 |
| Metaphysical "Proofs" |
| Although many modern metaphysicians are conducting statistical studies of metaphysical premises, we must realize that we cannot count on a statistical approach to explain everything; for many areas of experience and qualities inherent in life are not amenable to such a study. In fact, even when a statistical study does reveal correlations of great significance, they often still do not "explain" the operation of the phenomena itself. For example, there are certain "empirical laws" in science which are found by experiment to be true, but for which no rational explaination has so far been provided. The best example that I can give of an empirical law is one in astronomy known as "Bode's Law." Bode's law relates to the distances of the planets from the Sun. If you write a series of numbers 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, --and then add four to each of them, you will get 4, 7, 10, 16, 28, 52, 100. Bode's law states that the distance of the planets are in the ratio of these numbers. That is, if the distance of Mercury from the Sun is taken as 4 units, that of Venus from the Sun would then be 7, Earth 10 units, Mars 16, and so on. The figure 28 had no known referent until the asteroids were discovered. By extending the law beyond 100, astronomers were able to predict the existence of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The appearance of these trans-saturnian planets at the mathematically appointed time and place forms one of the most thrilling chapters in the history of scientific discovery. And this discovery is due to the intuitive perception of Bode, to which no analytical basis has been provided to this day. We must be careful in using statistical methods, lest our expectations of such an approach exceed its field of utility. The validity of tools such as astrology and tarot can be demonstrated most clearly by a type of "proof" which is revelant to their intrinsic character. The real question to be answered in any inquiry into astrology and the tarot is whether and to what extent they are significant to the persons involved. With astrology, we are all familiar with the scientific correlation between the moon and the ocean tides. It is also a scientfic fact the the level of fluid in our body rises slightly during the full moon. If the moon is known to influence us and our world physically, is it really such a stretch to suppose that it may effect us in others ways too--ways that cannot be measured scientifically? And what about the other planets? If the moon influences us, why not Jupiter and Mars, and the other planets? Many years ago I read that science was not able to explain our sense of smell. The fact that no one could explain this sense did not stop me from using it. I feel the same way about the sixth sense. I don't have to know how it works to use it. I don't know about any of you, but I am going to continue using all of the senses that God gave me, and if science and skeptics can't validate them--oh well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. Walk in the light! |