Magick: Book 4-Liber ABA

One cannot approach Thelemic magick without this book. I have editions of the various parts (Book 4, Magick in Theory and Practice) and they just don't work independently the way the whole volume does. It pulls all of the A.'.A.'. curriculum together and presents it, along with Crowley's examples and commentary, in such a way that a solo practioner might actually be able to make sense of it. But it is not for beginners, or for light reading. If you want light reading about Thelemic magick, try Lon DuQuette or Gerald del Campo. Then come back to this book. And if you don't accept the concept of "magick" don't bother with it.

If you want a laugh a minute, read some earlier reviews.First, let us deal with the alternate reality some people seem to live in--Crowley did not die impoverished. Netherwood is certainly modest, but it is a reputable boarding house and is quite a nice place. It is not squalor or filth as some failed creatures seem to think.Secondly, ad hominem arguments in general are things we thinking human beings call "illogical". Crowley spent his money foolishly--how does it follow then that Crowley can't be spiritually advanced? It simply does not. Yes, he was bad with money--a lot of people are, but what does that have to do with their religious beliefs?Thirdly, yes where was Crowley's guardian angel? He died a disreputable old man, indeed. More or less forgotten, yes.So what?If I am to transcend the world the herd lives in and is ruled by, am I supposed to want the herd to admire me? Or am I going to want them to think I'm "too weird", or "insane"? Think about it.Now that we've gotten back to planet Earth, we can safely deal with the book itself.Still seeped in the tradition of initiated blinds, this is a book which can sometimes be confusing. Sometimes a blind is perfectly obvious, such as the infamous chapter on blood sacrifice. Sometimes, they are not.This is an invaluable book, however, for modern occultists of whatever stripe. You ought to discount much of his writing on yoga, however, since there are some instructions which (due to the lack of medical knowledge at the time) are potentially dangerous--do not use the positions he mentions. Do not do pranayama one nostril at a time.The first two parts of the book largely apply to general Magick, and are very good instructions. For Thelemites, an added bonus is the fourth and final part of the book, a survey on Crowley's claims about what led up to the dictation of The Book of the Law, in addition to a copy of the Book itself and some early comments on it.Crowley's legendary "Naples Arrangement" of Qabalah makes it's first appearance here, along with a few particularly well-drawn diagrams of the Tree of Life, significantly better than the tiny ones in The Book of Thoth.A highly recommended book which you can find whole or in parts, occultists need this in your library. Dismiss the fools and read, and discover on your own.

The Big Blue Brick is Crowley's dream come true. This is the ultimate Thelemic resource guide, which contains an in-depth Introduction to the book and the full story of the creation of 'Thelema.' This compilation contains many of Crowley's most-important works and rituals, including; "Book Four" (ISBN # 0877285136)*, "Magick in Theory and Practice" (ISBN # 0486232956)*, and "The Equinox of the Gods" (ISBN # 1561840289)--events leading up to and including the creation of 'The Book of The Law.' This book also contains numerous important 'Appendices' and a million or so footnotes that were meticulously scrutinized for accuracy.* note: be careful with 'Book Four' (in which Crowley depicts a ridiculous conception of The Scourge used in Witchcraft, legitimately) & 'Magick in Theory and Practice' (esp., due to the fact that in that time period, as now, 'morality' prevented people from talking/writing about sex, but it was/is perfectly ok to talk or write about more dangerous subjects). When reading Crowley, one must often read between the lines. Crowley had a weird sense of humor about revealing 'secrets' without revealing them--when in doubt, reread the section(s) and 'Magick Without Tears' (which shows Crowley's sense of humor and proves he was 'of sound mind' at the end of his life--a typical cranky ol' Grandpa kind guy).'Magick' is NOT light reading! This is a scholarly work that took decades to compile, and a century to be brought-together in this format. Keep in mind, purchasing this book is the equivalent of purchasing many of Crowley's books in one volume (as he originally intended)--with the added benefit of preface material, illustrations, modern research, Footnotes (!), etc. It is well-worth the price, considering the fact that all of this material is compiled in a painstaking manner, including lost material and better renditions of previous editions. However, for those who are just beginning to study Thelema, or have just begun the process of wading through Crowley's works (or just want to research Thelema in-general), I strongly suggest beginning with: "The Magick of Thelema: A Handbook of the Rituals of Aleister Crowley," by Lon Milo Duquette (ISBN # 0877287783). For further research about "Thelema" and "The Book of The Law," I suggest: "The Law is For All," by Aleister Crowley (ISBN # 1561840904).

This text is heralded as Crowley's Magnum Opus. And with good cause.If you only get one book by the Beast, this should be it. In it is his complete system of Magick and Thelema. This work, as previous reviewers have indicated, contains in one volume all the texts that are essential to Crowley's system. I found it much more convenient to get the single volume as opposed to raking through used books section of a dozen or so occult bookshops.It is, admittedly, hard to read straight through, but it is worth the effort. This book does for Thelema much of what Regarde's "The Golden Dawn" does for that occult system.

Aleister Crowley is in fine form here dispensing esoteric philosophy and step by step instructions on some of the most important and powerful magickal practices and ceremonies. The writing is carefully worded so that even beginners can grasp the concepts and gain insight from this most valuable text book. The book embodies two of Crowley's most important and famous works "Liber legis"(THE BOOK OF THE LAW)and "magick in theory and practice." The writing on yoga is among the finest i've ever read on the subject anywhere and is absolutly revolutionary for it's time. Crowley encompasses such a vast body of information in this book that it never fails to teach the student something new each time it is referenced.Anyone interested in pursuing the great work will find this an invaluable edition to their library.The beast may have indeed been mortal but his words shall endure until the end.PERDURABO!