More magickal musings.
Regarding metaphysics; perhaps I'm just anal, but I apparently don't use the word in the same way everyone else does- I use dictionary definitions for things (plus my own take- I'm sure, much like anyone). This is how I do it; "is magic real, can it truly affect our reality?" That's metaphysics- speculation upon the nature of reality. "Is there a deeper meaning to our attempts at reality manipulation- is there even any reason to do so?" Also metaphysics in the way I understand the word.
"My l33t spellz work! Really! Wanna see me go into REM sleep at will?" Actually had a guy say this. Whereupon he proceeds to lean back, rolling his eyes behind his lids, as if this proved anything except that he was a complete and utter wanker. NOT metaphysics, or even metaphysical speculation, but some loser trying to look cool who has completely missed the point.
I still maintain that magic is the manipulation of the reality we question in our lives- and yes, personal transformation, in the sense of cleaning up our souls and getting rid of the crappy programming too many of our parents (and society) has forced upon us.
Metaphysics is SPECULATION. Magic is something we USE, a tool. A tool, on it's own, is not connected to many metaphysical question, unless it's being held up as an example of what we question; the NATURE of that tool, and how real it is.
Light hitting the cones of your retina is a physical phenomenon- it doesn't ask a question on the nature of the universe. It's just light. Now, if I were to ask, "what is the NATURE of light?" Then THAT would be a metaphysical question (as well as a simple scientific one- anyone who sez science can't be metaphysical is an idiot).
As for the folks that make you twitch over whether magic is physical, or important, don't worry on 'em, they's a waste of time for anyone who's into this sort of thing. If it can affect the physical world- then it MUST be applying some kind of force to that world- it's physical. Is it important? If by important, does it hold great implications for how we view the universe and it's workings? Then yes, it's important; quantum physics alone has occasionally wandered into the realm of near-magical speculation by even entertaining the strange idea that the observer can AFFECT THE OBSERVED.
If our wishes (IE; spells) only affect our perception of reality, then maybe it's just bunk- but if that perception is important to the actual efficacy of our magical intent, and it causes a quantifiable (measurable) change in reality, then who's to say it ISN'T real?
THAT'S metaphysics. *grins* I'm done now. Heh.
Oh, and I almost forgot- Happy birfday Mikey! (my brother) And you, too Johnny! (another brother- his was on the 12th of this month- same as the Persiad meteor showers).
"My l33t spellz work! Really! Wanna see me go into REM sleep at will?" Actually had a guy say this. Whereupon he proceeds to lean back, rolling his eyes behind his lids, as if this proved anything except that he was a complete and utter wanker. NOT metaphysics, or even metaphysical speculation, but some loser trying to look cool who has completely missed the point.
I still maintain that magic is the manipulation of the reality we question in our lives- and yes, personal transformation, in the sense of cleaning up our souls and getting rid of the crappy programming too many of our parents (and society) has forced upon us.
Metaphysics is SPECULATION. Magic is something we USE, a tool. A tool, on it's own, is not connected to many metaphysical question, unless it's being held up as an example of what we question; the NATURE of that tool, and how real it is.
Light hitting the cones of your retina is a physical phenomenon- it doesn't ask a question on the nature of the universe. It's just light. Now, if I were to ask, "what is the NATURE of light?" Then THAT would be a metaphysical question (as well as a simple scientific one- anyone who sez science can't be metaphysical is an idiot).
As for the folks that make you twitch over whether magic is physical, or important, don't worry on 'em, they's a waste of time for anyone who's into this sort of thing. If it can affect the physical world- then it MUST be applying some kind of force to that world- it's physical. Is it important? If by important, does it hold great implications for how we view the universe and it's workings? Then yes, it's important; quantum physics alone has occasionally wandered into the realm of near-magical speculation by even entertaining the strange idea that the observer can AFFECT THE OBSERVED.
If our wishes (IE; spells) only affect our perception of reality, then maybe it's just bunk- but if that perception is important to the actual efficacy of our magical intent, and it causes a quantifiable (measurable) change in reality, then who's to say it ISN'T real?
THAT'S metaphysics. *grins* I'm done now. Heh.
Oh, and I almost forgot- Happy birfday Mikey! (my brother) And you, too Johnny! (another brother- his was on the 12th of this month- same as the Persiad meteor showers).