I feel that a sort of introduction is in order. First, let me introduce myself as obscurely as possible. I feel that in some ways, there is some comfort to the anonymity that one has on the internet. Of course, being a voice in the dark has its  own implicit set of moral obligations and responsibilities. I will uphold those responsibilities by giving credit where credit is due and setting forth the large disclaimer that this site does not offer any sort of attempt to present hardcore facts. This site sets forth a conversation. I am a student (not a real Ph.D. or at least not yet), and I am a lover of learning. What I find interesting is the kind of information that we deem worthy or acceptable, and the kind of information that we deem ill-founded or illogical. This is really at the heart of the kind of content you will find in these posts. Herein, I am offering a view (supported by others when appropriate) of the paranormal. Of course, the paranormal covers quite a large amount of territory to discuss. I am open to any avenue of discussion; I feel free to explore anything from mythology, religious beliefs, ghosts, astronomy, astrology, technology, and pretty much anything else that is perceived as that which is beyond or outside the normal.

Obviously, the above comment has its own assumptions, specifically the problem of what one defines as “normal.” I will venture to define the normal as whatever a group of people or society encounter regularly and have incorporated into their practices and routines. Thus, whatever a group of people does in the course of daily survival will be considered normal while everything else would be paranormal. Clearly, discrepancies are possible between what one group considers normal and what another might consider the paranormal. The utilization of specific technologies, cognitive practices, and daily rituals define the “normal” for a civilization.

Essentially, I am expressing that the paranormal is not just the varied bumps in the nights, or the stories told in the dark around campfires at unnerving hours when our imaginations are at their most aroused; the paranormal is that which is beyond the limits of our everyday understanding. The paranormal is comprised of elements that are found in the everyday experiences we have in which the laws that we so rigidly adhere to in our lives are broken or otherwise turned on their heads, and the opposite shown to be true: the impossible made possible. The official title of this blog is “Cognitive Alchemy,” and this is what I wish to try and accomplish. I feel that there is a movement in recent days that tries to explain the mystical, supernatural, and paranormal in scientific terms. A popular television program like “Mythbusters” (Discovery Channel) highlights this move toward secularization. Essentially, I feel by exploring these issues in text and online-discussion, we can try to make comprehendible the incomprehensible; we can strive to turn gold into lead.

An avenue that most people do not consider when they hear the word “paranormal” is the role that technology plays. There is a fantastic quote that comes to us from Arthur C. Clarke on the topic of technology; he states, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” I don’t know if the modern man can truly appreciate the complexity of perceptions that occurs when a group of technologically advanced people encounter an inferiorly advanced group. A scenario that highlights what I am saying may have been played out during the settling of this country. Imagine a native-American who has no idea what a rifle, bullets, or a horse, are. Suddenly, our poor native-American encounters a mounted cavalry rider who shoots his rifle, killing his comrade. How much of this sight would the native-American understand? Would he even see the action? Or would he just know the result? This is just one example of a conflict of technology. Likewise, how would the cavalryman possibly understand the cognitive technology utilized in a spirit-vision? Could the cavalryman even see the visions as omens and divine interferences? Or would he just know the result? There are many different kinds of technologies and magics and the beauty of Arthur C. Clarke’s quote is that it shows the intimate relationship between the two; essentially, Clarke reminds us that magic is technology, technology is magic.

Hopefully, I have given you a little glimpse of the kinds of material that I will be covering throughout this blog. Next week, I’ll take a look at mind-reading.