Product Description

Today the Golden Dawn is one of the most sought-after and respected systems of magic in the world. Over a century old, it is considered the capstone of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Yet many of the available books on the subject are too complex or overwhelming for readers just beginning to explore alternative spiritual paths. The Essential Golden Dawn is for those who simply want to find out what the Golden Dawn is and what it has to offer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #348893 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Customer Reviews

Great introduction to the Golden Dawn
The Golden Dawn’s magkical system is probably the most famous of all Western esoteric traditions. This simple, down-to-earth book explains what it is, its history, how it works and it offers the reader an introduction to the basic ritual work.

It investigates the sources of the Western tradition and the roots of Hermeticism. The authors’ account of the history of the Order of the Golden Dawn and its colourful founders is very thorough and makes for engaging reading.

The book clearly illustrates the principles and philosophies of high magick and explains its laws in a straightforward manner. In addition, it covers all of the various areas of magkical knowledge and provides plenty of Golden Dawn rituals for the newcomer.

I also recommend Israel Regardie’s Garden Of Pomegranates: Skrying On The Tree Of Life, edited and annotated by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero. This is a classic work on the Qabalah for the more advanced student.

As an alternative to the Golden Dawn tradition, I recommend the book Foundations Of High Magick by Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips. This is the best work explaining the theory and practice of Art Magick, the venerable Ogdoadic tradition which differs markedly from the Golden Dawn.

The Essential Golden Dawn contains several appendixes, a glossary of terms, an extensive bibliography and a thorough index.

Interesting Read
I found this book very informative, but it was quite difficult to get into, this may be due to my young age. I found it gave a very good and easy way to understand the basis of the Golden dawn and a lot of background to it. I would recommend this book as a must to all people studying magic, whether you have been studying it for a long time or a short time, it really is very helpful.