Disclaimer: This is just a theory and Some if not all of it could be wrong incorrect. The purpose of this post is to get feedback on its components. Ive come up with this myself but it is possible (maybe likely?) that someone has come up with this before me.
The Idea: Magic can only influence the probability of events that could occur naturally.
Broader Idea: If something could not happen naturally then magic can not make it happen. If something will happen no matter what naturally then magic can not stop it.
Example: Death can not be avoided naturally. All things die, Thus magic can not itself prevent death. This does not mean magic cant be used to enhance health and longevity as these are perfectly possible through natural methods.
Definitions: The definitions of key words in this theory are necessary to fully understand the nature of the theory
Magic- Any combination of will, focus, and intent which causes a change in how the world interacts.
Naturally- A hard term to define as there is a very blurry line between natural and unnatural, but in general anything that could happen through nonartificial means.
Influence- Change, Skew
Expanded Idea: If magic can not make something not happen that will happen and can not make something that wont happen occur then magic itself can only influence not guarantee effects.
Example: Using magic to find a job can not guarantee a job. It can influence (increase or decrease) your chance to get a job. If you have not tried to get a job and you would never get a job naturally then magic will not help. If inversely you are getting a job no matter what then magic would be of little use in losing the job. This also seems to say that even if you have a 99% chance of finding a job magic can not make that a 100%, but only increase the chance.
Possible Rule Breakers: In this section ill list some things that can possible hurt the above theory
entities such as spirits, demons, angels, deities ect. and interactions between them- These seem to break the core of the theory as the theory itself has no way of explaining this entire field of magic.
Clairvoyance, Visions, and other psychic phenomenon- These seem to break the theory as they seem to not be something that could occur through natural means. Also they seem as either a they occur or don't occur and there seems to be no in between.
Possible explanations- Perhaps there is chance involved but because of the nature of the abilities this is hard to see. This could also be a natural phenomenon that seems rarer then it really is (example Deja Vu).
So there it is my basic theory. I would love to hear your thoughts on it both positive and negative. It for me at least seems to answer many questions for me involving magic but ill admit there is a lot it cant explain.
Some of your "theory" is of the Occult, and not magic at all! Magic, real magic, is changing one or more things into something entirely different.When scientists discover a new type of drug, by mixing other drugs, and perhaps adding a new ,recent drug. That is magic! Changing one thing into something else.
Gods, Demons, Spirits, Angels, ad infinitum, that is the Occult, not magic!
Brysing
That is why I added the definition of magic that I used into the theory itself. Magic is usually used as a catchall for a wide variety of beliefs and I used it as such here. I do agree with you regarding entities though but I included them as a general nod. I belief that is why they do not follow this rule and meant to include that but I guess I forgot to
I also believe that magic is natural which is a cornerstone of the theory above. What I was arguing was that magic could not accomplish the unnatural and including that its effect could not be guaranteed.
Yes, indeed! Most of your theory is correct. I am a witch; and I can, and have many times over the years, demonstrate magic.Nobody has ever been able to show me a spirit!
My opinion is that magic is based on the existence of a "spiritual" worlds. Meaning not just this physical.
I write "Spiritual" intentionally in quotation marks.
See spiritual alchemy, gnostic, magic or some eastern and older texts.
There is - according those opinions - several finer worlds and several finer bodies. A "magick" make these subtle forms of existence.
If you want to harden this theory (harden as in actually support with some form of evidence although possibly make the theory more complicated) then you can reference the laws of physics right here.
The laws of physics can't ever be broken and have yet to be proven to be broken. Newtons first law of physics states the law of inertia: objects at rest tend to stay at rest, objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
This applies in more than just motion, it's essentially cause and effect. An effect cannot exist without a cause. For example, no one will give you a job without some way receiving the idea to. However there are multiple causes to multiple effects and some of which you cannot personally control. For example, in order for you to get a job there needs to be a job opening. Second you need to go apply for the job. Third they need some reason to choose you over all other candidates. Also this theory wouldn't end here. This theory can provide reason for what factors precisely can magic influence and how those causes lead to effects. You don't have to drag this theory along that far because who knows how far the rabbit hole goes.
I think alot of what you said makes sense. I believe that anything can be possible with magic if you have the will powere to make it happen within reason of cause. I've noticed with some spells they only influence what you want to happen and not so much make it happen out of nowhere. Alot of the times it's a matter of if it needs to happen an what your reason is for casting the spell or performing the magic! Love your theories though you took it deeper then most people would thing when it comes to magic an the craft!
Its my darn analytical mind at work lol. I see something work then I ask myself why and how. I basically believe that magic is a natural occurring event that science hasn't figured out how to explain yet.
