Science is often compared to magic, but in reality, it is far from being an imaginary or illusory concept. Science is a systematic way of acquiring knowledge and understanding the world around us through observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning. It is a methodical approach that relies on evidence, facts, and principles that can be tested and validated. Unlike magic, science is not based on superstitions or beliefs but strives to provide explanations based on facts and empirical evidence. Scientific theories and laws are constantly evolving as new discoveries are made and new evidence is obtained. This makes science a dynamic and ever-evolving field that continuously pushes the boundaries of our knowledge.

San Diego Pagans & Witches

Welcome to the Pagans & Witches Community in San Diego! We are an eclectic group of Pagans, Witches and Wiccans celebrating nature, The Wheel of the Year and full moons with rituals and events. We also have a monthly Market called The Pagan Pop Up.

All are welcome, new comers and those who have been practicing alone or in groups.
The best way to meet people in the Pagan community is by ATTENDING MEET UPS! This group thrives with in-person, real connections. So, please join us for a Meet Up to keep this group thriving. It takes a community to keep our practice alive. If you would also like to be on Dev's email list to get newsletters go to www.DevraGregory.com and sign up with your contact info.

Blessed Be!
Dev
Organizer and Ritual Leader

This makes science a dynamic and ever-evolving field that continuously pushes the boundaries of our knowledge. Science helps us understand the fundamental principles that govern the natural world, ranging from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies. It has led to remarkable advancements in various fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, and space exploration.

Upcoming events (2)

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping with your local Pagan businesses. Find unique treasures, altar supplies, sacred art, healing tools, clothing and ritual wear and more while supporting local vendors.
Meet and hang out with the San Diego Pagan community. Bring a picnic lunch if you'd like. There are picnic tables, restrooms and lots of trees.
The Market is open from 11:00-4:00 (one hour earlier during "fall back" season) LOCATION
Emerald Hills Park
5601 Bethune Ct San Diego, CA 92114
From the 94 freeway exit on Kelton, go south.
Take the FIRST left onto Bethune into the park. (There is no stop sign at this turn). We will be on the grass at the end of the small parking lot. If the lot fills, park on the streeet and walk in. Interested in Vending? Fill out this application https://www.devragregory.com/vendor-application

Celebrate the returning light and arrival of longer days at this free Yule/winter solstice community gathering.
The evening begins with a shared potluck feast.
Then, we shift into sacred space for a powerful and deeply meaningful sacred fire circle where we drum, dance, sing and share our hearts together while moving around the sacred fire. This alchemical experience brings us back to our primal roots, creating a vortex of energy for transformation, celebration, and creative expression.
LOCATION
Ski Beach 1600 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Turn left after you enter Ski Beach. We will be at the far north side of the park.
TIMING
3:30-5:30- Set up. Your help is appreciated
5:30-6:30- Potluck
6:30-7:00- Community time, transition into ritual space
7:00-10:00- Sacred Fire Circle Ritual
10:00-done- Clean up. Your help is appreciated
BRING
A beach chair
A healthy potluck dish, preferably organic/vegan
Wood for the fire (no nails or paint)
A drum if you have one (lots of percussion is available to share)
Warm layers
Something to release into the fire (Can be energetic or a physical item. Non-toxic, no plastic)
Songs, spoken word, prayers, friends and good vibes
Cash Donations are welcome

Stay witchy, San Diego

Paganism. The Left Hand Path. The Right Hand Path. Wicca. The occult. It goes by many names, but whatever term is used, witchiness is en vogue right now. From Sephora selling beginner “Witch Kits” to Lana del Ray announcing that she tried to hex President Trump, this magical trend is part feminist empowerment movement, part goth aesthetic, and part commodified consumerism.

But despite the trend, these often misunderstood practices have much deeper roots than mere fashion statements. San Diego’s history of mystical movements is no exception. From documented Kumeyaay plant healing to Mexican brujería (translation: “witchcraft”), San Diego’s multicultural region is a melting pot of beliefs that transcend one name.

To outsiders, these practices are often lumped together under a singular preconception, but these alternative factions can vary from practitioner to practitioner with no universal canon.

Brujitxs Del Barrio, a “radical womxn collective” in Barrio Logan, challenges these mistaken beliefs by promoting education and healing specifically for marginalized communities. The goal of the collective is to “hold space, bring healing and empowerment to our communities.”

The small shop offers “teas, herbal medicine, art, jewelry, clothing and more,” according to co-owner/brujitx Hanah. They also run a healing room called Magia del Barrio, where patrons can receive energy healing, massage, tarot readings, and more.

When asking the three owners (identified as Angelana, Hanah and Irene) what misconceptions they have faced since opening six months ago, Angelana responded: “[People think] that we do ‘dark’ magic, cast spells and curses. If you’re not a white supremacist, for the patriarchy, a rapist, racist, anti-black, colorist, ableist, fatphobic, homophobic, transphobic, any phobia that impedes on human rights, cruel to animals or an evil person, then you don’t have to worry about us hexing you!”

Brujitxs Del Barrio is one of only a handful of metaphysical businesses operating in San Diego. Tree of Life in Ocean Beach opened on Santa Monica Avenue in 2006. Sanxtuary, a “minimalist magic” shop and sanctuary, plans to offer classes and an esoteric product line in early 2019 focusing on a “darker, streamlined aesthetic” that the founders felt San Diego currently lacks. In the meantime, they’re hosting a “Witchy Hour,” complete with tarot and astrology readings, every third Wednesday at the Til-Two Club.

Aquarian Soul (described as “the original gemstone infused apothecary) is a San Diego-based web store that combines “science and spirit to bring you products imbued with crystal energy and plant medicine.” Ally Sands launched the current version of Aquarian Soul in 2013 and has first-hand experience with the “appreciation versus appropriation” discussion regarding the recent rise in witchy products.

White sage, often used in sage smudge wands, is a plant long cultivated by indigenous communities for use during sacred rituals. Sage wands are also one of the most common icons in contemporary magic today, even being sold at Urban Outfitters. The plant, however, is an at-risk species, so some energy and wellness purveyors, including Sands, choose not to sell them.

“[People] have the mindset of taking, without giving back,” said Sands. She stressed that there’s nothing wrong with being interested in ritual practices, but cautions would-be witches to research the history of what’s come before them — the entire history.

“There is nothing wrong with learning and being interested in these other beautiful cultures, but it’s another to come from a privileged standpoint and to pick apart what you like and discard what doesn’t serve you,” she said. “I think that is one of the main issues with white sage. We are taking parts of someone else’s ritual practices and making it something completely different. We are robbing people of their identity and profiting from it.”

Education and respect is crucial in the scene, especially in a place like San Diego where cultures often overlap. Another local group, Sacred Healing Collective, aims to share “knowledge and practices from those before us” in order to include those genuinely interested in learning about the history of these types of rituals and how to do so with the proper mindset. Walking that line requires an open mind and a pure heart — the building blocks of witchcraft.

Brujitxs del Barrio, 2185 Logan Ave., #18, Barrio Logan, instagram.com/brujitxsdelbarrio

Tree of Life, 4870 Santa Monica Avd., Ocean Beach, 619.223.3970, treeoflifestore.com

Upcoming mystical events

WITCHY WEDNESDAY

A $5 cover includes a raffle ticket and access to tarot & astrology readings, tacos by Chicano Soul Food, and magickal libations.

When: 6-10 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17

Where: Til-Two Club, 4746 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights

NICKEL FORTUNES

University Heights eatery Madison on Park will transform into a “gypsy den” with macabre-inspired cocktails and personal tarot readings by Gypsy Destini. Tickets are $33.

When: 7-11 p.m., Monday, Oct.22

Where: Madison on Park, 4622 Park Blvd., University Heights

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ART SHOW & COMMUNITY ALTAR

A traditional Mexican weekend-long community celebration to honor departed friends and family.

When: Saturday, Oct. 27

Where: Chicano Art Gallery, 2117 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan

SAMHAIN RITUAL & CELEBRATION

Local diviner John Hijatt will lead a ritual to honor those who have crossed over. $5 entry, open to the public.

When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28

Where: Tree of Life, 4870 Santa Monica Ave. Suite 1A, Ocean Beach

ALL HALLOWS EVE MAGICKAL MASQUERADE BALL

A private Samhain ritual followed by a public masquerade ball. Costumes encouraged. Ticket prices vary.

When: 7-11 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30

Where: Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., North Park

Beth Demmon is a San Diego-based writer whose work has been featured in BeerAdvocate, VICE, Playboy, Thrillist, and many more. Follow her on Instagram at @thedelightedbite.

Beth Demmon is a San Diego-based craft beer writer whose work has appeared in BeerAdvocate, Playboy, Thrillist, MUNCHIES, Tales of the Cocktail, and more. Email her at [email protected].

Calendar

Would you like to stop by for a visit?
Come on in for some magical treats!
If you have a question send me a message at [email protected] and I’ll do my best to answer.
We are so excited to see everyone and Make Some Magic!

Next at Tree of Life

Winter Solstice Ritual and Celebration

Thursday, December 21st

*limited to 30 participants*
*pre registration suggested*
*5:30pm doors close and the Circle is Cast*
Reserve your Space Today!

Once a year we experience the longest night and renewal of the light, the Winter Solstice.

Join us on this profound evening as we unite in community to both be still, and to celebrate this time of stillness, reflection, and rebirth.

In cultures around the world, the Winter Solstice has always been a sacred portal, an opportunity to journey inward, connect with ancestral spirits, and gather wisdom for the coming Turn of the Wheel. A moment allowing for deep introspection and transformation.

Together, let's weave a tapestry of rituals and intentions, honoring the profound magic of this season and the inner light that guides us even through the darkest nights. Whether you're well-versed in these traditions or simply drawn to the allure of this cosmic event, we invite you to be part of this communal acknowledgment and celebration. Let's welcome the return of the light!

BRING: your own water and scissors (!yes!)

Who is Mara Clear Spring Cook?
Mara is a Shamanic Practitioner, Teacher and Reiki Master. She sees private clients for soul retrieval, shamanic healing, one-on-one Shamanic Training, Reiki, space clearing and blessing, guided journey and more – both in person and distance. She leads Shamanic Circles: Goddess, Drumming and Sound Journey. Mara also teaches people how to follow the path of the shaman in First Step Shamanic Training and intermediate and advanced Shamanic courses. She teaches and installs the Nine Rites of the Munay-Ki as taught by Dr. Villoldo and the Four Winds Society.

From the discovery of antibiotics to space travel, science has enabled us to overcome challenges and improve our lives in countless ways. One of the reasons science may be compared to magic is because of the incredible feats it can achieve. For example, advancements in medical science have allowed doctors to perform complex surgeries, cure diseases, and even create artificial organs. These accomplishments may seem magical to some, but they are the result of years of rigorous scientific research and experimentation. However, it is important to keep in mind that science is not infallible. It is a human endeavor, and scientists are not immune to biases or errors. Scientific progress is often a result of trial and error, and not all experiments yield the desired results. It is through the scientific method that these errors are identified and corrected, leading to a deeper understanding of the natural world. In conclusion, science may sometimes appear to be magical due to its ability to achieve extraordinary things. However, science is grounded in observation, evidence, and logical reasoning. It is a systematic and methodical approach that constantly seeks to expand our understanding of the world we live in. While science may have its limitations, its quest for knowledge has brought about remarkable advancements that have improved the quality of our lives..

Reviews for "The Neuroscience of Magic: How Magicians Exploit Cognitive Biases"

1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Science Like Magic but Real". The book promised to reveal the secrets behind everyday scientific phenomena, but it fell short in delivering any meaningful explanations. Instead, it was filled with vague descriptions and oversimplified explanations that left me with more questions than answers. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of scientific concepts, but this book seemed more like a collection of random facts without any real depth. Overall, I found the book to be a letdown and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of science.

2. Jane Smith - 1 star - "Science Like Magic but Real" was a complete waste of time for me. The author attempted to make science more accessible and interesting, but it ended up being a jumbled mess of confusing explanations and unnecessary anecdotes. The organization of the book was poor, with topics jumping around without any logical flow. Additionally, the writing style was overly casual and distracted from any real educational value the book could have had. I was really hoping to learn something new and exciting about science, but I finished the book feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is genuinely interested in understanding the wonders of science.

3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I found "Science Like Magic but Real" to be a shallow and superficial attempt at explaining scientific concepts. The author seemed more interested in making science sound like magic rather than providing accurate and detailed explanations. The lack of references or credible sources also made me question the validity of the information presented. While the book had some interesting tidbits, overall, it failed to deliver on its promise of providing real scientific understanding. I would suggest looking for more reputable resources if you genuinely want to learn about science and its various phenomena.

The Psychological Tricks Used by Magicians: Understanding the Science Behind the Magic