Whilst there are many different cultural expressions of magical consciousness, there are some underlying fundamental aspects that are common to all, aspects that have been historically under recognised by science. Although a different mode of thought to analysis, magical consciousness is considered to be complementary, not diametrically opposed. The worldview conveyed in this magical approach is shamanistic, holistic and animistic, and one can argue that this is an ancient and essential part of human thinking that has been obscured by the over-rationalization and materialism of modern western cultures.
The aim of this volume is to provide a theoretically researched and practical guide to developing magical consciousness as an affective mode of thought. Greenwood argues that an understanding of magical consciousness can help to develop a strong sense of individual coherence and meaning in a challenging and constantly changing world. With its focus on interconnections, an increasing awareness of magical consciousness can have a positive social and environmental effect, as well as revealing a form of knowledge largely marginalized in Western societies. By countering the common stereotypical view that magic is essentially concerned with instrumental action having a supernatural effect on material reality, such as through spells or rituals, it is proposed that the real impact of magic happens at a more fundamental level of expanded perception.
The aim of this work is to provide a non-reductive structure for individual exploration, and a creative space for the interplay of both magical and analytical modes of thought. It will be of great interest to scholars in the fields of pagan studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy, as well as practitioners of magic and the general interested reader.
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