Techniques of High Magic: A Handbook of Divination, Alchemy, and the Evocation of Spirits (Paperback)

by Francis King (Author), Stephen Skinner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"After reading this book I must commend the authors on their disciplined approach to magical practice, including easy formulas and diagrams that will help the new initiate navigate the world of high magic."
(Rev. Dr. S. D'Montford, New Dawn, Mar-Apr 2006 )

". . . a 'classic' in its own time."
(Institute for Hermetic Studies, Mar 2006 )

Product Description
A complete beginner's guide to understanding and harnessing the mysterious forces of nature.

* Provides tools for self-initiation into the ancient and secret traditions of ceremonial magic.

* Explains various divination systems and how to perform ancient rituals that open the doorway to secret and arcane knowledge.

True magic can be defined as the art and science of using little-known or forgotten natural forces in order to achieve changes in consciousness and the physical environment. It concerns a wide body of doctrines and techniques, including the conjuring of spirits and non-human entities; the manufacture and consecration of wands, swords, talismans, and other tools of the magus; ritual divination; and the exploration of universes other than that with which we are familiar. The masters who taught others these ancient arts are gone, but Techniques of High Magic provides the practical and lucid instruction necessary for self-initiation into these secret traditions.

Emphasizing the ordered nature of the universe and the power of will directed by imagination, Francis King and Stephen Skinner introduce the reader to magical practices, rituals, and instruments that have been used for centuries. They explain systems of divination such as the I Ching, the Tarot, and geomancy, as well as techniques of astral projection and elementary alchemy. Their disciplined approach to magical practice includes easy formulas and diagrams that will help the initiate navigate an ancient and potent universe of gods, angels, and spirits--the world of High Magic.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892818182
• ISBN-13: 978-0892818181
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #850,108 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Classic for Beginners, September 10, 2000

By	Mark Stavish, The Institute for Hermetic Stud... (Wyoming, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

"Techniques of High Magic - A Handbook of Divination, Alchemy, and the Evocation of Spirits" has been around for a quarter of a century placing it in the category of a 'classic' in its own time. In an increasingly fickle market where many beginners books come and go, "Techniques of High Magic" has managed to hold its own. While the authors present little material that is original, most of it coming from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, they do organize it in an easy to understand, orderly, and usable manner. The shortened rituals they present for the consecration of the four principle Elemental Tools alone is worth the price. Chapters on astral projection, divination, the tarot, and evocation round out the text.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My view on this book., October 26, 2001

By A Customer

Well...I think it borrows alittle too much from the Golden Dawn traditions, and the consecrating your elemental weapons section is alittle too Judeo-Christian centered for my tastes. However I must say that it still remains one of the classic texts, and a fairly decent introduction for those wishing to practice magic. The tarot and divination sections are excellant, which is primarily why I rate this as high as I do. If you simply wish to be a ritual magician and don't care about differing traditions then go ahead and buy the book. I would suggest however the purchase of additional books, and possibly look up information on the web, to round out the studys.

18 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars OK - for the beginner, October 15, 2002

By	Robert (DC) - See all my reviews

You know about those redundant books that many occultists talk about? Well this is one of them. Please don't waste your money on this book. Yes, I know that I titled this "OK-for the beginner", but for the beginner I would strongly suggest Modern Magick by Donald Kraig.