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The Science of Magick: Implicate Order

“What is, is always a totality of ensembles, all present together, in an orderly series of stages of enfoldment and unfoldment, which intermingle and interpenetrate each other in principle throughout the whole of space.” David Bohm

Spooky Action at a Distance

In the 80s, theoretical physicists first observed the paradoxical behavior of subatomic particles known as quantum entanglement, or “spooky action at a distance” as Einstein called it.  This phenomenon has been observed whereby the properties (quantum states) of a set of particles will never be independent of each other, regardless of distance, after they have interacted. This observation would be like taking a set of twins, dying one’s hair black, and then discovering that regardless of where the twins were located, the other’s hair turned black instantaneously as well. Spooky! This property of non-locality could not be explained by the current theory of quantum mechanics, so many physicists proposed their own respective models to explain the observations.

The theory of implicate order, and its counterpart explicate order, were detailed by physicist David Bohm in his book Wholeness and Implicate Order in 1980. Implicate order theory provides a model of the universe as an “unbroken wholeness of the totality of existence as an undivided flowing movement without borders" in which space and time as we observe them are merely derivatives (unfolded, explicate order) of the deeper reality. It sounds complex, but Bohm provides an illustrative example:

Imagine a fish in a tank with two separate cameras recording from two separate angles and projecting onto two separate screens. Now imagine you can only see the tv screens and not the actual fish; two 2D models (explicate orders) of a 3D objective reality (implicate order). By observing only the 2D models, one can discern that the “two” fish are somehow interrelated: when the fish on screen A moves 90 degrees, so does the fish on screen B, etc. It is not that one screen is causing the changes on the other screen, just that all of the image content on one screen correlates with the other.

If we scale up the fish example to our observed universe, we might say that our 3D world defined by space and time is merely a lower dimensional model of a higher dimensional reality ie. the implicate order. What if the twins were never really twins? The “two” particles we compare in the quantum entanglement experiments may simply be an artifact of how our current explicate reality has temporarily unfolded, leaving us looking at one deeper reality on two screens.

The Quantum Observer Effect

Along with observations regarding quantum entanglement came other observations about… well… observation itself. The classic example of this is the double-slit experiment, in which single photons are allowed to pass through two parallel slits in a screen and the resulting pattern formed is recorded. This experiment is best known for its conclusion of the particle-wave duality of light:

“Sending particles through a double-slit apparatus one at a time results in single particles appearing on the screen, as expected. Remarkably, however, an interference pattern emerges when these particles are allowed to build up one by one.” The Fabric of the Cosmos, Brian Greene

When behaving as waves, single photons simultaneously pass through both both slits and then meet again (interfere) at the other side of the barrier. 

In one variation of this experiment, conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1998, researchers built a tiny detector which was able to observe which one of the two slits the particle went through. And here’s where things get interesting for us (my emphasis added)…

“Once an observer begins to watch the particles going through the openings, the picture changes dramatically: if a particle can be seen going through one opening, then it’s clear it didn’t go through another. In other words, when under observation, electrons are being “forced” to behave like particles and not like waves. Thus the mere act of observation affects the experimental findings.”  Source 

By observing the photons as they pass through the two slits, we are forcing the collapse of the wave function itself, turning a wave of probability into a point of certainty.

Holonomic Brain Theory

When we combine David Bohm’s Implicate Order and the nature of wave interference patterns, we come to Holonomic Brain theory of quantum consciousness developed in collaboration between Bohm and neuroscientist Karl Pribram. As opposed to Conscious Mental Field theory, which I discussed in my previous Science of Magick post here, Holonomic Brain theory models the brain as a holographic storage network. In this framework, the non-locality of memory is viewed as an inherent property of the system, since all parts of a hologram contain the whole of the stored information.

“Holography relies upon wave interference. If two wavelengths of light are of differing frequencies, they will interfere with each other and create a pattern… The hologram illustrates how “information about the entire holographed scene is enfolded into every part of the film.” It resembles the Implicate Order in the sense that every point on the film is “completely determined by the overall configuration of the interference patterns.” Even a tiny chunk of the holographic film will reveal the unfolded form of an entire three-dimensional object. Source

In essence, this theory proposes that the totality of human consciousness is enfolded into a neural hologram, making it a sub-implicate order of reality.  In fact, Bohm posits that there are infinite sub- and super-implicate orders, where higher orders organize lower orders and are also influenced by them. 

To summarize the main conclusions under these frameworks thus far:

1. Implicate Order is a hidden, all-encompassing, higher-dimensional reality which we observe only through a lower-dimensional projection (explicate order) dependent on space and time.

2. Events that are observed can be changed by the act of observation. In choosing to observe one possible quantum state, the observer defines it as such. (It’s our choices, Harry….)

3. Consciousness exists as a sub-implicate order, which is organized by and exerts influence on super-implicate orders.

Conclusions for Chaotes

Implicate Order provides a mechanism for magick. The basic definition of magick within the Chaos paradigm is the act of imposing one’s will on reality, ie. using your mind to create change in the world around you. Sorcery is performed using visualization techniques to focus the subconscious mind on a desired outcome, such as in Austin Osman Spare’s sigil methods. The practitioner, in an altered state of consciousness, visualizes the reality they desire and manifests it into reality.  Using the frameworks we have discussed, we can translate this definition into the following statement: Magick is the practice of defining a certain state of reality by encoding observational information within the sub-implicate order of consciousness which is then decoded within the Implicate Order and manifested in the explicate order of our observed reality.

It is interesting to note that David Bohm himself experienced a paradigm shift during his career. The results from his own work lead Bohm down a rabbit hole into the realms of spiritualism and philosophy, which drew criticism from his contemporaries regarding his reputation as a physicist. However, as a chemist and a chaos witch, I find his embrace of the overlap between hard-science and metaphysics relatable and inspiring.

“Consciousness is much more of the implicate order than is matter… Yet at a deeper level [matter and consciousness] are actually inseparable and interwoven, just as in the computer game the player and the screen are united by participation.” David Bohm

Witchcraft for Beginners: Lesson 2

There are so many different paths and different practices you can take as a witch. When starting off, don’t stress about the labels too much. Take a moment to read through some of the different potential paths you could take and see which ones sound the most interesting to you!

Air Witch: Witches who work with the element of air, and the energies thereof. They may work with things such as feathers, movement, incense, breath, and other air-based magick.

Ancestral Witch: Witches who focus their craft on connecting to and working with one’s ancestors.

Animal/Creature Witch: Witches that work with animals or creatures. They may use their energies within the craft for attunement, aid, or protection. Considered a branch of the green witch path, these witches may work with either spiritual or physical forms of animals/creatures.

Artistic Witch: A witch who is artistically inclined within their craft. They typically have a strong desire to create and work with colours. Art witches tend to draw, paint, sculpt, act, dance, sing, (etc.) within their practice.

Astro/Space Witch: Considered a branch of the cosmic witch path. An Astro/ space witch may be adept at cosmic magick as well as astral travel, astrology and science-based magick.

Atheist Witch: Simply witches who do not believe in any form of deity. Also called Secular Witch.

Blood Witch: Witches who practice blood magick, and use the energy and power of blood within their practice. Considered a branch of the chaos witch path.

Bone Witch: Witches who use bones in their practice, and can typically tap into the energy of or communicate with the spirits who used to own the bones. This may allow their assistance to the witch within their practice. Could be considered a form of animal or ancestral magick. May also incorporate components of death magick and/or necromancy practices.

Ceremonial Witch: Witches who practice a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practice. They may focus on rituals and formal practices of casting of magick as well.

Chaos Witch/Chaote: (difficult to define) Some may also call this ‘result-based’ or ‘success’ magick. A chaos witch usually focuses on the attainment of specific results, typically emphasizing will and intention in their practice. They tend to advocate and pioneer diverse approaches to magick. Some feel that through experimentation, it does not matter what one believes so long as their tools or system of magick were implemented effectively. Therefore, belief may be considered a tool in and of itself. On the same note, they tend to feel intentions/will are key above all else, and the tools will not make or break the practice. They may have a more scientific or experimental approach in their practice.

Closeted Witch/Subtle Witch: Witches who are not open about their practice. They tend to practice in secrecy, for a variety of reasons. These witches are not quite ready, or may simply not wish to share their practice with the general public or friends/family.

Colour Witch/Color Witch: Considered a branch of the art witch path. These are witches who specifically use and revolve their practice around the metaphysical properties of colours within their magick.

Cottage/Hearth Witch: Witches who specialize in magick surrounding the home. Similar to the kitchen witch, but less emphasis on food or cooking. They tend to consider their home a sacred place, and their magick usually focuses on the home, and their families. They will make the place they live comfortable and protected.

Cosmic Witch: Considered an umbrella term for witches who use cosmic, or astrological bodies in their crafts and practice such things as astrology and/or astronomy. They tend to work with the energies of the stars, moon, sun, and planets among many other celestial bodies.

Coven Witch/Circle Witch: Witches who practice within a group of witches. They typically practise and learn with others in their group.

Crystal Witch: Witches who primarily use crystals, stones, gems, or rocks in their practice. Considered a branch of the green witch path, they will practice such things as crystal meditation, protection, and crystal grids, among many other things. They tend to have in-depth knowledge of different crystals/stones/ (etc.) and are able to identify them based on their properties.

Death Witch: Witches who practice death magick. These practitioners typically work with and honour the dead, along with the power of death itself. Death witches tend to advocate death as a new beginning, and an essential part of the life cycle. They may or may not incorporate necromancy in their practice (divination through the dead). They may also integrate ancestral and/or bone magick in their craft as well.

Demonic Witch: These witches work heavily with demons. They differ from Exorcists in that they typically summon demons and get them to do their bidding, rather than casting them out.

Desert Witch/Witch of the Waste: Witches who focus on desert magick. Working with things of and from the desert such as desert sand, cacti, or spirits/animals of the desert. They may, or may not live in/near a desert.

Divination/Oracle Witch: Witches who emphasize on divination practices such as tarot, pendulum, ouija, runes, or any other form of divination.

Draconian/Draconic Witch: Witches who work with dragons, and draconic magick. Fueled by the symbolism and energies of dragons, these witches will typically embrace balance and wisdom within their craft. Many of them will consider dragons to be higher beings, or even deities themselves, and work with them as such.

Dream Witch: Witches who work on, and in their dreams, and may practice lucid dreaming along with other dreaming techniques. They may cast magick, work with deities, access other realities, among numerous other things in their dreams. Dream witches may also be known as dream walkers. Some may use the dreamscape as a home away from home. They tend to be influenced by the moon and spirituality and may incorporate many practices of lunar magick, hedge magick, or practice psychic abilities within their craft as well.

Earth Witch: Witches who work with the element of earth, and the energies thereof. They may work with things such as crystals, herbs, rocks, dirt, the spirit of the land, and other earth-based magick.

Eclectic Witch: Witches who have an eclectic practice. This means that they will work with, and learn from many different types of paths, practices, philosophies, traditions, knowledge, and sources. They typically will end up knowing about all of them and will choose to incorporate whatever suits them within their craft. They may tend to specialize in a handful of paths which fit them best.

Elemental Witch: Witches who work with all of the classic elements; fire, water, earth, air, and spirit. Although, some elemental witches choose not to incorporate the element of spirit.

Fire Witch: Witches who work with the element of fire, and the energies thereof. They may work with things such as candle magick, bonfire rituals, and fire scrying among other fire-based magick.

Flora Witch: Witches who emphasize the use of flowers in their practice, and may use them just like herbs. Considered a branch of the green witch path.

Forest Witch: Witches who focus on working with things from the forest such as the trees, forest spirits, and forest animals. They may or may not live in/ near a forest.

Garden Witch: Witches who emphasize working with plants, herbs, and the earth. Much like a green witch, or earth witch, but are focused on their garden, and how to incorporate the garden within their craft.

Green Witch: Witches who use nature-based items in their practice such as herbs, trees, stones, animals, and other natural elements (can be considered an umbrella term for many nature-based paths). These witches tend to focus on holistic medicine and may, be learned, healers. They are usually very familiar with their local region, having much knowledge of different species of plants, trees, insects, wildlife and flowers.

Hedge Witch: Witches that use magick that is oriented around the spiritual world. They would practice such things as astral travel, astral projection, lucid dreaming, spirit-work, and journeying. These witches are able to walk between worlds and explore alternative realities. Many hedge witches are known for working with herbs and divination as well and tend to live very mindfully.

Herbal Witch: Witches who mainly use herbs in their practice. As another type of natural magick, they will usually grow herbs and will use these herbs in many different ways in order to produce magickal effects such as burning them, turning them into tea, or sprinkling them around places.

Hereditary Witch: Witches who are usually born into a family of practising witches. They get their tradition passed down to them by their family. They also usually have their family to practice with, and assist in their development. However, not everyone born into witchcraft or raised by a family of witches choose to practice or become a witch.

Kitchen Witch: Witches who work magick in their cooking and/or baking. Focusing on the magickal properties that they can obtain from many different ingredients. They may also to be drawn to arts and crafts, sewing, cleaning, and gardening as well. Many of these witches are typically skilled in potions and/or herbology.

Lunar Witch: Witches who focus their work with the energies of the moon, and the moon’s cycles. They will typically time their rituals and spell work in correspondence to lunar phases. They may also incorporate certain items or other things in their craft that correspond with the moon such as minerals, crystals, herbs, animals, deities, (etc).

Metal Witch: Witches who work specifically with metal and using the magickal properties of different metals within their craft. These witches may be found creating their own jewellery, talismans, amulets, wands, (etc.) incorporating a base metal and/or combinations of metals.

Necromantic/Necromancy Witch: Considered a branch of Chaos magick, these witches take spirit working a step further and are adept at communicating with and controlling the dead. Their practice typically involves communication with the deceased,  either by summoning their spirit as an apparition or raising them bodily. They may do this for the purpose of divination, imparting the means to foretell future events, obtaining hidden knowledge, to bring someone back from the dead, or to use the dead to do their bidding.

Practical Witch: Considered a branch of the kitchen witch path. These witches are adept at spellwork and use their magick for everyday, mundane things. They are typically found experimenting with ways to use magick in order to make their daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Religious Witch: Witches who hold some form of religion. These are going to be such witches as Christian witches, Luciferian witches, Pagan witches, Wiccan witches, Buddhist witches, Muslim witches, Jewish witches, Hindu Witches, along with any other type of religious witch.

Science Witch: Witches who have a higher focus on science, and will use their understanding of science in practice. These witches usually do not portray scientism and may emphasize a higher connection between science and magick.

Sea Witch: Witches who work with things from the sea such as seawater, sea glass, beach sand, seashells, and other things that are associated with the sea. They may, or may not live near the sea.

Seasonal Witch: Witches who work with the energies of the season. They may incorporate weather/ storm magick within their craft. They tend to be adept with knowing what energies each season may hold and may time their rituals and spell work accordingly.

Secular Witch: Witches who are not religious, or do not incorporate religion in their craft. They typically do not subscribe to religious dogma. Most of these witches usually stay away from deities, but they do not have to in order to remain secular.

Sigil Witch: Witches who have in-depth knowledge of sigils, and focus on using sigils in their practice. Sigils are symbols drawn for specific magickal purposes. These witches may be adept in using their emotions or energy within their craft to charge sigils as well.

Solar Witch: Witches who focus their work with the energies of the sun, and the sun’s cycles. They tend to time their rituals and spells in correspondence to the suns position. They may incorporate fire magick within their craft, or anything relating to the sun such as minerals, crystals, herbs, animals, deities, (etc.).

Solitary Witch: Witches who practice their craft alone, or without a personal group such as a coven, or circle of other practitioners. These types of practitioners are going to practice primarily alone but still can have access to communication, and resources from other witches.

Spirit/Medium Witch: Witches who communicate with the dead spirits of humans, animals, and other entities. Some can even communicate with the spirits of trees, rocks, and man-made items. They tend to use spirit boards and pendulums, among many other tools.

Stitch witch: Witches who work with thread, yarn, or other fibres for their work. Considered to be a branch of both the kitchen and cottage witch paths, they hold magickal fabric work in high regard. They tend to focus primarily on the knot and stitch magick.

Storm Witch/Weather Witch: Witches that work with the weather, and the energies thereof in the same way other witches may work with elements. They may be found doing things such as charging magickal tools with the use of storm energy, or certain weather (warm, cold, etc.).

Swamp Witch: Witches who mainly work with things from the swamp such as the swamp water, swamp spirits, and swamp animals. They may, or may not live in/near a Swamp.

Tea Witch: Considered a branch of the herbal witch path. These are witches who focus on the use of tea in their practice in order to facilitate certain effects through the act of drinking certain teas. They may also be drawn to tasseography or reading tea leaves as a means of divination.

Tech/Techno/Cyber Witch: Considered a branch of the urban witch path, and may be able to use or direct electrical energy. These witches work with modern technology in their practice and may integrate all forms of computers, and electronics within with their magick. They may be adept at coding and/or creating emoji spells, along with other things related to electronics.

Theistic Witch: Witches who believe in a form of deity, or many deities.

Traditional Witch: Witches who practice forms of traditional witchcraft, claiming older or more “traditional,” roots.

Urban Witch: Witches who practice their magick in urban environments. They may be found graffitiing or painting sigils on abandoned buildings, growing herbs in pots in their apartments, dancing on the roads late at night, and tend to be adept in using technology.

Water Witch: Witches that work with the element of water, and the energies thereof. They typically work with things such as different types of water, water elementals, and water scrying among other water-based magick.

Winter Witch: Witches who reside in the colder climates of the world and draw their power from the snow and clouds (rather than the sun or moon) They may be found casting snowstorms, collecting hail and/or making poppets from the snow.

I know this may seem like a lot, but don’t worry, you do not need to memorise these! Just understand that there are many different paths and practices in the community, and these are the vast majority of them.