The links between quantum physics and magic pop up as a way to unite open-minded skeptics with science-minded magicians. Whether or not the field will at last unite members of team seen-with-a-microscope with team-unseen is a matter yet to be discovered. In this second edition of Quantum Sorcery, author Dave Smith attempts to unite these universes using the principles of physics to explain magic.
Whether or not Smith succeeds in explaining – or persuading – the reader of links between the laws of physics and the practice of magic unfortunately depends upon the reader’s opinion prior to reading. The disinclined will find flaws in the reasoning, the inclined will point out every flaw acknowledges that some stuff, science just doesn’t know.
If a reader approaches this as a foundation to a magical system instead of some blend of science cum magic, Smith provides everything necessary to use physics for ritual. Assign your symbols and sigils appropriately, fire off your catapult, and you can use quantum physics to lever your perceptions of this and many other realities.
What may deter those interested in such a system is Smith’s prose. While all technically correct, Quantum Sorcery is a hard read. Two people with graduate level education struggled to make it through some passages (and yes, one had a background in hard science.) In some ways, it felt like a right-brained revisit to the writings of Israel Regardie, H.P. Blavatsky, Dion Fortune or Aleistar Crowley: while Quantum Sorcery imparts valuable information, Smith’s writing gets in the way.
Quantum Physics, like any mystical theory, does not suit everyone. However, for those determined to understand their own chaos, this book is recommended –come armed with a dictionary and be willing to reread certain passages several times.
~review by Diana Rajchel
Author: Dave Smith
Megalithica Books, 2009
116 pages, $19.95
