Customer Reviews

The Rites of Magick

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By Lon Milo DuQuette -- It is extremely difficult to properly address the highly esoteric aspects of ceremonial magick in a documentary film format. Perhaps that is why there are so few videos and DVDs currently available on the topic. There are several obvious reasons for this. First of all, the number of authorities qualified to comment upon the subject is exceedingly small. Secondly, among those who are qualified there are almost none who are able, willing or blessed with the talent and sense of audacious showmanship required to produce such projects. There is no question that Poke Runyon possesses in abundance that rare and magical combination of qualities, or that the world of the Hermetic arts and sciences is immeasurably enriched by his willingness to share so generously his knowledge, wisdom, and personality through the medium of sight and sound.

However, Runyon's newest offering, The Rites of Magick, is more than a visual textbook of magical theories and techniques (although there is a wealth of that in this DVD - so much in fact that the viewer will wish to review it several times to glean its precious jewels). It is quite literally an historic document - a record of real magick dramatically celebrated at the dawn of the late 20th century neo-pagan explosion. This window on magical history, in and of itself, makes this documentary a unique treasure.

Although I'm not a member of the Order of the Temple of Astarte, or the Church of Hermetic Sciences, Inc., I've admired Poke and his work for over 30 years. Like all pioneers of vision and genius he attracts his share of critics and detractors. This is to be expected, even welcomed by a man of Runyon's stature. In my opinion, The Rites of Magick is a beautiful and profound testament to the art of western magick, and perhaps the finest DVD of its kind ever produced.

This is one of those videos worthy of pulling out at group meetings, or to show new initiates just so they can get a taste of a wide variety of ritual. Or to spark discussion of ritual worship and/or magickal work. For those who have been practicing awhile, it's my belief this video may inspire you in your own work and ritual. I know it did me. The Communion of the Elements ceremony was lovely as were the other rituals presented. I personally would highly recommend it.

"Poke" Runyon is an interesting man. Former Green Beret who began seriously practicing magic and trance-work as a way to alleviate stomach ulcers.

This video is eerie, fun, and essential viewing for the macabre and ceremonial magician types out there. Here you will see his order perform a very interesting Tantric version of the GD Middle Pillar exercise, a group repast/celebration, a detailed pathworking, a variety of different shots of LBRP, some ceremonies, and a very ominous Opening by Watchtower. I've personally watched that Watchtower ceremony many times, and it gets a little eerier each time...perhaps due to Runyon's introductory description of the Enochian angels (they sound more like demons to me). I know I might get torched for that remark, but it's true...apocalyptic is too much for me.

Overall, I'd have given it 5 stars if it had a little less OTA specific ceremonies and more general info about things like sacred tools, invoking versus evoking, and the like. Still, a very watchable piece.

With "The Rites of Magick", we have what is undoubtedly the best documentary on this subject to be made. It contains a wealth of useful information, inspiring artwork, and surprising material--surprising because such things are usually reserved for the initiated. I can only surmise that this is an example of an "open secret", where no matter how public something is, only those who have already spent time searching will recognize it. Kudos to the author for covering so much territory with drama and style.

This video program truly encapsulates a life's work. This dedicated practitioner has indeed culled the essence of his many years of considerable research and presented it in an easy-to-understand and pleasing format. In fact, he and his team pull back the curtain on a show so mesmerizing you hardly realize you're watching a comprehensive overview of a system of ceremonial magick developed over decades of tireless individual and collaborative study and practical research. It makes readily accessible an otherwise complex ideology, granting entry to a rich and often exclusive world of mystery and history. Some of the earlier feminine imagery may seem a little dated, but only if viewed out of context and without knowledge of the strong, sovereign goddesses (like Inanna) of ancient times. (A flavor of this independent spirit of the ancient feminine can be found in stories of Inanna with Enki and Dumuzi. Some trace Astarte to Inanna.) This video can be a door-opener to vast and specialized knowledge for the sincere seeker. For anyone who wants to understand ceremonial magick and the subculture that embraces it, this DVD bears watching again and again.

The difference between an Occultist and a Magician - is practice. Messers Runyon and Jednack and the Ordo Templi Astarte have once again allowed us a peak into their world of magical practice. Thabion's words are wise, the solstice ceremony shown in the video is inspiring and the silent eucharist celebration is meditative and thought provoking. The music, although magical and true, gets a bit tedious to the viewer (although I'm sure it adds well to the actual ritual events depicted).

The beauty of Mr. Runyon's video offerings is that they allow students and practioners alike, insight into a well established and practicing magical temple. They show actual ritual work...something not usually readily accessible to a student of the magical arts, which will (hopefully) inspire the armchair occultist to get off the couch and into circle!

The O.T.A.'s two previous productions: The Magick of Solomon and Dark Mirror of Magick ( both still available in up-dated, extended and enhanced "Second Editions" on DVD ) might be considered as "the dark side" of magick. They both featured the evocation of spirits in a dark mirror by hypnotic conjuration and the distortion of facial reflection. Although not evil or even amoral, these two previous video documentaries were gothic in mood and tone. To uninformed and spiritually conservative viewers they may have seemed sinister.

In The Rites of Magick the producers have shown us a broader view of the magical process; one might say: The Magical Universe, because it is another world that magicians create with the power of their imaginations. This production takes us to the secluded estate where the O.T.A. conducts its training and rituals.
We are introduced to their yoga system, their astral journeying technique, their ancient seasonal rites, their own version of the Holy Grail "Mass of the Elements," and a remarkable Enochian ritual based on the Elizabethan system of Dr. John Dee. As "bonus feature" we are treated to an artistic fantasy about "the perils of alchemical experimentation."

Some viewers may find the employment of "Grail" and "Eucharist" symbolism in non-Christian rituals to be disturbing even though the narrator explains their pagan origins, but with this one criticism accepted, this is otherwise an excellently produced, informative and inspiring production.

Its the basic overview of the OTAs other rituals and beliefs. There's only 20 or so minutes on each topic and its very introductory. It doesn't get deep into anything. Compared to The Magic of Solomon which was beginning to end. And unlike the magic of Solomon there wasn't anything as innovative as say how to use the magic mirror. The ritual was well done. It had the feel of a brochure video selling the OTA rather then a learning tool. The quality of the video is OK.

I thought this DVD was a good first step into the rituals and beliefs of the OTAs. I would recommend this video as a stepping stone to get a good overview.

I felt this film had a good overview of the OTA's. The basic information it provides is a good stepping stone for expanding knowledge in the field.