Mind over Magick by Richard Kaczynski

[Inner Traditions] A scientific examination of magical practice • Draws on peer-reviewed research in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, such as real-time brain imaging, to examine the effects of mystical states and magical practice • Shows how being “in the zone,” as described by athletes and performers, is consistent with the ritualist’s state of mind when working magic • Suggests rituals and routines to strengthen one’s practice of magic, witchcraft, meditation, and yoga with empirically proven tools By looking through the lens of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and real-time brain imaging, Mind over Magick shows how and why ritual magical practice can produce profound experiences with tangible benefits. Richard Kaczynski draws on a wealth of peer-reviewed research to shed new light on magic. He uses psychological studies, including the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment in which subjects role-played as prisoners and guards, to reveal the power of magical vestments and personas and the effect they have on ritual practictioners.