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Book 4
BOOK FOUR, Parts I and II, together with
Magick in Theory and Practice
(which is Part III of BOOK FOUR) make up a complete course in Magick, with practical instruction in Yoga and mysticism.
This book is the introduction, the foundation upon which all further magical work will be based. Its simplicity, clarity and depth is without equal in occult literature.
The first part of BOOK FOUR deals with Yoga in a very sound and methodical manner, stripping it of the mysterious and glitter. Soberly, Crowley describes each step as a technique of mental and/or physical discipline, ultimately resulting in complete control of the will and with this, control of the physical and mental body.
Crowley speaks with authority as he is one of the few writers on the subject of Yoga and Magick who has attained Dhyana and Conversation with his Holy Guardian Angel through discipline and ritual practices.
The second part of BOOK FOUR is an encyclopedia of magical symbolism, the working tools in practical magic. All of the paraphernalia employed in ritual magic are carefully explained in both psychological and mystical terms.
The Wand is the will of man, his wisdom, and his word; the Cup is man's understanding, the vehicle of grace; the Sword is reason, the analytical faculty of man; and the Pantacle is man's body, the temple of the Holy Ghost. All phenomena are sacraments. Every fact must enter into the Pantacle. It is the great storehouse from which the Magician draws.
The laws and truths of the occult world which are presented here give the student a sound working knowledge and set him firmly on the path. BOOK FOUR is a concise, direct and honest presentation.
This book is the introduction, the foundation upon which all further magical work will be based. Its simplicity, clarity and depth is without equal in occult literature.
The first part of BOOK FOUR deals with Yoga in a very sound and methodical manner, stripping it of the mysterious and glitter. Soberly, Crowley describes each step as a technique of mental and/or physical discipline, ultimately resulting in complete control of the will and with this, control of the physical and mental body.
Crowley speaks with authority as he is one of the few writers on the subject of Yoga and Magick who has attained Dhyana and Conversation with his Holy Guardian Angel through discipline and ritual practices.
The second part of BOOK FOUR is an encyclopedia of magical symbolism, the working tools in practical magic. All of the paraphernalia employed in ritual magic are carefully explained in both psychological and mystical terms.
The Wand is the will of man, his wisdom, and his word; the Cup is man's understanding, the vehicle of grace; the Sword is reason, the analytical faculty of man; and the Pantacle is man's body, the temple of the Holy Ghost. All phenomena are sacraments. Every fact must enter into the Pantacle. It is the great storehouse from which the Magician draws.
The laws and truths of the occult world which are presented here give the student a sound working knowledge and set him firmly on the path. BOOK FOUR is a concise, direct and honest presentation.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
68 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Aleister Crowley
860 books1,869 followersAleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. He founded the religion of Thelema, proclaiming himself as the prophet destined to guide humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, Crowley published extensively throughout his life.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 2, 2008
"Book 4" is probably 'Uncle Al's most accessible volume, aside from his few fiction works. Succinctly written and annotated, it concerns the very basics of yoga, meditation & ceremonial magic (or 'magick', if you prefer). There are no "spells" listed, or even rituals.
The first half of the book concerns yoga and meditation. Crowley scales the theory back to a simple guide--explaining dhyarna, samadhi, etc. in a way that even those with no experience of yoga can understand.
The second half goes through all of the items needed for ceremonial magic (the altar, sword, pantacle, crown, etc.). Each item is described in detail--what material it should be made from, it's dimensions and it's symbolism as part of the "Great Work".
Crowley's sly humour comes through in a small section where a few nursery rhymes are deconstructed to show their 'coded' magical references. There's a larger volume, called "Liber ABA", which contains all of "Book 4", along with "Magick In Theory And Practice" and "The Book Of The Law", but it's pricey and can be a bit daunting.
I'd recommend the slimmer "Book 4" as a good starting point for anyone interested in Crowley or ceremonial magic.
The first half of the book concerns yoga and meditation. Crowley scales the theory back to a simple guide--explaining dhyarna, samadhi, etc. in a way that even those with no experience of yoga can understand.
The second half goes through all of the items needed for ceremonial magic (the altar, sword, pantacle, crown, etc.). Each item is described in detail--what material it should be made from, it's dimensions and it's symbolism as part of the "Great Work".
Crowley's sly humour comes through in a small section where a few nursery rhymes are deconstructed to show their 'coded' magical references. There's a larger volume, called "Liber ABA", which contains all of "Book 4", along with "Magick In Theory And Practice" and "The Book Of The Law", but it's pricey and can be a bit daunting.
I'd recommend the slimmer "Book 4" as a good starting point for anyone interested in Crowley or ceremonial magic.
March 7, 2013
If you've ever wanted to read Crowley but wasn't sure where to start, this is as good a place as any. The first half of the book deals with Yoga, taking it step-by-step and reducing it to its most basic parts.
The second half of the book is about the symbolism of the tools of the magician (or "Magickal Weapons"). This is mostly of use to Themlemic magicians, as many magicians don't use the same tools and the tools may have different meaning. Still, I think it's pretty useful, even if it's just to compare what one magickal tradition does with your own (Or, if you aren't a magician, to see what one magickal tradition does.)
Over-all, an easy, quick read.
The second half of the book is about the symbolism of the tools of the magician (or "Magickal Weapons"). This is mostly of use to Themlemic magicians, as many magicians don't use the same tools and the tools may have different meaning. Still, I think it's pretty useful, even if it's just to compare what one magickal tradition does with your own (Or, if you aren't a magician, to see what one magickal tradition does.)
Over-all, an easy, quick read.
August 30, 2022
Englantilaisen mystikon ja okkultistin Aleister Crowleyn tuotantoon perehtyminen on hyvä aloittaa nimenomaan tästä teoksesta. Se jakautuu kahteen osaan, ja ensimmäisessä niistä johdatellaan henkisen kasvun tiellä hindukäsitteitä avaamalla luvuittain asanasta samadhiin.
Toinen osa sen sijaan keskittyy Thelemaan eli Crowleyn okkultistiseen ja spirituaaliseen filosofiaan sekä sen harjoittamisessa käytettyihin rituaaleihin temppelin rekvisiittoineen alttarista pyhään öljyyn.
Toinen osa sen sijaan keskittyy Thelemaan eli Crowleyn okkultistiseen ja spirituaaliseen filosofiaan sekä sen harjoittamisessa käytettyihin rituaaleihin temppelin rekvisiittoineen alttarista pyhään öljyyn.
January 28, 2008
This is among the most comprehensive introductions to magickal theory ever written. Caveat emptor, Crowley makes it quite easy to spiral into his system, Thelema, at the exclusion of the traditional Western paths, i.e. the Golden Dawn, (from which Crowley emerged). It’s good to read other authors along with Crowley to gain a holistic understanding of the Western paradigm. That being said, this book in conjunction with Magick Without Tears, is a pretty thorough introduction to the principles of ceremonial magick. If one is willing to make the investment, Liber ABA is a large hadcover which contains the two books of Book Four, Magick in Theory and Practice, and an explaination of Thelema. Crowley was a genius, and regardless of what one feels about his dark delivery, personal bigotries, or ego-maniacal nature, his works stand alone in quality, quantity and scope.
Book 4 is a must read for any pursuing the Western Hermetic path. The first part of Book 4 deals with the Eastern practices for discipline of the mind and body. Yoga, Asana and Pranayama are among those discussed. Crowley was among the first Westerners to spend time in India studying these practices, and then introduce them to the West. What is unique about Crowley's presentation is he demystifies them and tells the practitioner exactly what purpose they serve and what goal the practitioner is hoping to achieve.
The second part of Book 4 deals with the Temple, Altar, robe and working tools of the magician, how these should be thought of, approached and constructed. This is the philosophy of the external accoutrements of the ceremonial magician, which are, to an extent, extensions of the magician him/herself. Liber ABA in conjunction with Magick Without Tears, offer a fairly comprehensive introduction to the principles of practical, ceremonial magick.
However, before one could even think about Practical Qabalah, they should have at least a cursory understanding of Qabalistic theory, and the Tarot. For an introduction to the Qabalah, The Mystical Qabalah, by Dion Fortune is a great start. For the Tarot, The Book of Thoth , by Aleister Crowley, is the best, but like Book Four, or Magick Without Tears, may be a bit advanced. The Qabalistic Tarot, by Robert Wang, is a great place to start. By comparing four different decks including the Thoth Deck, it also provides the reader with the changes Crowley made to the traditional attributions and the reasoning behind them. The Book of Tokens, by Paul Foster Case, may also be of assistance.
An online version of Book 4, part one, can be found here, and part two can be found here.
An online version of Magick Without Tears can be found here.
Book 4 is a must read for any pursuing the Western Hermetic path. The first part of Book 4 deals with the Eastern practices for discipline of the mind and body. Yoga, Asana and Pranayama are among those discussed. Crowley was among the first Westerners to spend time in India studying these practices, and then introduce them to the West. What is unique about Crowley's presentation is he demystifies them and tells the practitioner exactly what purpose they serve and what goal the practitioner is hoping to achieve.
The second part of Book 4 deals with the Temple, Altar, robe and working tools of the magician, how these should be thought of, approached and constructed. This is the philosophy of the external accoutrements of the ceremonial magician, which are, to an extent, extensions of the magician him/herself. Liber ABA in conjunction with Magick Without Tears, offer a fairly comprehensive introduction to the principles of practical, ceremonial magick.
However, before one could even think about Practical Qabalah, they should have at least a cursory understanding of Qabalistic theory, and the Tarot. For an introduction to the Qabalah, The Mystical Qabalah, by Dion Fortune is a great start. For the Tarot, The Book of Thoth , by Aleister Crowley, is the best, but like Book Four, or Magick Without Tears, may be a bit advanced. The Qabalistic Tarot, by Robert Wang, is a great place to start. By comparing four different decks including the Thoth Deck, it also provides the reader with the changes Crowley made to the traditional attributions and the reasoning behind them. The Book of Tokens, by Paul Foster Case, may also be of assistance.
An online version of Book 4, part one, can be found here, and part two can be found here.
An online version of Magick Without Tears can be found here.
April 4, 2018
Whether I've chosen it or not, this book has formed the basis for the mapping of the occult in terms I can understand. It is a touchstone for me when it comes to quotes, understanding magic as a Christian, and speaking of that: my appreciation for everything from the Eucharist to Iconography to the organization of Orthodox religion in general has become transcendentally enjoyable. Whatever you think of Crowley, just remember that most of the "High Popes" of real change and fathers in the Bible itself were far from perfect and that the Divine can certainly use anybody who is willing to be a vessel. Crowley is not ashamed to approach the Divine, even if his tone about it seems completely irreverent and purposefully blasphemous. This of course inspired people like Anton LaVey and the Satanism movement, but it also secretly stayed a secret language of code, neither good nor evil. There is nothing in Book 4 that asks you to worship a god or an idol, there is nothing that tells you to recite some spooky spell to get what you want, although some of that is explained and it is a book that will enrich anything else you read from the Western, perhaps the whole World, much like Jung's Symbols or Freud's Analysis of Dreams, this book will have the power to affect your worldview and never go away. I was quite surprised when I first heard that Ritual Magic(k) was "based on the system of the Kabbalah" as it's most commonly spelled. I hadn't heard much about that belief system except for red thread bracelets that seemed to be a Hollywood fad and that Madonna and a few other celebrities were practicing it. Now, a year later, I'm finding the entire Italian Renaissance branches out from the alchemical template part Neo-Platonic, part Jewish mysticism and ends up corresponding to basically anything you can think of. Once getting into the Sefiroth, and understanding the Monad and its emanations through the tetraktys, you'll never look at "virtue" the same. Words like glory, wisdom, understanding and beauty come alive with the diagram and concept of the Kabbalistic tree of life. My appreciation for all things Orthodox has increased by a great margin after reading Crowley's theory on Magic(k), Book 4.
May 17, 2014
I really enjoyed the first part of this book where Crowley talks about meditation, and spirituality in general, in the most no-nonsense and often sarcastic way. He advocates practice but emphasises how much you can't ascribe meaning to the things you're doing. It's a great read and extremely useful.
The other two thirds went over my head a bit as he talks about the symbolism of the peripherals of ceremonial magick, but much of this was interspersed with more attacks on bliss-ninny spirituality and more witty practical advice for life. It was especially amusing when after talking about how all these garbs and trinkets mean really specific celestial things, he then, as if to mock himself, starts "revealing" the esoteric meanings behind nursery rhymes.
Crowley obviously realises how silly it all sounds and this emphasis on encouraging the reader not to take everything he says at face-value gives his writing a boost well above so-called spiritual authors who followed.
The other two thirds went over my head a bit as he talks about the symbolism of the peripherals of ceremonial magick, but much of this was interspersed with more attacks on bliss-ninny spirituality and more witty practical advice for life. It was especially amusing when after talking about how all these garbs and trinkets mean really specific celestial things, he then, as if to mock himself, starts "revealing" the esoteric meanings behind nursery rhymes.
Crowley obviously realises how silly it all sounds and this emphasis on encouraging the reader not to take everything he says at face-value gives his writing a boost well above so-called spiritual authors who followed.
January 7, 2009
The most concise introduction to yogic meditation I've encountered, and in typical Crowley form, the least compromising. Traditional yet non-mystical, specific in its description of the progressively objective states of consciousness and the steps taken to attain them, it is evident that he is presenting what he has personally verified by experience ...wait, did I lend you my copy of this? Where'd mine go?
February 16, 2016
Wonderfully written with lots of useful information. I used many of the techniques described in the yoga part and the results were amazing! The parts on magick were quite dense but contained some beautiful descriptions. I love his view points on certain aspects that the general pagan community likes to fluff up. Totally worth the time it takes to read little bits here and there to ensure you fully digest every word.
Read
October 30, 2008This book is all important ,and maybe the only one besides ('light on yoga'; b.k.s Iyengar) in finding out exactly, how it is that the path of yoga; walk it's way into the western world.
P.S so; NO, I didn t read this because I am a devil worshipper.
P.S so; NO, I didn t read this because I am a devil worshipper.
March 18, 2013
One of the few books where Crowley puts forth actual clear thought and expresses his philosophy without it being TOO mired in nonsense. Not to say there isn't also plenty of nonsense but if you're reading Crowley and not expecting nonsense then you're some kind of idiot-weirdo hybrid.
July 13, 2012
Fascinating stuff! The intro. especially.
August 23, 2013
the best volume on the subject
May 7, 2025
By far the most coherent and straightforward work of Crowley's I've read thus far. Some really excellent and profound insights and tips for laying a solid foundation for a ceremonial magick practice. It is, therefore, well worth reading for anyone beginning their magickal path (or for anyone who needs a refresh or a different perspective, like myself).
However, typical Crowleyisms are rife throughout, such as Crowley calling the demon Choronzon a 'rubbish-heap' of materials to build God out of and that Old Mother Hubbard from the nursery rhyme is actually Binah from the Kabbalah. While this is very humerus and entertaining it reminds me why I'm not a fan of Crowley or Thelema in general, as these heady and superfluous thought exercises aren't very practical or helpful (or respectful to the spirits in my opinion - I know Choronzon and he's anything but a rubbish heap!).
So, this wasn't the text to win me over to Crowley, as it's commonly marketed as. But still a helpful and enjoyable guide that, along with the Book of the Law and maybe 777, is one of the few really helpful Crowley works to have in one's occult library.
However, typical Crowleyisms are rife throughout, such as Crowley calling the demon Choronzon a 'rubbish-heap' of materials to build God out of and that Old Mother Hubbard from the nursery rhyme is actually Binah from the Kabbalah. While this is very humerus and entertaining it reminds me why I'm not a fan of Crowley or Thelema in general, as these heady and superfluous thought exercises aren't very practical or helpful (or respectful to the spirits in my opinion - I know Choronzon and he's anything but a rubbish heap!).
So, this wasn't the text to win me over to Crowley, as it's commonly marketed as. But still a helpful and enjoyable guide that, along with the Book of the Law and maybe 777, is one of the few really helpful Crowley works to have in one's occult library.
December 31, 2022
Section 1 is extremely clear & lucid (though a passing familiarity with Buddhist meditation practices would be helpful); section 2, while clear by Crowley's own standards, benefits from a basic understanding of ceremonial magick, a familiarity with some sanskrit words (the kind you'd get by being in contact with Hindu practice), and an ability to place and understand some fairly obscure biblical references.
June 9, 2023
Look, I'm not a fan of Crowley. I think he's pompous, arrogant and flawed as a writer. That said, this book is pretty fascinating. The ideas and rituals he discusses in Book 4 are lofty and seemingly unachievable by anyone without an Olympian's sense of discipline, but still an insightful perspective on the metaphysical. I will admit, Book 4 did change my life and and ideas as to what is possible.
October 26, 2023
Most people fail to realize how wholesome Crowley is. The only explanation is that those who are so vociferous in their condemnation have either never read, or never understood a word he wrote.
October 23, 2022
Not much to recommend
I imagine that this may have some appeal to scholars or those who have an interest in Aleister Crowley but for the layperson it has very little to offer, even as an introduction to ideology. At about 130 pages it is a reasonably quick read so it doesn't demand much time.
I imagine that this may have some appeal to scholars or those who have an interest in Aleister Crowley but for the layperson it has very little to offer, even as an introduction to ideology. At about 130 pages it is a reasonably quick read so it doesn't demand much time.
March 21, 2016
Probably the easiest to read book out of all of Crowley's writings; I dare say easier than magick without tears (some will call me a heretic). It seems very intimidating to read at first because of its sheer size. But, once you crack it open you will instantly see that it is several smaller books rolled into one. By the time I finally read this; I was already studying occultism for several years and found a lot of common sense gems and ideas that I have not seen put forth in other literature. But, I ideas that have helped close gaps in my understanding. This is a must read for everyone; but, especially the solitary practitioner. There is a very comprehensive mini-education in this book. I can't recommend it enough. If you are new to occultism; I would recommend this being the first work by Crowley that you should start out reading.
February 10, 2017
My star rating is purely for this particular edition of Book 4. The Weiser/Red Wheel edition with this cover does NOT include part 3, "Magick In Theory And Practice", yet it never states that anywhere in the publisher's description. Anyone coming to this for the first time will assume this is all there ever was to Book 4 which is a shame as they're missing out on what many people think is Crowley's most important work!
So 4 or 5 stars for the FULL version of Book 4, Liber ABA but only 3 for this cut-down edition.
So 4 or 5 stars for the FULL version of Book 4, Liber ABA but only 3 for this cut-down edition.
October 7, 2019
A quick read, provides some theory on western occultism. The first half is an analysis of Yogi meditative techniques; each of a number of steps are pared into their functional and intentional applications. The second half pertaining to ritual occultism (its tools and applications) was verbally dictated by Crowley, and includes frequent tangents departures from the topic at hand. Regardless, it's a good read.
June 26, 2016
An excellent work discussing the principles of meditation. Meditation is NOT simply sitting in lotus and drifting off into space; it is a serious and rigorous activity. Crowley outlines the basic principles of meditation, its outcomes, and tools to progress in it.
September 5, 2019
This is a great primer on the actual practice of Crowley’s Thelemite magick and aspects of it that many are unaware of (such as the role of yoga). This particular edition leaves a little to be desired however due to flawed printing and the outright removal of some portions from the book.
December 1, 2015
Hard to read, but useful for insights into Crowley's madness.
April 27, 2015
Well worth re-reading.
December 31, 2019
A classic yet necessary reading for anyone working with the will.
February 23, 2021
Contains only Part 2 of Book 4 on the elementary theory of ceremonial magick, but at least it's not a ridiculously corrupted copy of it.
May 10, 2021
The meditation part was great but the Magick went miles above my head.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews