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PsyberMagick: Advanced Ideas in Chaos Magick
Peter J. Carroll
Tempe, AZ: New Falcon Publications, 1997. pp. 125.
ISBN# 1-56184-092-0
Chaos theory predicates that humans inhabit an indifferent (at best) or, possibly, a hostile (at worst) universe. There is no cosmic justice, no meaning to life excepting what people choose to create. The premise of causality is negated, as all events happen at random. Chaos can be measured only in terms of probability, and even that is constantly shifting and changing. In his book, PsyberMagick: Advanced Ideas in Chaos Magick, author Peter J. Carroll identifies the Indistinguishability Principle: ... the behavior of the universe appears chaotic because we have no perceptual equipment or instruments to distinguish among the three temporal dimensions whose collective effect thus appears to us as probability. (p. 119) Given this principle, Carroll goes on to define magick as ... the science and art of forcing time into desired patterns by will and perception. (p. 119)
PsyberMagick is not a book for beginning practitioners. Peter J. Carroll is an experienced magus in a field recognizable as ceremonial high magick (with acknowledged alterations and adaptations), and he has written two previous books on magick and its niche in chaos theory. A nodding acquaintance with this evolving theory as well as chemistry, physics and ritual magick are prerequisites; they provide a necessary framework for Carroll's teachings.
PsyberMagick is divided into seven topical areas: magick, politics, heresies, phenomenization, anontology, practicks and spinwarp hypotheses. Each area is broken down into assertions and accompanying commentary, both of which are short and to the point. The magick subheading deals with the underpinnings of magickal belief and practice while briefly discussing the three dimensions of time, probability, enchantment and divination. In the political realm, Carroll tackles the concepts of chaocracy, conspiracy theory and the occult technology of power. Moving into heresies, the author sets about demystifying various sacred cows, challenging language's negative role in religion, elitism, magickal complacency, astrology (Carroll deems it useless), New Ageism (labeled hopelessly diluted 60's style enlightenment), Christianity (nothing positive here) and immortality - among others.20
Having expressed a multitude of opinions, Carroll finally moves to the heart of his issue: the building blocks and speculations surrounding chaos magick. Here the author presents the idea that nothing has being. Carroll states, Attempt to describe `being' and you can only actually describe doing. We observe only `doing,' we never observe `being,' `existence' or `essence.' All phenomena, ourselves included, consist of processes, not of `things' performing processes. (p. 95) After theoretical discussion some conjurations are outlined in general terms; it is again expected that readers are familiar with magickal practice. PsyberMagick concludes with a long section regarding spinwarp paradigms and their effect on the perceived world.
Considering structure, PsyberMagick is well organized. Carroll has a gift for succinct prose and his explanations are concise. The scientific bases for chaos magick are sound and absorbing, and as long as the author sticks to his topic, this book is a gem. Unfortunately, the sections entitled heresies tend to descend to the level of peevish complaints. While there are some strong and logical arguments leveled, there are also statements that sound arrogant and, occasionally, plain silly. For instance, in the heresy addressing New Ageism Carroll pontificates that he could love this system, if the Goddess had made animals taste less good, so I didn't want to eat them... (p. 64) Please - I'm told that antifreeze is tasty, too, but I doubt if Mr. Carroll samples it. It seems he can exercise some discriminatory control. As for If whales could do something more impressive than merely occupy a lot of space... (p. 64), I wonder how the author justifies occupying space; in the scope of chaos theory he is no more important than the whale.
PsyberMagick supplies a clear and thought-provoking treatise on chaos magick in theory and practice. Though weighed down by the author's personal prejudices, it is still well worth reading. Recommended - for those capable of thinking for themselves.
Janet Dugan |
