What is Magic?
Magus Kilroy Bisset's assertion that "magic is a supernatural result by natural means" underscores the paradox that threads through much of his work. At a superficial glance, magic appears to defy the laws of nature as we understand them, hence being termed 'supernatural'. However, when delving deeper into Bisset's teachings, one finds that magic is not so much a deviation from natural laws, but rather an extension or more profound application of them.
In Bisset's theory of spellcasting, the triad of willpower, intent, and knowledge, especially knowledge of frequencies, is pivotal. These elements are, in essence, rooted in natural principles:
1. Willpower: Much like the mental determination needed to achieve any physical or intellectual feat in our world, willpower in magic acts as the driving force. It’s a human trait, found naturally in many, but harnessed and fine-tuned by spellcasters.
2. Intent: Every action in nature has a purpose, whether it's water flowing downstream or a tree branching towards the sunlight. Similarly, intent gives direction to the raw energy channeled by a spellcaster.
3. Knowledge of Frequencies: This is where Bisset's philosophy shines uniquely. By understanding the intrinsic frequencies, both audible and visual, spellcasters tap into the natural vibrations of the universe. These vibrations and energies exist all around and within us. Magic, in Bisset's view, is the manipulation and fine-tuning of these energies to achieve specific outcomes. It’s less about creating something out of nothing and more about aligning, reshaping, or redirecting what already exists in nature.
So, when Bisset states that magic yields "supernatural results by natural means," he's emphasizing that spellcasting isn't about circumventing the laws of nature, but rather mastering them on a deeper, more intricate level. By fully understanding and harnessing the latent powers and frequencies inherent in the universe, spellcasters can achieve outcomes that, to the uninitiated, appear beyond the realm of possibility.
Acclaimed science fiction author and technologist, Arthur C. Clarke, once postulated that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." This idea has resonated deeply in the worlds of science fiction and popular culture. At its heart, Clarke's statement suggests that to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of advanced technology, such systems could seem like magic, mysterious and unexplainable. On the contrary, Bisset, maintained that "Any genuine magic, when thoroughly understood, becomes indistinguishable from technology."
Clarke's adage stems from the notion that technological advancements, when reaching a certain pinnacle of sophistication, appear miraculous to the uninitiated. Imagine introducing a smartphone or a holographic display to someone from a few centuries ago. The device's functionalities, from instant communication across continents to capturing moments in time, would seem nothing short of sorcery. Clarke suggests that our definition of magic evolves with time and is inversely proportional to our understanding of technology.
In contrast, Bisset’s philosophy delves into the arcane, implying that true magic, when dissected and deeply understood, aligns itself with the principles of technology. For Bisset, magic wasn’t just incantations and rituals; it was an intricate system, much like technology, governed by its own set of laws and principles. In his theory of spellcasting, Bisset emphasized factors like will, intent, and knowledge, likening them to the variables one would adjust in a technological experiment. His focus on the "frequency" in spellcasting could even be compared to tuning a radio to the correct frequency. To Bisset, understanding the depth of these frequencies and harmonics was akin to grasping the inner workings of a piece of technology. Once decoded, magic, in all its wonder, could be systematized, categorized, and, to a certain extent, mechanized.
While at first glance, Clarke and Bisset’s statements may seem diametrically opposed, they might actually be two sides of the same coin. Both hint at the idea that the boundaries between magic and technology are permeable, shifting based on perspective and understanding. Clarke’s viewpoint is more about perception and relativity, emphasizing the observer's knowledge level. Bisset, however, is more about the intrinsic nature of magic itself, arguing that its core, when revealed, has the systematic structure of technology.
The juxtaposition of Clarke and Bisset’s views provides a rich tapestry of thought on the interplay between magic and technology. While Clarke warns of the potential mystification of advanced technology, Bisset urges a deeper understanding of magic, suggesting that beneath its enigmatic surface lies a technological core. In a world that is increasingly blending the boundaries of science, technology, and the arcane, these perspectives challenge us to question, understand, and redefine our notions of both magic and technology.