Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural — Ceremonial Magic

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⚜️ Ceremonial Magic

Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural

Name: Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural
Price: 63.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781138591455

✍️ Subbotsky, Eugene

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$63.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This fascinating volume delves into the pervasive presence of magical thinking in contemporary society, examining its subconscious influence on our daily existence. Through a unique psychological lens, it presents compelling experimental research suggesting that human consciousness itself might stem from a foundational belief in the supernatural. The author argues that our emotions, attitudes, and various mental processes often align with the principles of magic. By bridging the gap between scientific understanding of natural phenomena and the mystical realm, this work offers profound insights into the interplay of our internal and external worlds, even touching on AI and mental health.

Subbotsky, Eugene

📚 all books by this author (2) →

⚜️

Ceremonial Magic

🏛 Routledge 📅 2018 📖 226 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781138591455

Fun Fact

This volume masterfully dissects the enduring power of magical thinking within the contemporary psyche, offering a rare blend of rigorous psychological inquiry and esoteric insight. It excels at revealing the subconscious forces that shape our perceptions and beliefs. While it won't satisfy readers seeking instruction in occult practices, it will profoundly challenge anyone interested in the deeper mechanisms of consciousness, placing itself as a vital bridge between scientific understanding and the perennial mysteries of the mind, offering fresh perspectives on both.

📝 Description: Science and Magic in the Modern World: Psychological Perspectives on Living with the Supernatural

Science and Magic in the Modern World is a unique text that explores the role of magical thinking in everyday life. It provides an excellent psychological look at the subconscious belief in magic in both popular culture and society, as well as experimental research that considers human consciousness as a derivative of belief in the supernatural, thus showing that our feelings, emotions, attitudes and other psychological processes follow the laws of magic. This book synthesises the science of 'natural' phenomena and the magic of the 'supernatural' to present an interesting look at the juxtaposition of the inner and outer selves. Fusing research into psychological disorders, subconscious feelings, as well as the rising presence of artificial intelligence, this book demonstrates how an engagement with magical thinking can enhance one's creativity and cognitive skills. Science and Magic in the Modern World is an invaluable resource for those studying consciousness, as well as those looking at the effect of magical thinking on religion, politics, science and society.

📑 What's inside

Preface
Introduction [1][2]
Part I. Magic in the Mind
Chapter 1. The Magic Crystal of Rene Magritte: Art as a Window in the Supernatural
Chapter 2. The Invisible reality: Consciousness as a Gaze in the Magical World
Chapter 3. The Barrier for Robots. Subjective Experience as a Magical Phenomenon
Part II. The Supernatural in Science and Religion
Chapter 4. Miracles in Law: Magical Underpinning of Physical Universe
Chapter 5. The Pull of Eternity: Hope for Immortality as the Belief in the
Supernatural
Chapter 6. Religion and the Belief in the Supernatural
Part III. Magical thinking in Politics, Economics and Education
Chapter 7. Under the Spell: The Case of Russia
Chapter 8. Watching the Impossible: Educational Effects of Magical Thinking
Chapter 9. Games with the Supernatural: Magical Reality in Everyday Life
Epilogue: Imagining the Unimaginable
Bibliography

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Subbotsky presents a compelling argument for the ubiquity of magical thinking in contemporary society, supported by experimental research that links human consciousness to supernatural beliefs. The exploration of AI and mental health adds fresh relevance to this psychological lens. However, readers seeking practical ceremonial rituals or dogmatic occult instructions will find little utility here. This is not a grimoire but a theoretical examination of the mind's structure. Skeptics who demand hard empirical proof without philosophical nuance may also feel unsettled by its claims regarding the foundational nature of belief. It requires an open mind willing to entertain the possibility that science and magic are not mutually exclusive domains.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the subtle mechanics of consciousness will find this book profoundly illuminating. It is ideal for those who sense a deeper, magical undercurrent in daily life but seek a rational framework to understand it. By exploring how subconscious beliefs shape our reality, the text offers comfort and clarity to individuals navigating mental health or existential questions. It bridges the gap between scientific skepticism and mystical wonder, proving that even non-believers are influenced by these forces. This work empowers readers to recognize the hidden magic in their own minds, offering a unique perspective on how emotions and attitudes align with ancient principles of magic in a modern context.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're a student of consciousness, a seeker exploring the deep psychological roots of belief, or simply curious about how ancient magical patterns still shape modern society, politics, and even science, this book offers a truly enlightening perspective.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Subbotsky presents a compelling argument for the ubiquity of magical thinking in contemporary society, supported by experimental research that links human consciousness to supernatural beliefs. The exploration of AI and mental health adds fresh relevance to this psychological lens. However, readers seeking practical ceremonial rituals or dogmatic occult instructions will find little utility here. This is not a grimoire but a theoretical examination of the mind's structure. Skeptics who demand hard empirical proof without philosophical nuance may also feel unsettled by its claims regarding the foundational nature of belief. It requires an open mind willing to entertain the possibility that science and magic are not mutually exclusive domains.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is a psychological study. It doesn't teach spells or rituals but rather dissects the cognitive mechanisms and subconscious beliefs underlying 'magical thinking' in human behavior and society, examining its pervasive influence rather than instructing its practice.

Its distinction lies in integrating rigorous psychological research and experimental data with the concept of the supernatural. It argues that core psychological processes themselves operate by 'magical' principles, offering a fresh, interdisciplinary synthesis that moves beyond mere cultural or anthropological analysis.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Magical Thinking's Psychology

This book profoundly analyzes how an underlying belief in magic subconsciously influences our everyday thoughts and actions. It posits that our very consciousness and emotional responses are often structured by magical principles, even in an outwardly rational world, offering a unique psychological framework for understanding human behavior and belief systems.

Science Meets Supernatural

The author expertly navigates the intriguing intersection of empirical science and the 'supernatural,' presenting a cohesive view where these seemingly disparate realms intertwine. It challenges conventional boundaries, revealing how our inner psychological states mirror and interact with the broader magical tapestry of existence, thereby synthesizing seemingly opposed worldviews.

Creativity and Cognition

Far from being mere superstition, the text explores how embracing aspects of magical thinking can actively stimulate and expand one's creative capacities and cognitive functions. It presents a compelling case for its utility in fostering innovative thought and problem-solving, rather than hindering it, showcasing an unexpected benefit of this ancient mode of thought.

📜 Historical context

This work sits firmly within a modern lineage of cognitive psychology that dares to bridge the gap between empirical observation and esoteric phenomena. It echoes the insights of Carl Jung's exploration of the collective unconscious and the ongoing philosophical debate concerning the nature of consciousness, while pioneering a novel psychological examination of magic's enduring power in our contemporary world.

📚 Glossary

Magical Thinking
Supernatural
Cognitive Psychology

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a time you experienced a 'coincidence' that felt more meaningful than chance. How might this book explain that feeling within the framework of magical thinking?
In what ways do you observe 'magical thinking' manifesting in contemporary culture, from social media trends to political rhetoric, despite our emphasis on rationality?
How might intentionally engaging with a mindset informed by 'magical principles' — as defined by the author — enhance your own creative problem-solving or personal growth?