The secret to real magic is not something that can be easily revealed or explained. It is a topic that has baffled and intrigued people throughout history. While some may associate magic with performing tricks or illusions, others see it as a mystical force that exists beyond our understanding. Real magic is often seen as a connection to the unseen world, a way to tap into energies and forces that are not readily apparent in our everyday lives. It goes beyond the physical realm and opens up a doorway to the spiritual. One of the key secrets to real magic is belief.
Beginning with a brief history of magic over the centuries (what was called magic two thousand years ago is turning out to be scientific fact today), a review of the scientific evidence for magic, a series of simple but effective magical techniques (the key is mental focus, something elite athletes know a lot about), Radin then offers a vision of a scientifically-informed magic and explains why magic will play a key role in frontiers of science.
Parapsychologists have too often gotten stuck in abstractions about psychic abilities, but Radin now situates parapsychology where it belongs it s about magic. It then reviews the scientific evidence for magic, introduces simple magical techniques, and it explains why magic is poised to play a key role in exploring the frontiers of future science.
One of the key secrets to real magic is belief. In order to tap into its power, one must truly believe in its existence and potential. Doubt and skepticism can block the flow of magic, preventing it from manifesting in our lives.
Real Magic: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and a Guide to the Secret Power of the Universe
Radin, professor of psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, argues that scientists should take the research on magic seriously in his lively review of the surprisingly large body of scholarship on the topic. He uses the terms magic and psi phenomena interchangeably to refer to the intentional influencing of events, knowing beyond the physical senses, and communicating with spirits. This breezy history of magic spans from the mystery cults of ancient Greece and gnostic Christians, through the Inquisitions’ suppression of magical abilities, to the 19th-century spiritualists (his inclusion of “positive thinking” shows how broadly he defines the term magic). The meat of his work is his discussion of scientific studies that, he claims, throw significant doubts on the idea that supernatural abilities are not real. He uses studies of divination, remote viewing, and voodoo massage of effigies, arguing that their success rates statistically cannot be chance. Though he worries about the potential harm in helping humans harness their innate abilities to influence the world, he ends with a call for scientists to move beyond their staunch “materialism” (which Radin uses to mean belief in only the natural sciences). Radin’s mostly convincing explanations will speak directly to those who already believe in magic and sow discussions among those on the fence. (Apr.)
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“Dean Radin writes about all those scientifically and experimentally proven findings that for most people, are beyond imagination, mysterious, or even impossible. This is what Radin calls ‘magic’. Everybody and everything are always interrelated, interacting, and interconnected, beyond time and space. To better understand this challenging new worldview we need a new paradigm in science. Highly recommended.” —Pim van Lommel, cardiologist, author of Consciousness Beyond Life
“Knowing Dean Radin’s scientific work (and appreciating his sense of humor!), I knew I’d like Real Magic, but after the first page I was hooked and read the whole book in a day. Parapsychologists have too often gotten stuck in abstractions about psychic abilities, but Radin now situates parapsychology where it belongs: it’s about magic. And magic is about humanness and our spiritual nature, not just spells and love potions. Read, enjoy, learn!” —Charles T. Tart, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of California, Davis; Emeritus Faculty, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA.
By embracing a sense of wonder, curiosity, and an open mind, we can become more receptive to the magic that surrounds us. Another secret to real magic is intention. Our thoughts and desires have the power to shape our reality and make things happen. By setting clear intentions and aligning our actions with our goals, we can influence the outcome of events in our lives. This requires focus, determination, and a deep understanding of ourselves and our desires. Real magic also requires practice and discipline. It is not something that can be achieved overnight or through shortcuts. Just like any skill or craft, it requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn and grow. Through repeated practice, we can refine our abilities and deepen our connection to the magic within and around us. Furthermore, real magic is often found in the small moments of everyday life. It is not reserved for grand displays or elaborate rituals. It can be found in the beauty of nature, the synchronicities that occur, the serendipitous encounters, and the moments of pure joy and love. Real magic is about living in alignment with our true selves and embracing the mysteries of life. In conclusion, the secret to real magic lies within ourselves. It is a combination of belief, intention, practice, and an openness to the wonders of the world. Real magic is not about tricks or illusions; it is about tapping into the unseen forces and energies that connect us all. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and embracing the magic that exists in our own lives..
Reviews for "Real Magic in Everyday Life: Finding Joy and Mystery in the Ordinary"
1. John - 1 star - I found "The Secret to Real Magic" to be incredibly disappointing. The story started off promising, with the protagonist learning magic from a mysterious teacher. However, as the story progressed, I found the plot to be predictable and lacking originality. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, I felt like the book was a waste of my time, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating fantasy read.
2. Sara - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Secret to Real Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was verbose and overly descriptive, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged with the story. The pacing felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters. Additionally, I felt like the magical elements in the book were not well-developed, leaving me wanting more. Overall, while the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired.
3. Michael - 2 stars - "The Secret to Real Magic" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver a compelling narrative. The writing felt disjointed, and it was hard to follow the story's progression. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their fates. Moreover, the magical elements introduced in the book felt forced and not adequately explained. While there were moments of potential, the overall execution left me unsatisfied and disinterested in the book.