Reviews for these texts?

[Vratis]

Hello.

I am new to the forum, and I am hoping to get some feedback regarding a few texts I have recently come to possess. I have always been drawn to the mystic and occult, and have devoured book after book on the subject, but have never really devoted myself to practice, or literal applications. My views regarding the metaphysical and esoteric arts are very generalized and not exactly "path/religion" specific. Does anyone have any experiences with the books I will list? Do you have any other recommendations for a jumping off point? Anything that really ignited a desire for practice and application within yourself? The books I have that I am considering adhering too so far are:

The Sorcerer's Secrets: By Jason Miller

Hands On Chaos Magick: By Andrieh Vitimus

The Book of Magick Power: by Jason Augustus Newcomb

Visceral Magick: By Peter Paddon

Condensed Chaos: By Phil Hine

These are just the books that, at a cursory glance, seem like they might have some merit regarding practical exercises, and applications of the occult within every day life. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, and if there is already an existing thread for this topic of discussion, my deepest apologies.

-Vratis-

[CCoburn]

Getting started practicing definitely wasn't the easiest part for me. But the tree of life diagram, and Crowley's 777 gave me the tools and alot of other stuff to take the first step.

Sorry, i'm in a hurry, have to pick the GF up from work.

Cheers

[Vratis]

Getting started practicing definitely wasn't the easiest part for me. But the tree of life diagram, and Crowley's 777 gave me the tools and alot of other stuff to take the first step.

Sorry, i'm in a hurry, have to pick the GF up from work.

Cheers

Thanks for the timely reply. I am not familiar with the tree of life diagram. Is that like the 10 attributes of the Sephirot? I've seen references to that in one of my texts. I think it was "The Art of Path-Working" or something similar. The criss-crossed diagram with spheres? Is this like a road-map as to the attributes or states of being you need to achieve in order to reach some state of mystic transcendence? Like I said, I'm not entirely familiar. But I will check out Crowley's 777. I've never read any of his work, as the path of Wicca, isn't exactly my cup of tea. But in my own personal studies, I would like to take pieces of many paths and workings and try to form my own perception of the occult. I suppose the popularized term is "eclectic"? Anyway, I do appreciate you taking the time to reply, especially when you had previous engagements waiting for you. If you have any more recommendations for me, feel free to reply here, or PM them to me.

Many thanks,

-Vratis-

[CCoburn]

Yes, the tree consists of 10 holy sephiroth, and 11 if you count daath. The tree also has an inverse called the Qlippoth, which I dont use. So i'm not really qualified to comment. But you could say its the evil twin.

Each sephira has powers you can work with, and planetary associations. The actual hierarchy is: God aspect, arch angel, and choir. You can also work with planetary intelligences/spirits.

The left pillar of the tree is of Form(negative), the middle consciousness(neutral), and the right force(positive).

I should tell you that i've read that most occultists go for the middle pillar because it is the most responsive/reactive. I've experienced this for myself as well.

777 tells what perfumes and colors, etc... to use for the ritual. I use the color associations when I make candles for my rituals.

I don't know about wicca, but this is Qabalah. Jewish magick.

-Spida

[Vratis]

Thanks. I believe the book I have on Magical Pathworking talks about progressing through the 10 Sephirot. I'll have to revisit it and look further into the practices and techniques. And as for the 777, I guess you're talking about like a reference or index book? Listing associations of colors, fragrances, etc with their magical aspects and concepts. I have several of these, and it seems that they have the inherent problem of contradicting each other. I never know which reference is correct. I know they all have some basic fundamental similarities, but when you start to get really in depth regarding color, day, moon phase, etc as far as references go, each author seems to have their own idea as to what correspondences are accurate.

So in your personal experience you've found 777 to be worth it's salt in this regard?

Thanks again,

Vratis

[Desecrated]

Those books are okay. I kinda like jason millers works although I don't believe everything he says.

[RockDemon]

You seem to be more interested in chaos magick. This is one of the best and the easiest to practice book I've ever come up with the chaos magick and magick in general. http://bluefluke.deviantart.com/art/The ... -530005584

[CCoburn]

Ok, I never really thought about it, but what i'm doing is a form of chaos magick. Having a musical background, I call it improvisation(but I also plan and prepare). I'm not strict about rules, I experiment, and combine science with magick, etc...

VRatis:
As you may know by now 777 is a table of correspondences for the Sephiroth, and yes its important since it helped me to create my own rituals. I don't have a problem with contradictions since it is what I primarily use. Even when I google things the associations match up pretty well.

Good luck

[Vratis]

You seem to be more interested in chaos magick. This is one of the best and the easiest to practice book I've ever come up with the chaos magick and magick in general. http://bluefluke.deviantart.com/art/The ... -530005584

Ok, I never really thought about it, but what i'm doing is a form of chaos magick. Having a musical background, I call it improvisation(but I also plan and prepare). I'm not strict about rules, I experiment, and combine science with magick, etc...

VRatis:
As you may know by now 777 is a table of correspondences for the Sephiroth, and yes its important since it helped me to create my own rituals. I don't have a problem with contradictions since it is what I primarily use. Even when I google things the associations match up pretty well.

Good luck

RockDemon: I suppose, yes. I am interested in Chaos Magick, because of my personal style and idea structure regarding the occult. I don't like to adhere to one particular path too strictly because I feel that no one single path can encompass the entirety of the metaphysical on its own. Thank you for the reference to resource material. I greatly appreciate it.

Spida: I am a musician myself, and I have the same thought. I don't read music, I play jazz piano/guitar, and sing. The improvisation and creativity that comes into play with music, is the same general concept I try to associate with the occult. You know what "fits" and what "feels right" without necessarily sticking to "the sheets", and sometimes when inspiration strikes, what you can create of your self can be infinitely more beautiful than something rigid and spelled out.