Customer Reviews

Foundations of High Magick: The Magical Philosophy

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Actually, one of the three most treasured, the others being the "Sword and the Serpent" and "Mysteria Magica", representing the (hopefully) forthcoming volumes 2 and 3 of the "Magical Philosophy" series of which this is the first.

Almost everything concievable is explained thoroughly in these books, and the first volume is perhaps the most illuminating. Unlike other texts which simply say "this is so", Denning and Phillips literally walk you through the reasons behind various magical correspondences on the Tree of Life (the theories presented here are basically Kabalistic ones, with just a light amount of Enochian). Ever wonder why the astrological signs are associated with certain paths on the Tree, and certian Tarot cards associated with the signs/paths, as well? Denning and Phillips lay it out for you, step by step, so that you come away with an understanding that won't fade as time goes by.

When I first purchased these volumes back in 1991, I had almost no background in magick whatsoever. While the latter two volumes may indeed be a bit advanced, the first should be required reading for any magickal study (or even a simple mystical study of the Tree of Life). By the end of the first volume, the latter two will no longer be out of the reach of your comprehension.

Highly, highly recommended works. For that matter, everything by either author meets a similarly high standard. If it's by Denning and Phillips, read it!

There are many books availiable for those who wish to learn the way of ritual magick- but few books for those who wish to learn the philosophy behind it, without having to contend with the opinions of often overbearing (Crowley), dogmatic (Fortune), muddle-headed (Regardie), or overly cautious (Kraig) writers. This book not only teaches pure Qabalistic and Hermetic thought, but insightfully and lucidly ties in connections to Oriental, Native American, and even the often overlooked ideas of those anomalous American Transcendentalists, such as Emerson and Whitman. There's no strange yoga, badly-translated words of mystic power, or misunderstood mythology- only the finest piece of magical literature availiable today. If you're a psychologist interested in exploring the transpersonal realms, a layperson wanting to explore spirituality beyond the confines of exoteric religion, a pagan interested in exploring a more reason-oriented spirituality, or even a chaos mage (like myself) searching for answers- this book is for you. Buy it and see for yourself.

This book is quite simply the most concise and insightful summary of the Western mystical philosophy that you're going to find out there. "Foundations of High Magick" explains the symbolism, correspondences, and theory behind mystical self-development in a way that the entire library of Llwelyn and other Golden Dawn-inspired books cannot begin to approach. For those of us that have struggled to find a simple, logical explanation of the theory behind the mystical systems, this book does so in an unparalleled fashion. If anyone has ever tried to sort through the Chokmah in Binah of Assiah (and other such mysteriously muddle-some correspondences upon correspondences ad nauseum) for any length of time, Denning and Phillips have provided a welcome relief! This book doesn't just present the symbols and correspondences: it literally takes the reader on a fascinating tour of these strange new worlds. The authors are knowledgeable guides throughout, spinning an amazing tale that seamlessly combines history, psychology and legend.

Readers who have tried and failed to make sense of Regardie and Crowley's muddled exposition of these ideas will be very grateful to Denning and Phillips for this clear-headed account. The prospective reader should note that this is a theoretical volume, and specific rituals are discussed in the later two volumes of this series. However, I would not necessarily recommend those volumes, because the rituals Denning and Phillips outline are quite similar to those of the Golden Dawn, which can be found elsewhere. In fact, insofar as the Golden Dawn rituals are not literally written in Greek, I find them to be far more comprehensible and useful. But this volume is definitely a solid investment.

This book is the republished volume 1 of the magicial philosophy of the Aurum Solis. It is concise and indepth on the knowlege it covers and is a great addition to any magickal library. It is also not a book that a neophyte can pick up and work through. Many of the teachings found within are for those who have already mastered many of the elemental forms of magic(K) and are ready to march ahead into a new field of study.

I keep my books arranged by importance in my library and this is one of the first 3.

This is a great primer for those who are just beginning their studies in magick. This book explains a lot. I have benn a magickal person for over 15 years and I enjoyed this book. Be aware this book is not on the hermetics or Thelema it is on the ogdodic tradition. I would recommend this book to anyone on any path of magick. Unlike some authers Denning and Phillips do not mess with the readers head. Instead they make things as clear as possible. Its mostly a lecture book so if you are looking for loads and loads of rituals you wont find it in here. But nevertheless it is a serious book, one that will help you understand the powers of magick more better. Also the book is also great since there is no useless dribble.

This is simply the best written general introduction to ceremonial magick in the English language. It can be used for self-study by anyone who is reasonably intelligent and diligent - although you will also need other books by the same authors - at least the other two volumes in the "Magical Philosophy" series. In particular "Foundations" includes a "course of study" at the back of the book which can guide you step by step through your "training".

Two criticisms should be noted. First, the authors are too influenced by Christianity. This is really a shame, because one of the great strengths of the book is that it helps the reader to begin to understand the philosophical basis for ceremonial magick. That philosophical basis is the Pagan philosophy of Plato, and later attempts by Christians to appropriate Platonism should never be confused with "the real thing." Nevertheless, the "Christianizing" tendencies of the authors do not run too deeply - so it is more of an annoyance than anything else, as long as you know better. The other criticism is that like most Llewellyn books this DOESN'T HAVE AN INDEX. This is really a very serious, at times difficult book. One will want to come back time and again to many parts of it. It is really a pain that there is no index!!!!!!

Ever since Regardie published "The Golden Dawn" various groups, offshoots, and descendants have formed orders based on it, and have kept the name prominent in occultism ever since.

Aurum Solis is a separate tradition, not as widely known (possibly because many read Aurum Solis and think it means "Golden Dawn"). They share many similarities, both being based largely on Qabalist symbolism, but quite a few differences as well. Aurum Solis teachings focus on "The Way of Return" much more than the Golden Dawn works do, empasizing personal growth and awareness.

To me though, the big difference is organization. Denning and Phillips worked very hard to present a complete system in these volumes (of which this book is the first - or first two in the original five). This book lays out the foundation and basic symbolism, the Sword and the Serpent deals with the Qabalah and the Way of Return, and Mysteria Magica deals with other practical applications of the knowledge in the prior volumes.

You can find most, if not all of this information in the Golden Dawn system as well, but it is not nearly as organized, being contained in various knowledge lectures, rituals, cipher manuscripts and teaching spread across many authors and many books - more than a few with intentional omissions and "blinds".

Personally I think this series is the best stuff Llewellyn ever published. Understand that it is NOT the Golden Dawn. There are significant differences between the two orders. But the knowledge presented here (and in the following works) is usable by any student of the occult.

First, I concur with the praise many others have said about this book. It is clear, concise, etc. And it is accessible.

However, I will start with what the book is not. This is not a book of magical practice despite the little bit at the end. If you want a how-to book, look elsewhere. Francis King's book "High Magic" comes to mind.

At the same time, this is the IDEAL first book on magical theory. I would recommend reading it before or after beginning basic practices. It is very accessible, but is a book that can be read at the beginning of the quest, set aside, and come back to years later. In such a second reading new gem will be found. I would recommend this book for novices but not by itself. It makes an ideal companion to ANY introductory work of practice.

Highly recommended.

It's great that they collected the first two voumes into this easy to find book. IV is fairly available online as well. When, oh when, are they going to re-release the impossible to find vol's 3 and 5, so people don't have to pay bogus collector's prices for them???

I managed to get my hands on the hardcover version of this classic on the Ogdoadic tradition & am glad that I have made the effort to acquire it. This classic has provided me with a comprehensive background information on the tradition & provided me with the impetus to continue my studies in this direction.