Energy/Magic & Thermodynamics

[MagiAwen]

Interesting resembelances between magic/psychic energy and thermodynamics.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

When two systems are put in contact with each other, there will be a net exchange of energy between them unless or until they are in thermal equilibrium.

*The same is said in a psychic way as well, we've all experienced it at one time or another...even if we didn't notice. Especially where women are concerned and there is no "magical" thing about it when women spend a lot of time together, often their cycles sync up. Possibly that is the only thing among them that syncs...but it, to me, goes a way in providing my personal answer...which is...call it the law of whatever you want... there is merit to energy and it's influence no matter if you are consciously aware of it or not. Or would like to admit/accept it or not.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; rather, the amount of energy lost in a steady state process cannot be greater than the amount of energy gained.

*You cannot dish out more than you have taken. From a magical perspective, this is what is applicable: If a spell or ceremony “backfires” on you, the energy of that repercussion is not going to be greater than the amount of energy you gathered or directed in the first place. Though, we can also say that it would not be less. You cannot “lose” what you don’t have in the first place. Can you?

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Over time, differences in temperature, pressure, and density tend to even out in a physical system that is isolated from the outside world. Entropy is a measure of how far along this evening-out process has progressed.

Rudolf Clausis, “The entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium.”

There are many versions of the second law, but they all have the same effect, which is to explain the phenomenon of irreversibility in nature.

*So…what this tells us in the occult is that a working can never be reversed. You cannot reverse time, you cannot reverse aging, you cannot reverse a spell or ceremony. Though this is not to say that countermeasures cannot be done, simply that what is done is done. Though there are significant ways to increase or decrease the stability or degradation of what has been done…though only while doing it…not after.

This law also tells us that when that system you are working in is balanced and isolated from the outside world or outside influence, that there is an evening-out of the entropy. That is, the time it would take to “fall apart” or degrade, would increase, since the amount of influential factors would be limited.

This is certainly all about macrocosmic stuff. It also illustrates why cultists usually have their cult headquarters in an isolated place. The threat of degradation of their control and etc, is less.

Though this is also a good thing in terms of magic. While nothing is reversible, we can also control to a point the time in which a working would degrade as long as there is balance within the working and the operator.

For those people obsessed with power, funnily enough, to be most powerful they would have to work in isolation, which also includes keeping your mouth shut. However, for these greedy people, staying out of the limelight is next to impossible because they have a need to feed their huge egos…so, you can imagine that those who work in silence and seclusion, keeping their matters to themselves are actually working with more powerful concepts or we can say more powerful magic…or that they would most likely have more power…whatever we decide power really is.

Third Law of Thermodynamics

As a system approaches absolute zero of temperature, all processes cease and the entropy of the system approaches a minimum value.

This law provides an absolute reference point for the determination of entropy. The entropy determined relative to this point is the absolute entropy.

*Okay so I know that the laws of thermodynamics refers to energy and temperature and what not and by now you are saying…what the hell does this one have to do with magic.

The base point being that in order to determine the rate of entropy or degradation of a work/working/energy you first determine what in the system would equate an absolute zero…the point where all processes cease and the degradation would approach the most minimum value. Basically law three gives you the information to use law two…or at the very least, to figure out what your balance is in your personal system in order to decrease entropy and ensure a more stable, longer lasting magical working.

Fourth Law of Thermodynamics…also called Onsager Reciprocal Relations
These relations express the equality of certain relations between flows and forces in thermodynamic systems out of equilibrium, but where a notion of local equilibrium exists.

*This is sort of like saying…you knew or thought you were a balanced person mentally, physically and magically or at least you know it is possible to be, so you have a notion that you can achieve this balance…this law shows a person where to find the balance on a more specific scale.

So …in other words, you finally understand that in order to perform a proper and effective working that you need to have an internal balanced system, away from as much outside influence as possible…then you identify absolute zero entropy (what actually it would have to be like in order for the least amount of degradation in the working) and then you determine, through more analysis what effects the different “flows and forces” have upon your workings.

This usually takes more than just sitting around thinking about it. It takes a lot of time and a lot of practice and A LOT of taking notes and paying attention.

Why? Because you need to have balance in your mental state, physical state and your astral or energetic state. Most systems teach you how to work on these things one at a time.

Hermetics..specifically Bardon's variety (since that is what I have the most experience with) teaches you to develop these all at the same time, thus ending with a complete and balanced individual system. Strong stuff.

[Octarine Prince]

I love your thought processes. It fits into one of my thoughts:

The only thing people of all religions (even no religion) agree on is the Law of Universal Balance. People cannot deny that the Universe seeks balance. The thermodynamic laws, the laws of motion, the laws of chemical reactions, etc. are all powered by the Universe's indomitable march to Balance. Karma is rooted in balance. If someone believes in evolution, even that is fundamentally rooted in a supposed balancing act played out with the Earth as a stage and all life as actors.

[MagiAwen]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Many people would find this as making magic too complicated...and maybe it is but I feel like if I'm there with it, someone else must be as well.

I remember a while back someone (on some board) asked after you learn this and that and have been practicing for a while...then what. The answer was practice more of course. I find that to be true, however, I think many who go on, especially those interested in ceremony or at the very least longevity in their work do escalate to these more "complicated" processes. To me, it's refinement.

Originally Posted by Octarine Prince

I love your thought processes. It fits into one of my thoughts:

The only thing people of all religions (even no religion) agree on is the Law of Universal Balance. People cannot deny that the Universe seeks balance. The thermodynamic laws, the laws of motion, the laws of chemical reactions, etc. are all powered by the Universe's indomitable march to Balance. Karma is rooted in balance. If someone believes in evolution, even that is fundamentally rooted in a supposed balancing act played out with the Earth as a stage and all life as actors.

I also find your comments here insightful and very appropriate. And truly, the Universe is the force at work here on a large scale all of those ...what we now call scientific laws seem to be quite applicable to magic and why wouldn't they be since it is just as natural as anything else around here.

Many might say that they don't care about balance or don't want to worry about these "laws"...and that is fine, no one has to and surely workings do work...I know they do, that do not take these sort of things into consideration. The only thing is...they work more effectively if you do. At least that has been my experience with it all.

[symbolicsorcery]

The second law reminds me of the golden rule of occultism: silence.

Once you start talking about your true will, it dissipates. And the amount/rate of dissipation depends on the energy level of those you talk to.

[Draginvry]

Originally Posted by symbolicsorcery

Once you start talking about your true will, it dissipates. And the amount/rate of dissipation depends on the energy level of those you talk to.

Yeah, I learned awhile back not to throw my pearls before swine.

Talking to a non-believer is like banging your head against a brick wall. The wall doesn't move, and you get a headache.