Product Description

Discussions around Science, Religion and Art break down unless the fourth factor, Magic, is recognised.

Magical thought is described and contrasted with Science, Art and Religion. The dynamic relationship between them is explained. Modern magic and its role in the 21st century is outlined with respect to practices ranging from ritual magic, through alchemy to New Age therapies.

Specific topics include: secrecy, initiation, sacrifice, cyber-animism, Crowleyanity, morality, pseudo-science, demonology, deity, miracles and divination.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #334557 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Phil Hine, author Prime Chaos, Condensed Chaos etc, from his website
Quite simply the best introduction to magic I've ever read... Rightly hailed as one of the ur-texts of Chaos Magic.

Pete Carroll, author of Liber Null Psychonaut etc, from his website
Anyone considering beginning, continuing, or terminating an interest in magic(k) should ... read this book several times over.

Li Greiner in Gnosis,
A classic...

Customer Reviews

Fascinating
A thoughtful and interesting read. Don't buy this looking for methods of magic(k)al working, instead it serves as an excellent discussion of the issues and ideas floating around in this area.

For myself, I'm not quite convinced of the value of the RAMS "compass" presented here, but it's interesting enough. The problem (recognised) in such tools is that they are too approximate. This is a faint quibble. Overall, I'd happily suggest you buy it.

an essay on magic
A great book that opens the mind up and gives good insight, very helpful and a positive read.

Look, this book is sheer genius
I appreciate that most folk on this page are either
(a) a pre-existing fan of Ramsey Dukes
or
(b) have been directed to this book by a concerned friend or relative

and therefore need no extra-curricula encouragement to buy this book
HOWEVER
if you the reader do not fall into these categories, then please consider buying this.
This book is quite extraordinary. It requires reading from start to finish, during that period, you, the reader will experience something peculiar. When you try and go back into the book to find out exactly where or when that happened, you will be unsuccessful. This book is the encapsulated version of the magic shop in the cul-de-sac that vanishes before your second visit. It describes something indescribable without ever articulating it. It presents you with a series of concise, philosophical essays that inculcate a powerful impression...in an entirely different sense modality from that utilised in the reading!
The book itself is a well crafted piece of magic.
Buy it, it's about ten pounds (about three pints and a bus fare)...and will get you further than that
Ho Ho Ho