City Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism - Christopher Penczak 2001
The Future of Cyber Magick
Techno-Temples
No one can really know where such techniques are leading in the magical world. They may be simple experiments that are later abandoned in favor of traditional techniques as part of a world backlash against technological advances. On the other hand, cyber magick may be the start of a whole new magical revolution, turning many ideas and techniques on their collective ear. It is simply too early to tell.
With the advancement of virtual-reality technology, in which the human mind interfaces with the computer world through visual and sensory cues, the idea of group rituals may become something much closer to traditional circle-standing and hand-holding. In virtual space, you will be able to “see” computer-generated representations of your peers standing by your side. When you draw a banishing pentagram in the air of cyber space, everyone will see it, shining in computer-generated flame. For those with difficulties visualizing, this seems like an amazing feat. Detractors may feel that this is the very reason why such technology should not be used. It lets our “magical muscles,” our inner vision, atrophy and lets the computer do the work for us. Where is the strength in that? Only time will tell. Personally, I’m torn between seeing the best both worlds have to offer, and the worst. Obviously, I don’t feel that technology is inherently evil or I wouldn’t use it. All machines, including computers, are tools to be used with wisdom. Our modern 21st-century tools are so different from those of centuries past, however, that it’s hard to keep track of their potential abuses.
Another interesting point to ponder is the very medium we are using. Does the Internet go beyond the traditional definition of a ritual tool and grow into something more? As magick workers, witches, and pagans, we personify everything in life. Everything is living, from the obvious animal spirits and trees, to rocks, the clouds, and water. Many of these natural forces are tended by deities, cultural God-forms responsible for humanity’s interaction with the elements. Some mages see the Gods and spirits as tools, a means to communicate with the vast unknowable universe. In the exploration of city magick, the city itself is personified as a living vortex of energy, of life force. The beings and structures occupying this space also exhibit the traits of personality, of individuality, and of uniqueness. Could the Internet not exhibit those same traits? This new entity is simply the embodiment of information, of knowledge, of raw data from everywhere and everything. Imagine invoking such a being. The possibilities are staggering. As research into computer intelligences proceeds, the potential goes beyond the simple archetype and into the realm of literal possibility.
Our science fiction points to possible magical and technological medleys, where both arts are honored and combined. If science fiction is simply a map to our possible futures, then such a reality may exist. Remember, however, that the science fiction foretold a country controlled by “Big Brother” by 1984, a Moon-base hurtling through space filled with fantastic aliens in 1999. Far better to pay attention to the reality here and now, and consciously choose what our future will be. Is that not the heart of magick-the creation of your own destiny?