List,
The matter/mind dichotomy is yet another distinction which is less useful
than one might assume by observing how their respective concepts are
utilized in common practice. That is, while one says that objects "do"
things...they say that the mind "thinks" things--distinguishing from that
which is thought and that which is done. I assume that thinking is doing
and that there is a continuum from the idea through the action by which
ideas are made manifest (though the actual process may involve first
thinking then doing...I cannot imagine doing without thinking nor that
thinking is not doing a thing).
So, asking if magic is a knowledge or an activity is similarly missing the
point (like asking if auto-repair is knowledge or activity). Magic is
putting thought into action. There are certain actions which would more
naturally result from certain thoughts (drinking water as related to the
thought that one is thirsty being more natural than eating crackers...).
Working from the level of thought (and even from the level "archetype" or
key thoughts which influence other thoughts), one can influence action and
thereby have materialistic effects.
Though I beg to differ, "mysticism" is a social illusion by which emotions
are manipulated to have similar effects...that is, the broad concept is
manipulated rather than the specific "key" point(s). The effects of magic
and mysticism are different. Mysticism puts people to sleep (lessens the
distinctive quality of the idea and induces people to act without conscious
volition, emotionally). Magic creates a hypervigelence and distinctly
probable conclusion which more likely manifests as a lucid "answer" to
previously ambivalent stimuli. Magic and mysticism are such different
endeavors that I am offended when they are used in the same sentence.
Brett
http://members.tripod.com/~Brettman35/index.html
ICQ &MindRec "Chat" UIN 6630756
They talk most who have the least to say.
Matthew Prior