Customer Reviews

The Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum (Ibis Western Mystery Tradition)

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This short work is undoubtably one of Eliphas Levi's most profound writings. It outlines the meanings of the twenty-two tarot trumps with information found nowhere else. The information on Rosicrucian symbolism is no less than revelatory. The meanings of occult symbols, from the Chi-Rho to Solomon's hexagram, are given in text and pictures that will enlighten any devoted student of the Hermetic mysteries.

This book is not much different from what I understand Levi's books are: cryptic, much left unsaid, making reference to other unmentioned works (and you don't get to know which or whose exactly). The text itself is fascinating, interesting, but the mystery of what isn't there is as much of that which is. As far as Tarot books go, and I've read many, this is by no means a beginner's book. In fact, it's not primarily meant to be a Tarot interpretation book, much less a book of spreads as it concentrates exclusively on the 22 major arcana. The attributions or revelations it does make are fascinating, quite tigthly related to the qabbalah (the practical kabbalah). As someone who has studied kabbalah (and also the "q" and "c" versions) I must say that the kabbalistic principles espoused here, while solid, are by no means what a newcomer to Tarot would readily understand. In summary, this is a highly mysterious magical working book which makes reference to the 22 major Tarot arcana, references some kabbalistic mysteries, and is not a good introduction to the Tarot itself. But as with many of Levi's works, its strengths may be precisely on the things it leaves unsaid in the hope that the reader will find out on his own (and exercise his/her magical will in wanting to find out).

The Magical Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum by Eliphas Levi (1810-1875) is a classic occult and tarot manual that combines major arcana symbolism along with an extensive description of the ritual of the sanctum regnum, or Kingdom of God. Featuring an introduction by Robert Gilbert that recounts the history of Levi's original manuscript, including its eventual prevalence as a source text for ceremonial magicians, The Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum remains as insightful today for tarot practitioners and lay readers as it did an age ago. A welcome and recommended core staple for tarot magic and occult reference shelves.

A wealth of information for anyone who is a serious student of Tarot. Whether you give readings or just read for yourself, this work will mystify you (literally!).

I felt it was very informative and fits in very well with my other studies on tarot. I also felt it very easy to follow.

This is a simple and easy to understand book about the Tarot. This would be a great book for beginners just starting to study the Tarot.