As I know it:
Science is the process according to which modern thaumaturgists work magick.
Alchemy became chemistry. Astrology became astronomy. etc....
Modern theurgists still work magick according to various alchemical, astrological, and all the other archaic models - in addition to pursuing philosophical, psychological, and other similar personal growth related approaches, theoretical systems, and practices.
The issue I have with a core perspective of the attitude and question for this thread is how it requires deep throating the premise that magick (and other "metaphysical prowess" known by whatever other term) only is magick when it references thaumaturgy - and then only is "real" if it happens like (and/or is melodramatically fantastic akin to) what Gandalf, Allanon, Belgarath, Harry Potter, etc... in novels, television shows, movies, etc... display.
That burning desire to develop and demonstrate amazing "powers" for manipulating events and entities in the Physical Plane seems like the immature approach to magick (and all other "metaphysical prowess" schemes proclaiming to teach one the means to that end, whatever they call themselves) to me. Frustration, impatience, and sloth more often than not motivate that burning desire to short-cut doing whatever must be appropriately done for regularly requiring the progressive (over time) work (the effort and attention) to fulfill goals in the Physical Plane.
o.O.o
If you want to see an example of current and intensely amazing magickal work that has been done by performed by a world reknown Magickal Order of
modern thaumaturgists giving their all to craft and distribute incredible talismans which enable people to connect mind to mind, remotely view far away places, and thus sustain a level of interconnected communication like at no other time in human history - look at the Wizards working together over at Apple (and other such similar groups elsewhere, I only use Apple here for example, not to put it on an exclusive pedestal).
If that doesn't make any sort of sense - then yet again you are missing the essential and simple point.
And, in that case, more than likely the importance and reality of either traditional or modern theurgical endeavors also never will make any sense.
This post has been edited by Praxis: Nov 13 2011, 09:49 AM