Customer Reviews

Introduction to Magic: Rituals and Practical Techniques for the Magus

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Quite simply the most penetrating magical text that I have encountered in all my years of study. The collection of essays on magical theory and practice by Evola and his associates set a standard by which future works appearing in the English-speaking occult world will be judged. Of particular merit are the essays entitled "Knowledge of the Waters" and "On the Magical View of Life" - herein are given great secrets never before so clearly stated. There is no hackneyed, watered-down GD-OTO-Wiccan ephemera to be had here - those accustomed to that kind of spiritual spoon-feeding may find themselves a bit flabbergasted after ingesting this information, but may also find themselves a bit wiser in the process. The unleashing of Evola onto the American esoteric community has been a blast of long-needed fresh air; those with the will and vision to make the Ascent will find in him a great mentor. If you buy only one book on magic, make this your choice. You won't be disappointed.

This is probably the most profound and significant work on magic to appear in the last fifty years. Readers of Inner Traditions' other Evola translations will know that his works are not an "easy read." They require careful, multiple readings because Evola is not a New Age huckster but a genuine master. His command of the most difficult texts of philosophy, mysticism, and occultism--East and West--is absolutely remarkable. But reading Evola you sense that you are in the presence of a man who not only exhibits great scholarly erudition, but also a high degree of spiritual attainment. INTRODUCTION TO MAGIC confirms this impression, for here we learn of the spiritual and magical disciplines to which Evola and his UR group subjected themselves. This is most definitely a "how to" book, but it is far from "introductory" in the sense of being painless or easy. This is a demanding book, demanding in that it will require careful study, and demanding in what it requires the aspiring adept to DO, practically, in order to perfect his soul. The spiritual aim of Evola and the UR group, and all of the exercises in this book, is to achieve consciousness of, and identification with, a "higher self." This involves nothing less than a will to completely transform and perfect oneself. It is a path which requires the strictest mental and physical discipline. It is not for those casually interested in "the occult." Indeed, Evola warns that this path is actually dangerous to those who would take it up casually or without full conviction. If you are a serious and dedicated student of occultism, if you are ready to embark upon a path which WILL transform your life, and if you are prepared for the struggle and conflict that this will inevitably bring with it, then you must read INTRODUCTION TO MAGIC. No other work on magic is as frank, as explicit, and as profound. Evola's approach is also blessedly free of any infusion of Christianity, Kabbalism, or "Egyptianism." His is truly a Western pagan magical path. It is recommended that you read this work in conjunction with other works by Evola, especially his book on alchemy, THE HERMETIC TRADITION, and his magnum opus, REVOLT AGAINST THE MODERN WORLD. Both of these are also published by Inner Traditions.

Introduction to magic is indispensable if you are seriously pursuing the path of real initiation. The booklets published by the italian group of UR in the 20s, collected as a chapter for every month, comprise direct instructions, commentaries of ritual and alchemy works, explorations of different initiatory systems, essays on several components of magic.

One aspect that could be considered a minus is that this book doesn't spoonfeed you about how to build your routine. You won't find a page with a big EXERCISES title at the end of every chapter, and you won't be told every little detail of every technique (for an *excellent* book that does this, my advice is 'Initiation into hermetics" by Franz Bardon). However, some of the authors (Abraxas and Luce, in particular) seem to lay out a complete system of practice chapter after chapter, to be followed in order.

A warning: this is a wonderful book, but it is very different from what many occult hobbyists are accustomed to. It does everything to keep away from the feel-good newage fluff which fills the vast majority of books on the subject, and to state clearly what initiation really implies.

Do you think you can read that mediumship is something that must be cured, that theosophy and spiritualism are anti-initiation movements based on fancies, that immortality isn't for everyone and you will not just 'reincarnate' to have another chance if you fail? Can you accept the notion that one of the goals of initiation is to transcend passions, that an initiate cannot fall in love, get angry, desire or fear anything? If the answer is no, then don't read this book; you will not like it.

Note that this is only the first volume of three. In my opinion this is also the most important. The essays follow an order and can be used to draw a plan or at least to get an idea of the subject, while they become less organized from the second year of the publication on. However they are still invaluable, so, if you can, read the other two too.

Inner Traditions merits praise for the great care they have afforded in faithfully reproducing this seminal work on Ars Magia by a group of anonymous Italian esotericists known as the Gruppo di Ur. Unfortunately the other English translations of Evola's works have not fared as well. Entire passages of previously translated books remain incomprehensible and utterly unrecognizable from the originals. For example, a key subject matter in Italian esotericism revolves around the semiosis or secret language employed by a (alleged) group of Tuscan duecento poets known as the "Fedeli D'Amore". The name of this group has appeared in various translations of Evola's works as "Worshippers of Love" or enigmatically as "Love's Lieges. The translator fails to recognize that by translating key cryptic terms, one uproots the semiotic power of assonance and associated imagery embedded in the original phrase (etymon) to graph onto the psyche and shoot branches of sublime meaning. The underlying context which in the sapienza palladia or gaia scienza lexicon associates the term with the H.R.E. Federicus and the Ghilbelline movement is lost. This loss of identity is akin to a literal translation of Troubadour into Finder. With that said, and leaving aside one's perspective on Evola or on the subject matter, Introduction To Magic is a magnum opus of its kind. Originally published in minimal quantities as a journal in the late 19 20's, these series of manuscripts were uncompromisingly written by adepts for adepts, without any attempt to appease public vagaries. The scholar Mircea Eliade first became acquainted with Evola's works through the publications of these curious yet hermetically dense texts. The Ars Magia forms part of an ancient branch of Italic sapiential wisdom that has been enriched over the centuries by philosophers such as Ficino, Pico, Bruno, Campanella and Vico. Introduction of Magic is a worthy continuum to this corpus. It offers a window into arcane labyrinths.

There are many available sources of knowledge in the world today, but the writings of Evola are without doubt giants in their field. This book is absolutely serious, and dangerous. I can guarantee that no one who reads it will genuinely take up its teaching and practices without the greatest difficulty and sacrifice. For this type of knowledge to be available in today's world is nothing less than a blessing, and can be used to great benefit in virtually every religious, occult, metaphysical and spiritual endeavour.

It is best described as a handbook to Adeptship, the Science of the Self, in which both religious and magical aspects are fully integrated with balance, grace and dignity. Clearly, each contributing author speaks from experience, and this immediately puts it beyond the vast majority of 'textbooks' out there. I am surprised that this book has even been published, but given that its authors felt that no unworthy students would benefit much anyway, it is better not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

I would add that a certain period of study-at a 'safe distance'-is necessary, and should be supplemented by (at the very least) two other books by Evola: "Ride the Tiger" and "Revolt against the modern world". These will give the passive reader an idea of what is really being asked of them, and the context in which this teaching is set. Other books by Evola are of equal benefit, but deal with the path from specific Traditions, whereas this book combines insights from East and West. Specifically, the writings of Ea, Abraxas, Luce and Leo are of core value, followed by Arvo, Oso, Alba and Meyrink. These will naturally appeal to the Western reader, though the other texts should not be avoided.

On a personal note, I have found the study of Evola's writings to lead to a respectful, even loving relationship to someone whose spirit and mind were clearly as deep and bountiful as the ocean, and I treasure his clarity, honesty and rigorous discipline in all he says and does. He was a bright star amongst a dark generation.

The only 'criticism' I have to make is with his understanding of Christianity. But this is easily justified given his point of reference, and the problematic position of Catholicism to the Traditional World (not being properly part of it due to its exclusivity, yet retaining much through organic adoption and succession). Nonetheless, I am surprised he did not see through the 'exoteric' version of Christianity to its essence and significance. To the Christian who studies his work, he will find the key to understanding the esoteric or truly gnostic meaning of Christ's life and work, especially his explanation of the 'Immortal Body'. In this respect, I would strongly recommend the works of Rudolf Steiner, who, interestingly enough, Evola respected personally yet disagreed with professionally.

In conclusion, this book is a prodigy in its field, and probably will not be recognised as such for a while. Do not be put off by any references to Evola as a Nazi supporter-his position is fairly well documented and understandable from his own hopes and beliefs, not his detractors. If you do decide to buy this book, you will probably find most of your further collection naturally taking second place!

Even if you only read it for information's sake (and this is not an easy task by any means) it will be well worth it. Good luck!

The Kali-Yuga into whose saturno-aquarian darkness and nescience we are presently sinking is a veritable epoch of decline and decay, of senescence, decadence and obscuration dominated by what the Gnostics called 'the counterfeit spirit' Ialdabaoth-Samael, the Archon of Darkness and material delusion - authentic Esotericism has for some centuries been eclipsed and clouded by a whole spectrum of insidious imitations and perversions ranging from New Age effusions and modern ceremonial gibberish to quasi-satanic claptrap, all usually characterized by ineptitude, questionable aesthetic taste and dishonesty. So this collection of essays on various aspects of High Magic, remarkable for it's special quality of rigour, clarity and fidelity to the spirit of the Tradition, presents a very refreshing exposition of Magic and the perennial wisdom of Hermeticism. In fact the book also treats aspects of Kaula Tantrism and Vajrayanic Buddhist Yoga. Far from an easy ride this material is challenging in its austerity and power and requires not just intellectual concentration but assimilation via the understanding of the Heart-Mind, by noetic apprehension of its inner truths. The essays by the 'Black Baron' are profound in their icy penetration into the lofty reaches of the most sublime arcana of Hermes: the other writings presented here, by the Neo-Pythagorean magus Arturo Reghini, Giuilio Parise and the other members of the UR Group are equally inspiring and nourishing. This book is a welcome change and one does not have to concur with every point made to find it extremely stimulating and unusual. Highly recommended as epitomizing various takes on the Traditional approach to Magic and Hermeticism.

I rarely give 5/5 for anything, whether it be music, art, or cinema. But Julius Evola and the UR Group have presented one path in this book for the student to apply to her or his life to progress magically through this world and on into the next. This text is not for the beginner or the non-practitioner, they are for those that are willing to trudge forth ... and I'm sure they know who they are.

You don't have to agree with every method put forth by the UR Group, but to experience and understand what they teach is to be well on your way.

This book contains a great deal of interesting material, from translations of Mithraic rituals and various alchemical works. Additionally, I would rate the meditative exercises as very good.

However, it is somewhat less of an introduction to magic than, say, Book 4 by Crowley. Instead I would recommend it either as an advanced meditation manual or an advanced magic workbook. It is not really suited to the beginner very well.

I only gave this work four stars because the book claims to be universally applicable and transcendent of tradition but instead seems to my mind to be fairly Buddhist in its outlook. I think therefore it fell slightly short of the original author's stated goals. Otherwise, I think it is worth reading for those who are interested in the history of esoteric thought, for those looking for some more advanced meditative techniques, and for those looking to bridge the gap between meditation and magic.

This book presents a series of short essays designed to introduce students of the esoteric to the Hermetic school of thought of Evola's UR lodge.

Some basic things about this book are that it should be read in order, as it tends to build upon previous essays. It is some what philosophical, which sees things in a gnostic/manachean way. it seeks to restore a sort of "heroic" attitude to the esotericist, that is lacking in most drivel that passes as "magic" today.

Also included is a very interesting introduction which describes the behind the scenes dramas and background information on the authors.

The title of this book could be a bit misleading, as it's fair to say that the majority of the articles in this book are not intended for people who are just coming into magical practice. The articles requires at least an intermediate knowledge in Hermeticism, Alchemy, or Buddhist Meditation techniques, for the most part. With that said, I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading and practicing the different techniques described and discussed in this book.

These articles were written in the late 1920's by a group of experimental magicians called the UR group, lead by Julius Evola. This book presents a fascinating glimpse into ceremonial magical work being done in that time by magicians who weren't overtly associated with magical orders such as the OTO or Golden Dawn. The articles are detail oriented, but all of the writers manage to discuss the concepts with enough brevity to explain what needs to be done and how to do it, without unnecessarily waxing poetic about it.

One article I particularly liked was what I would suggest was the first article ever written on space/time magic...but rather apt for what it suggests about the nature of time and how a person interacts with it. This is definitely a book I will read again and again and get more out of each time I read it. I recommend it to any person who wants to either get a better historical perspective of magical practices or wants to continue honing his/her practices.