Occulture, Technomancy vs Tradition, and the Role of Magick in 2025

The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but miserable high school student who is secretly preoccupied with a series of fantasy novels about a magical land called Fillory. Quentin is unexpectedly admitted to Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy, where he receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. However, he soon discovers that magic does not bring him the happiness and adventure he dreamed of. After graduation, Quentin and his friends make a stunning discovery that Fillory is real, but it turns out to be much darker and more dangerous than imagined. The novel explores themes of growing up, the complexities of human emotions, and the true cost of power.

'Science as a Vocation' is an essay by Max Weber that explores the values and purposes of science, its relationship to other spheres of life, and the personal qualities required of a scientist. Weber reflects on the role of science in a disenchanted world, where rationalization and bureaucracy have displaced traditional forms of authority and meaning. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual integrity, passion, and the ability to confront uncomfortable truths in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The essay delves into the challenges and responsibilities of the scientist in a modern, rationalized society. Weber's insights provide a foundation for understanding the social and cultural significance of science and its impact on individuals and institutions.

'Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn' is an ethnography by Karen McCarthy Brown that explores the life and practices of Alourdes, a Haitian Vodou priestess in Brooklyn. Brown delves into the intricacies of Vodou beliefs, rituals, and social structures within the Haitian diaspora. Through intimate narratives and detailed observations, she portrays Mama Lola's role as a healer, counselor, and community leader. The book explores themes of identity, spirituality, and the resilience of Haitian culture in the face of migration and displacement. It examines the ways in which Vodou provides a framework for understanding and navigating the challenges of life in a new environment.