The Science of the Craft: Modern Realities in the Ancient Art of Witchcraft
by William H. Keith
(Citadel Press; 2005) 308 pages

This was a fun read and enjoyable for me. The subject of Quantum Physics (hereafter referred to as “QP”)always seems to mark a groan from someone however Bill Keith has attempted to apply it’s Scientific understanding of this esoteric side of Science and Mathematics so you don’t have to know math to grasp it.

The fundamental understanding of this subject is outlined early on in the chapters. Now mind you this is NOT a hardcore text about the subject of QP rather it is how one can perceive it and assimilate it into the practice of Metaphysics – specifically in this book to Witchcraft.

One of the things I did NOT care for was how on page 65 the author continues to promote Isaac Bonewits silly ‘laws’ of Magic (sic). What would be fairer to say is that they are “Useful Beliefs of Magic”. There is no way to prove that any of these beliefs are immutable laws as say we know the Law of Gravity can be proven to work. Nevertheless, Bill goes on to apply his understanding of QP & how it can be integrated into virtually any esoteric belief. He begins to show how 12 of these Useful Beliefs are integrated with QP on page 131 starting with “A Magical Universe”.

Within the same chapter, the author discusses some of the other Magically oriented paths such as Ceremonial Magic, Voudoun, Druidism, Shamanism, etc. The real fun begins wth Chapter 6 called “The Worlds of If” because it is here where he begins to discuss very esoteric concepts of QP such as parallel worlds, multiple universes, the Astral plane and Remote Viewing possibilities.

Chapter 8 is all about something from nothing. I was originally taught that according to the laws of Physics, “matter can neither be created nor destroyed” yet according to the author’s comprehension of QP, this is not true. Matter aka Energy DO indeed come from nothing.

Chapters 11 & 12 will be of use for you to understanding how YOU fit into QP. “Miracles Are Us” in chapter 11 discusses the principle component of Magic which is “belief” and chapter 12’s “You Have the Power” is all about his understanding of objective reality.

Now I was sorely disappointed with chapter 13’s “Quantum Magic” as it again focuses on Useful Beliefs but caring to call them “Laws” instead. This is not a good way to foster attracting new ideas because you are pigeon holing yourself by using an absolute term such as ‘law’. We all know that even some laws have loopholes and thus are not truly a law but rather a belief. Karma is one of them. For many it is a useful belief but for others it is not.

Chapter 15 is where he starts putting thought into action, theory into game plan. For most this chapter may be tedious as it is revisiting old Magical theories and fundamental Magical instructions such as relaxation, deep breathing, etc. The short section on affirmations on page 228 I found to be useful and incorporated several of these into my regular daily disciplines.

The anecdotes Mr. Keith provides are humorous as well as insightful. I chuckled at his mention of himself back in his “hyperational” days when he would hear a neo-Pagan mention they “raised their vibrations” and he wondered if the energetic individual would suddenly burst into flames. LOL I don’t care who you are, that’s funny!

All in all, with a complete index and full biblography plus copious footnotes spread throughout the book, I give it a 5 stars out of 5 due to his ability to take a tough subject and shape it so any 101 student could understand. Furthermore I found the twelve dollars and ninety-five cent price tag to be quite acceptable.