At its heart, belief magic is a combination of community knowledge + solidarity networks + folklore.

As the ruler was seen to subvert nature, as some would have it, we also see an incredible outpouring of the supernatural in the cultural artefacts of the era, from Prospero in the Tempest, to Dr Faustus, the Witch of Edmonton, and many more.

The very structure of DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations) themselves provide solidarity networks, with increasing collaboration between DAOs to build a broader scene. It’s early but this blend of community knowledge + solidarity networks + folklore exists, right now.

I’ve always thought of magic in two ways; there’s performative magic and belief magic.

At heart, magic embraces the power that small solidarity networks have to change the world through changing their own perceptions of reality.

At its heart, belief magic is a combination of community knowledge + solidarity networks + folklore.

In both cases, there’s a sense of mystery or necessary key to unlock understanding, powered by secret knowledge that travels back and forth. And, while there was an initial steward or creator, this folklore tends to be decentralised, community-led and learnt from peers.

magical knowledge tends to be passed from person to person, rather than disseminated top down.