Decoding the Woo Woo

Another Book Review: a Crone's Look at *Why Woo-Woo Works*

Many with healthy skepticism might scoff at a book titled Why Woo-Woo Works. I was intrigued, though, since I’ve always been intrigued by and love talking about epistemology, or how we make meaning, and different ways of knowing things. I often wonder how I manage to keep science professor friends with my own brand of woo-woo coloring much of what I do. This bit of dialog from a novel I read recently sorta encapsulates why they stay friends with me:

“Science and the pursuit of understanding the natural world is surprisingly well-linked with the magickal energies of the universe.”

“Is it? I suppose. At the end of the day, we’re all in it for the pursuit of knowledge.”

--Wild Irish Sage by Tricia O’Malley

So, this book by David R. Hamilton is a surprisingly grounded exploration of the science behind alternative practices often dismissed.

Hamilton, a former chemist turned woo-woo enthusiast, explores the fascinating world of meditation, reiki, crystals, perception as reality, and even telepathy, distant healing, and prayer as he attempts to dismantles the "woo woo" label by presenting research on the placebo effect, the mind-body connection, and how our beliefs can influence our health.

While my inner academic wishes for a deeper dive into the scientific summaries, this book resonates on my path to becoming a crone. I’ve learned to trust the power of ritual, intention, and the unseen forces intuition reveals. These ways of knowing have shaped my life, and this book offers a bridge between those experiences and the world of scientific inquiry.

Here's what Why Woo Woo Works offers us witchy women:

• Validation: Have you used meditation or visualization and felt better? This book explains the science behind why it might work. For instance, Hamilton explores research on mindfulness meditation showing decreased activity in the amygdala (our fear center) and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex (associated with focus and emotional regulation).

• Open-Mindedness: It encourages us to consider the potential benefits of practices outside traditional medicine. The book highlights studies on reiki, for example, where patients reported reduced pain and anxiety.

• A Toolkit for Well-Being: Whether you're a seasoned woo woo practitioner or a curious crone, the book offers insights into practices you can integrate into your life. Hamilton explores research on the power of crystals, not necessarily their magical properties, but the focus and intention setting associated with using them.

While the book doesn't delve into spiritual aspects of the practices, it provides a solid foundation for further exploration.

Nonetheless, Why Woo Woo Works has been met with mixed reviews. A quick Google search will show you that fans praise its accessible explanation of complex scientific concepts and its validation of alternative practices, while skeptics argue that the research on some practices is inconclusive and that the book doesn't adequately address the placebo effect.

Ultimately, I think this book is a conversation starter, an invitation to dive deeper.  It offers us a vocabulary to explain things we might otherwise sense on a purely intuitive level. It also serves as a bridge, a reminder that science and the intuitive wisdom of the witchy can coexist and even compliment each other. It's a tool for self-understanding, and that's true power.