Where science and magic meet The intersection of science and magic has long fascinated scholars and philosophers. Both realms seek to understand and manipulate the nature of reality, albeit through different means. Science relies on systematic observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning, while magic often leans on intuition, ritual, and belief in the supernatural. Despite their apparent differences, there are instances where science and magic converge, blurring the lines between the two. One such example is quantum physics, a branch of science that delves into the strange and counterintuitive world of particles and waves. At the quantum level, reality behaves in ways that defy our everyday understanding, with particles appearing in multiple places at once and being interconnected through a phenomenon known as entanglement.
As mentioned in Chapter 1, experimental research over the past fifty years has confirmed that awareness of psi is dependent on one's state of consciousness, one's attitude, motivation, relaxation and other psychological (mental) aspects. We are separated from this potential omniscience by the thinnest of veils. In scientific terms this veil is call 'filter theory'. We would go totally crazy if we were aware of everything in the entire Universe even for only one second; so we need filters to block out all but the most essential items from our conscious awareness.
This information is different from most subliminal information in that it was never physically present; we know something that we have never physically heard or seen or felt. Drawing on her ground-breaking work on the pineal gland - something called the third eye - and the phenomenon of second sight, she shows that the greatest implication of psychic phenomena is that each of us is potentially aware of the natural magic of our earth and of everything in the universe.
At the quantum level, reality behaves in ways that defy our everyday understanding, with particles appearing in multiple places at once and being interconnected through a phenomenon known as entanglement. These phenomena, though scientifically validated, can appear magical in nature and have often been compared to the concept of telepathy or psychic abilities. Furthermore, the concept of consciousness itself raises questions that lie at the crossroads of science and magic.
Where Science and Magic Meet - Softcover
Is there a link between science and the occult? Are psychic phenomena natural rather than super-natural?
In this revised and updated controversial book, Serena Roney-Dougal breaks down the traditionally-held barriers between science and magic. She points to a common ground that links developments in the new sciences with the ancient wisdom of the various occult and spiritual traditions.
We share the exciting results of her research on the scientific validation of psychic phenomena. Drawing on her ground-breaking work on the pineal gland - something called the third eye - and the phenomenon of second sight, she shows that the greatest implication of psychic phenomena is that each of us is potentially aware of the natural magic of our earth and of everything in the universe.
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About the Author:Serena Roney-Dougal, PhD has a psychology degree from University College, London and a PhD in parapsychology. For 15 years she taugh parapsychology, yoga, and meditation, at Glastonbury, Somerset, where she lives. In 2002 she started teaching parapsychology at Bihar Yoga Bharati, the world's first Yoga University. For the next three years lived and worked with monks in a Tibetan monastery in South India. This research is continuing now at Samye Ling Tibetan monastery in Scotland.
Excerpt. � Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:Introduction to the Looking-Glass Reality
The biggest implication of psi phenomena is that we are potentially aware of everything in the entire universe.
As mentioned in Chapter 1, experimental research over the past fifty years has confirmed that awareness of psi is dependent on one's state of consciousness, one's attitude, motivation, relaxation and other psychological (mental) aspects. We are separated from this potential omniscience by the thinnest of veils. In scientific terms this veil is call 'filter theory'. We would go totally crazy if we were aware of everything in the entire Universe even for only one second; so we need filters to block out all but the most essential items from our conscious awareness.
Unfortunately this trend has gone too far, and the pressures of living in a city have made most city people so blocked that they aren't even aware of what their close friends and family are feeling, let alone whether or not some distant relative is in need of help. We have as a race become insensitive - or desensitised, mainly as a result of living in cities where the pressure of so many people and all their thoughts and emotions is so great that we have to blank out all but the most immediate perceptions or go totally crazy. So now we have to reverse the trend and become more aware, more sensitive, open up the filters a little bit, and open our psychic, as well as our physical, eyes and ears. This of course is easiest in the country!
Some people call this process of increasing awareness 'becoming aware of the subconscious', since it is only in conscious awareness that we are so blocked, and the potential omniscience is all there in the subconscious. In becoming aware of the subconscious per se, we also tend to become aware of psychic information. This information is different from most subliminal information in that it was never physically present; we know something that we have never
physically heard or seen or felt. The psychic information of which we become aware when we open up to the subconscious has come in by means other than our eyes or ears or other sense, possibly through the 'third eye'. In trying to understand this process by which psychic information is available I shall be travelling through some pretty strange waters.
Thresholds and the subconscious
Conscious experience is a very limited channel. We can, it is now accepted, be conscious of only about 7 things at any one time. Yet there are 10 thousand million neurones .
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Science seeks to unravel the mysteries of the mind through the study of the brain and neural activity. However, the subjective experience of consciousness and the emergence of qualities such as self-awareness and emotions remain elusive. This mystery parallels ancient notions of consciousness and the exploration of altered states of consciousness through meditation, trance, and shamanic practices. The convergence of science and magic can also be seen in the field of bioenergetics. While traditional medicine focuses on the physical body, alternative healing modalities such as acupuncture, Reiki, and crystal therapy recognize the existence of energy fields within and around the body. These practices may not yet be fully understood or explained by science, but they tap into the notion that there is more to healing than meets the eye. Ultimately, the intersection of science and magic invites us to embrace the mystery and wonder of the universe. It challenges us to question our assumptions and expand our horizons. As scientific knowledge continues to advance and our understanding of the world deepens, we may discover that what was once deemed magical may, in fact, have a scientific explanation. Conversely, science may encounter phenomena that defy current explanations, pushing us to reconsider the boundaries of our knowledge. In this dynamic interplay between science and magic, new insights and possibilities emerge, offering infinite avenues for exploration and understanding..
Reviews for "The Magic of Technology: How Science is Making the Extraordinary Possible"
- Alex - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Where science and magic meet". The book promised an intriguing blend of science fiction and fantasy, but I found it to be a confusing mess. The author failed to create a cohesive world or explain the rules of magic and science properly. The characters were underdeveloped and the plot lacked depth. Overall, I felt like the author tried to do too much and ended up doing nothing effectively.
- Emily - 1 star - "Where science and magic meet" was a huge letdown for me. The writing was amateurish and filled with clichés. The dialogue was unrealistic, and the characters felt flat and one-dimensional. The plot was predictable and offered nothing new or exciting. I regret wasting my time on this read and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging story.
- Mark - 2.5 stars - I had high hopes for "Where science and magic meet", but it fell short of my expectations. The concept was interesting, but poorly executed. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow parts dragging on and moments of action feeling rushed. The world-building was vague and left me with too many unanswered questions. While there were some glimpses of potential, overall, the book didn't deliver the immersive and captivating experience I was hoping for.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Where science and magic meet", but unfortunately, it was a letdown. The writing style was awkward and lacked polish. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. The plot was convoluted and lacked clear direction. I struggled to stay engaged and ultimately felt unsatisfied with the story.