A well illustrated little book which serves mainly as an introduction into the ways of the occult ritual system. Fascinating for amateurs like me, but nowhere near as complex as I'd imagine it can get. ( )

The Secrets of High magick was pretty good. I found this book to be a good initiation in the the Golden Dawn practices, as most of the material was from the Complete Golden Dawn System of Magick, but there were some minute differences. One of these differences was the laboratory alchemy one can do for elixirs. I have actually use that section a lot. I like the basic occult charts on the kabbalah, woods, angelic hierarchies, tatwass, chapter on sigils, planetary correspondences and other charts. Overall I can say the rituals are Golden Dawn, the Tattwas are Golden Dawn, and other sources are Golden Dawn; the woods on the other hand are very pagan based. Overall i will say this book has a 4 out of 5 stars; it is a great introduction to high magick and Golden Dawn Theorems. ( )

I was at the bookstore today and came across this book. It really is High Magick 101, and touches on the very basics of ritual magick. I usually don't purchase books based on appearance alone, but this book is really gorgeous. The hardcover appears to be either leather or faux leather, beautifully bound,and just about every page has lovely watermarks of angels, serpents, Gods & Goddess's. You really don't find books designed like this anymore.

The book really covers the very basics of High Ritual Magick, including chapters on designing an alter, tarot, tree of life, the planets, the pentagram, the hexagram, angel evocation, gematria, and so much more. I don't think the information is detailed enough for a beginner, yet feel the book would make a great reference for those who have a decent understanding of these things.

Regardless, the design of the book itself really is a piece of art and would be a lovely addition to any occult library. I wish more books were designed this way. It's reminiscent of an earlier time when publishers really took pride in the books they produced. ( )

ACHTERKANT:

Dus u wilt tovenaar worden?
Of een illusionist of een magiër?
Nou, als u er alleen maar op uit bent anderen in de war te brengen met slimme trucjes, dan hebt u het verkeerde boek gekozen.
Maar als u de diepste mysteries van het leven wilt doorgronden, kunt u uzelf beschouwen als een ambitieuze wijsgeer; lees dan verder.
Als u alleen maar rondkijkt, kijk dan gerust wat langer; als de tijd rijp is, kunt u erin duiken.