Magical Ritual Methods [Paperback]

William G. Gray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1980

Throughout the ages, the workings of magical ritual have been shrouded in more secrecy than probably any other subject. The peculiar secrecy surrounding magical practices is not altogether intentional--how can mere description of the purely physical aspects of ritualism possibly convey its deep significance? Knowing this conciously or instinctively, practitioners of magical rites have maintained silence or given such vague descriptions of their activities that little practical use can be made of them. Now there is a guidebook, intended for the Western student on the path of spiritual consciousness. William Gray pulls all the "hows's" and "why's" of ceremonial magic together in one volume and provides the student with practical means for its proper operation and study. People are drawn toward ritual practice because it fulfills a need on a deep spiritual level that nothing else will fill. Gray shows us how to arrange and direct our own studies, and gives us the basics to make magical ritual work for us, to extend our human consciousness toward Truth and Light.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser (June 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877284989
• ISBN-13: 978-0877284987
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #880,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a Tech Manual for Mages, October 20, 1999

By 

Sunfell "Sunfell" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magical Ritual Methods (Paperback)

The first sentence in this book says it all: "There is probably more rubbish written about magic than anything else..." Then Gray proceeds to build a very workable foundation of magickal practice. His deep detail is something that is painfully missing from most of these recent-vintage magickal manuals. The reader learns about proper grounding and centering, constructing workable psychic shielding, the use of sound in chants and rites, and the proper construction and use of ritual tools. The various parts of a working rite of Magick are explained- even down to the postures of the celebrants. The book is oriented more towards the temple-style of practice, but its methods can be employed in Wiccan and other paths, too. This book is not really for beginners, but it needs to be on the shelf of every serious practitioner and magickal teacher. Highly recommended.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, though not a "light" read, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Magical Ritual Methods (Paperback)

As the last reviewer said, this book is very intellectual. VERY true! However, that just made it a more fascinating read for me. Some folks just don't like heavy reading, and that's fine. Try "Basic Magic" published by Llewellyn Worldwide, instead. This book includes all the basics for Ritual Magick for Spiritual purposes, however is not for the beginner. A previous, working knowledge of Magick is a must to read this one. One thing I must warn the reader about: Gray speaks as if all Spirits, Angels, Daimons, etc., are nothing but subjective manifestations of the internal self. This is not necessarily true. Many Spirits exist, whether we believe in them or not, and simply manifest in different ways according to what the magician would best understand. Other than this fact, the book is well worth reading and very thought-provoking.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating alternative to standard 'Airy' methods!, August 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Magical Ritual Methods (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book. I read it in conjunction with RJ Stewart's book "Living Magical Arts". I don't believe that everything he says is still applicable today, but it still makes a thought-provoking read. Excellent for anyone wanting to progress magically in a very real sense. It is, however, quite an intellectual read, which doesn't suit everyone.