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Liber Liber is the AutonomatriX archive of magical/mystical book reviews. We accept reviews from both members and non-members. Please submit your book reviews to the AX-Le e-mail list, or write to the Curator at: axcurator@address.com. Please include the Titlt, Author, Publisher, ISBN Number, your e-mail address, and a Rating for the book on a scale of one to four: Four Stars is excellent, One Star is poor.
| Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig, Llewellyn ISBN 0-87542-342-8 |
| Review submitted on Apr 9, 1998 05:21 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating:* * * * |
| A thorough overview of modern western ceremonial magick, this book gives practical lessons in ceremonial magick. It draws on several established traditions and techniques (Golden Dawn, Crowley, talismans, sigils [included in which there is a brief mention of Spare's alphabet], sex magick, tool-making, divination, etc.). It is easy to read and follow - unlike many of the older texts from which Kraig draws his rituals - and there is an extensive bibliography for further study. Would recommend this for an interested person with little experience or study in ceremonial magick. |
| An Introduction to Chaos Magick by Adrian Savage, Magickal Childe ISBN 0-939708-13-2 |
| Review submitted on Apr 9, 1998 05:27 EST |
| Submitted by: goetia@itsa.ucsf.edu |
| Rating: * |
| On the negative side, this book reads like a long speech. There are no chapters, but you can read this in one sitting. I felt a bit ripped off by the large print used to justify printing this as a "book" instead of more economical booklet. As a booklet it is great, as a book - ? Borrow it, don't buy it. But, on the other hand, I like the flow of the material presented. The author takes you from the "common" ideas about Chaos, to the western roots of modem occultism, briefly through modern Jungian and quantum mechanics, onto a discussion of some of the more well known Chaos magick groups and finally - to a "point by point look at how its practitioners differ from orthodox occultism and from each other." |
| Gods of Love and Ecstasy, by Alain Danielou, Inner Traditions in 1992; ISBN 0-89281-374-1 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 01:10 EST |
| Submitted by: chaotic@netcom.com |
| Rating: **** |
| This is a great introduction to Shaivic Hinduism and Tantra. Far more readable than Avalon. The book shows a connection between the cults of Shiva and the cults of Dionysis. |
| Visual Magick by Jan Fries, Mandrake 1992, ISBN 1-86992-818-0 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 01:18 EST |
| Submitted by: chaotic@netcom.com |
| Rating: * * * |
| A very nice beginner's guide to freestyle Shamanism. Fries uses techniques from Spare, Crowley , and Grant to give his work a much less fluffy feeling. He is practical and realistic. Worth the money even for a more seasoned mage. |
| Visual Magick by Jan Fries, Mandrake of Oxford 1992, ISBN 1-86992-818-0 |
| Review submitted on Jan 26, 1999 11:14 EST |
| Submitted by: fraterelijah@yahoo.com |
| Rating: *** |
| This text is a take on shamanism. The writing style is adequate and an inducer to experimentation. There is a small amount of material on esoteric/ medicinal uses of herbs that is worthy. Nothing new for the practiced, but it serves to offer some idea stimulants which always help when approaching operations. There is some starting material for approaching automatic drawing and writing, also. Overall thee text served as an idea stimulant rather than a teachning mechanism. If a magician had five grades with one being beginner and two being show me more and five being full blown insanity. Then this book serves the level two grade. |
| Practical Sigil Magic by Frater U.D., Llewellyn Publications, ISBN 0-87542-774-X |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: goetia@itsa.ucsf.edu |
| Rating: *** |
| Excellent book (sadly out-of-print) translated from German. Clearly describes Sigil magick in theory and practice. Includes the following sections: Austin Osman Spare and His Theory of Sigils; Further Exploration of the Word Method; The Magical Trance/Activating the Sigils; The Pictorial Method; The Mantrical Spell Method; The Alphabet by Desire; Working with Atavistic Nostalgia; But How Does It Work?; Constructing Sigils with Planetary Cameas; Glossary; Comments; Bibliography. |
| Absinth: History in a Bottle by Barnaby Conrad III, Chronicle Books, ISBN 0-87701-486-8 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| Not a magick text, but useful as an adjunct to studies in herbology or chemognosis. |
| Psychedelic Shamanism by Jim DeKorne, Loompanics Unlimited, ISBN 1-55950-1 10-3 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: Luxferro |
| Rating: **** |
| The following is taken from the back jacket.
It summarizes just about everything I would say: "DeKorne
is a "psychonaut," exploring the "imaginal realms"
through personal experimentation and scholarly research. He guides
the reader through the history and lore of psychotropic plants,
with advice on how to handle the eerie "Entities" one
encounters in "Hyperspace". A master gardener, DeKorne
explains in loving detail how to cultivate many of these plants
and how to extract their powerfu1 psychoactive alkaloids. He
provides down-to-earth information on dosages, typical reactions, length and intensity of experience, dangerous combinations, traditional and ritual uses, and more. Plants and combinations covered include: Belladonna ALkaloids, D-Lsyergic Acid Amide, Mescaline, Ayahuasca, Smokable DMT from plants, Psilocybin, Minor Psychedelics." |
| The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs by Richard Alan Miller, Destiny Books, ISBN 0-89281401-2 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: Luxferro |
| Rating: *** |
| Concise book on the ritual use of herbs. The author claims expertise in physics, parapsychology agriculture and biology. Sections consider stimulants, depressants, narcotics and hallucinogens. Also includes a quick reference chart, an index and more. This book is easy to follow and each section contains herbs and plants easy to obtain (mostly). Description of effects and how to use are included for each plant mentioned. |
| The Pseudonomicon by Phil Hine, Chaos International |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: goetia@itsa.ucsf.edu |
| Rating: ** |
| A good introduction to the magickal uses of Lovecraft's "old ones". Chapters include: Invocations of Otherness; The Mythos and Magick; The Great Old Ones; Transfigurations; Purposive Disintegration Nightlands; Dark Zones. While this is a very good introduction, it is helpful to be familiar with the mythos prior to reading. |
| The Tibetan Book of the Dead by W. Y. Evans-Wentz (ed.), Oxford University ISBN: 0-19-5000223-7 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| From the back cover: "Although the 'Bardo Thodol' is used in Tibet as a breviary, and read or recited on the occasion of death, it was originally conceived to serve as a guide not only for the dying and the dead, but for the living as well." As a contribution to the science of death and of existence after death, and of rebirth, the Tibetan Book of the Dead is unique among the sacred books of the world. |
| An Egyptian Hieroglyphic Dictionary, Vol. 1 & 2 by E.A Wallis Budge, Dover Publications,ISBN 0-486-23616 & 0-486-23615-3 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| Though I'm not a particular fan of Budge, this
2 volume dictionary has been essential to me. For enthusiasts
of the Egyptian Paradigm and/or magical languages, these books
are highly recommended. They're huge, with lots of words covered,
include both hieroglyph depiction and phonetic spelling, contains a complete list of hieroglyphic characters; kings names; counties, cities, towns; geographical names in Egyptian, Coptic, Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian, Syriac, Arabic and various other languages I've never heard of before; an index of English words for easy translation; and, of course, 1065 pages of translated Egyptian words in alphabetical order. |
| Egyptian Book of the Dead by E. A. Wallis Budge, Dover Publications, ISBN 0 486-21866-X |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| A transliteration and translation of an ancient Egyptian religious text detailing the instructions of conduct of the newly dead as they pass through the Land of the Gods, Although the text is rich and vivid, it can also be repetitious and confusing. |
| Elizabethan Magic by Robert Turner, Element Books, ISBN 1-85230-083-3 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: goetia@itsa.ucsf.edu |
| Rating: *** |
| A history of magicians during Elizabethan times - this book is useful for its section on John Dee. This book presents the core of powerful Enochian magicks: the 4 watchtowers. 30 Aethyrs, 19 Keys, prayers to various Angels, maps of where the 93 governors preside on the Earth. |
| Watch the North Wind Rise by Robert Graves, Farrar-Straus-Giroux, ISBN 0-374 -51679-0 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: Heretic.000 |
| Rating: **** |
| "What exactly do you mean by Magician "'
"Magicians think in an active way; everyone else thinks
passively." "I don't follow you, Sally. What is active
thought as opposed to passive?" "Active thought is
to passive as rhythm is to met e; or as melody is to harmony.
It's an event, not a condition. It's a proof of life, not a description of the limits within which life moves." Great future/fantasy read with Chaotes perspective on the place of Chaos within existence. |
| I Ching: A New Interpretation for Modern
Times by Sam Reifler, Bantam Books, ISBN 0-553-11789-0 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| This quirky version of the I Ching seems very much a product of the "60's" consciousness. It endeavors to put a "modern" interpretation on the ancient I Ching. The unique and actually useful thing about this book, though, is that each hexagram has three separate interpretations in three categories named loosely after three Hindu principles: artha (mundane, practical life, money); kama (love, sex, friendships, family); and moksha (spiritual/philosophical matters). Purist will hate it both for the 60's flavor of it and for the melding of Chinese and Hindu ideals, but it is surprisingly in-depth, thoughtful, and probably easier to for the beginning I Ching user to use than the traditional books. |
| Magickal Formulary - Volume One by Herman
Slater, Magickal Childe Publishing, ISBN 0-939708-27-2 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: ** |
| A lot of the recipes here are of a "voodoo-esque" nature. Interesting reading and includes suggested spells and rituals. |
| Scent - The Essential and Mysterious Powers
of Smell by Annick Le Guerer, Kodansha International, ISBN 1-56836-024-X |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| Fascinating book on the history and philosophy of smell. Includes sections on the plague; curative powers of smell, blood, incense and the sacred; philosophical approaches to smell. |
| The Complete Book of Incense. Oils &
Brews by Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications ISBN: 0-87542-128-8 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| Not my favorite, but it is one of the most complete
books on the market. Cunningham's pagan bent comes through loud
and clear. One good things this book has is plenty of recipes
and tables to help decide what ingredients to use. Some helpful
sections include oils, bath salts, brews, recipes, and his rich indexes. Most useful is probably the table of substitution for ingredients. |
| Wylundt's Book of Incense - A Magical Primer by Steven R. Smith, Samuel Wieser, ISBN 0-87728-79-5 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| Includes: The common names of herbs, how to look up an herb to suit your need, how to increase or reduce the recipes, planetary and elemental correspondences, magical uses of herbs, weights and measures. Has a lot of useful information on the different ways of making incense. |
| The Magician's Dictionary by E. E. Remus, Feral House ISBN: 0-922915-01 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| Notable by virtue of its being (to my knowledge)
the only one of its kind and including many quite unique and
interesting definitions. Spans the worlds of mythology, religion,
metaphysics ~ science and offers concise and in some cases quite
wordy definitions of magical terms in each. Interesting, sometimes useful, but in many cases offering perhaps a fascinating, but not necessarily accurate definitions of certain concepts; such as, Mandrake is Ginseng (as was recently pointed out to me, Ginseng is often called the Asian mandrake, but is quite a different plant); Humwawa is a Babylonian Demon (Humwawa is actually African and was imported into Babylonian mythology by cross-cultural exchange leading to his appearance in the Epic of Gilgamesh); and a tendency to call Egyptian Gods "aspects" of one another - Hathor is an aspect of Isis, Anubis an aspect of Osiris, etc. (This is a misconception of the Egyptians' tendency to create dual gods such as Amon-Ra, Set-Heru-Asar, etc.. who are combinations of several gods, not aspects of each other). |
| The Gods of Mexico by C.A. Burland, Capricorn Books, (No ISBN) |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| Offers a good understanding of Mexican /Indian
mythology and religion in the context of its history. Describes
the beliefs as they changed from the time of the Olmecs through
the Toltecs and Aztecs. Includes an alphabetical list of major
Aztec Gods, mythological stories involving the Deities and pictures of original art work depicting the Gods. Very useful to the utilization of Mexican Gods in ritual. |
| The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secret by Barbara G. Walker, Harper & Row, ISBN 0-06-250925-X |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| From the back cover: ''Twenty-five years in
preparation, this unique, comprehensive sourcebook focuses on
mythology, anthropology, religion, and sexuality to uncover precisely
what other encyclopedias leave out or misrepresent.. This book
includes scores of information on a plethora of mythologies and
often some interesting commentary on the history of said figures.
Because it is considered a "feminist" work, it is often
hidden in the Women's section in bookstores, although I consider
it one of the best general mythological encyclopedias I've ever
seen, and it seems like hiding it there is trying to downplay its worth as a general reference book. It's not just for breakfast anymore. |
| The Hymns of Orpheus - Mutations by R.
C. Hogart (translator), Phanes Press, ISBN 0-933999 41-0 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| This is a rare book of beautiful, powerful teletai
(songs) to the Greek gods. These ancient Orphic invocations are
inherently ceremonial and magickal. This book is hard to find
in bookstores, but can be ordered through: Phanes Press, PO Box
614, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516. Request their fabulous catalogue. This book is a must for Orphic/Dionysian rites, or for anyone interested in working with the Greek pantheon. |
| A Little Book on the Human Shadow by
Robert Bly, Harper & Row Published: 1988 Pages: 81 ISBN: 0-06-254847-6 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: **** |
| An excellent book on the Shadow written for readers with poetic natures. This is one of my main "magickal" books. Thy takes the Shadow out of the frequently dry and clinical Jungian framework and puts it into the intuitive realm where it belongs. A dark inspiration. In my opinion the Chthulu pantheon bears a strong mythical resemblance to the inhabitants of the "long bag we drag behind us". |
| Mastering Witchcraft - A Practical Guide
for Witches & Warlocks by Paul Huson, Perigee Books, ISBN 399-50442-7 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 13:13 EST |
| Submitted by: bat@aluna.com |
| Rating: *** |
| If you're going to read a book on witchcraft,
make it this one. "Mastering Witchcraft" has been a
classic on the subject since it was published in 1970. It has
been criticized by other witches, like P. E. I. Bonewits, for
being too dark, dangerous, and morally ambiguous for the beginner
(one of the first exercises in the book is the recitation of the Lord's Prayer backwards, and the chapter on Vengeance and Attack no doubt appalls "white" witches). Chaos magicians can use this book to add atmosphere and glamour to their work. |
| Nightside of Eden by Kenneth Grant, Frederick Muller, UK, ISBN 0-584-10206-2 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 14:29 EST |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * |
| Grant's books can be an exercise in patience
in their somewhat convenient and quite liberal use of gematriatic
correspondences, on-a-soapbox ranting and homophobia, but this
one makes for a useful tome as it elaborates upon the often ignored
(note: less so now than when this review was originally written--rx) "dark" side of the Tree and one of Crowley's more interesting (and unique in brevity and inspiration) tracts entitled "Liber 231". Bertiaux's hermetick voudoun, Ma-ion madness of the Cincinnati Jones' Gang, Lovecraft and the Egyptian pantheon. All get a good analysis and the second half deals exclusively with the Tunnels of Set and the means by which they can be traversed. This proves to be no "Pseudo-Mythotech" book; it's damn handy. |
| Sexual Magick by Katon Shual, Mandrake, ISBN 1-869928-07-5 |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 14:41 EST |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * |
| From AMOOKOS, Foucault, Shuttle & Redgrove and others, Shual compiles some very thorough material in his essays on sexual magix and gender cumfusion. An excellent theoretical bedside companion, the book is both informative and queer-friendly; made me go "hmmmm" quite often. |
| The Techniques of Astral Projection by
Dr. Douglas M. Baker, Printed and published by the author, no ISBN or date |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 14:45 EST |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * * |
| A beautiful and striking oversized book, with absolutely awesome drawings accompanying a how-to masterpiece on non-local surveillance techniques. Easier to find and just as useful (though no pix. . .) is "Journeys Out of the Body" by Robert A. Monroe (Doubleday, ISBN 0-385-00861-9). |
| Chaos Ritual by Steve Wilson, Neptune Books |
| Review submitted on Apr 11, 1998 21:26 EST |
| Submitted by: Max555 (joseph_max@excite.com) |
| Rating: * * * * |
| Excellent techniques for deriving personal magical positions, gestures, words of power, etc. I have personally tried these techniques with success. Amusingly well written and highly useful book. |
| Kali: The Feminine Force by Ajit Mookerjee, (1988) Thames and Hudson |
| Review submitted on Apr 12, 1998 00:31 EST |
| Submitted by: chaotic@netcom.com |
| Rating: * * * |
| This book is well worth the money if only for the stunning artwork included. Mookerjee is one of the foremost experts on Tantra Art in India and has an extensive personal collection. The text is short and very easy to read, Mookerjee discusses the history of Kali and her worship from pre-history to the present. This is a good beginner text for those interested in Shakti Worship. |
| Collected Ambient Works Volume II", by Aphex Twin, Sire/Warner Bros. 9-45482-2 |
| Review submitted on Apr 27, 1998 19:06 EST |
| Submitted by: fenwick@sonic.net |
| Rating: * * * * |
| A 2-CD set of Richard D. James' forays into
ambient music. 21 tracks each have a unique feel appropriate
for almost any magickal work no matter the paradigm. This music
serves well as a background, creating an appropriate setting
while at the same time managing not to intrude in the mechanics of ritual work itself. My Coil, Fields of the Nephilim, and Psychic TV haven't served as ritual music even once since finding this. |
| Path Notes of an American Ninja Master, by Glenn Morris ISBN 1-55643-157-0 |
| Review submitted on Apr 27, 1998 19:21 EST |
| Submitted by: fenwick@sonic.net |
| Rating: * * * * |
| Never judge a book by its cover. This moderately
sized tome of martial arts (Togyakure Ninpo to be precise) is
actually one of the best magickal primers ever written. Using
martial arts as a background, there are forays into Kundalini,
Enlightenment, Seeing and Feeling Auras, Healing Arts, Sex Magick, Mirror Magick, Dreamwork, Dealing with Spirits, and much more. This book is NOT written for magicians, which means that it cuts through all the layers of bullshit piled on otherwise simple techniques. This book is one of the best treatments of "basic" magick ever written. Even if you thought you knew it all, I guarantee you'll find something new here. |
| Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches,
by Charles G. Leland, First published 1890, available through several reprints |
| Review submitted on Apr 27, 1998 19:45 EST |
| Submitted by: fenwick@sonic.net |
| Rating: * |
| Aradia is the foundation of modern Wicca. Unfortunately,
it's not a very good book. Supposedly a book of stories and rituals
that were used by generations of witches stretching back thousands
of years, Aradia has little to do with witchcraft at all-- It's
mainly non sequitir stories and bad Italian poetry about Roman gods. The stories make little sense, and the rituals are fraught with errors--- gods, goddesses, and their servants are all confused as if who's who doesn't matter, the middles of invocations are filled with threats against the invoked deities, etc. Aradia is only mentioned once, and her importance is secondary to Diana. Leland bought "Aradia" from an Italian gypsy in 1890 who most likely had it fabricated and laughed as she took his money. Worth a read to understand modern wicca's roots and the origination of many historical errors widely propogated today. As a magickal guide, it is to be avoided. |
| Rune Games by Marijane Osborn and Stella
Longland, Routledge and Kegan Paul (1982); ISBN 0-7100-9303-9 |
| Review submitted on Apr 27, 1998 23:29 EST |
| Submitted by: chaotic@netcom.com |
| Rating: * * * * |
| This out-of-print book is one of the better texts on runic divination. It offers several alternate layouts for rune stones and rune staves. It has a nice translation of the Old English Rune Poem and a fairly decent glossary. If you can find this book, buy it. |
| Kalimantan by Lucius Shepard, St. Martin's Press, 1990; ISBN 0-312-07007-1 |
| Review submitted on May 28, 1998 02:19 EST |
| Submitted by: chaotic@netcom.com |
| Rating: * * * |
| This is a fictional work about a small town
crook getting caught up in an "other worldly" experience
in the jungles of Borneo. It is a wonderfully written shamanistic
vision quest with a twist thrown in for good measure. the opening
paragraph on the sleeve reads: "The speculative fiction
of Lucius Shepard has rapidly attained acclaim for its premium blend of exotic fantasy and implosive metaphor. Kalimantan, Shepard's first book-length work since 1987, intimately guides the reader through many layers of perceived reality to confront the ultimate vagaries of triuth." |
| Ecstatic Body Postures by Belinda Gore, Bear & Co. |
| Review submitted on Jul 10, 1998 21:07 EST |
| Submitted by: skip@cie.cendant.com |
| Rating: * * * |
| _Ecstatic Body Postures_ is the result of several
years of research by Dr. Felicitas Goodman. Her discovery is
that many objects of ancient art are actually ritual instructions.
The ritual is simple: strike a pose and have a rattle or drum
beating at 210 beats per minute. Different poses have different reproducable effects that seem to be built into the human nervous system. The book presents a reasonable system for achieving ecstatic trance. |
| The Zohar (Parashat Pinhas), Translated, compiled and edited by Dr. Philip S Berg. |
| Review submitted on Jan 10, 1999 04:14 EST |
| Submitted by: mandm@greynet.net |
| Rating: * * * * |
| Quote from back of book: "The Zohar examines
the link between human consciousness and the cosmic brain, the
energy systems of our bodies." Having said that, it's only
fair to warn anyone interested in reading this book that it is
one of, if not THE most confusing tomes I have ever read. Reading this book (3 books, actually) will leave the general reader drowning in terms designed for serious kabbalists, and it should be noted that very few of them agree on exactly what every line means. If you can understand any of it (you had better have a FULL working knowledge of the sefirot, Hebrew mysticism and the Torah before you even try), it will no doubt be of serious value, and deserving of the four stars I have given it. However, the major concepts from the magicians view, being the permutation of letters and the associations found therein, can be found in almost any book ever written on Magick in a fraction of the time. |
| The Magicians Companion by Bill Whitcomb, yet another Llewellyn Sourcebook. ISBN 0-87542-868-1 |
| Review submitted on Jan 10, 1999 04:36 EST |
| Submitted by: mandm@greynet.net |
| Rating: *** |
| This book is basically a collection of all the
major magickal systems out there. The only thing I found strange
is that it doesn't once mention chaos magic, although, since
it's technically not a SYSTEM per se, I guess I can see why.
This book was inspired by Crowleys 'Libre 777' and does its job
admirably, cross referencing almost all the systems within it. As a learning tool, it is simply not detailed enough to convey a full working knowledge of any of the systems contained. However, if you have any knowledge of any of the systems and are using them in your own workings, as a reference tool in designing rituals and ceremonies this book is quite helpful. |
| I'm Over Here by E. Rehmus, on line |
| Review submitted on Jan 26, 1999 11:22 EST |
| Submitted by: fraterelijah@yahoo.com |
| Rating: * * * * |
| Here is one ofthe most active uses of an insanity inducer that I have ever seen. This is a "text" of MAGICK in practice. Alive and dangerous, the images and words will eat away at ones sub-mind and bring forth wonders and monsters. Not to explain this or that, but an excursion into a mental horizon. As far as I know this text is available only on the web, and has not been published. I would recommend all advanced practicers to undertake this volume. Rehmus is as dangerous as a genius can be, and for this I thank him. |
| Chaosmos:The Garden of Infinity by Zero, www.angelfire.com/biz2/ubergoo/chaosmos.html |
| Review submitted on Feb 26, 1999 12:24 EST |
| Submitted by: rafh88@hotmail.com |
| Rating: * * * * |
| This is a rather unconventional book- not so
much a "practical manual" in the typical sense as a
tome designed to aid in the increase of one's Magickal abilities
and the application thereof. It starts out with a section entitled
"The Book of Chaos"- presenting the essential underlying
theory of the book and its relation to MacroChaosm and MicroChaosm-
Chaos, Mind, Self and Reality and the relatioships therebetween.
The next section, "The Book of Transformation" the
goes into the practical aplication of the principles laid ot
in the previous part. Starting out with "Body" we have
a very detailed and informative treatise on nutrition- an area rarely, if ever covered in Magickal writing (and in many cases sorely missed , in this reviewers ever-so-humble opinion). Next we have "Energy"- laying out the basics for aplied NRG work and related abilities. Folowing that we come to "Mind"- Iluminatory tech geared towards rootig out inhibitory patterns of thought anf habits. The section on "Being" takes a more abstract turn- going inot the area of the development of Magickal/Creative ability itelf and giving a series of exercizes to aid in this. Finally we have a brief section expounding n the areas of oruce (Kia) and Will- bringing the book to a conclusion and wrapping things up nicely. All in all, I'd highy recommend this book to beginners who want a solid groundwork in th developent of Magickal consiousness, as well as to more advanced Mages looking to refine such. Keep an eye out for the Chaosmos Workbook! :) |
| Chaotopia, by Dave Lee, ISBN 0 9630365 0 X Attractor, 1997 |
| Review submitted on Mar 13, 1999 12:10 EST |
| Submitted by: aloaskino@hotmail.com |
| Rating: * * * * |
| wow |
| The Cosmic Tribe Tarot by Stevee Postman, ©1998 Destiny Books, ISBN 0-89281-700-3 |
| Review submitted on Mar 22, 1999 09:54 EST |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * * |
| Reminiscent of Slinger & Douglas' "Secret Dakini Oracle" published back in '79, this deck is comprised of collages. That's where the similarity ends. Beautifully done, completely didgital (as far as I could tell) the cards contain full frontal nudity and three versions of the "Lovers" (Trump 6) card; m/m, m/f & f/f. Really lovely if you can get past the newage title! |
| Magical Passes, by Carlos Castaneda, Laugan, 1998 |
| Review submitted on Mar 31, 1999 13:54 EST |
| Submitted by: aloaskino@rocketmail.com |
| Rating: * * * * |
| ** and two more stars who needs a gym, not a magician. everything physikal ees een eet. aloaz kinoz aka thee eed e |
| "The Pseudonomicon" by Phil Hine, Dagon Productions (http://home.earthlink.net/~dagon/) |
| Review submitted on Apr 15, 1999 12:25 EST |
| Submitted by: fenwick@sonic.net |
| Rating: * * |
| Hine's writing is, as usual, very good and his
points quite lucid. For those interested in Chtulhonic magick,
this is probably the single best guide you could have; no set
rituals are given, only techniques and some background to familiarize
you with the mythos. An interesting read, but there's not much here (you can read it in one sitting), and unless you happen to have an interest in elder gods, insanity, and tentacles, you won't get much out of it. |
| From Inferno to Zos: Volume I,, by Austin Osman Spare, Holmes Publishing Group, 1993, ISBN 1-55818-212-8 |
| Review submitted on Apr 15, 1999 12:32 EST |
| Submitted by: fenwick@sonic.net |
| Rating: * * * * |
| At $100, this book will cost you a bit, but
if you're a true enthusiast of Austin Osman Spare, it's worth
every penny. It contains reprints of many of Spare's books (Earth
Inferno, Book of Satyrs, Book of Pleasure, Focus of Life, Anathema
of Zos) as well as pages and pages of Spare's line drawings and paintings, leaflets from his art exhibitions, essays on Spare and on Automatic Drawing, and more. No on-line version has yet done justice to the beauty of his books; buy this book. Get a current catalogue from Holmes Publishing Group / PO Box 623 / Edmonds WA 98020 / USA / Phone/Fax 206-771-2701 |
| RANTS and Incendiary Texts, Amok Press, ISBN 0-941693-03-1, ©1989 |
| Review submitted on Jun 24, 1999 18:13 [EST] |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * * |
| This book would be valuable to clueless types out there with little or nothing to say but some bile to express. A great book, too! |
| Come Before Christ and Murder Love, Serpent's Tail, by Home ISBN#185242575X, 11.97 |
| Review submitted on Jul 1, 1999 22:18 [EST] |
| Submitted by: Monty Cantsin (neutronzombie@yahoo.com) |
| Rating: * * * * |
| I didn't see this title till just this year, but when I did, I grabbed it quickly, read it fast, and returned it and getting my money back. That is not to say that I did not enjoy it. I did, absolutely. If you've read Mr. Home's writing before, you'll quickly recognize the subject matter: birds, magick, mind-control, art theory, the British class system, sexual acts bordering on "deviancy", more magick and mroe mind-control. All done in a meta-critical style that harkens back to a now dwindling thread of certain areas of hidden theories.Steal this book. |
| Awareness: Exploring Experimenting Experiencing
by John O. Stevens, ©1971 Real People Press, ISBN 0-553-13425-0 |
| Review submitted on Jul 2, 1999 14:20 [EST] |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * |
| A thorough & practical exercise workbook for fans of Gestalt therapy, though it's late-60's / early 70's style of long-winded pre-totalitarian age political correctness is a chore to wade through. |
| Whole Earth Inner Space by Chris Humphrey,
Thales Microuniversity Press (self published) 1973 Stars |
| Review submitted on Jul 10, 1999 02:42 |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: *** |
| The book has everything: Tarot, psychonics, utopianism, etc. Can be gotten from the author (write me for more info) |
| 7 Experiments That Could Change the World
by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, © 1996 Wellspring Media (VHS Videotape), New York, NY |
| Review submitted on Jul 21, 1999 22:37 [EST] |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * |
| Though an excellent introduction to Sheldrake's "morphic resonance" ideas, the tape is too brief!The Dr. appears to be friendly, open-minded, and determined to give science an approachable front for his audience. The scientific community snubs you? Publish to the masses.I *like* it! (c: |
| Revelations of the Nameless One: An Interpretation
of the "T" Tarot by Thales, ©1982 by Santarasa Press, Boulder, CO |
| Review submitted on Sep 5, 1999 22:25 [EST] |
| Submitted by: RoikaXul |
| Rating: * * * |
| Written from cues given by a entity (if it can be called such) "of the deep" and communicated through group ouija experiments in the 70's, this book goes into extraordinary detail of a new tarot, called, simply, "T".I received this book after writing to the author about a used Tarot deck I found published by a now defunct company called "Western Star Press" . . . it was called "The New Tarot - The Books of Destiny". Hand-drawn cards, just the box, no instructions.The book is deep, indeed, and focusses heavily on a metaphor for spirituality called "the way of the Sun", which is "like the ten commandments of the Nameless One". |
| Hecate's Fountain By Kenneth Grant, skoob esoterica |
| Review submitted on Oct 22, 1999 20:15 [EST] |
| Submitted by: we156@yahoo.com |
| Rating: * * * |
| Another one of Grants books. His books are always a trip, of both the high side and low side of taking yourself too seriously. Very diverse and touches on a lot of themes. Mostly magick of the Mauve zone, this is the border Daathian realms before the Tunnels. I have been doing some work recently with this, and found the book good for it's subconscious programming (ie half the time he is babbling and on tangents but the 'sub-mind' eats it up in creating the spaces). Ususally grant offers a good trip and increases knowledge a great deal. |
| The Chicken Qabalah, by Lon Milo Duquette, Weiser 2002, ISBN 1-57863-215-3 |
| Review submitted on August 29, 2004 |
| Submitted by: Max555 (joseph_max@excite.com) |
| Rating: **** |
| A very practical, and quite amusing, introduction to the magical Qabalah. Writing pseudographically as "Rabbi Lamed ben Clifford", Duquette covers the basics needed to apply the system of the Qabalah to magical works, such as the Tarot. Qabalah can be a useful "filing system" to the Chaos Magician, and Duquette succeeds in revealing the useful information under the classic Judeo-Christian trappings. |
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