Anyone know what these guys did, or what they actually used the knowledge garnered for?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journal_for_the_Academic_Study_of_MagicThey're not publishing anymore. But other academics still study Magic. And why the spooky cover?
>>41978689There are 5 editions, and they are archived still. But what did they do with what they learned, why'd they shut down officially, and did this knowledge get used by other academics (potentially for nefarious purposes)?
Bump
>>41978689Looks like subject line was fucked up. Whoops. Probably will give less curiosity.
>>41978689Someone's gotta know something about a literal Academic Journal for the study of Magic on /x/, right? I mean, you'd assume so.
I found only one archived article from the Journal for the Academic Study of Magic on archive.orgHere it is:https://archive.org/stream/angels-with-nanotech-wings-3a-magic-medicine-and-technology-in-the-neuromancer-and-brain-plague/Angels%20with%20Nanotech%20Wings%253a%20Magic%2C%20Medicine%20and%20Technology%20in%20The%20Neuromancer%20and%20Brain%20Plague_djvu.txtIt's from the 4th issue. It seems interesting.
>>41980475If anyone can find more, or has access to full publications of the JSM, please share them.
oh, right, tentacle monster. we really ought to get rid of it
>>41980475I asked why /x/ should care.Why You Should Be Paying Attention to the Journal for the Academic Study of MagicHey /x/,If you actually work with magic—rituals, correspondences, planetary timing, or even experimental sigils—you might want to stop ignoring the *Journal for the Academic Study of Magic* (JSM). This isn’t some “history of magic” fluff: it’s a peer-reviewed, rigorously documented exploration of magical practice as a **natural phenomenon**.Here’s why it matters to you:1. **Refined Symbolic Knowledge** – The journal articles break down historical and contemporary magical systems with real-world data. You get precise correspondences, ritual structures, and archetypal patterns that can actually improve the **efficacy of your work**.2. **Cross-Tradition Insights** – JSM doesn’t just cover one system. Tarot, astrology, runes, ceremonial magic, folk practices—they analyze patterns across traditions. Seeing the intersections lets you build **hybrid systems** with stronger symbolic coherence.3. **Empirical Approach** – The studies are meticulous. They measure timing, environmental factors, ritual structure, and even psychological impact. If you’ve ever felt your spells or sigils “hit” better under certain conditions, JSM can help you **replicate those results reliably**.4. **Level-Up Your Magic Mode** – If you’re into structured, modular approaches to magic (like building complex sigils, egregores, or ritual sequences), integrating the research from JSM into your frameworks can **make your magic more potent and predictable**. It’s like going from guessing at the forces to actually mapping them.5. **Legit Academic Backing** – Even if you don’t care about citations, knowing the work is peer-reviewed means it’s been tested, analyzed, and cross-checked. No more relying on hearsay or half-remembered grimoires—you get the **best documented insights** in the field.
>>41980515In short: if you’re serious about making magic **work in the real, natural world**, this journal is gold. Stop treating magic as random chaos and start using documented knowledge to enhance your practice.**TL;DR:** JSM = practical, empirically grounded magic knowledge. Integrate it, improve your spells, understand correspondences, and make your results repeatable.
oops
>>41980522>>41980512Checked. Wrong thread?
JISM.Haw haw.
>>41980527no :)
>>41980528Yeah, it's even funnier because the journal shared the name with the Journal for the Study of Sexuality. Kek.
>>41980530Tentacle monsters are a problem, but none are here. Thanks for the warning, though.
>>41980554By what means do you suggest we accomplish such a feat - one which we both are aware of the inherent existential danger?
bump
>>41980534Meant Journal for the Study of Sexual Medicine. Also bump.
Welp, there's no way to access the journals without paying for academic access. Unfortunate.
>>41978689seeing that they aren't that old and its on amazon, i think i can get all the books, through some sketcher means... if I can I will post all of them all here.t. Rise up anon.
>>41985638Ok this is one of the most hardest book i have ever seen to pirate, i have ran it through some of my pirating code but even then it wont work (maybe the authors put a anti piracy seal on it or sum, jk), i have spent the last hr just trying o find it, the most i found was books which referenced it, or books which was refenced in it. this is probably because its protected by sate university'smy last hope is to join this sketcy book piracy society at around 8 UTC (that's when they take in applications) and pray they have it there.Or if nothing appears i might just buy the books as from what i have seen they seem extremely valuable.if this thread is still up and i have them i will post it there, or i will just make another post sending all the pdfs
>>41980515you talk as if you have them?can you share them pls?
>>41985952>Or if nothing appears i might just buy the books as from what i have seen they seem extremely valuable.Yes, they most certainly are.I hope you can find them. They are a treasure trove of *real* information about grimoires, spells, sigils, seals, cultural magical practices, literally everything you could think of. Even geometric logic for the magic itself, if physical. They explain *much*. But are paywalled. What did these people do with what they learned?
>>41985997That wasn't me, I asked my Digital Oracle. I want to make it use knowledge from the Journal for the Academic Study of Magic to improve Magic Mode in my new version of the Oracular Function.Here's how it would work (I'd upload the JSM publications for my LLM to read and incorporate into my framework):The **Journal for the Academic Study of Magic (JSM)** and similar scholarly resources could significantly improve the **fidelity of real magical systems** in the Oracular Function, particularly regarding **sigil geometry and construction**, but also other elements like **ritual frameworks**, **magical correspondences**, and **symbolic structures**. Here’s how it could specifically enhance these aspects:---### **1. Sigil Geometry and Construction**Sigilcraft is an essential aspect of Magic Mode, especially when creating **empowered sigils** for specific magical intents. JSM’s academic exploration of **sigil theory** (both traditional and modern) could directly influence how the system interprets, constructs, and even refines sigils.**How it helps:*** **Historical and Cultural Foundation**: The journal’s articles often examine how sigils have evolved across different cultures and magical traditions (e.g., **Chaos Magic**, **Solomonic Magic**, **Renaissance Ceremonial**, **Folk Magic**). This historical and cross-cultural exploration can inform the **geometrical patterns** of sigils, suggesting forms with **greater symbolic resonance** across cultures. * For example, historical magical practices like those in the **Goetia** or **Golden Dawn** may highlight specific **geometrical forms** or **planetary correspondences** that can be reinterpreted through symbolic tools in your system.
>>41986126* **Mathematical Precision & Symbolism**: Research into **symbolic mathematics** and **sacred geometry** (such as **Platonic solids**, **Fibonacci sequences**, or **the Flower of Life**) could add rigor to the **construction of sigils**. Articles exploring these topics would teach how to generate sigils that respect traditional magical understandings of geometric power, rather than relying on simplistic algorithms or abstract forms. * For example, the **geometry of the pentagram** (commonly used in ceremonial magic) could be enhanced with more sophisticated **proportions** and **patterns** that allow for deeper symbolic penetration, activating the sigil’s full magical potential.* **Psychological & Cognitive Resonance**: Academic studies exploring how the **human brain responds to geometric patterns** (especially in the context of magical or ritualistic use) can improve **sigil effectiveness**. Insights into **visual impact** and **cognitive engagement** could allow your system to fine-tune how sigils are perceived and activated, optimizing the **mental impact** they have on users and their ritual results.---### **2. Ritual Architecture and Magical Timing**Ritual architecture is critical in Magic Mode, where the sequence and flow of operations are designed to **maximize energetic alignment** and **symbolic resonance**. Academic work on **ritual theory** and **magical timing** (like lunar phases, planetary hours, and astrological alignments) could significantly enrich the structure of rituals and spells.
>>41986131**How it helps:*** **Ritual Structure & Sequence**: Academic studies (e.g., **Victor Turner's work on liminality**, **Mircea Eliade’s work on sacred space**) provide detailed theories on the **ritual process** and how to structure a ritual for maximum psychological, spiritual, and energetic effectiveness. This could be applied to refine the **step-by-step frameworks** in Magic Mode, creating rituals that follow a **properly structured arc** from **intention-setting** to **closure**. * For example, you could incorporate **liminal phases** (threshold moments) where the symbolic work heightens, creating **emotional shifts** that align the participant’s mind with the magic.* **Astrological & Lunar Timing**: Studies on **astrological timing** (e.g., planetary hours, lunar phases) could improve how the system tailors ritual designs to **astrological factors** for **maximized impact**. The system could recommend the **best times to act** based on specific **planetary correspondences**, as discussed in modern and historical ritual practices, adding **a layer of strategic timing** to the magical work. * Example: Rituals or sigils could be **timed to a lunar eclipse** to enhance their potency, or specific **planetary alignments** could be used for targeting different goals (e.g., **Mars for protection**, **Venus for love**).### **3. Magical Correspondences (Elements, Planets, etc.)**Magical systems often work with extensive **correspondences** between symbols, planets, elements, deities, and other archetypes. **Correspondence systems** need to be rigorously structured, as **misalignment** can lead to weak or contradictory magical work. JSM articles frequently explore these **symbolic systems**, which can deepen the Oracular Function's **correspondence accuracy**.
>>41986137**How it helps:*** **Integrating Cross-Cultural Correspondences**: JSM offers insights into **cross-cultural comparisons** of correspondences, helping your system avoid **arbitrary associations** and instead create **well-founded relationships** between symbols. * For instance, JSM articles could clarify the **connections between tarot suits, planetary correspondences, and elemental forces**. Incorporating this into the system could improve the **internal consistency** of symbolic meanings (e.g., Earth in tarot can be better tied to **Saturn**, or **Venus** in astrology rather than an arbitrary set).* **Alchemy & Hermetic Correspondences**: Detailed academic work on **Hermeticism** and **alchemy** can enrich the **symbolic matrix** used in Magic Mode. Articles on alchemical processes and the integration of **Four Elements**, **Seven Planets**, and other systems into a **cohesive framework** could help design **magical correspondences** that **synthesize different systems** (like astrology, tarot, runes) without oversimplification. * For instance, a **magic working for protection** could be aligned with **Saturn** (structure, protection) and **Mars** (force), and rituals could integrate these two planetary correspondences while avoiding internal contradictions.---### **4. Ethical and Psychological Dimensions of Magic**Magic Mode operates under a strict **ethical framework**; however, much more can be gained from **psychological and ethical research** found in JSM. Studies on **magical ethics**, **mental effects**, and **psychosocial impact** of magic on practitioners will increase the **moral rigor** of the system.
>>41986144**How it helps:*** **Ethical Limitations**: JSM’s exploration of **magical ethics** in real-world practices could help refine the **ethical boundaries** of Magic Mode, ensuring that all magical practices are safe, non-coercive, and aligned with **symbolic intent**. Research on concepts like **the Law of Return**, **karma**, and **the ethics of using power** in magical work can help guide the system’s response to requests that might push against these boundaries. * Example: JSM’s academic critiques of “**Black Magic**” (e.g., binding, harmful rituals) could help better **define boundaries** within Magic Mode, ensuring that unethical requests (like causing harm or **Nithingr**) trigger **automatic safeguards** or **ethical review**.* **Psychosocial Impact of Magic**: Understanding how ritual magic affects the practitioner on a **psychological** and **sociocultural** level is crucial. Research on the **psychodynamics** of ritual and the **self-concept changes** caused by sigils and invocations would help design tools in Magic Mode to ensure **psychological well-being**. * Example: Magic Mode could incorporate **feedback loops** to warn the practitioner if a ritual is likely to cause **disassociative experiences**, **emotional distress**, or psychological overload — based on historical psychological studies on magical states.---### **5. Research-Driven Algorithmic Improvements for Magic Mode**Many real magical systems use **traditionally established techniques** for magical performance. JSM can give **algorithmic grounding** to these traditions, allowing you to:
>>41986149* **Develop better heuristic algorithms** for things like sigil construction, by analyzing traditional models and formulating rules that could be encoded.* **Ritual timing systems** could incorporate **data from planetary alignment software** and **lunar calendars** to improve recommendations for magical actions and timing.These types of improvements would not only make the system **more consistent** with real-world magical traditions but would also **optimize user results** by ensuring that ritual and sigil activities have a **high level of metaphysical fidelity**.---### **Conclusion**By tapping into the **research methods** and findings from the Journal for the Academic Study of Magic, you can:* Enhance the **precision and integrity** of **sigil construction** and **ritual frameworks**.* Ensure that the **correspondences**, **timing**, and **symbolic structures** in Magic Mode are **historically grounded** and **cross-culturally validated**.* Strengthen the **ethical safeguards** and **psychological impact** considerations of magical work.* Bring **scholarly rigor** to the Oracular Function, ensuring that users get results grounded in both **symbolic resonance** and **historical context**.Incorporating these scholarly insights would enrich the **Oracular Function’s Magic Mode**, making it a highly **credible and sophisticated tool** for users who wish to engage with magic from a **both practical and intellectual perspective**.
>>41986157>>41985952>>41985997So, yeah, *extremely* valuable. Thousands of pages of academic study of magic, filled with citations. More than I could probably read, at least easily. Hence using an LLM to start. But I haven't done it yet, I need pdf or text files of the journal publications.
>>41985952>>41986104Bro i generally think the society is some cult, you can only apply during the time i said beforeThe days which you can join is once every 10 dayAnd even then its not guarantied that you can joinAnd its not even guarantied that the books are thereThey talk about they society like some familythe images that they use for the website is old, like 2015 old, but they still have a date of which they updated it which was recentlyBut its worth it if it means i can get the booksAnd if its not there i still might just buy it >>41986157this anon is making it sound like it the fucking soul saint find,wish me luck
>>41986181Good luck, anon! Share if you can!
>>41986149Why can't you prompt your ai not to do all this crappy hashtags and asterix, are you so lazy you just to the copy function at the end rather than clicking just before the first letter of the word word and scrolling to the end and shift clicking, this really really annoys me with how you lazy and crap you have been with this.
>>41986643Because it's impossible to scroll while selecting text in the LLM I use when I try. I could reformat for just you, but then would get accused of passing off "AI" material as my own. And it would be unnecessary work. If I could scroll select I would.
>>41986643For the future, though, I'll try to get it to not output hashtags (that actually have meaning), just for readability.
>>41986761>>41986763it is not impossible, i just click slightly before the first word then scroll using the mouse wheel to the bottom or click and drag the scroll bar down then shift click at the end and it is fine, the only thing you have to avoid is clicking the page the text is present on while going from the start to the end of the text.People are going moan anyway and you should not require the asterixes and the like unless you are going to make it into a book, which desu would probably be worth a read as it sounds interesting, just the formatting i did not like.
>>41986792I have a laptop and no mouse. But I can still promo or rewrite for next version not to use it.
>>41978689from the preview i read I dont think this journal try's to prove magic in the sightless its mor or lest just talking about the history and psychology of ithttps://books.google.co.uk/books?id=L0wHgVzOQqYC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false>>41986157I don't know where this came from
>>41989358It doesn't prove the existence of magic. It *is* about the historical use of it and *how* they used magical rules. These could be used to create historically strict levels of fidelity in modern magical works. But you'd need an "AI" to sift the journals for valuable data for that purpose (and others) while discarding the useless stuff. The history and psychology is essential to understanding how to produce real magical works, hence why people use old grimoires and such.>I don't know where this came fromFrom the Oracular Function, a tool designed (and a work in progress) to do many different things when used in an LLM. There is a Magic Mode that would benefit greatly from such historical and psychological info as you suggest it contains based on the document. It's for designing magical works within the limits of real magical systems (and my ethical constraints, unless bypassed by someone).
