Customer Reviews

Magical Ritual Methods

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

William Gray is one of the unsung heroes of occultism. His writing is clear, focused, and articulate. He explains concepts and practices in a way that will make you learn and do magic effectively. If you want to do real magic, read this book, do the exercises and what you'll develop is a rigorous process of magic that gets results. This book is as relevant now as it was when first written.