Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary [Paperback]

Aleister Crowley (Author), James Wasserman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2003

"The Record is both chart and log to the bold Sea-Captains of The Voyage Marvelous." Thus Aleister Crowley describes the practice of the Magical Diary, a central component of his system of spiritual attainment known as Scientific Illuminism .

The collection presented here includes Crowley’s two most important instructional writings on the design and purpose of the Magical Diary. John St. John, first published in THE EQUINOX in 1909, chronicles his moment-to-moment progress during a 13-day Great Magical Retirement. Crowley referred to John St. John as "... a perfect model of what a magical record should be ..."

A Master of the Temple is taken from the Magical Diary of Frater Achad (Charles Stansfeld Jones). It was included in EQUINOX III, 1 in 1919. Crowley edited the diary for publication — and added his invaluable commentary on Achad’s magical work — at a time when he felt Achad was his most successful student.

James Wasserman has been practicing the Magical system of Aleister Crowley for many years. Drawing on other primary Crowley texts, as well as his own experience with the Magical Record, he explores the purpose and necessity of the journal

Editorial Reviews

Review

I think the most important part is the introduction which really sets the tone for the rest of the publication. -- New Moon Newsletter, September 2006 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

James Wasserman is the author of The Templars and the Assassins: The Militia of Heaven, and Art and Symbols of the Occult, both published by Inner Traditions. He is also responsible for the groundbreaking edition of The Egyptian Book of the Dead, The Book of Going Forth by Day, edited by Ogden Goelet and published by Chronicle Books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Sekmet Books (August 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971887004
• ISBN-13: 978-0971887008
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,622,839 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn from those who walk the walk, August 2, 2006

By 

Richard Kaczynski - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aleister Crowley And the Practice of the Magical Diary (Paperback)

Aleister Crowley penned "John St. John" as an antidote to claims that the practice of magic necessarily involved long periods of seclusion, preparation and meditation. This diary demonstrates how one can achieve the same ends without renouncing mundane life, making it an invaluable case study for anyone contemplating a Great Magical Retirement. Paired with the diary of his star pupil, Charles Stansfeld Jones, this compilation from The Equinox is a primer on how to keep a magical record...a fundamental practice in Crowley's scientific illuminism. Mr. Wasserman's articulate annotations illuminate the more obscure or cryptic entries, and the humorous culinary glossary alone is worth the price of admission. Aleister Crowley And the Practice of the Magical Diary is an indispensible resource for all students of magick.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent ceremonial magick resource, February 28, 2007

By 

Tony H. (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary (Paperback)

while most of the material contained can be found for free online, I would still encourage anyone interested in ceremonial magick, and especially those interested in Thelema & Aleister Crowley, to pick up this book. The practice of the magickal diary is vital, no matter your personal Path.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A top pick, September 23, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aleister Crowley And the Practice of the Magical Diary (Paperback)

If the title sounds familiar, it's because Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary has appeared before - but this revised, expanded edition is a top pick for any adept or student who wants a sampling of texts drawn from Volumes 1 and III of Crowley's impressive The Equinox. Here are step-by-step methods and descriptions which includes John Street John and A Master of the Temple from the original - perfect for occult students.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch