I remember reading that Terry Pratchett quote about 15 years ago, and it resounded with me thoroughly.
Science does not have to negate belief.
Plants use sunlight to aid in photosynthesis and grow leaves. Bacteria decompose those leaves and turn them into compost. No matter how intricately I learn the biological and chemical processes involved, it will never not seem magical that light can become soil.
For so much of my childhood, science and religion stood firmly on opposite sides of the argument. Belief is unscientific. Faith is inherently against the scientific process. And yet, as I have grown and learned more about science and about faith, the more I disagree with that stance.
I have always been a big fan of science. I studied chemistry at university. But all along, under the surface, a kind of shame - my belief in spirituality. Shame because I had been taught that is is shameful to believe in things when you can simply know things.
I'm not exactly religious, I don't follow Christianity or any other major theistic religion, but there is that yearning in my core, in my soul, that knowing is not enough. Why not believe?
Of course, in the current climate of anti-vax and flat earth and so many patently unscientific ideas, I understand the importance of knowing and learning, but I also understand the importance of faith. The problem comes when you try to put one against the other. It's not us versus them, it's not science versus religion, it's all of us against the vast mysteries of existence.
I collect hagstones and set them near windows to keep evil spirits at bay. Do I believe in evil spirits and the magic of stones with holes in them? Not really. Do I believe in my own mindfulness, that seeing that hagstone will help reassure me I am safe and secure in my home? Yes.
I carry crystals in my pockets and read tarot cards. I don't actually believe that rocks and gems can influence our days, or the future can be read in a pretty deck of cards, but I do believe in mind over matter, that setting my intention and focusing my thoughts and efforts can yield results.
I wish on dandelion seeds and stray eyelashes. I stir my tea counter clockwise, and count to six, and salute magpies. Just as I go to my doctor when I'm sick, and I take prescription medication, and I listen to the scientists and experts when they tell us that space is expanding, and there was water on Mars, and solar power is the way forward.
Egg whites become meringues, and your stomach acid can dissolve bone fragments, and maybe magic is just science we haven't quite figured out yet.
