Magic is much more than superstition, wishful thinking and hocus pocus. Many modern rediscoveries of how the human mind works by scientists and psychologists actually corroborate methods often incorporated into various magical ritual.
While the “science of magic” may bring some practices down to earth, it is not meant to discredit the power of these techniques, only to reaffirm that magic lies in mind/body actions, in choices, in knowledge, that these techniques are tools to direct the action of the mind, which inevitably affects outer actions of many sorts.
Psychologist can repeatedly demonstrate the ability for a subject (human or animal) to become conditioned, both mentally and physically. Pavlov’s famous experiment where dogs salivated when they heard their food bell is a classic example. There was also an experiment with rats where, unintentionally, the rats’ bodies became conditioned to supress their immune system when they drank sugar water. A similar phenomenon exists is said to be at work for drug users that ritualistically use their drug in the same location; their body prepares for the drug dosage it is accustomed to and if the user takes the same dose in an unfamiliar location, it is possible their body will not be prepared (because the location has not triggered the preparation response) and they’ll over dose with a quantity that might have been “safe” in their usual spot. The idea of having a “sacred space” in which to pray, meditate, or perform “magic” is sure to help both body and mind instantly transition to a state consistent with it’s prior use.
Symbols like wise have are subject to a process of conditioning, not usually having any inharent meaning in and of themselves (save geometric symbols). Meanings are assigned to symbols; the user, over time, conditions their mind and body to instantly react to them in a specific way, based on how they intentionally (or unintentionally) relate to them. Those that consistently use symbols for ritual purposes will notice a cultivated response/experience of that symbol and it’s energy, as the relationship with that symbol grows stronger in the mind and body.
Advertising jingles and slogans could be considered black magic, perhaps. The use of rhythm and song have been used for ages to drive messages into the minds of listeners, to induce passively receptive trance-like states – if you can’t get a song out of your head, chances are someone designed it to be that way. Rhymes are easier to remember and things with rhythm can be easier to memorize. The word enchant is comprised of the prefix en~ and the root ~chant. En means “in” and chant, could mean chant as it does in English, but most certainly shares a common root with the French word chanson, meaning “song.” Song, poetry, music all engage a different part of the mind, the right hemisphere of the brain, governing creativity and big picture thinking; they also directly engage the emotions (and the words emotions, and motivation share the same root for a reason). Enchantments – music, song, poetry, jingles are all powerful methods to deliver a message, to make sure that message sticks and possibly to motivate the listener to action (either internal, such as changing ones mind or seeing something in a new way, or to outward action, such as military drill songs meant to indoctrinate soldiers to an ideology supportive of their chosen career, and likely military actions). Advertising slogans maybe “black magic,” because often their “enchantments” rely on breeding dissatisfaction, desires (which may not serve the spiritual or psychological well-being of the viewer), and doing it all to serve money-obsessed campaigns. In fact any sort of communication is a form of magic, because it creates an affect.
Deeper levels of magic may appear mystical, but all rely on the premise that nothing happens unless both cause and conditions come together properly.
Deity worship, is of course open to healthy skepticism. However, hypothetically, if we look at deities as symbols of abstract principles, then devotion to these deities may become devotion to these qualities. Devotion and aspiration walk hand in hand together. If you are devoted to a peaceful deity, it may be logical you strive to be a peaceful person. Also, acts of devotion to this principle, may require the mind to let go of subtle hang ups that would cause one to act out of alignment with one’s object of worship. Devotion means more than lip service; example of “devotees” that act out of alignment with their object of worship are found in every culture.
The reason “magic” may be viewed scientifically is because nothing happens without rhyme or reason. If something happens it is a result, if it is a result, there is a cause, where there is cause and result, energy is involved, if energy is involved, it’s very nature demands it behaves in a scientific way. The obstacle to a scientific approach to magic is the same obstacle that faces psychology. Namely that the object of study is the result of countless forces (none of which are negligible). Physical sciences such as chemistry allow researchers to physically isolate components and experiment with them. Physical sciences such as meteorology can prove more challenging, because there are so many nuances.
Uncovering the subtle patterns that underly the world is likewise no easy task.
In some ways, and many ways, magic is using the power of the mind to create a reality within the user – which then unfolds as a reality for the user (through the conscious, unconscious and higher conscious choices).
Skeptics that denounce “magic” should examine the reality of money. It is completely devoid of inherent value, yet it has becomes so necessary for society to function. Any sort of plan and action based on that pan is a form of magic – making an internal vision into a reality.
We are all magicians, for we create our life, through our words, thoughts, actions, choices, beliefs, opportunities, attitudes. The use of ritual, symbol and enchanting melodies, phrases, slogans are verifiable methods of creating a shift in inner and outer behaviors. These magical techniques, only harness and focus the innate magic of how we create our reality.
