Kabbalah, Magic & the Great Work of Self Transformation: A Complete Course [Paperback]

Lyam Thomas Christopher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 2006

Advancing to higher levels of ritual magic with purpose and power requires an exaltation of consciousness-a spiritual transformation that can serve as an antitode to the seeming banality of modern life.
 
Based on Kabbalistic techniques, the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and an Hermetic tradition spanning nearly two thousand years, this innovative new work introduces the history of the Golden Dawn and its mythology, the Tree of Life, Deities, demons, rules for practicing magic, and components of effective ritual.

A comprehensive course of self-initiation using Israel Regardie's seminal Golden Dawn as a key reference point, Kabbalah, Magic and the Great Work of Self-Transformation guides you through the levels of the Golden Dawn system of ritual magic. Each grade in this system corresponds with a sphere in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life and includes daily rituals, required reading, written assignments, projects, and additional exercises.

Knowledgeable and true to tradition, author Lyam Thomas Christopher presents a well-grounded and modern step-by-step program toward spiritual attainment, providing a lucid gateway toward a more awakened state.



Finalist for the Coalition of Visionary Resources Award for Best Magick/Shamanism Book

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lyam Thomas Christopher (Florida) has been a student of Hermeticism and the Golden Dawn for over fifteen years. After receiving his B.A. in Liberal Studies he went on to receive his Adeptus Minor from Ra Horkhty Temple. A former bookseller, the author is currently a learning specialist at a regional community college. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; annotated edition edition (August 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738708933
• ISBN-13: 978-0738708935
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #419,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Self-Transformation and Enlightenment in the West, August 1, 2006

By 

A. Eufemio (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kabbalah, Magic & the Great Work of Self Transformation: A Complete Course (Paperback)

In his very first published book, Lyam Thomas Christopher provides a comprehensive system of self-transformation based on the Golden Dawn system which uses the Kabalistic Tree of Life as a model for spiritual awakening. The book provides a complete study and training course into Western Magic and Mysticism which, if followed properly, can lead to an enlightened state of awareness of ones existence where happiness can be derived not from material gain or social status but from the knowledge and conversation with ones Higher Self.

The very first chapter of this book provides a very good argument for the need for self-transformation and the search for spiritual enlightenment. The author shows that even with our advanced technologies, scientific advancement, longer life-span, and modern comforts there is much more suffering and misery in our world and we are even more confused about our purpose and place within the Universe. The author proposes that the reason for this unhappiness is that we have built our world around the survivalist mentality where men and women buy prosperity. We have shunned away our spiritual birthright where imagination flourishes where we can, as mortal men, can achieve realization of our immortality in exchange for the material comforts of the modern world which are all too often fleeting and temporary.

The author puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of developing a new kind of existence that rises above the survivalist mindset bent on the prestige and comfort of gaining status in our miserable and confused society. The recommended practical work provided in this book allows the student to learn and become consciously aware about the inner workings of the human psyche. This allows the student to develop an intimate relationship with his/her lower and animalistic nature not to destroy or banish it but to make it subject under the authority of the Higher and Immortal self so one can achieve happiness not in the afterlife but in the here and now within ourselves - the true Heaven on Earth.

The book offers a new perspective and approach in spiritual development within the Western Mystery Tradition. The work to be undertaken is divided into various grades or levels identical to the traditional grade system of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn from which a good portion of the teachings and practices are taken from. In each grade the author prescribes specific exercises, rituals, and assignments to be performed for a given period of time which can last anywhere between 6 months to 1 year. When done with sincerity and diligence the work will cause noticeable and significant life changes.

The author is very eloquent yet unpretentious and humble. Lyam Christopher has the ability to articulate complex psychological and spiritual concepts that can be easily understood by anyone. This book is highly recommended for beginners and advanced practitioners of magic and those who are searching for a path to enlightenment that does not require them to sell all their belongings and live in the mountains eating berries or subjecting themselves to the authority of some self-professed guru. This book should be part of every practicing magician's bookshelf.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So good, it's evil, August 4, 2006

By 

Jake (Palm Beach) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kabbalah, Magic & the Great Work of Self Transformation: A Complete Course (Paperback)

I had my doubts about the author at first because he's a consultant to my teacher. When she started using his suggestions and prescribing them in my work, I didn't like it. Lyam Thomas Christopher demands a lot out of his students.

But then the changes started happening. This stuff works, and you needn't wonder how. Lyam lays it out for you in the pages...and by the time you're done reading, you have a grand view of the whole spiritual process. And you're faced with the choice of whether or not to go down the road that this book offers. The haunting thing is that this is nothing new to anyone in the west. We've all known all along that the road was there.

Lyam's approach is grand, but it's not in the least bit overwhelming. The book is grand in scope, but thankfully piecemeal and step-by-step.

I thought I knew what magic was. I've read a lot. I know a lot. But in this book the details come together differently. I realize that I've learned almost nothing...yet.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overall book, January 14, 2007

By 

R. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kabbalah, Magic & the Great Work of Self Transformation: A Complete Course (Paperback)

I think this book is pretty good, when I got it I could'nt put it down for some reason. I like how it uses the rituals to slowing bring you into balance with the elements instead of just showing you a quick way to get there. It really takes alot of work for the reader who wants to pursue the goal in the book. I can say though the title can be alittle misleading as I thought at first I was going to be dealing with traditional kabalah, when I saw that it was Based off the Golden Dawn I had my doubts, but I decided to give it a try, ive been practicing it ever since and I quite enjoy it. So if you are looking into a style of magick that is towards the Golden Dawn but without all the unecessary Rif Raf from the traditonal GD, then this is a good book to get. It strips everything down only to the bare necessities. And you stay pretty busy as well.