93!
The subtitle gives the book’s intent “A Beginner’s Guide to Thelemic Magick”, and in this the book succeeds tremendously. But the book also contains hidden qualities that makes it invaluable to have for even the more advanced thelemic magicians.
The book itself starts with very moderate meditation, evolves into the natural step of the Ritual of the Pentagram, where it introduces a new version of the ritual, that maybe is more suited for the ones who gets allergic reactions towards archaic archangels. But the most important thing in the second chapter is that it explains so carefully and accurately the intent and purpose of the Ritual of the Pentagram.
Then the first of my favorite chapters (together with the ones on “Everyday Magick” and “Thelemic Morality”) begins, “Thelemic Cosmology”, which is quite usefull for the beginner. Each aspect of the various Gods is explained.
And so it goes on, each chapter, drawing the beginner more into the realms of Magick as practised by Thelemites, with elegance, humor and wit as weapons to illuminate the mind.
The main problem this book may have, is from the competition from another Beginner’s guide, “The Magick of Thelema”, by DuQuette, which was launched by the powerful publishing house Weiser last year. But I feel that Abrahadabra in some ways are far better suited to the beginner than DuQuette’s book, as it is written with such humor and wit, and even introduces some of the more popular Chaos Magick frameworks like Star trek. All in all, it portrays, I believe, far more accurately what is going on in the Thelemic Scene these days.
In other words, I can’t give Bro. Rodney enough praise for his excellent work, and I think that people who wonder what Thelema is all about, as well as those of us who have experienced the Current for a time, may benefit from reading this book.
93 93/93.
Kjetil Fjell – kfjell@james.avh.unit.no
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A Beginners Guide to Thelemic Magick, runs the sub-title to this new book from Sweden, and that is precisely, but not exclusively, what you get.Rodney Orpheus has a produced a fast moving, practical guide to Thelemic Magick. The intention is that anyone can pick up this book, start reading and working through it, and end up, in next to no time, a fully-fledged Thelemic magician! Surprisingly, he might actually be right.
Don’t be put off by the slightly stilted ‘Euro-English’, and don’t be put off by the irreverant and ‘fun’ laddishness of the text. Underneath it all is as solid an introduction to magick as you are likely to find. And that goes even if you are not a Thelemite.Rodney begins at the beginning with simple yoga exercises, and rapidly develops a system of banishings, invocations, assumption of god-forms and the like. You learn how to find, make and consecrate magickal weapons; and how to use them.
You get a basic lesson in qabalah (very basic), a lesson in astral travel, plus some basic magickal rituals.Easy to read, packed with commonsense, youthful faux pas and mightily energetic.
This might not be the greatest literature (and the chapter on Thelemic philosophy is a classic in obfuscation and confusion), but it sure beats a helluva lot of more pompous books on the subject. Crowley said ‘the Law is for all’. I’m not sure about that, and there is an unfortunate naive sexism running through some of what Orpheus has to say, but all in all this is a good entry into the Thelemic corpus.”
Thee frequency of truth, Volume I issue #4
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Ghostvillage.com review
Those readers of the paranormal and the supernatural who are interested in actually performing Aleister Crowley’s Thelemic Magick will find this is the book to read first! It is a guide, and it works. You will come to understand what Crowley was about and what he successfully achieved in the world of magick.Thelemic Magick is effective in its intent. It is a well-documented system of ritual magick available to any spiritual seeker, or for those seeking to understand what makes it effective.
Meditation, ritual, and philosophy behind the system are explained in clear, understandable statements. This is, essentially, a hands-on and workable approach to what Crowley accomplished. Crowley’s system always works, and knowing how makes it so for the reader wanting to undertake the magickal journey!
Introduction is followed by information on yoga, the Pentagram, Thelemic cosmology, magick, the art of conditioning and concentration, invocation, and magickal models. There is an interesting and accurate section on astral traveling. Other material is also covered.
If you want to know what Crowley’s Thelemic Magick is, how it works, and how to utilize it for personal benefit, you will find this book will explain it for you. The author, Rodney Orpheus, is a fine writer with a gift for clarity which makes reading this book highly enjoyable. There is also an introduction to the book by Lon Milo DuQuette.
A fine adventure in reading, this book is a nice reference. Well-written, and well-explained.
Lee Prosser – leep@ghostvillage.com
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An Excellent Intro to Thelema, June 22, 2004
In a well-written, easy-to-comprehend introduction, the author provides the reader with a clear, concise outline of what to expect from this book and how the chapters are structured, dividing the book into three main aspects: Meditation, Ritual, and Philosophy. As magick contains all of these aspects, “the eleven chapters of this book deal with part of each aspect in turn. Chapters 1, 4, 7, & 10 deal with meditation, chapters 2, 5, 8, & 11 with ritual, and chapters 3, 6, & 9 with philosophy.” To supplement the excellent, useful practicum presented in each chapter, a short list of reading material for further study is provided at the end of each chapter. At the end of this very approachable set of exercises, some of which are original, some inspired by Aleister Crowley’s own work, and some old standards, is the complete list of suggested reading material. The entire book is well-organized and a pleasure to read and use. I cannot recommend this introduction to Thelema highly enough.
hygeiea
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An understandable view of Thelema, February 14, 2007
Finally! Wow this book is the clearest, easiest to understand book on Magick I have ever read. Now if only the author would write 12 more.
I am often left scratching my head when reading Crowley or books about Magick. If you don’t have the IQ of a rocket scientist or an extensive education in every area of everything this book is for you. Thank you Rodney!
Eagle Kenpo
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It’s About Time, May 24, 2006
This is arguably the best introduction to Thelemic Magick ever printed. I’ve been recommending this book for years to anyone interested in learning more about Thelema, so I’m glad to see that it’s finally back in print.
G. Edwards
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Excellent !, 17 Aug 2005
Rodney Orpheus’ Abrahadabra is quite simply the best introduction to Thelema and Thelemic Magick that I have ever read. Insightful, inspirational and loaded with common sense from start to finish. Brilliant !!!
A definite 5 stars.
Lee “newaeon”