Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art [Paperback]

Draja Mickaharic (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1995

Shows you how to get started in magical practice. How does magic work? What distinguishes one form of magic from another? What system of magic should you pursue - High or Low, elemental or natural? Mickaharic answers all of these questions, and outlineshow to prepare oneself to practice magic, how the primary instruments of the magician are developed and cared for, and learning a chosen system of magic. Includes some basic techniques for each magical practice. Bibliography, index.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877288070
• ISBN-13: 978-0877288077
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to the Arts of Magic, January 19, 2005

By 

Brother MOLOCH 969 "MolochSorcery.com" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art (Paperback)

What a gem! If you have not read this introductory book on practical Occultism, let me tell you to run out and buy a copy NOW!

Mikaharic is one of those unsung heroes in the Occult who has not only successfully practiced what he preaches but also has developed his own system of practical Occultism (like yours truly!;o) Unlike a lot of the authors out there who play follow-the-follower when it comes to writing about Occultism be it Witchcraft, Vodu, Ritual Magic, etc., Mikaharic does his own researches, formulates his theory, tests his theory and then doing this over and over again after which THEN tells you what actually works.

Born in rural Bosnia prior to WWI, Mikaharic he immigrated to the US in the late 30s and made his living practicing Occultism and passing himself off as a "witchdoctor".

The book covers many subjects from Religious Ritual to learning Natural Magic and much in between. Ritual and Ceremonial Magic, Elemental Magic, Candle Magic, etc. However you may ho-hum the book and say "Been there, read that!" and probably you have. Yet the author gives personal anecdotes and experiences that are typically NOT found in your average "new age practitioners" book that you spent 1 ½ to 2 times the amount of money to get. (My copy retailed for only nine dollars and ninety-five cents).

The exercises while basic in content and form offer some truly unique results if the dedicant perseveres enough. He even relates how his first teacher admonished him after he sent Mikaharic away with the command to practice the art of relaxation. After four months of diligent practice, Mikaharic went back to his teacher only to discover he had not mastered this subtle but necessary art fully. Thus he was told to not come back until he had done so. After another six months of diligent practice, he was ready to continue.

There are other exercises sprinkled throughout the book that you can make use of after you've practiced and mastered them. Under the chapter on Deific Magic, the author discusses the forces at present in the objective universe and how many devotees of magico-religious systems learn to grow under the tutelege and guidance of such powers.

There is a nice Bibliography and a worthwhile Index for you to use. If you know of a beginner who really wants to do it the right way, THIS is one of the better primers you'll be able to lead them too. It should be required reading in all covens, lodges and temples regardless of the path. I have recommended it to my students in my Sorcery tradition as well. And yes I practice the exercises dutifully.

I rate this work 5 stars as it is complete, touches on a wide variety of topics and is not preachy but guiding. The author has chutzpah and practices what he preaches. He's also the author of two other essential books that you may want to look up and obtain as well.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple but Effective, February 5, 2006

By 

M. James (Florida, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art (Paperback)

Draja Mickaharic is one of the few authors writing on the subject of magic today who isn't afraid to say what should be on everyone's mind: if it doesn't work physical results, then its not magic.

This simple, common sense approach to the subject permeates Mr. Mickaharic's book. This isn't an exhaustive introduction, but a precise one. In it, he describes briefly the preliminary training required (2-4 years is a suggested minimum); then goes on to introduce the topics of religious magic, ceremonial magic, deific magic, necromancy, astral projection, elemental magic, and natural magic. He also provides concise practical exercises that are easy to understand.

It should be noted that this book is an introduction, a concise summary of magic. As such, it doesn't go into very much detail on any one topic. But if one is looking for a concise, no-nonsense introduction to this subject, this is a good place to start.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Anyone Engaged In Spiritual Development, February 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art (Paperback)

Had I got this book before changing religions I would have known where I was going. Then again, had most religious people known what spiritual development they would have been able to better direct and guide their people.

I have found that most people change their religion or lose faith because they have begun a spiritual transformation or evolution. We all go through this regardless of what age. But the difference is now for most people in these days and times is that we are in a new age (not to be confused with the New Age Movement).

This new age has a lot of people desiring to be better and wanting to walk the planet as the great sages and saviors have done. Unfortunately, many religious leaders aren't aware of this so as a result people leave their religious groups in search of answers to improve their spiritual and physical life.

This book explains the different groups that the person in search of 'spirituality' will come across. This is a fantastic book that I always refer others to when they are searching for their spiritual self. Because many people think that it is all about doing magic when in actuality, magical workings are just the beginning.