Samantha McGuire The Writers Web Archive

“We are about to study the idea of a computational process. Computational processes are abstract beings that inhabit computers. As they evolve, processes manipulate other abstract things called data. The evolution of a process is directed by a pattern of rules called a program. People create programs to direct processes. In effect, we conjure the spirits of the computer with our spells.

A computational process is indeed much like a sorcerer's idea of a spirit. It cannot be seen or touched. It is not composed of matter at all. However, it is very real. It can perform intellectual work. It can answer questions. It can affect the world by disbursing money at a bank or by controlling a robot arm in a factory. The programs we use to conjure processes are like a sorcerer's spells. They are carefully composed from symbolic expressions in arcane and esoteric programming languages that prescribe the tasks we want our processes to perform.

A computational process, in a correctly working computer, executes programs precisely and accurately. Thus, like the sorcerer's apprentice, novice programmers must learn to understand and to anticipate the consequences of their conjuring. Even small errors (usually called bugs or glitches) in programs can have complex and unanticipated consequences.”
― Harold Abelson, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

“Witchcraft promotes the advantages of learning and applying new symbolism into one's psyche, this is the witches code.”
― Gede Parma, Spirited: Taking Paganism Beyond the Circle

“While the Goddess and the God provide balance and harmony to the earth, the foundation of nature and human life are represented by the elements. There are five elements (spirit, air, water, earth and fire) that symbolize the phases of matter. They are represented in the pentagram and are an important part of any Wiccan ritual and/or other magickal workings.”
― Alice Campbell, Wicca Beginner's Guide: The Ultimate Guide To Incorporate Wiccan Beliefs, Magic And Rituals Into Your Life

“Magick is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the Will.”
― Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth