Fear Amplifies Belief: Understanding Perceived Magic, Tantra, and Suggestibility
Experiences interpreted as magic, tantra, or external influence are often rooted in emotional states rather than supernatural forces. From a clinical psychology perspective, heightened fear significantly alters perception. When the nervous system is activated, the brain becomes hyper-alert and begins scanning for threat, sometimes assigning meaning where none objectively exists. Fear narrows cognitive processing. Under stress, the amygdala increases its activity while rational evaluation from the prefrontal cortex decreases. This shift can intensify imagination, misinterpret neutral events, and strengthen belief in external control. The brain prioritizes protection over logical analysis. Suggestibility also increases during anxiety. When individuals feel uncertain or vulnerable, they may become more receptive to culturally available explanations, including supernatural frameworks. These interpretations can feel convincing because they offer structure to otherwise ambiguous emotional ex...