Real energy – systems, spirits, and substances to heal, change, and grow
Phaedra and Isaac Bonewits
New Page Books, 2007. 287 p. ISBN 978-1-56414-904-6
Psi, prana, mana, chi, divine power, the Tao, reiki or ‘vibes’ – every system of magic calls the energies that power it by different names. Whatever the name, the energy is real.
Energy is a term used by both physicists and other scientists, and by magicians and spiritual teachers. The first chapter explores definitions of energy and what energy is and how is has been seen in the past. Then Isaac and Phaedra discuss the laws of magic in a chapter that should be sold separately for its own merits. And those chapters are just the general background. The rest of the book goes on to describe energies that can be found in the environment, such as the energies of the elements; cosmic and earth energies; Chinese esoteric energies and the energies of rocks, plants and animals, and energies from people and spirits. Included in that part are paranormal and psychic powers; esoteric anatomy and physiology and energies from ‘spirits’ (here including elementals and nature spirits, angels, demons and daemons, faeries, fairies and aliens, devas and deities and ‘ Gaia and the Supreme Being’).
In the book are several exercises to explore kinds of energy. The last part deals with methods of generating and focusing mystical energies. ‘Real Energy’ shows how to work with different energy systems, with tips from scientists, artists, magicians and spiritual teachers. And with a great sense of humour, as well as common sense.
The question whether ‘paranormal and psychic powers’ are real is addressed in that chapter. Magicians and other people using the energy know it is real. Some scientists have researched it thoroughly and came to the conclusion that “something is going on that can’t be explained away by the envious or the cynical”. Or as Isaac likes to put it: there are three magical laws of statistics: once is dumb luck, twice is coincidence, and three times is SOmbody trying to tell you Something. “As for defining what’s real, that’s a job for philosophers. We magical types will happily stick with the magical law of pragmatism. If something works (on whatever level of reality that concerns you), then it’s true on that level”.
And with their combined knowledge and experience the authors know very well how to teach ways of using energy, combining both the theory and practice of energy work, to practitioners of all kinds of fields.
Highly recommended!
