Introduction to Magic: Rituals and Practical Techniques for the Magus

This is an excellent book. It contains every critically important subject one needs to know when embarking on the science of the occult study that is magic. Why does it only get 3 stars? Well, they're 3 reasons:1. The writing obscures esoteric subjects inside poetic prose. Solution: lose the poetry and explain these nebulous concepts in a clear, pragmatic writing style.2. The writing makes constant use of compound, complex sentences. This makes an esoteric subject already fraught with the potential for misunderstanding, even more removed from clarity. Solution: Write using more frequent simple sentences. This can be done without glossing over important details, but it requires the necessary effort.3. The authors (it's a collection of essays by different writers) are obsessed with scholarly citations. I understand and respect that every discipline has a history, theory and criticism in which it operates. HOWEVER, when its citations disrupt its own attempt at communication, to me, well, this is a problem.I understand that these essays were translated from the original Italian to English, so much of this could be explained as a consequence of this process.However, If you are someone new to the study of magic, in other words, when it comes to the subject of true magic you don't know your ass from your elbow, then this book IS NOT for you. Its title is therefore suspect. It is not "An Introduction" to magic. Rather, it's the introduction AFTER you have already been taught a proper introduction and you fully and clearly understand the subject.I began this review calling this book "excellent." And it is. But only after you have a solid grasp of the basics and you are looking for a further description of them, and also to have as a reference book on these ideas.Anyway, this was the review I wish I read before I bought the book. ~~~~~~cheers!UPDATE: I returned the book for a full refund. I was unable to continue the torture of page after page, suspending my belief that eventually this book would start to make sense as an introductory work.

Despite Evola's divisive nature, I've seen this book recommended in even left-wing occult groups. It's written clearly and without obscurantism and contains a step-by-step guide for successfully practicing magical rituals. I recommend having a solid understanding of some esoteric traditions before you read this, however.

If you are going into this work, expect that you will find quick summaries of theory and loads of practice. LOADS. I like this book, but I did only manage to get to Book VI and then quit. It lays down the theory very exceptionally in the first two books. Then it goes heavy with the practice, it's fine for that stuff but be aware that if you are much more of a "live your life according to religion, and not set apart the two" type of lad, then this is not the work for you. I will eventually reread this and practice more of the rituals, but as of now it is a side thing. Just kind of meh tier, not bad at all, but worthy of a 6

The highest magical teaching ever set before the public? Aside from some of the Kenneth Grant material. I would have to agree. This is a must-read.

Wonderful. Its spot on. If you have an inner voice (monologue) that has achieved some level of reflexivity, the thinking portion required of you shouldn't be too much. It's esoteric for a reason. Some of the traditions are explained clearly, such as the Diamond Thunderbolt. Some are not. They're meant to be that way. If I could give it 10 stars I would.

Quite simply the most penetrating magical text that I have encountered in all my years of study. The collection of essays on magical theory and practice by Evola and his associates set a standard by which future works appearing in the English-speaking occult world will be judged. Of particular merit are the essays entitled "Knowledge of the Waters" and "On the Magical View of Life" - herein are given great secrets never before so clearly stated. There is no hackneyed, watered-down GD-OTO-Wiccan ephemera to be had here - those accustomed to that kind of spiritual spoon-feeding may find themselves a bit flabbergasted after ingesting this information, but may also find themselves a bit wiser in the process. The unleashing of Evola onto the American esoteric community has been a blast of long-needed fresh air; those with the will and vision to make the Ascent will find in him a great mentor. If you buy only one book on magic, make this your choice. You won't be disappointed.

The formatting of the text is terrible. Clearly not optimized for Kindle.

Interesting, but no Revolt

De filósofos haciendo magia solo se puede esperar un desastre, que es lo que es este libro. Un intento intelectual de explorar la magia sin resultados obvios. Nada más que aparente

Veio em excelente estado e muito rápido. Sobre o conteúdo do livro, ainda não li tudo mas por enquanto ele parece ser muito completo a respeito do que ele introduz. Os editores realmente mostraram dedicação no livro. Recomendo muito pra quem ta começando nesse assunto.

Truly transformative book. This wouldn't be a bad book to start with in Evola's works because it allows you to truly transform your inner self into something growth and stoic oriented. Not even superficially stoic like Marcus Aurelius Meditations, but something higher, more internal, more infinite. Very hard to explain. This book is powerful. However, if you are starting with this book, I would recommend some background knowledge on esoteric, occult, symbolism, etc. Otherwise, read carefully and practice all that you read. You will find results.

Actualización de ediciones anteriores. Interesante para quien se dedica, de verdad, al tema.

I like hermetic works, when they make sense.