Customer Reviews

The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy

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Many people have written very dispariging remarks about The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer [first published in 1801]. They probley write such knowagable insights about another auther as well - the Most Honored Counsellor to King Charles the Fifth, and a Judge of the Prerogative Court...Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa lived around 500 years ago, and he wrote a book that is still having an impact today - 'The Three Books of Occult Philosophy'. It is the standard by which all other magical tomes are judged, and The Magus is no exception. The fact that Barrett basterdized the 'Three Books' is well known. But keep in mind, the 'Three Books' had long since fell into obscurity (300 years old by Barretts reconing) and there were no other tomes of any worth (save perhaps Johann Weyer's 'De praestigiis daemonum'). Also keep in mind the timeframe Barrett was living in (1801): 25 years after the American Revolution, 11 years after the first French Revolution, 2 years after George Washingtons death, the Marquis de Sade was still alive then, and Napolion was comming into power. Barrett did an outstanding job, concidering. His book stated the 'modern day magic movement' and directly influenced Eliphas Levi, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley, and so-on. Its impact was enormass, regardless of the glaring inconcistances (and errors) in the text, tables, and with the glyphs. Its history alone make it a book to be respected and admired. Sincerly, Shawn W. Ooten

Francis Barrett plagarized 100% of this book from Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, so there is some good information present, but none of it is original. (well, maybe some of the interesting illustrations) So if you're interested in the full story, seek out Agrippa (though do not buy Kessinger's version. For some reason they only include the first book, but still call it "Three Books of Occult Philosophy". Buy Llewellyn's--it's a beautiful production.)

I can confidently place Francis Barrett's The Magus along with the greatest of all magical/occult books in mainstream press: Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson, Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa, Black Magic by AE Waite, and Aleister Crowley's 777. For those that are hardcore occultists or even those who are merely curious, this book has alot to offer everyone.

This book is chock full of interesting takes on the Bible and God as well as practical ways for affecting reality through spiritually charged knoweldge and their items. Barrett like Esuebius pulls together a lot of older information that, again, puts one in a p[osition to better consider reality and your p[lace in it with God. A must read for seekers, intelligencers, and psychonauts; or just someone normal who wants to change their mind.

Someone loaned me this book. I found it a good for nights when I needed some dry reading to help me fall asleep. This is what is known as an "armchair" occullt book. A book for those who want to read or research such things for historical or fiction-writing reference. I bought Agrippa's works instead.

......from the book "Three Books of Occult Philosophy" By Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim with some additonal material form other sources. I have takeen the time to go over a large portion of the book, and see little to no origonal work. I recomend that you avoid this book and buy the works of Agrippa. The Llewellyn edition is well edited, and has comprehencev foot-notes.
WEC
A Magus

Not a single image found anywhere in the KINDLE version. Did I buy the wrong one? I downloaded the book primarily due to the ILLUSTRATED version being punted. Or is my KINDLE just to old?

Durring my divorce it seams i lost mine along with many other possessions...most were replacable, but The Magus. This book is a must have book, and if someone would like to sell their used copy if would be forever greatful...oldworldvamp@prodigy.net

Durring my divorce it seams i lost mine along with many other possessions...most were replacable, but The Magus. This book is a must have book, and if someone would like to sell their used copy if would be forever greatful...oldworldvamp@prodigy.net

Let's clear up a few misconceptions, by turning to a reliable authorty, as far as most modern occultists would be concerned:

Israel Regardie, in an essay from his book 'Foundations of Practical Magic,' (no doubt soon to be reprinted) described Barrett's MAGUS as 'a hotch potch of superstitious nonsense, blended with some basic magical information..the student (of serious magic) could do far worse than acquire a copy...'

Besides, it contains, for your shelf, a copy of Pietro d'Abanos' to put next to your greater and lesser Keys of KIng Solomon.

So, follow the mighty Mr. Regardie's lead ( and if you don't know Mr. Regardie enough either to admire him or despise him, no serious magician could consider you a serious student of modern western magic), and get a copy.