63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Veil is Lifted!, August 3, 2000
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.
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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best novels on magical rituals, December 6, 1998
By A Customer
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.
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33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sea Priestess is You, September 2, 2001
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.
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