Customer Reviews

The Sea Priestess

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Dion Fortune first published THE SEA PRIESTESS in the 1930s. At that time, because of its themes of ritual magic and pagan symbolism, the book was deemed sufficiently controversial that no established publishing house in England would touch it. Ms. Fortune was forced to publish her work of her own accord and by her own means. This, by the way, was an act of extreme courage on the part of Ms. Fortune since witchcraft statues were still on the books in 1930s England and women of independent means were still considered an aberration. Fortunately for us, both the times and the courage of publishing houses have changed and this lost treasure is now available to us once again.

THE SEA PRIESTESS is one of several fascinating novels written by renowned Esotericist, Psychologist and Psychic, Dion Fortune. But within her fiction, as the author's own words in one of her other novels (see THE GOAT FOOT GOD) hint, "... there are some very curious things if you read between the lines." She then goes on to say, "Writers will put things into a novel that they daren't put in sober prose, where you have to dot the I's and cross the T's." On the surface, THE SEA PRIESTESS tells the story of a seemingly privileged man, trapped in one-dimensional life of illness, duty and servitude, who embarks on a perilous journey toward spiritual enlightenment. He is guided in his quest by a woman. A powerful woman who represents the very spiritual principle he hopes to find and, with whose help, he can be set free. But at a deeper level, THE SEA PRIESTESS represents a primer for the seeker looking to reclaim ancient spiritual knowledge - a "How To" guide that quite eloquently reveals some of the esoteric secrets and practices long held sacred by Western secret societies and mystical orders - several of which Dion Fortune was a member.

Along the way, this book reminds us is that, in the tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of years of human history, the Christian perspective is the newcomer, the anomaly. When juxtaposed against the entire backdrop of history, the last two thousand years are but a blip on the radar screen. Yet since the dawn of humankind, there has existed a universal mother goddess throughout the world. She has largely been forgotten in modern times. This book also reminds us of the inherent dualism of nature. Nature and therefore the ancient goddesses that represent nature, have aspects that are both creative and destructive. What has been forgotten in modern times is that every coin has a flip side, every light casts a shadow and that balance is an essential component of the cosmos.

Engaging, and deeply philosophical, THE SEA PRIESTESS holds value for even the casual seeker of enlightenment. In addition, the book is well written and entertaining. I would suggest you try reading it while sitting by the sea. You will find your imagination stirred to new heights.

When the wimpish estate agent Wilfred Maxwell is recovering from asthma his mind opens up to new psychic currents.He meets the ageless and mysterious Vivien Le Fay Morgan and helps her turn an old fort by the sea into a temple.Vivien is a priestess of Isis from an ancient Moon cult who has re-incarnated many times.She and Wilfred conduct magical rituals whereby she initiates him on the inner planes.She teaches him the esoteric significance of the magnetic ebb and fow of the moon tides.Wilfred becomes a new man, full of vitality and confidence.After Vivien mysteriously disappears Wilfred marries the homely Molly.Because "all women are Isis" Molly is able to learn the rituals and perform them with Wilfred.The mystic powers of the sea pervade this story.The sea stands for the unconscious mind and deeper levels of being.Alan Richardson, biographer of Dion Fortune, calls this her best novel on magic, if not the only novel on true magic, and I agree with him.Dion Fortune was a leading initiate and all her novels are well worth reading for their esoteric content.

As an astrologer, professional metaphysician, expert Tarot symbolist and VisionCoach, I am somewhat embarrassed at how adamantly I recommend this rare jewel of a book to my clients. Unassuming in its title, it carefully hides in the traditional esoteric manner, some of the greatest wisdom you will ever encounter on the subject of what it means to really be a woman. When I hear enthusiastic discussion about rights and entitlements and equality, I often think of the tale Dion Fortune tells of the beautiful, enthralling and mysteriously ageless woman who lives by the sea, the Sea Priestess. This book is a written ritual. It is sheer magic. If you but read it and really understand it, and you are a woman, you will never, ever be the same. This book is all about power. It's the real thing. Fortune is a seminal writer in the field of metaphysics whose name you should know and whose books you should read if you are serious about this field.

For those of us with a certain relationship to the Moon, this book is a treasure. Fortune's theme is expressed vividly and wonderfully in this book about the unveiling of the hidden nature in men and women. The initiation sequence leaves me breathless everytime. Of course, there's also about 50 pages left after that, which makes the book feel uneven. Also, the class and race attitudes of the 1930's are apparent in some minor passages. Don't let the fact that the bbok was written in by a bourgiose professional in the 30's deter you-this is truly a wonderful book.

When estate agent Wilfred Maxwell is recovering from severe asthma his mind opens up to new psychic currents .Then he meets the ageless Vivien Le Fay Morgan and helps her turn an old fort by the sea into a temple.Vivien is a Priestess of Isis from an ancient Moon cult.She initiates Wilfred on the inner planes in her magical rituals.She teaches him the esoteric significance of the magnetic ebb and flow of the moontides.After Vivien mysteriously disappears Wilfred marries the homely Molly.Because "All women are Isis", Molly is able to learn the rituals and perform them with Wilfred.The mystic power of the sea is evoked in this novel and pervades the whole story. Some regard this as not only Dion Fortune's best novel, but the best occult novel ever written.

Originally written (and self-published) in 1938, this novel is filled with wonder and wisdom. Wilfred Maxwell as a character is a superb representation of human nature at its most paradoxical. From his on-going battle with his narrow minded, domineering sister, to his passion for the mysterious Vivien Le Fay Morgan and his tenderness for the young Molly, Wilfred's spiritual growth is as fascinating as his sly wit is hilarious.

The style of the novel is a free-flowing and deep as the sea itself. When one remembers that it was written in the early part of the 20th century, it's all the more remarkable for the forward- thinking philosophies and topics it touches on. And yet the wisdom contained in those philosophies are as ancient as ocean from which all life emerged.

The first 70% of the story swept me along with vivid imagery, excellent characterisation and profound ideas which are often lacking in today's stories.

There was a section near the end of the story - where the occult rites were described in a lecturing tone, rather than a story telling one - where my interest waned, but in the last 10% of the novel, dealing with the aftermath of Wilfred & Molly's experience with the mysterious Priest of the Moon, the pace picked up again.

The strength of this novel lies in Fortune's compassionate understanding and insight into human nature. Her esoteric knowledge adds depth and imagination to a most unusual and interesting read.

(This review is for the Kindle edition)

The Moon and Sea simultaneously pull each other toward a balance achieved between periods of calm and storm. Holding opposite tensions produce creative acts: this book mirrors a High Priestess intending a spiritual psychodrama that creatively balances the masculine and feminine. Specifically, she selects a male to be the God to her Goddess as well as the time, space, and place for the enfoldment. Both characters are willing participants, so the transformation is not an incident, but a process.Dion created this book and others as practical applications of some of her metaphysical teachings. Everything in the book is like a dream scape or active imagining filled with symbols and images. The Sea Priestess places inner archetypal forces/processes in the outer world, much like a modern day Jean Huston. I recently spent a week in the Caribbean & the following image went to my womb space: A boat dock blackened by the light of the full moon; warm waters quivering silver; a graceful Crane entering and exiting this picture like a dream creature. Two days after my return to my desert home I found this book. It is a great read for novices or seasoned practicioners...Sea Magic: Connecting with the Ocean's Energy

I really like very old occult and gothic horror, and these occult fiction novels are very well written and a nice alternative to Harry Potter. Harry Potter, like Lord of the Rings, sold out the occult to wannabes; I am a practicing ceremonial magician and have brother status in an occult group and it sickens me that this Harry Potter generation are nothing but wannabes and wouldn't know an offering bowl from a bowl of cereal. This is the fictionalized account of a priestess' journey through magick. It is not boring or depressing. This so controversial upon its first publication no company would touch it; Fortune self published this, like Aleister Crowley. Speaking of Mr. Crowley, this holds up well if you use Aleister Crowley as the end all, be all of the occult. Despite his evil reputation the man was a master of the English language. Dion Fortune was also an icon and with this being my introduction to her I was very impressed enough that I would want to get more of her books. Reading is exorcise for the mind- Harry Potter is garbage and childish wannabe fantasy. Dion Fortune in real life was a very powerful reality-based sorceress. Her books are designed as a complete course in real life occultism.

This book is an occult classic. But I will tell you it is not the easiest read and can drag at times. So be patient.

I did not enjoy this book as much as I wanted to, and thought I would. The prose used by the author simply did not make any sense to me for the period for which this book alluded to. Although Ms. Fortune goes into elaborative details about the characters and situations, it simply did not draw me into the characters' world. I would've liked the author to have dwelt into Ms. Le Fay's psyche more profoundly.