Book Description
Of course, Magic is Magic wherever. But Ceremonial Magic - with or without a k ending - is perceived as largely European in origin and practice. The Golden Dawn, Aurum Solis, O.T.O were European and even AMORC, B.O.T.A., G.B.G. were mostly European inspired.
As valid as these esoteric orders were and are, they are at best schools and the knowledge taught is now widely available. What is key is not the knowledge but the self-accomplishment that comes only through personal experience (otherwise known as 'self-initiation').
The essence of Magic is a simple formula based on the exercise of Will, Imagination, and Gnosis or Magical Trance. It is a 'technology' and must be mastered like any technology through understanding and practice. Like playing the piano, it takes discipline to continue practicing basic exercises until it all becomes second nature and can function as an art as well.
And, what for?
Not to perform tricks or miracles. Not to wear fancy robes and chant barbarous words. Not to reach high degrees with grand titles in a secret order. No, it is to transform and transmute your own self and thus to become more than you were, not merely to accelerate normal human evolution but to actually move beyond and be a co-creator. And to finally answer those questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? High Magic is an active program for self-discovery and Self-Realization.
This book by a famed contemporary German magician self-instructs the student through a series of basic exercises and real magical practices that train the magician through a consistent program combined with examples and explanations. Each step is thorough without extravagance; the program is effective and entirely self-directed (as must be all real learning); the book is encyclopedic in depth and inclusive even of chaos and cyber magic. Tables and Charts simplify the learning process.
The system starts with immediate immersion in ritual practice starting with the Kabbalistic Cross and Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and moves through beginning to advanced levels of Practical Sigil Magic, Ritual Magic, Elemental Magic, the Greater Ritual of the Pentagram, Planetary Magic, the Hexagram Ritual, Mantra Meditation, the Magical Gaze, Magical Trance, the Pan Ritual, Money Magic, Talisman Magic, Moon Magic, Chaos Magic and Cyber Magic. In each case, practice is used to instruct - nothing is presented as 'theory only.' You will find everything analyzed, explained and justified with refreshing and truly uncommon common sense!
The author fully dispels the myths and subterfuges of archaic magical orders and explores the role of the Unconscious Mind, the issues of Religion and Mysticism, the nature of High and Low Magic, the function of Myth and the role of Drama in Ritual, the Magical Nature of Reality and Magical Perception, Dream Work in relation to Magical Training, the Magical Imagination and training for Visualization, Psychic Protection, Invocation and Evocation, the Calling and Movement of Energies, Charging, Paradigm Shifting, what is really means 'to Keep Silent,' the power of Intention & definition of Magical Goals, the ritual use of Symbols and Gestures, the power of Words, the Magician's Universe, the magical pronunciation of Hebrew Letters, the Magician's Tools, Mantric Sigils, the IAO formula, and much more.
High Magic is as central to Western culture as are science, technology, the rule of law, democracy and the entrepreneurial economy. Its practice and application should be part of your daily life starting now.
Customer Reviews:
Not Magic, Not High, Not High Magic........2007-05-30
Despite the title, this book is a work predominately based on and emphasising sorcery.
It is not a true magic text and not a text based on high magic as the title claims.
The author has included a mixed bag of techniques from different traditions and sources.
That said, he gives some differing perspectives and explanations on sigil magic and the workings of the subconscious and conscious minds, and some techniques not found in other books, such as the magic gaze.
The book attempts to cover a lot of ground and would give someone an overview of various techniques which are common to most magicians.
It is though based on the paradigm of Chaos magic and has the intention of following methods which fall on the side of sorcery and not magic.
Excellent Compenduim of Knowledge on Magic.......2006-08-22
This book is an excellent read, with tons of practical advice and excercises to get anyone started in the field of magic. My only qualms are that as a reviewer, I haven't read a huge amount on the more ceremonial, Judeo/Christian influenced magical systems, so I hope my review is fair by someone with more knowledge in this realm. I didn't find myself bewildered by the book at all, neither was I disappointed with any shortage of information. This is one of those books that approaches magic so nondogmatically, it allows the reader to take away any information and practices they want to add to their own pre-existing practices, or to help create their own. I thought it was an excellent book with a wealth of information, and excellent introduction to and exploration of the world of High Magic.
well written reference for the high magician.......2006-07-12
this book isnt for the beginner as the ritual and magick isnt explained to the detail one would require to practice successfully.
however the information provided is good and detailed on the meanings of the rituals themselves and he has included quite a lot of interesting exercises also.
i would have to recommend don craigs book on high magick being by far the best beginning reference i personally have been able to find as yet (and i love books).
purchase this book if you want to deepen your knowledge but not recommended as a guide for the beginner.
;)
Children's book.......2006-03-08
This book is not so very good. I bought it and I'm not very happy about it. I thought that I found a good book but it's only a book for novice. Absolutely novice. A lot of things in one place but nothing good to find.
Magick on paper.......2006-01-09
This text is superb. It is one of the best written books I have had my eyes on. Frater UD is exceptionally good at explaining very difficult concepts. He manages to explain these concepts in a holistic manner and achieves his goal within a very limited number of sentences. I feel talked to when reading this book. Almost as if having my own tutor. I would classify the book as bread to "transition" members, or "advanced beginners"- those who have failed following the long and hard "technically-rich-no-attitude-try-to-scare-off-text" way. Frater UD will help you realise that you have actually achieved more than you hoped for. This book is an attitude changer, building confidence and a positive outlook! If knowledge is what you seek, this is a good place to start. Zazas Zazas Nasatanada Zazas
Customer Reviews:
Immeasurably ancient and forever young.......2007-03-04
I don't agree with some (ok, a lot) of what is in here, but what I do agree with is utterly profound. This is a book that you may read through all in one hit, or you may read piece by piece, dissecting and ingesting the wisdom in small amounts. My favourite description of a Witch is from this book "A witch, like the earth, is both immeasurably ancient and forever young" I believe the book is the same, one that offers ancient wisdom and also a fresh outlook.
One of the best in it's genre.......2006-01-17
This was one of the first books I read when I first started seriously reading into Witchcraft. It really stuck with me in that it discussed subjects which, up to that point, I didn't think were considered possible in the Craft or commonly accepted (such as Shapeshifting). It was a real eye-opener for a newcomer.
I find her writing style to be straight and to the point, while still maintaining the ability to really illustrate what she's saying in your mind; You understand it... She's very practical, and thorough, but you can still see how she's still very much in love and awe with what she writes about. She's definitely not bitter, jaded, or condescending... I'm also fond of how there's basically no bashing of Christians, which alot of authors (such as Ravenwolf) tend to unfortunately fall prey to far too often, and can get very irritating after awhile...
Essentially, if you're new to the Craft, or just want to look at something new, you should definitely give this book a try. You won't regret it :).
Translating the Passion.......2005-11-28
I have several books on Witchcraft but none have moved me the way this one has. The writing by Ly will invoke in you the reader a true passion for the Craft.
It is a well written, humerous at times, and a most informative read that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in information with integrity and clarity on all things witch
Enjoy
Real witchcraft from down under..........2005-09-22
Putting most authors who venture in this subject to shame, Ly De Angeles shines. This book is great for all beginners and intermediaries and shame on yourself if you call yourself advanced! I have been practicing since 1986 and still consider myself a beginner. This user freindly guide makes no apologies about its rich content, and gothic looking cover. I must admit I was a little afraid to pick it up. It looks potent, and is.
All of the basics that one should know is contained within. She covers most of the path that one would follow if one would call oneself a witch. This is not an absolute guide that preaches that you should practice witchery a certain way or it wont work. Like most great guides, it serves as a fence around the very structure of magical practice. That is why it is said one practices witchcraft. Practice makes for a very skilled witch. I am sure she is one.
Everything from astral travel to tarot reading is contained within. A great reference to keep on hand when needed. Those of you too good to have this book around, can get on your broomsticks and fly over my house.
Intelligent, realistic and useful.......2005-06-03
If you're a fluffy bunny Pagan (goth makeup, big pentacles, lots of pink crystals, "The Goddess Rocks!" bumper stickers, not enough deodorant) I recommend you haul booty to the store and spend your hard-earned cash on this book. If you're really a Witch, I recommend you add this to your collection. Ly has wisdom that comes from years of study, practice and experience. Her personality is strong and her words are intelligent.
This book centers on Witchcraft not just as a religion, but as a way of life. It is full of dry wit, thoughtful reflection and exercises designed to strengthen the Self. The only part I could have skipped is the whole chapter on meditation. Most people cannot seem to write about meditation without some sort of hokey-ness infiltrating. That being said, the book is very strong as a whole.
Buy it new. It's worth it.
Book Description
Learning Ritual Magic is a training manual for anyone serious about improving their magic based on the western mystery traditions, including tarot, ritual magic, Qabalah, and astrology. "What you get out of [magic] can be measured precisely by what you are willing to put into it—and time is the essential ingredient in successful magical training," the authors write. And just as no one expects to run a marathon or play a Bach violin concerto without sufficient training, so practitioners of the magical arts shouldn't expect to work complex, powerful magical rituals without a solid grounding in the techniques of Hermetic high magic. By spending at least a half hour a day practicing the lessons found in Learning Ritual Magic, the solitary apprentice attains the proper groundwork and experience for working ritual magic.
Learning Ritual Magic provides lessons on meditation and a set of exercises designed to develop basic skills in imagination, will, memory, and self-knowledge, all of which are absolute fundamentals to magical attainment. While the authors discuss the essentials of magical theory, they focus on daily, basic perspectives rather than launching into details of advanced practice.
Designed for the solitary practitioner, Learning Ritual Magic concludes with a ceremony of self-initiation.
Customer Reviews:
EXTREMELY INTENSIVE PRACTICAL WORK, incredibly valuable!.......2006-04-27
THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES I HAVE MADE IN MY LIFE.
It is an incredibly in-depth and extensive introduction to practical magic, and is an invaluable tool to help develop the skills of meditation, concentration, observation, imagination, visualization, memory, and will power. Also, it is an excellent introduciton to tarot cards, Qabalah,number symbolism, the theory of the five elements (water-earth-fire-air-spirit) and an incredibly vast range of esoteric/occult philosophy... all of which intertwine and overlap, and mix in with the practical work. I am absolutely amazed at how much substance and depth has been packed into every chapter.
encountering magic can be difficult without a starting point or guide- the subtitle of this book says it all, it is a way for people to start on their own. Each chapter is organized in a very clear and straightforward stye, and each chapter is a lesson that you work on over two weeks (or more, if you have time constraints). The lessons develop on eachother, so the book takes about 9 months to finish... getting through it and doing all the exercises is, in itself, a great way to develop your willpower!
The rituals taught in this book are the Qabalistic Cross, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, and the Middle Pillar exercise. These are rituals are all from the Golden Dawn tradition, and are basically meditation and visualzation exercises intended to develop your inner faculties. While the rituals are excellent, i find the real value of this book is the tarot exercises and work with the Tree of Life... while these are essential and fundamental aspects of occult philosophy/practice, it can be difficult to find an entry point into learning about them. The exercises in the book guide you through incredible exercises that provide an incredible practical way of learning about the tarot, Qabalah, number symbolism, and much more. there is also great emphasis on learning about your psyche and increasing body awareness.
I had also considered buying Kraig's "modern magick", and Newcombe's "21st Century hermetics", but decided against them when i compared them against this book. i am extremely happy with the decision! compared against the other two this book seems far more practical, and more likely to provide an intensive/thorough experience for people who want to develop their inner abilities.
I'm half way through this book now, and though i like to wait until i'm totally finished, i felt i should put up a review to help people who may be considering buying this book or others like it. i can gaurantee that the reason other people have not reviewed it yet is because it is a book you need to work with over a long period of time. this might scare people off, but ultimately what you get out of anything is proportional to the effort and time you put into it... i look back over the parts i have read again and again, and astonished that the book always reveals deeper layers of meaning with every read. definitely one of the best purchases of my life...
Customer Reviews:
Premiere book on the ancient Tarot.......2006-11-30
This masterwork by one of the most profound magicians of the twentieth century has more useful information per page than other occult book on the market. There is a great deal of occult information and background on the cards that isn't to be found anywhere else. No one can say they understand the Tarot without having read this book. It's a must for anyone who wants to understand Thelema.
A Bludgeon instead of a Scalpel.......2006-02-12
Aleister Crowley's lecture notes on the subject of magic read exactly as it sounds like they would. Some people have said that the book is so difficult it reads like the Bible. I disagree... I think it reads like COMMENTARY on the Bible! Israel Regardie, Crowley's friend and secretary for many years, once said that he uses "language like a bludgeon where a scalpel would do..." No where is this more evident than in Magic in Theory and Practice.
But despite this, anyone interested in the subject absolutely MUST struggle through it. Crowley's knowledge of magic was unparalleled for his time and remains rarely challenged. This book was written earlier in his life, before years of drug-abuse and syphilis had a chance to ravage his obviously powerful mind. Though the discussion, as it were, ranges from typical magical ritual to the dark "drug-and-sex" magic he's famous for, this wide variety of explanation, theoretical musing and practical advice can't be beat.
That being said, it needs to be approached with a strong will. Crowley's path is tempting, especially for people who are interested in magic for its more Faustian aspects. People who want wealth, fame, sex and power will see the perfect opportunity in this book. After all, Uncle Al died famous and rich, right? Wrong. He died poor, desparate and alone, barely eeking a living by mooching off of his sycophantic followers. The path he chose has its price, and readers should remember that when they peruse these pages.
Okay, editorializing aside, this book has some gems of wisdom in it that really can't be found elsewhere if you have the patience to look. If you want to be a Magus, you need to read this book and take what you can from it. For followers of any path and on any level of study, this book will most likely provide some interesting ideas. Its not 5 stars, because its not 100% accessible by everyone, nor is it easy to read, but its definitely 4 stars with high marks. Hope you enjoy!
Very thorough.......2005-07-09
This book is one that is necessary for every true mages library. While it doesn't contain everything it pretty much does for the formal magician. A difficult read, but well worth it if you can get through it and keep your sense of humor.
Insights from an O.T.O. Member.......2004-08-19
This is a misleading title as it is lectures from Crowley on most subjects important to Thelema and his ideas, including, but not limited to: drugs, reincarnation, holy guardian angel, etc. I got a used paperback from the 70s from a guy online. The book itself is about 250 pages of these lectures, and the remaining 200 pages is an appendix that doesn't have to be read for anyone but the most interested. I skimmed it and I couldn't find anything. I don't know that this is Crowley's best book, but one of the best and the most important. I do agree also you have to have a solid understanding of good and evil. Crowley is quote-unquote "evil" in the sense that he is supposedly morally wrong.'ve been thinking about this, and if this as evil as evil gets, the worst thing the man did was 3 things. 1. tortured a cat 2. bisexual- who cares? 3. formed a cult religion that people follow- big deal! The masses would usually affirm that everything occult is evil. They also go to church, where Catholic priests get their jollies off of virgin kids! You're the ones who are disgusting! You are the criminals! Love is the law.
A word to the wise.......2004-08-10
If J. K. Rowling's Hogwarts were real, this book would be in the Restricted Section of the library. Professor Snape, Lucius Malfoy and "You-know-who" would have read it cover-to-cover.
While Crowley was an authentic magician, having learned as much as anyone of his generation, his path can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to anyone without a solid grasp of the concept of good and evil.
I've been studying magic for 20 plus years. Even my most 'out there, hippy-dippy' teacher warned me to give "Ol' Uncle Aleister" a wide berth.
If you're a pure scholar who is only interested in the history of the magical arts, or a "White Light Knight" who is only studying the Dark Arts to learn how the opposition thinks and works, then by all means study Crowley. Everybody else- you have been warned.
Alternately, if you're a Dark Wizard wanna-be, Crowley's works are practically required reading.
A point in this book's defense is that it is too dry and technical for the dilletante.
Book Description
1624. Which He Caused to be Painted Upon an Arch in St. Innocents Church Yard in Paris. Only 100 copies of this elusive book were ever printed until now! Introduction by W.W. Westcott. Flammel was certainly one of the most captivating figures in alchemy. Because he mastered the art of alchemy, his vast wealth and charities surpassed anything known in his time. Contained in this vary rare book is the symbolism and allusions to the inner meanings contained within the powerful symbols that yielded their ancient secrets to him. Many alchemists insist that this is one of the most important alchemical works ever written. Long out-of-print, it's reprinting will satisfy the yearning for those seeking the Philosopher's Stone. (Due to the age and scarcity of this rare book, some of the pages are light although the text is readable.
Customer Reviews:
An Alchemical Classic.......2005-09-01
This wonderful story comes to us from one of the greatest alchemists. The Philosopher's Stone or Stone of the Wise comes through much study and contemplation. Alchemy is considered on two levels, that of the mundane and also on the spiritual, philosophical level. An insightful story made to educate and illuminate.
Not for everyone...but really interesting.......2005-08-18
This book chronicals the events which led Nicholas Flammel (whose name may sound familiar to Harry Potter fans) to decipher a very old text,thereby discovering the secrets of alchemy and the Philosophers Stone. Laced with religion and philosophy;the story follows the author through his journey to understanding.
Exerpt: "These Hieroglyphic figures shall serve as two ways to lead us into heavenly life: the first and most open sense,teaching the sacred Mysteries of our salvation;(as I will show hereafter) the other teaching every man that hath any small understanding in the stone, the lineary way of the work..."
Its a bit hard to read at first, but once you slow down and process what he is saying it truly is an amazing story. There are several drawings to enhance and illustrate what Flammel is saying. He also put quite a few drawings in the end, just to be enjoyed.
All in all, a good historical book.
Book Description
"Given the historical orientation of philosophy, is it unreasonable to suggest a wider cast of the net into the deep waters of magic? By encountering magical thought as theory, we come to a new understanding of a thought that looks back at us from a funhouse mirror."--The Occult Mind
Divination, like many critical modes, involves reading signs, and magic, more generally, can be seen as a kind of criticism that takes the universe--seen and unseen, known and unknowable--as its text. In The Occult Mind, Christopher I. Lehrich explores the history of magic in Western thought, suggesting a bold new understanding of the claims made about the power of various belief systems. In closely interlinked essays on such disparate topics as ley lines, the Tarot, the Corpus Hermeticum, writing and ritual in magical practice, and early attempts to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics, Lehrich treats magic and its parts as an intellectual object that requires interpretive zeal on the part of readers/observers. Drawing illuminating parallels between the practice of magic and more recent interpretive systems--structuralism, deconstruction, semiotics--Lehrich deftly suggests that the specter of magic haunts all such attempts to grasp the character of knowledge.
Offering a radical new approach to the nature and value of occult thought, Lehrich's brilliantly conceived and executed book posits magic as a mode of theory that is intrinsically subversive of normative conceptions of reason and truth. In elucidating the deep parallels between occult thought and academic discourse, Lehrich demonstrates that sixteenth-century occult philosophy often touched on issues that have become central to philosophical discourse only in the past fifty years.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent treatise on the history and analysis of magic........2007-05-14
The official descriptions given for this brilliant book are somewhat misleading. Its greatest value is in that Dr. Lehrich presents an excellent look into the study of magic - not in the sense of "studying to do" but rather "studying to understand views on". This is not an occult tome, but a very serious look at how, and in what context, researchers have written on the works of people such as John Dee or Giordano Bruno.
In addition to this, the book is filled with parallels drawn between ways of magical thinking and modern concepts of semiotics, history of science, etc. Thus it becomes an essential look on both the "how" and "why" of studying the works of occult thinkers in a way that takes into account their original situations and world-views.
The Occult Mind is a very heavy read, filled with necessary jargon and highly complex concepts. Lehrich nevertheless uses such terminology and material consistently, and writes extremely well, keeping the book understandable also to readers who are not experts on the occult or the study of religion. It must be said, though, that a person familiar with at least the basics of Dee and Bruno, Yates and Eliade, will get a lot more out of it than a layman reader would.
Given that the book has been written by a person with a clear expertise on the subject, offers multiple perspectives at all times, and is very thorough, it would fit well as a university-level course book on the history of magic for fields such as the study of religion. At the same time, and for the same reasons, it will also be a highly valuable addition to the collection of many a practitioner of the occult.
Average customer rating:
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Awakening: Theory and Practice for the Aspiring Shaman
Erik McBride
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Magic
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Alchemy
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1411642104 |
Book Description
A guide book for exploring spiritual alchemy, magical practice, the cultivation and use of several of the Sacred Teacher Plants, and the constructive application of altered states. Covers such magical applications as conjuring illusions, healing and necromancy, and basic alterations of the Material Plane. This guide also includes a complete break-down of existence itself, with a detailed explanation of the Seven Planes of Existence. It was my wish to disclose the "secrets" that others are bound by oath to not reveal, and in so doing, to reinforce and invigorate the magical practices of our day.
Customer Reviews:
Review from the author.......2005-08-13
This book covers every area of magic known to myself, and was geared more towards providing a guide to help you form your own technique (which will make you a much more powerful practitioner) rather than laying out a defined crafting format. Self-discovery and acceptance of who you are right now is the most important aspect when it comes to working with any form of exploration of consciousness or existence.
Some parts of this book are considered taboo by many people. There are instructions for growing and using in a sincere, religious format many plants that others consider to be drugs. There are instructions for necromancy techniques such as reviving corpses. There are explanations on how to summon, feed, and banish spirit entities. There is also a detailed breakdown of the Seven Planes of Existence, something you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
I hope you enjoy reading this guide as much as I did writing it.
Average customer rating:
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Ceremonial Magic In Theory And Practice
H. Stanley Redgrove
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| New Age
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Magic
| Occult
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1425334385 |
Book Description
THIS 34 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Bygone Beliefs Being a Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought, by H. Stanley Redgrove. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766101568.
Product Description
The Life of the Sorcerer's Apprentice. BY FRATER ARTOS-SCOTT NOEL
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
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