Very interesting thought. That "magnetism" part I haven't quite figured it out yet. Based on what @andarchy would say - first principles - I would say the organising principle could be organised randomness, which can necessarily mean "nodal connection". These "nodes" have the ability to read any signals and be connected to others. If one subscribes to the infinite universes hypothesis, well, it so happens that we're in one with organised randomness, which enables such "nodal connections". It's the basic building block for consciousness as well, with differing degrees (of intelligence) across the gazillion different structures in existence. The most condensed first principle I can think of now is simply energy or signal flow lol, and it doesn't even say much other than being overused.

Personally, I don't really care much about the organising principle. If consciousness is very rare indeed, then it's just something that happens to give rise to this particular universe. Already echoed in creation stories like the first word, logos, etc. The key that made things work as it is.

How this discussion here may relate to "free-will", I've expressed it here: https://steemit.com/philosophy/@kevinwong/the-end-of-criminalization-on-free-will-accountability-and-compassion

How it may also relate to "consciousness", I've expressed it here:
https://steemit.com/consciousness/@kevinwong/let-s-talk-about-consciousness-wtf-is-it