The hottest Magic Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The Return of Magic

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 277 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Magic Spirituality
  1. Belief in a universal consciousness can connect us all. It's about feeling that there's something bigger, like a shared awareness.
  2. We might be on the brink of rediscovering magic in our lives as society moves away from strict materialism. It feels like we're starting to believe in things we can't always see.
  3. Exploring consciousness could lead to wonderful new advancements. Understanding our minds might just open up new paths for technology and life.

4 questions I ask myself when designing

Design Lobster • 679 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🪑 Design Process Simplicity Magic Engagement Creativity
  1. Ensure you are asking the right question in the best possible way to avoid wasting time on irrelevant problems.
  2. Simplify your designs by challenging yourself to imagine the simplest version of a solution, emphasizing substance over ornamentation.
  3. Strive to create magical designs that feel extraordinary and deliver experiences that users couldn't have imagined, aiming for delight and emotional impact.

Traditional Methods of Black Magic

Traditions of Conflict • 26 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Anthropology Traditions Magic Folklore Rituals
  1. Many cultures believe in using things like hair or personal items to harm others through magic. This idea reflects a common practice of using what's connected to someone to affect them.
  2. Supernatural beliefs may persist because people start to feel sick or anxious after hearing they’ve been cursed, which makes them believe in the power of magic more strongly.
  3. There’s a connection between these beliefs and how humans think; people often mistake coincidence for causation, leading to a cycle of magic, fear, and belief.

A Fairy Tree Encounter: Bridging Worlds in the Island Woods

The Planet • 412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore Traditions Beliefs Mythology Magic
  1. Discovering a fairy tree can feel like stumbling upon a magical portal connecting our world to that of elves and fairies.
  2. Leaving offerings at fairy trees stems from ancient Celtic traditions, symbolizing respect and a plea for good fortune.
  3. Despite skepticism, tales of mysterious happenings near fairy trees continue to spark wonder and captivate imaginations.
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Psychogeology

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1258 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Character analysis Magic
  1. Granny Weatherwax from the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett embodies practicality and headology over showy magic, reflecting a unique approach to witchcraft.
  2. The concept of headology in the novels emphasizes the differences between the magic of witches, grounded in nature and practicality, and the magic of wizards, which is more theoretical and power-oriented.
  3. In the Discworld universe, witches like Granny Weatherwax draw strength from the land they inhabit, reflecting the psychogeology of their surroundings in their character and practice.

Amazonian Brujos: The Sorcerers Serving You Ayahuasca

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Shamanism Magic Amazon Psychedelics
  1. Amazonian shamans in the jungle often engage in feuds and conflicts using magical tools like darts and spirits.
  2. Shamanic warfare in the Amazon involves real belief in sorcery and its consequences can be severe, including death and financial ruin.
  3. Westerners seeking shamanic experiences in the Amazon may face challenges due to cultural differences and the real dangers of engaging in local practices.

The Tale of the Shaman: Science, Magic, and Super Placebo (v2)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🔬 Science Psychology Neuroscience Magic Research
  1. Magical healing techniques are psychosocial technologies for eliciting superordinary placebo responses.
  2. In a disenchanted world, achieving magical effects is challenging due to shifts in belief and worldview.
  3. The placebo effect may be rooted in evolutionary processes related to immune system activation and resource allocation.

Lost Tarot Cards

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Magic Religion Beliefs
  1. The post discusses lost tarot cards and their symbolic meanings like measurement, observation, and secret knowledge.
  2. Each tarot card represents different concepts like foundations, structure, and perfect love.
  3. The tarot cards mentioned in the post evoke unique themes such as dedication, asceticism, and preservation.

Ancient Runes and Rune Magic

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Mythology Magic
  1. Runes were letters used by ancient Germanic-speaking people to write words and sentences, not symbols for abstract concepts.
  2. The origins of runes are cryptically described in Norse mythology, but they bear resemblance to alphabets used for Latin and Greek languages at the time.
  3. Modern rune magic concepts are rooted in 16th-century occultism and may not align with how runes were used for magic in the pre-Christian Norse era.

[crosspost] the nameless sorrow at the bottom of your heart

Thicket Forte • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Fantasy Magic Reading
  1. The book 'So You Want to Be a Wizard' has great ideas about magic that can inspire readers. It's enjoyable when a book makes you think deeply about the world.
  2. One of the spooky ideas in the book is about what happens when you decide to give up magic. It can bring up feelings of loss or emptiness.
  3. Sharing favorite books can create connections with others who enjoy similar themes and ideas. It’s nice to find common ground over stories we love.

The Magic Mind Stone

Once Upon A News • 19 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Invention Adventure Magic Storytelling
  1. Elara wished to walk again and live without problems, and hoped for the magic mind stone to make it happen.
  2. Despite challenges, the inventor and helpers worked to make the magic mind stone safer after facing opposition.
  3. The story emphasizes the importance of being careful and responsible when pursuing dreams, like creating the magic mind stone.

The Farthest Shore

Charles Eisenstein • 7 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Fantasy Philosophy Fiction Magic Reality
  1. In Ursula K. Le Guin's 'The Farthest Shore,' there's a warning about the danger of pursuing immortality and power over life.
  2. Le Guin raises the importance of accepting the reality of death and embracing the preciousness of life.
  3. She emphasizes the need to use power and technology responsibly, maintaining balance and not succumbing to the temptation of control and domination.

Fragments, Chapter 11, pp.222-228 - Reading Club posting 40

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Work Self-study Magic
  1. Self-study in groups helps individuals by serving as mirrors to see their faults and recognize the need to awaken.
  2. Groups must work towards a common aim, be sincere with each other, and avoid sharing group teachings outside to keep the work effective.
  3. Members should strive to understand and work on their chief faults, realizing their own nothingness on the path of self-improvement.

Fragments, Chapter 3, pp.59-63 - Reading Club posting 11

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Magic Buddhism
  1. Man doesn't have a permanent 'I,' but rather multiple small 'I's that can change constantly.
  2. People's decisions are often influenced by different 'I's within them, leading to internal conflicts and unfulfilled promises.
  3. Some Eastern teachings use allegorical stories to explain the concept of a fragmented self and the importance of inner unity for true liberation.