Practice of Magic: An Introductory Guide to the Art

What is the difference between High and Low Magick? What is Natural Magic? Which one is for me? If you have these questions, chances are you are just starting out and want to know which path to follow. If so, this book will be of excellent help in giving you a better understanding of how each of those systems functions. Dont expect to find information on how to 'build an alter' or 'cast a circle.' Most Wiccan books seem to do enough of that. In Practice of Magic you are given an overview of ceremonial magic, deific(pagan), natural, and elemental. You are introduced to each one's history, structure, and form of practice. You are also introduced to the preliminarily steps you must undergo before practicing magic, such as relaxation, concentration, and meditation. Draja makes it very clear that becoming a successful magician is no easy walk in the park. If you are tired of finding junk like that of Silver RavenWORM and other Wiccan-oriented hacks at your local Barns & Noble, then do yourself a favor and pick this book. You wont be dissapointed that you did!

Draja Mickaharic is one of the few authors writing on the subject of magic today who isn't afraid to say what should be on everyone's mind: if it doesn't work physical results, then its not magic. This simple, common sense approach to the subject permeates Mr. Mickaharic's book. This isn't an exhaustive introduction, but a precise one. In it, he describes briefly the preliminary training required (2-4 years is a suggested minimum); then goes on to introduce the topics of religious magic, ceremonial magic, deific magic, necromancy, astral projection, elemental magic, and natural magic. He also provides concise practical exercises that are easy to understand. It should be noted that this book is an introduction, a concise summary of magic. As such, it doesn't go into very much detail on any one topic. But if one is looking for a concise, no-nonsense introduction to this subject, this is a good place to start.

What a gem! If you have not read this introductory book on practical Occultism, let me tell you to run out and buy a copy NOW! Mikaharic is one of those unsung heroes in the Occult who has not only successfully practiced what he preaches but also has developed his own system of practical Occultism (like yours truly!;o) Unlike a lot of the authors out there who play follow-the-follower when it comes to writing about Occultism be it Witchcraft, Vodu, Ritual Magic, etc., Mikaharic does his own researches, formulates his theory, tests his theory and then doing this over and over again after which THEN tells you what actually works. Born in rural Bosnia prior to WWI, Mikaharic he immigrated to the US in the late 30s and made his living practicing Occultism and passing himself off as a "witchdoctor". The book covers many subjects from Religious Ritual to learning Natural Magic and much in between. Ritual and Ceremonial Magic, Elemental Magic, Candle Magic, etc. However you may ho-hum the book and say "Been there, read that!" and probably you have. Yet the author gives personal anecdotes and experiences that are typically NOT found in your average "new age practitioners" book that you spent 1 ½ to 2 times the amount of money to get. (My copy retailed for only nine dollars and ninety-five cents). The exercises while basic in content and form offer some truly unique results if the dedicant perseveres enough. He even relates how his first teacher admonished him after he sent Mikaharic away with the command to practice the art of relaxation. After four months of diligent practice, Mikaharic went back to his teacher only to discover he had not mastered this subtle but necessary art fully. Thus he was told to not come back until he had done so. After another six months of diligent practice, he was ready to continue. There are other exercises sprinkled throughout the book that you can make use of after you've practiced and mastered them. Under the chapter on Deific Magic, the author discusses the forces at present in the objective universe and how many devotees of magico-religious systems learn to grow under the tutelege and guidance of such powers. There is a nice Bibliography and a worthwhile Index for you to use. If you know of a beginner who really wants to do it the right way, THIS is one of the better primers you'll be able to lead them too. It should be required reading in all covens, lodges and temples regardless of the path. I have recommended it to my students in my Sorcery tradition as well. And yes I practice the exercises dutifully. I rate this work 5 stars as it is complete, touches on a wide variety of topics and is not preachy but guiding. The author has chutzpah and practices what he preaches. He's also the author of two other essential books that you may want to look up and obtain as well.

Had I got this book before changing religions I would have known where I was going. Then again, had most religious people known what spiritual development they would have been able to better direct and guide their people. I have found that most people change their religion or lose faith because they have begun a spiritual transformation or evolution. We all go through this regardless of what age. But the difference is now for most people in these days and times is that we are in a new age (not to be confused with the New Age Movement). This new age has a lot of people desiring to be better and wanting to walk the planet as the great sages and saviors have done. Unfortunately, many religious leaders aren't aware of this so as a result people leave their religious groups in search of answers to improve their spiritual and physical life. This book explains the different groups that the person in search of 'spirituality' will come across. This is a fantastic book that I always refer others to when they are searching for their spiritual self. Because many people think that it is all about doing magic when in actuality, magical workings are just the beginning.

Out of the many books available, this one provides a very good introduction to several of the possible arts many of us can acquire with practice. It covers arts such as Astral projection, Herbal Magic, Elemental magic, etc.Very insperational!