In the Center of the Fire: A Memoir of the Occult 1966-1989

by James Wasserman

In this daring exposé by a survivor of a unique era in the New York occult scene, James Wasserman, a longtime proponent of the teachings of Aleister Crowley, brings us into a world of candlelit temples, burning incense, and sonorous invocations. The author also shares an intimate look at the New York Underground of the 1970s and introduces us to the company of such avant-garde luminaries as Alejandro Jodorowsky, Harry Smith, and Angus MacLise. A stone's throw away from the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol's Factory, William Burroughs' "bunker," and the legendary Chelsea Hotel was a scene far more esoteric than perhaps even they could have imagined.

When James Wasserman joined the O.T.O. in 1976, there were fewer than a dozen members. Today the Order numbers over 4,000 members in 50 countries and has been responsible for a series of ground-breaking publications of Crowley's works.

The author founded New York City's TAHUTI Lodge in 1979. He chronicles its early history and provides a window into the heyday of the Manhattan esoteric community. He also breaks his decades of silence concerning one of the most seminal events in the development of the modern Thelemic movement—detailing his role in the 1976 magical battle between Marcelo Motta and Grady McMurtry. Long slandered for his effort to heal the temporary breach between the Orders of A∴A∴ and O.T.O., James Wasserman sets the record straight. And, he meticulously chronicles the copyright contest over the Crowley literary estate—of which he was an important participant.

This is also a saga with a very human tableau filled with tender romance, passionate friendships, an abiding spiritual hunger, danger, passion, and ecstasy. It also explores several hidden magical byways including the rituals of Voodoo, Tibetan Buddhism, and Sufism. Finally we are given a bird's eye view of the 1960s hippie culture and its excesses of sex and drugs, and rock n roll—along with the personal transformations and penalties such a lifestyle brought forth.

Reconstructed from personal memories, magical diaries, multiple interviews, court transcripts, witness depositions, trial evidence, and extensive correspondence, this book elucidates a hitherto misreported and ill-understood nexus of modern magical history. It also shares tales of a mythical moment in American life as seen through the eyes of an enthusiastic participant in the hip culture of the day.

With Glossary and 46 pages of Appendices containing supporting documents, including the first publication of Jack Parsons' "Analysis by a Master of the Temple of the Critical Nodes in the Experience of his Material Vehicle."

Genres: Occult, Biography, History, Thelema, Memoir, Nonfiction, Spirituality

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2012

About the author

James Wasserman was an author and occultist, best known for his full color publication of the Papyrus of Ani, Book of the Dead. A member of Ordo Templi Orientis since 1976 and a book designer by trade, he has written extensively on spiritual and political liberty.

Wasserman began his career in 1973 at Weiser Books, then the world’s largest bookstore and publishing company specializing in esoteric literature. He worked with Brazilian occultist Marcelo Ramos Motta to publish the Commentaries of AL in 1975, for which he wrote the introduction. He supervised the 1976 Weiser edition of the Book of the Law in which the holograph manuscript was appended to the typeset text for the first time in a popular volume. In 1977, he arranged to professionally re-photograph the Frieda Harris Tarot paintings for an improved second edition of Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot deck, to which he contributed the booklet of instruction.[5][6] While still working at the bookstore, he met and befriended the legendary filmmakers and occultists Harry Smith and Alejandro Jodorowsky.

In 1977, he left Weisers to found Studio 31, where he produced the Simon Necronomicon, a volume purporting to be the mythological Necronomicon made famous by H.P. Lovecraft. In 2008, it was re-issued in a high quality 31st anniversary edition by Ibis Press. In 1994, Wasserman assembled a team of scholars, photographers and editorial staff to produce a full-color version of The Egyptian Book of the Dead, based on the Papyrus of Ani. The book was described as offering "much of value in presentation, layout and commentary" by John Baines, professor of Egyptology at the University of Oxford.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine book about the resuscitation of the Ordo Templi Orientis from near-death. The primary hero here is, of course, Hymaneus Alpha, that is Grady Mc Murtry, who stepped up to become Outer Head of the Order just as it was about to vanish into history. Author James Wasserman was an integral part of this story, and played important parts in establishing Tahuti Lodge, OTO in New York City, and in supporting McMurtry's efforts to establish copyrights and control over Aleister Crowley's written legacy on behalf to the OTO and posterity. Wasserman's struggles with alcohol and other drug addiction are a running thread in the story, which covers the period 1966 through 1989, and the book thus serves, in part, as a confessional and story of eventual recovery. There are good portraits here, particularly of Hymaneus Beta, that is William Breeze, who was elected international head of the Order upon McMurtry's death in 1985, and has, in my opinion, done a remarkable job of expanding the Order (to nearly 4,000 members worldwide presently, according to Wasserman) and of bringing the OTO and Crowley's writings to the world's scholarly attention in ways that far exceed the direct influence of the Order in itself. A must-read for anyone interested in the story of the resurgent OTO in the larger context of the remarkable expansion of interest in Magick and spiritual/occult matters over the last 50-60 years.

[Ethan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the layperson Wasserman's history of the OTO from 66-89 is worth a read for the myriad of famous underground characters he runs with from Angus MacLise to Harry Smith. It is also an interesting peak into the world of Crowley's legacy and the path of the OTO into fairly present day, though I would say in general the book is probably directed toward and most enjoyable for folks with a deeper knowledge and interest in Crowley's work and the OTO. The 2nd half of the book goes deep into the in-fighting, litigation and minor and major power plays of the members and battling factions and schisms of the OTO. All that sounds fairly dynamic as a topic but at times can read a bit more like being a third wheel to your friends having a passionate conversation about office politics at a place you don't work. Still, there's much to enjoy in Wasserman's personality, honesty and assessment of his life, his friends, his rollercoaster experiences in substance experimentation and abuse, a life inside the occult in modern times and general 60s, 70s and 80s wild and strange living in America.

[Tony Navarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot.

Being involved with paganism in Northern California during the late 80s and 90s, I was familiar with the OTO. Even attended a Gnostic Mass once in Berkeley. I had also heard about the copyright trials second and third hand, so it was interesting to hear from someone "in the center of the fire".

I started reading occult books in high school and college (76-85) and Weiser books were the best. Llewellen always had the more lurid covers, but once you cracked the spine, Weiser had the goods. Almost all of the books I still have from that time period are Weiser and Falcon Press.

I met once with some members of the Sacramento lodge to see if it was a good fit for me. It wasn't and reading this book helped me understand why. The group was (is) a little too hierarchical for my temperament.

Really enjoyed the trials and travails of the author. My heart went out to him several times. Reminded me that we do not have have to be perfect to do the Work. Only to strive to understand our Will.

Blessed Be

[Hagay Hacohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, honest, on some level surprising

I couldn't put the book down, this despite ( or because?) its unique blend of reporting, lack of theory and surprising honesty. The author doesn't attempt to explain what magick is, why he is into it, who was Crowley etc. Just like he doesn't dwell too much into his relationships or addictions. In that sense, the book is an odd text which has a sort of 'life is one thing after the other'. People meet and break up, make and lose money, even die, but who knows why? It's like talking to an older uncle who I honest about using drugs or having a gun but not interested in telling you why. It's a great snap shot of the decades described and is rich with interesting factoids. If you already are into the subculture you would love it. If not, don't start here but pick up The Invisible by Grant Morrison. Then read this book for a real world version.

[Daniel Silliman]

An unvarnished account of life in the occult, during a pivotal period in American occult history. It's a bit hard to follow for the uninitiated, but Wasserman's writing is also really intimate. I especially appreciated the glimpses of the history of occult publishing.

[Sue Dounim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autobiography is a weird thing. It can range from a string of diary entries to lyrical treatments of a handful of seminal experiences in one's life. Wasserman's book tends more towards the former.
But since I am interested in the history and drama of the O.T.O. in America, the legendary Weiser bookstore, and people involved in magic and transgressive behavior, I devoured the book with interest.
A side interest I have is in addiction and alcoholism, and those demons figure larger towards the end of the period he is treating.

[Todd R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good autobiography. Gets a little boring during the OTO years and the legal hassles between members. Overall a good read about Wasserman's journey.

[Barry Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a read that is all fluffy bunnies and rainbows don’t pick up this book. Graduating from college in ’81, I can appreciate the detailed behind-the-scenes look at the occult events of that era. I was really surprised by Wasserman’s candor. All too often, I could relate to something in this memoir.

While Thelma was not for me, I had to give it a serious look while following my spiritual quest. I can remember people very similar to those described in Wasserman’s memoir.

If you are at all interested in Thelema and the O.T.O, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it and give it 4 1/2 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for anyone interested in the NYC occult scene in the 70's and 80's, or simply anyone who wants an honest and excellent read about a man, his struggles, and the place of spirituality and community in an often hostile world.

[Damien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story full of boring details. It's a cross between "On The Road" (with all the drama) and "Trainspotting" (with all the drama). A must read for every Thelemite. One of my favorite parts is the photo of Simon. Even though he is portrayed as a total dick, I think I like him the best.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda dull. All of his early spiritual experiences happened while he was high. Not that one can't have a spiritual experience when high, but Unverified Personal Gnosis is only as interesting as the person who shares it.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

very nice- could read about 200 more pages.

[Jure · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is grab! I've read first 200 pages in a few days.
It does grow a bit slower later but its still a very very good read and one of its kind.
Highly recommended to all Thelemites!

[Scotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely engrossing. I read it on Kindle, but simply had to buy the hardback. The perfect complement to any occult library; but especially for those with any interest in O.T.O.

[Tyrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more like a series of journal entry descriptions than a true autobiography. The narrative is a bit thin to say the least.
Really only for fans of the O.T.O, and even that is pushing it.