Customer Reviews

The Science Of The Craft

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Go dust off your thinking caps boys and girls, Mr. Keith has a science lesson in store for us!

In this 300-page volume we learn everything we ever wanted to know about quantum physics, and then some. Modern day theories on just exactly how the world works and why are what makes up a major portion of this book. We are treated to an explanation of why Sir Isaac Newton's theory is incomplete and how the world really works. Schrödinger's cat, the Quantum Sea and working magic! They all just go to show you that what we witches knew all along is actually real.

But if we knew it was real why do we need this book? The author uses his lessons in quantum physics to show that magic works in a scientifically proven way. Me, I prefer my magic to be, well, magical. But Mr. Keith comes from a scientific background where all this stuff about casting spells and sending healing energy to distant friends is just shy of mumbo jumbo. So he uses the most current scientific premises to prove that magic works.

He includes copious footnotes throughout the text. I found them to be a distracting at best, and inane at their worst. Most footnotes didn't cite scholarly references (isn't that what footnotes do?) but were silly one-liners aimed at a cheap laugh. Granted on occasion they were funny, but they detracted from the text most of the time.

I spent the first half of the book wondering when we were going to get to the modern realities of witchcraft. I learned a bunch of stuff about quantum sciences that I didn't know, plus I had a couple of light-bulb moments with regard to things I learned years ago that the author presented in a very understandable format for the non-scientist types like me.

The book relies heavily on Isaac Bonewits' Laws of Magic, which are repeated within the text several times. The author then takes what he has taught us about quantum theory and creates the Laws of Quantum Magic. By Chapter 15, we know all we can about the theories and we start in with the Magic Lessons. If you manage to make it this far in the book, this is where the going gets good.

I have read meditations and rituals by the dozens. Rarely do I see anything new and different. This book contains some very bright pearls. After all the science guru stuff is out of the way, some very real world usable advice on working magic and connecting to the Divine is found in the final chapters of this book. I'd get it for these chapters alone. Excellent lessons for a beginner, the ideas put forth will also reawaken the wonder that fades with wisdom and experience in a more experienced witch.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

"And never the twain shall meet..." is a phrase from Rudyard Kipling that has often been used to describe the apparent inability to bring two opposing things to union, and nowhere has that been more likely to be true than when speaking of science and magic. For all of the talk about "sufficiently advanced" technologies blurring the boundary between the two, it has been largely held as an axiom that "magic" is the term to explain a phenomenon, until science can be brought to bear, and explain the magic away.

Lately, however, thanks to advances in understanding in the field of physics, that long-delayed meeting between science and magic might just result in the realization that the two are more closely related than anyone thought.

William H. Keith brings his considerable array of skills and experience to a subject that often causes people's eyes to glaze over the minute it's mentioned: quantum physics. Many folks have heard about it, most fail to grasp its significance for the everyday life we lead. Keith manages to introduce us to the subject with a sense of humor and a keen grasp for what needs to be explained, and what needs to be *really* explained a lot! And as anyone who has ever studied the subject can tell you, most of genuine quantum physics needs to be explained several times from several points of view.

Keith takes in a direction you're not likely to find too often, however: into the realm of the Occult. The reader can be forgiven for believing that there is no basis for magic before considering the quantum angle. With Keith's lucid explainations, that same reader might come away from the book with feeling that magic isn't just possible, it's a virtual requirement!

If there is a weakness to the book, it's a common one. Many authors, trying to expound on a particular viewpoint (and we frequently see this in books on speculative history), will present a theory in one chapter along with its supporting evidence... which by no means proves the theory conclusively... and in the next chapter will introduce another theory that uses the previous theory as a given fact. By the time we're several chapters into the meat of the book, we reach such statements as "It [the human brain's quantum function] is now solidly proven fact." Actually, it's still a theory, and all the circumstantial evidence in the world, while compelling, won't make it solidly proven.

But if we concede, for the moment, some of Keith's logical constructions, it becomes much easier to understand and relate to the various "spooky" happenings that have occurred across recorded history, as functions of the Quantum Sea. Along with Talbot's "Holographic Universe", Keith's "Science of the Craft" should find a home on every serious Pagan's bookshelf, and it will definitely form the basis of a training course or two.

This was a fun read and enjoyable for me. The subject of Quantum Physics (hereafter referred to as "QP")always seems to mark a groan from someone however Bill Keith has attempted to apply it's Scientific understanding of this esoteric side of Science and Mathematics so you don't have to know math to grasp it.

The fundamental understanding of this subject is outlined early on in the chapters. Now mind you this is NOT a hardcore text about the subject of QP rather it is how one can perceive it and assimilate it into the practice of Metaphysics - specifically in this book to Witchcraft.

One of the things I did NOT care for was how on page 65 the author continues to promote Isaac Bonewits silly `laws' of Magic (sic). What would be fairer to say is that they are "Useful Beliefs of Magic". There is no way to prove that any of these beliefs are immutable laws as say we know the Law of Gravity can be proven to work. Nevertheless, Bill goes on to apply his understanding of QP & how it can be integrated into virtually any esoteric belief. He begins to show how 12 of these Useful Beliefs are integrated with QP on page 131 starting with "A Magical Universe".

Within the same chapter, the author discusses some of the other Magically oriented paths such as Ceremonial Magic, Voudoun, Druidism, Shamanism, etc. The real fun begins wth Chapter 6 called "The Worlds of If" because it is here where he begins to discuss very esoteric concepts of QP such as parallel worlds, multiple universes, the Astral plane and Remote Viewing possibilities.

Chapter 8 is all about something from nothing. I was originally taught that according to the laws of Physics, "matter can neither be created nor destroyed" yet according to the author's comprehension of QP, this is not true. Matter aka Energy DO indeed come from nothing.

Chapters 11 & 12 will be of use for you to understanding how YOU fit into QP. "Miracles Are Us" in chapter 11 discusses the principle component of Magic which is "belief" and chapter 12's "You Have the Power" is all about his understanding of objective reality.

Now I was sorely disappointed with chapter 13's "Quantum Magic" as it again focuses on Useful Beliefs but caring to call them "Laws" instead. This is not a good way to foster attracting new ideas because you are pigeon holing yourself by using an absolute term such as `law'. We all know that even some laws have loopholes and thus are not truly a law but rather a belief. Karma is one of them. For many it is a useful belief but for others it is not.

Chapter 15 is where he starts putting thought into action, theory into game plan. For most this chapter may be tedious as it is revisiting old Magical theories and fundamental Magical instructions such as relaxation, deep breathing, etc. The short section on affirmations on page 228 I found to be useful and incorporated several of these into my regular daily disciplines.

The anecdotes Mr. Keith provides are humorous as well as insightful. I chuckled at his mention of himself back in his "hyperational" days when he would hear a neo-Pagan mention they "raised their vibrations" and he wondered if the energetic individual would suddenly burst into flames. LOL I don't care who you are, that's funny!

All in all, with a complete index and full biblography plus copious footnotes spread throughout the book, I give it a 5 stars out of 5 due to his ability to take a tough subject and shape it so any 101 student could understand. Furthermore I found the price tag to be quite acceptable.

This is an excellent book to read in terms of exploring where quantum physics and magic intersects. The author does a wonderful job of explaining the concepts and providing background, as well as an explanation of how all the theory can be applied practically to magic.

I particularly appreciated his use and acknowledgement of other sources, a welcome change from the majority of occult texts.

The only complaint I had was that his explanation of chaos magic was very off...he may have wanted to do some research on what chaos magic is.

But even with that error, he provides an excellent book to read that moves beyond the standard 101 books and provides options to explore more advanced works, as well as showing the inevitable need for a synthesis of agic with other disciplines..

overall four and a half stars out of five.

This book is a must have for all pagans who practice the craft. The author details how recent scientific studies have shown that the power we use everyday to perform magic is real even though it may not be seen or understood. The author advises the reader to experiment with him. This book raises your spirit and most importantly, your faith.

This is one of the BEST books I have ever read about spirituality. It explains HOW and WHY magick/prayer works. Even if you already KNOW that it works, it reinforces your beliefs with scientific fact. Very easy read...Mr. Keith has a great sense of humour!

In recent years there have been a number of books using quantum physics to explain the way magic works. This by far is the most easily understandable one I've read--but don't let it fool you into thinking it's shallow!

Keith's writing style is conversational, but gets his points across very effectively. He shows us how quantum physics works, with highlights on key experiments from the Renaissance onward that build up to our present understanding. He then weaves these concepts into magical practice, showing how what we do as witches, pagans and magicians is supported by science.

My only question is why he didn't refer to Chaos magic more, particularly Peter J. Carroll's "Liber Kaos". His definition of Chaos magic isn't quite complete, and I think he'd benefit from picking up a copy of "Liber Kaos".

However, that's only a tiny gripe in an excellent book. I highly recommend this book, particularly for those of us who have less of a grasp on science.

I first learned of this book in an occult supply catalog. Alas, that source stopped carrying it before I ordered it. Just on a hunch, I searched for it here and found it.

This is definitely a good primer for anyone interested in the occult. It shows that there is a science to magick, and it's not rocket science!

This book brings Quantum Physics onto a level playing field so that most everyone can understand the theories. Not only that but the Author does so with humor.

Most importantly however, is the fact that Mr. Keith ties it into the actual craft. He shows how through our normal everyday practices of our spiritual path we have already been tapping into the "Quantum Sea" as he puts it. Mr. Keith also gives exercises that can help strengthen your practice.

Generally when I get a book such as this, I'm a read and put down and go back kind of person. I did not put this book down. I'm also very "frugal" and feel that this book was well worth the price.

Just go for it.

... This is for you!

Just now getting around to finishing the book, given to me as a Yule gift by the author. Bill is a friend mine... but, nevertheless, I will be as objective as I can.

I *absolutely do* recommend this first foray into non-fiction of this author! It is intellegent (sometimes to the point of being a tad dry) but also accurate. The author gives his own, well researched, scientific explanations of how Witchcraft works.

I was particularly pleased to find a nicely written section on healing from a witch's perspective. Bill does an excellent job of tying both the Healing Craft and Distance Reiki (quite similar it turns out) together with recent research on things like faith healing and prayer for patients. Even as a nurse (of 25+ years) and practiced healer I was able to glean new insight.

I would strongly suggest that the author offer some presentations and signings for the more intellectually oriented pagan groups (ie. CUUPs, ACE, CAW.) That would get the word out to an audience waiting to eat something like this up!

Wonderful job, Bill!