Modes of reality construction in magic and alternative religious groups
The aim of this project is the comparison of scientific conceptions of biographically significant reality construction of practitioners of magic (contemporary magicians) and of adherents of neopagan groups. The project combines theoretical analysis with empirical data of field studies on contemporary magicians and shamans, and on adherents of "Germanic" heathenism (Ásatrú). Within academic discussion two concepts are competing with each other since years: the concept of Interpretive Drift, i.e. the gradual process of the establishment of magic beliefs through practical experiences (Luhrmann), and the Coming Home Experience (Adler), i.e. the feeling of not experiencing a religious conversion when joining a neopagan group but rather to find something anew that has been already known for a long time. (The last mentioned constitutes a narrative which is used by neopagans themselves.) One purpose of the investigation is to specify the relationship between this two concepts or modes of reality construction. In this regard, the relevance of other biographical factors for becoming an adherent of neopagan groups, in which magic practices and rituals are an inherent component, was examined as well. In addition to this, we investigate the importance of personal extraordinary experiences containing strong subjective evidence which mostly are neglected in this regard. Taking these individual biographical aspects into account as well as different personal motivations, an immense variety of approaches to alternative worldviews might become possible. Our assumption is, that simple generalizations in characterizing the ‘pathway to magical beliefs and practices’ are misleading.
Project Leader: PD Dr. Michael Schetsche
Staff Member: Dr. Gerhard Mayer and Dr. René Gründer
Publications:
Mayer, Gerhard und Gründer, René. (2011). The Importance of Extraordinary Experiences for Adopting Heterodox Beliefs or an Alternative Religious Worldview. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, 75.1(902), 14-26.
Mayer, G. & Gründer, R. (2010). Coming Home or Drifting Away - Magical Practice in the 21st Century. Ways of Adopting Heterodox Beliefs and Religious Worldviews. Journal of Contemporary Religion, Volume 25 (3), pp. 395-418.
