciousness And Psychic Phenomena Include:

Bell, J.S. "On the Problem of Hidden Variables in Quantum Mechanics, Review of Modern Physics 38, 447-452, 1966.

Bohm, David. "Consciousness and Self-Consciousness-A Working Paper," Psychological Perspectives 38, Jung Institute of Los Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.

Bohm, David. "Beyond Relativity and Quantum Mechanics," Psychological Perspectives 38, Jung Institute of Los Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.

Bohm, David and Peat, David. Science Order and Creativity, Bantam, 1987.

Bohm, David. Wholeness and the Implicate Order, ARK Paperbacks, London, 1983.

Herbert, Nick. "Notes Toward A User's Guide to the Quantum Connection," Psychological Perspectives 38, Jung Institute of Los Angeles, Spring-Summer 1988.

Walker, Evan Harris, “Quantum Theory of Consciousness, Noetic Journal, 1, 100-107, 1998. Used to be at http://users.erols.com/wcri/CONSCIOUSNESS.html

Walker, Evan Harris (Homepage) Used to be at http://users.rcn.com/wcri/wcri/

Walker, Evan H. "Dualism, Causal Loops in Time, and the Quantum Observer Theory of Paraphysical Phenomena," Used to be at http://users.rcn.com/wcri/Dualism

Walker, Evan H. "The Natural Philosophy, Physics, and Neurophysiology of Consciousness©," Used to be at http://users.rcn.com/wcri/wcri/Consciousness%20text%2001.htm

Other Pertinent Papers Include:

Davidson, Aharon. "Tachyonic Compactification,” Physical Review D, March 15, 1987 -- which suggests that matter and energy may be transformed into the fabric of space itself in black holes of sufficient mass.

In Volume 18, No. 2 of Foundations of Physics (1989), an article titled "Evidence for Consciousness-Related Anomalies in Random Physical Systems" was published. This article contained an analysis of the results of 832 experiments by 68 independent researchers on the ability of people to influence the results of microelectronic random number generators. The experiments included 597 experimental studies and 235 control studies. The results show effects conforming to chance in control conditions (no attempt to change) and unambiguous and consistent non-chance effects in the various experimental results.

LAWS OF MAGIC (Largely Looted from Evan H. Walker's Theories)

1. To psychically obtain information about a target or to psychically influence events, one has to have one's brain connecting with the target. The more one's brain connects with non-local aspects of reality connecting with a target, the more communication and direct influence one can have on it.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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. Thus, the need for secrecy in magical operations.

5. Consciousness, at a fundamental level, is an aspect of 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).

6. Quoting from Evan Harris Walker "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 Schrödinger equation (to the extent that it is accurate) describes the physical constraint placed on their freedom of action collectively."

7. 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) -- my interpretation

8. 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 by a continuous process (hopping conduction), 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.

The nerve cell firing rate (v') at which this occurs has been modeled mathematically by Evan Harris Walker (at the 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:

v' > N^2/3/T

where:

N = The total number of synapses in the brain (in humans, about 5 x 10¹¹)

T = Synaptic transmission delay time (the time interval required for the propagation of the excitation energy from one synapse to another)

9. By merely observing a phenomenon (connecting 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 connected determines the amount of effect, along with the elapsed time of holding the connection and the probability distribution of the phenomenon you are observing. According to Evan Harris Walker, quantum mechanical state selection can be biased by an observer if:

W_† delta t > -Log₂ P(w_o-w_i)

where:

P(w_o-w_i) = Probability that state w_i will occur by chance alone

W_† = Information handling rate in process in brain associated with state vector

selection (bits/sec)

delta t = Elapsed time

w = Overall state vector

w_o = Initial physical state of system

10. 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 (chaotic systems).

11. The higher the quantum mechanically determined probability of an outcome occurring, the easier it is to influence this outcome.

TRADITIONAL LAWS OF MAGIC

(from Bonewits, P.E.I.; "Real Magick"; Creative Arts Book Company 1979)

Law of Knowledge: Understanding gives control.

Law of Self-Knowledge: The most important kind of knowledge is knowledge of oneself.

Law of Association: If two things have something in common, that thing can be used to control both.

* Similarity controls,

* The more in common, the more influence

* Law of Similarity: Effects resemble causes, Any object, idea or person which reminds you of, or is connected with a particular phenomenon or entity partakes of that entities power and can be used as if it was the entity itself.

* Law of Identification: By maximum association between your metapattern and that of another entity, you can actually become that entity and wield its power (but often stronger entity completely takes over: as in possession by the Loa, etc.).

Law of Contagation: Things once in physical contact continue to interact after separation.

Law of Personification: Any phenomenon may be considered to be alive and to have a personality (in short, to be an entity)...Anything can be a person.

* Law of Invocation: You can conjure up real entities from the inside of your metapattern.

* Law of Evocation: You can conjure up real entities from outside your metapattern.

* Crowley said that it is more convenient to assume the objective existence of an "Angel" who gives us new knowledge than to allege that our invocation has awakened a supernormal power in ourselves.

Law of Names: Knowing complete and true name of a phenomenon or entity gives control over it.

Law of Words of Power: certain words can change and influence the inner and outer reality of those saying them.

Law of Synthesis: (or Union of Opposites) The synthesis of two opposing ideas or data will produce a third idea that will be truer than either of the first two.

* This third will not be a compromise but will be something brand new,

* If it is a paradox, it’s probably true.

Law of Polarity: Anything can be split into two completely opposite characteristics.

* Each of these polarities contains the essence(potentiality) of the other in its own essence,

* As above, so below (the macrocosm is in the microcosm).

Law of Dynamic Balance: To survive, you must keep all aspects of your universe balanced.

Truth can be defined as a function of belief:

* Law of Pragmatism: If it works, it is true.

* Law of Infinite Universes: There is an infinite number of ways to view the universe and, therefore, an infinite number of universes. Every being that perceives is unique. Your universe depends upon your sensations and how you classify them. Change either one and you move to a different universe.

* Law of Personal Universes: Every sentient being lives in and possibly creates a unique universe which can never be 100% identical to that lived in by another.

Law of Infinite Data: We will never run out of things to learn (Also known as the Law of Infinite Elbow Room).

Law of Finite Senses: All our senses are similarly limited, both as to type and range of scanning for data.

Law of True Falsehoods: Data which contradicts one's usual metapattern which nonetheless works.

Law of Perversity: If anything can go wrong, it will-and in the most annoying manner possible: magical associations sometimes operate in the reverse of what was wanted:

* Whether we like it or not, the Gods do have a sense of humor;

* Probably has to do with subconscious counter magic.

Law of Synchronicity: Two or more events happening at "the same time" are likely to have more associations in common than merely temporal;

* Very few events (if any) ever happen in "isolation" from other events;

* There is no such thing as mere coincidence.

* Law of Unity: Every phenomenon in existence is linked directly or indirectly to every other one, past, present or future.

Someone who sincerely believes that he can break or ignore all or some of the laws of magic, probably can.

DISCORDIAN ANALYSIS