Customer Reviews

Book 4

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first decided to read Crowley, I started with "Eight Lessons in Yoga" which left me a bit bewildered as to terminology. But when I found Book 4, it explained everything, and I truly began to understand some of Crowley's thinking. This book is what gave me a deep appreciation for his work, his philosophy, his magick, everything. I tend to take notes as I read, and I ended up with 23 pages of notes on the chapter on the wand alone. For the aspiring mage, this book is inspiring and motivating! P.S. When talking to Thelemites, do not confuse this book with Liber Aba, which is also referred to as Book 4. This one is the "little Book 4" which is a chapter in Liber Aba.

Do yourself a favor and read-up on Yoga, Witchcraft, and Occultism...then, read this book of Excellent Magickal Instruction. I understood it because I have been delving into Hinduism and I have studied Paganism/Witchcraft. Crowley writes, as usual, for the Experienced, not the Beginner.

This is a small book, yet it has more information than most thick tomes of "occult" knowledge. There is nothing "fluffy" about "Book 4." Crowley supplies us with a concise record of the Basics of Magick, without embellishing or beating around the bush....of course, this is *his* version of Magickal Practice--with a strong resemblance to Witchcraft--yet, this work is not representative of Witchcraft, itself.

For the serious student, this work is very informative--combining Yoga Techniques with other Magickal Practices.

Every thought penned in this book is absolutley clear, concise, reasonable and accurate. With the whole of the book translating so much information in such a few pages. The man is a wonderful thinker and an amazing writer. He explains the theoretical (but to me purely practical) answer to the mystery of the most profound Prophets ever on earth, besides Crowley himself of course. The technique in which they attained genius (enlightenment) by meditation and what exactly consists of such a quest.... If you would like the practice of stilling the mind explained to your mind in the best of what could be easily argued of all the attempts in literary form then this is the book you want..
Part II is a fabulous treatise on the tools of the practice of the "true" "Magick of the Magi"... Ceremonial Magick is the means by which you attempt to contact, control, and understand the different facets (spirits) of your mind to assist you in the mystical enlightenment journey. Mind being roughly speaking thought, emotion, and the subconcsious. It includes detailed information on the tools needed for Magickal practice and exactly what they are connected with practically and theoretically; To convey his many keen and intense ideas Crowley can and will use or compare Qabalah, Hindu philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, Christian theology, english literature, psychology, mythology, analogy, metaphor, science, wit, his sense of humor, even nursery rhymes in an interlude and who knows what else!!!!
This book is of immense help to someone trying to learn about the occult science.

Crowley had a habit of writing books in a very difficult to understand manner. This book is no different. I use this book as a reference though, as it has a veritable cornucopia of info on many different types of eastern and western philosophies ie Yoga, astrology, etc. I wouldn't advise anyone read this book as an introduction into the occult though, because it can be very confusing, and it has many contradictions. Still, his work is well researched and he provides some wonderful poetry.

Included in this book are the tools of all godly magick according to Aleister Crowley with detailed descriptions of each, as well as yoga in practice. What I really found amusing were Crowley's renditions of old childhood nursery ryhmes. They featured a supposed occult connection in the poems- funny stuff. A recommended addition to Thelemites' collections.

This book is actually the "preface" to Magick in Theory and Practice by the same author. This book clearly explains some of the basic priniples of the weapons and attributes of ceremonial Magick, but there is a chasm between this book and Magick in Theory and Practice (which is definitely not a beginner's book). It is a good base for anyone who wants a basic understanding of the principles of ceremonial Magick.

In the beginning of the remarkable book, Crowley (or Frater Perdurabo/Soror Vikram-- if you prefer) lays out his thesis. Most great religious figures have one thing in common-- they start as nobody, then go away somewhere and come back somebody. Four could be seen as a kind of preface to that process.

Much of seems remarkably direct and helpful and recasts many basic religious tenets as more concrete steps to enlightenment. On the other hand, much of it is quite beyond me. In the interlude about religious meanings in nursery rhymes, for example, I know that am lacking in understanding about what he was trying to say. Additionally, the discussions of ritual items seem less useful without a greater understanding of the Law of Thelema (which I don't have).

Hard to critique. Worth reading.

This is a valuable book to anyone interested in occult studies. Some reviews I've read state that this book is for the advanced practitioner, and while advanced students will find great information in and use of this book, the beginner should be able to understand most of it as well. In fact, I would recommend this as a good book for beginners as it describes the teachings of Yoga as a valuable basis for all occult studies, and goes about it in a clear, methodical, and sober manner--for the most part.

The first part of this book specifically teaches the basics of yoga. This, to me, is the most valuable part of the book, as it tells of age old techniques and understandings that are key in Yoga and all occult magic. Crowley presents these teachings in a clear way, methodically describing how each technique is interrelated and necessary to each other.

The second part of this book describes very specifically the magical symbolism involved in single-person magical ceremonies and invocations. Each chapter focuses on a different part telling of what each ritual tool that is used represents, and how they interrelate. It's a very interesting a useful writing, and I suggest each reader to take from it what they choose.

While Crowley is a very controversial subject with a variety of opinions spoken (and whos die-hard followers seem to be a bit sensitive of any criticism) I would still like to point out that Crowley in himself was a very flawed individual who didn't always practice what he preached. This is the natural case of every human being (some times more than others), and I don't intend to look down on him. I only point this out so that readers of this book don't take his every word for universal truth. Readers should approach this book as an introduction to occult studies written by a very knowledgable practitioner who has pulled together esoteric knowledge from many sources of the world to present them to people in order to help them achieve their full potential to connect with all that there is to be connected with. Even so, one should be skeptical and observant of all these writings rather than accepting. This is the process in which you'll find this book most rewarding.

I personally would say that from my understanding Crowley had a large ego (many would disagree, and I respect that). In this book he describes the ego as a weakness, and denounces it as something to overcome, not to relish in. As far as I can see (or perhaps as far as my own ego allows me to see, eh?) what he writes about the ego is true and he describes it in a very smart and clear way. To me, that goes to show that Crowley the man should not be taken into account nearly as much as his writings, though it is still an advantage to know somewhat the character of the author of any teachings.

In the second part of this book Crowley is VERY specific about nearly every aspect of the magical ritual. I think this should be seen as a good outline for those who have interest in these sort of practices, but people should change these to their specific understandings if they wish.

Crowley's observations concerning the religous leaders of history such as Paul, Moses, Jesus, Mohamet and Gautamma were excellent. He clearly alludes to a scientific process that occurs in humanity wereby a divine nature is attained. He does so in easy terms that seem to laugh from the pages at "over-thinkers."

Additionally, his pointing out of the lack of a "super-dog" in our world, like Pascal before him, is simple brilliance. Crowely certainly found some of his answers.

The first few pages of this book interested me, while the body of it did not - on the weight of those few pages though, I give it four stars.

A classic on Magical Implements. This book was supposed to be a simple treatise on Magic, but ended up being not about Magic at all (other then the implements). It also describes the basics of how to start the disciplines of Yoga and the results of actually doing it which requires strong will-power. I encourage you to buy this book and start Asana; now, this will be difficult to stick to; but, every bit of pain will be repaid with Bliss in attainment of Dhyana and this will be so much greater than anything experienced in your life! And there's still Samadhi! which is far better than that.