The Book of Ceremonial Magic - Arthur Edward Waite - The Book of Ceremonial Magic by Arthur Edward Waite was originally called The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts. It was first published in a limited run in 1898, and distributed more widely under the title The Book of Ceremonial Magic in 1910Writing in the late 19th century, Waite had studiously researched many obscure tenets of magic. Much of this book concerns the obscure occult tomes, which the author condenses and presents to readers in this single volume. Waite's studies uncover a variety of knowledge; there are thousands of spells and rituals that date back to Medieval times and have a theological basis. Many exist to ward off devils, witches or other evil phenomena, while others seek to conjure beneficent spirits. Another intriguing aspect of ceremonial magic is the ability to form pacts with supernatural beings. These rituals in themselves act to compel supernatural entities to assist a human being; none of them involve offering one's soul. However, many require one or more materials and ingredients to begin - grave dust or a certain plant for instance. Waite disapproves of those who reprint and sell the older magical grimoires for two principle reasons. Firstly the quality of the English translations is low, often proscribing completely different instructions and requisites for a given ritual than was given in the original source text. Secondly these books make no distinction between 'white' or 'black' magic; such lack of organization makes it difficult for the modern reader to distinguish the practices. Over 150 symbols, seals, insignia, charts and other illustrations populate this text, each offering insight into how the magician correctly undertakes his tasks. Waite includes many scripts that the performer of magic must read out loud as he attempts to conjure, summon or communicate with forces from other planes of existence.

The Book of Ceremonial Magic is famous as one of the first attempts to document various famous grimoires and other magic texts. In this work, Waite pays much attention to the history of magic texts, refuting many of their legends. He also raises a question of the relations between magic and theology. He discusses these issues in particular examples, like raising the question of why good angels would be summoned to kill an enemy. Another merit of this work is synthesizing many famous grimoires into one system.

* Introduction from noted Golden Dawn scholar Pat Zalewski * Includes the Opening of the Watchtower Ritual for Self Transformation The proper working of ritual is at the heart of the Western magical tradition. This book shows exactly how ceremonial techniques can be used to concentrate and harness the enormous psychic and spiritual potential of human consciousness. Dr. Regardie's detailed analysis and description of key rituals are based on his own considerable experience and his knowledge of Golden Dawn techniques. In addition to providing practical instructions on robes, ritual equipment and decor, he also links current occult practice to broader historical precedents.

In this ground-breaking book, Lon Milo DuQuette explains the symbology of the cards in his Tarot of Ceremonial Magick, a new deck published by Next Millennium. The concept is a breakthrough for occultists of all paths. Each card is illustrated with a list of the Zodiacal, Enochian, Ceremonial, Goetic, Tattvic, and Elemental components. DuQuette explains how the cards relate to each other and makes immediately accessible the more difficult conceptual connections that Crowley made so easily. Through DuQuette's wit and decades of practical knowledge of magical practice, students of the arcane arts can gain a whole new level of understanding of how and why magic works. Illustrated. Bibliography.

From renowned scholar of the occult and creator of the world-famous Rider Waite Tarot Deck, A E Waite comes a new edition of his landmark book on magic. Featuring the original intricate illustrations, The Book of Ceremonial Magic offers an in-depth exploration of the darker side of grimoire, ceremony, demons and spirits. This is a spellbinding book for anyone interested in the grotesque detail of black magic and the ceremonies and rituals that surrounded it. With whole chapters dedicated to describing how early incarnations of the occult prepared to engage with demons, this book will illustrate the deeper historical context of esoteric arts and the development of the occult, setting the context for how we perceive and understand magic today.

A Comprehensive Collection of Magical Wisdom in One Indispensable Book Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magick brings together the myriad occult philosophies and techniques necessary for a thorough understanding of the esoteric arts. This magnificent treasury is filled with fascinating insights from today's most esteemed working practitioners, developing the rich details of a dozen topics that together comprise the Western Mystery Tradition. Within these pages, you will explore the rituals and ideas that have shaped the history and modern practice of magick. Edited by virtuoso occultists Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker, this brilliant collection of new writings is the preeminent reference work on the occult arts and sciences. Foundations of Western Magic (Sam Webster) • Qabalah (Anita Kraft & Randall Bowyer) • Planetary Magic (David Rankine) • Alchemy (Dennis William Hauck) • Demonology & Spirit Evocation (Dr. Stephen Skinner) • The Magick of Abra-Melin (Marcus Katz) • Enochian Magick & Mysticism (Aaron Leitch) • The Golden Dawn (Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero) • Thelema & Aleister Crowley (David Shoemaker) • Polytheistic Ceremonial Magic (John Michael Greer) • Magician's Tables (David Allen Hulse) • The Future of Ceremonial Magick (Brandy Williams)

The most comprehensive introduction available to the Golden Dawn system of initiation. An ideal introduction to the numerous complex and obscure mystical writings of Aleister Crowley. Includes practical exercises for developing the will and the imagination.

Gateways Through Light and Shadow is the second book by Bryan Garner, known to his fellow ceremonial magicians as Frater Ashen Chassan, and in it we are again offered the illuminating opportunity to observe and learn from a practicing magus engaged in his Work. Once more he offers instruction in the processes of grimoric ceremonial magic and shares the insights he has gained from his ongoing research and operations. However, what may be most extraordinary about Gateways is that it allows us access to the detailed magical journal records of the communications received by Ashen Chassan and his gifted scryer, Benn mac Stiofán, during the evocations of such profound Spiritual beings as the seven Planetary Archangels, the seven Olympic Planetary Spirits, the four Spirit Kings of the Cardinal Directions, and the Supercelestial Angels Sandalphon and Metatron. Gateways Through Light and Shadow is illustrated throughout with two-color line art of the talismanic magical implements used in the evocations, including sigils, seals, lamens, pentacles, and magic circles, along with new implements created by the magician under the guidance of the Archangels, as well as new portraits of the evoked Spirits. "This book is a major contribution to the study and practice of Western ceremonial ritual magic. This is a book that no serious practitioner of magic should be without." --from the Foreword by Dr. Stephen Skinner

Theory -- What Is Magic? -- The Evolution of Magic -- The Gods -- The Elements of Magic -- Initiation and Adepthood -- Types of Magic: White versus Black -- Techniques of Magic -- The Four Elements -- The Kabbalah and Its Magical Correspondences -- The Astral Plane -- Ceremonial Magic -- The Sacred and the Profane Books of Magic -- Talismanic Magic -- The Spirit of Sacrifice -- Possession and Exorcism -- Prophets and Magicians -- Witchcraft and Demonology -- Divination -- Practice -- Rituals and Spells -- Fertility Rituals -- Weather Control -- The Rites for Power: Pagans, Witches, Satanists -- The Rites of the Persians and Babylonians -- The Rites of the Egyptians -- The Rites of the Jews -- The Rites of the Arabs -- The Rites of the Greeks and Romans -- The Rites of India -- The Rites of China and Japan -- The Rites of Africa -- The Rites of Australia -- The Rites of Europe -- The Rites of Haiti and Latin America -- The Rites of Mexico and North America -- Magical Spells -- Spells for Love -- Spells for Wealth and Success -- Spells to Overcome Enemies -- Spells for Health and Protection.