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A spell? Like “hocus pocus”? Sure, that’s a start… But what would you say if someone asked,
Do you believe in magic?
Most of the people I know would probably say yes, in some way, shape or form. So perhaps the more interesting question is,
What does magic look and feel like to you?
Scary, exciting, delightful, powerful, or pure imagination – magic has been called many-a-thing over the course of human history.
Here’s an idea to try on for size –
“Magic” is about Perception
Pulling a rabbit out of a hat and the disappearing assistant aren’t that different from life’s little synchronicities. Think about a time, by some delightful miracle, you got the last item on display; or the time maybe you were sure something was broken, only for it to work perfectly the next day.
The dazzlement we experience when something appears that wasn’t there before is what makes things seem “magical” – but magic is already happening everywhere all the time. The secret ingredient is attention, or intention, i.e. when something comes into our awareness that was previously unknown or unconscious. Attention, intention, conscious awareness… that’s all magic really is, but within the limited field of human awareness, we aren’t always tapped into it.
For example, 96% of the universe is dark matter and dark energy, meaning, we have no idea what 96% of the universe is doing or how it works. So really – think of the implications of that – everything we “know” consciously, i.e. have given or give our attention to, is less 4% of what’s actually out there.
As within, so without: we are as unknown to ourselves as the universe is to us. This is a fact that used to drive me crazy; I thought if I did all the shadow work and kept relentlessly learning (which are things I like to do anyways) I could get to the bottom of it all somehow, and finally my life would be peaceful. But then I realized that was impossible – there’s nothing to fight, no prevailing ugliness to force into surrender. In fact, it’s much wiser to just surrender to the “darkness,” to make it your friend and let it teach you.
Being continuously surprised by all of the “unconscious forces” of the universe is part and parcel of being an Earthling, bound by time and space and a sweet little brain… and it can feel like a totally beautiful and amazing process of continual unfolding, if we allow it to be so. Our limitations are what create the experience of “magic,” which is exactly why we’re here – to experience all the fuss and fun of being alive with this mysterious, magnificent Earth!
Sure, magic is most certainly present in all things unexpected… but I believe everything we do, think and be is a spell – the unique way we breathe, talk, eat, spend money, or walk in the park. All things are enchanted: from the humdrum to the spectacular, the vile to the virtuous, the natural to the supernatural.
Perception is Powerful
Want to make magic? It’s actually really simple. Give something your attention and watch it transform.
The Observer Effect
If you like science, and you’re reading things, you might already know what this is all about. For everyone else, here’s the gist:
In 1998, researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science conducted an experiment demonstrating the “Observer Effect” in quantum mechanics, which is basically the principle that the act of observation can influence the system being observed.
The team constructed a microscopic device with a barrier containing two openings. They directed a beam of electrons toward this barrier. In quantum mechanics, particles like electrons can exhibit wave-like behavior, allowing them to pass through both openings simultaneously and create an interference pattern upon recombination. However, when an observer measures which path the electron takes, this wave-like behavior collapses, and the electrons behave as particles, eliminating the interference pattern.
In this experiment, the “observer” was an electronic detector placed near one of the openings. The researchers could adjust the detector’s sensitivity by changing its electrical conductivity. They found that increasing the detector’s ability to detect electrons correspondingly decreased the interference pattern’s visibility. Conversely, reducing the detector’s sensitivity allowed the interference pattern to re-emerge. This demonstrated that the degree of observation directly influenced the electrons’ behavior: the more the system was observed, the more it behaved like particles rather than waves.
What would you change in your reality?
This experiment provided clear evidence that observation affects reality in the quantum realm, with the extent of the effect being proportional to the level of observation. While quantum effects typically remain (literally) invisible in our macroscopic experiences, they shape the underlying reality that makes the world as we know it possible. So, the metaphorical implications of the Observer Effect are quite intriguing. Our attention is an active force that shapes both our perception and the reality we experience. Mystics have been saying this for millennia, but if you wanted science, there’s a little feather for your cap.
Mundanity
Part of being human is doing things again and again and again… and again. Breathing, eating, sleeping; morning, afternoon, night; beginning, middle, end. Even when we grow and change, the patterns of nature stay with us. The question is, are cycles monotonous, or are they marvelous? We can write any melody for the rhythm of life – what song do you want to play?
Matter
Some religions call Earth, and everything made of her body, less than heaven. Other spiritualists and scientists say she, and we, are made of stardust. Either way, the trees, flowers and rivers, much like our bodies, clothes, and shelters are mini-manifestations of the vastness of existence. What artifacts, objects and living beings do you choose to make, touch, and keep in this life? How do they nourish your being and that of the world you want to see?
Madness
From any given perspective, there are an infinite number of reasons to see any other viewpoint as brilliant, pleasing or wonderful. There are an equal number of reasons to see it as absurd, wrong or evil. Making magic is about embracing madness everywhere – whether it’s something that’s true for you, or true for someone else. The Cheshire Cat said it best: “we’re all mad here.” What stories do you tell in your world, and what stories do you want to hear?
“Stuff” as Sorcery
What do you think of when you read the word “charm”?
A charm can be an object, word, or action believed to hold magical powers or to influence fortune, safety, or health. They have been part of human cultures across the world throughout history, reflecting a universal desire to connect with forces beyond our apparent control. Common examples include four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and specific incantations or prayers – but the magic of conscious intention can be imbued into anything we touch, say or do.
For example: the stuff in our kitchens and offices can have powerful effects on our lived experience. All the material world exists as a product of what has been – but do you keep things close to you to remind you of what will be? Do the material possessions, habits and stories you use on a day-to-day basis carry the energy, feeling or power of that which you want to create?
What would happen if we prioritized what we wanted to create, for ourselves and for the world, rather than holding onto things out of obligation, conventions or fear? What if our homes, gardens and spirits were filled with meaningful things that spark joy (à la Marie Kondo 😉)? How would that change our diets, furniture, wardrobes, and the sensations we experience?
If we listen to our hearts, bodies, and minds, can we know satisfaction, truly, madly, deeply?
Dear Reader…
How do you define magic?
What magical experiences have you had in your life?
How do you use intention and attention to shape your reality?
What are some of your favorite charms?
If it’s in your pleasure to share, please comment below!
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