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By Jan Fries - Visual Magick: A Manual of Freestyle Shamanism (2nd Edition) (2007-01-20) [Paperback]
Visual Magick a manual of freestyle shamanism by Fries, Jan. Published by Mandrake,2007, Paperback 2nd Edition
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First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 9, 2013
This is my first time reading a book by Jan Fries and let me tell you that I am hooked. This author speaks to me in a way that other authors just can't .Maybe because he is the only one that is writing the truth.
His exploration into Visual Magick starts off with sigils, those seeds or pods of information that grow into or manifest into the fruition of our true will. Sigils were first popularized by Austin Osman Spare. The idea is to let the sigil, once you have made it enter into your subconscious or deep mind. From their the subconscious will work on it making your wish a reality, that is if it is in accordance with your true will.
Sigil working may shake things up a bit. In order to become real the subconscious may force you to change, change your view about yourself or something else quite earth shattering. The ego, which likes to control, is quite uneasy with this. To get past the ego and let the sigil slip into the subconscious may require physical exhaustion or a crisis. I will take the exhaustion.
The ego or conscious mind limits us in many ways. It block our creativity and deludes us into thinking we are less then what we really are. This is why ordinary people do extraordinary things when they are possessed by some spirit. In reality this just another one of their many selves stepping up to the plate. The ego loses control.
The Gods,totems and demons are all reflections of our deep mind. They are not seperate from us. Jan Fries gives a thorough explanation on how to invoke a trance , do automatic writing, art and mandala making. This is the next level of chaos magic. It will open your mind and new vistas. I have got to read more of this author.
His exploration into Visual Magick starts off with sigils, those seeds or pods of information that grow into or manifest into the fruition of our true will. Sigils were first popularized by Austin Osman Spare. The idea is to let the sigil, once you have made it enter into your subconscious or deep mind. From their the subconscious will work on it making your wish a reality, that is if it is in accordance with your true will.
Sigil working may shake things up a bit. In order to become real the subconscious may force you to change, change your view about yourself or something else quite earth shattering. The ego, which likes to control, is quite uneasy with this. To get past the ego and let the sigil slip into the subconscious may require physical exhaustion or a crisis. I will take the exhaustion.
The ego or conscious mind limits us in many ways. It block our creativity and deludes us into thinking we are less then what we really are. This is why ordinary people do extraordinary things when they are possessed by some spirit. In reality this just another one of their many selves stepping up to the plate. The ego loses control.
The Gods,totems and demons are all reflections of our deep mind. They are not seperate from us. Jan Fries gives a thorough explanation on how to invoke a trance , do automatic writing, art and mandala making. This is the next level of chaos magic. It will open your mind and new vistas. I have got to read more of this author.
May 7, 2012
While I do have a quibble with the use of the term "shamanism" in the title, this is maybe the most comprehensive and sensible texts on what this kind of work can and should be in the modern age. As one who feels strongly that the extraordinary is best experienced in concert with critical thinking, Fries' ability to root the exercises and concepts in the text in a worldview that is inclusive of skepticism was welcome.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
February 8, 2011
Really easy to read and understandable presentation on sigil magic! The author is accessible and presents his material in a really creative novel way. Highly enjoyed the book and my only wish is that it was longer. If you want a book that points the way into making your own magic system or just a more successful spin on your current system I recommend this book very highly.
Down side, towards the end a mix of theory and practice suggestions that make it have a jammed up feeling, would like to have seen more separation between these towards the end.
Down side, towards the end a mix of theory and practice suggestions that make it have a jammed up feeling, would like to have seen more separation between these towards the end.
November 23, 2007
Great expolaration of "Freestyle Shamanics",Sigil magic,NLP,Trance work, Automatic drawing, and alot more practical information on how to create a personal Magical system. A modern occult classic book imo.
February 18, 2017
I guess it is ok as a book for someone who is completely new to the concept. Although to me it seems to be "another book about imagination and the spirits of nature".
Not really practical information, but it sure gives some good food for thought and perhaps enough information for one to start doing their own research on some subjects.
Not really practical information, but it sure gives some good food for thought and perhaps enough information for one to start doing their own research on some subjects.
April 6, 2023
A comprehensive review of interfacing with the self/subconscious using visualization/imagination. About sigils and automatic writing type stuff
May 18, 2022
Uma leitura repleta de camadas e significados, perfeita para aprimorar técnicas de visualização criativa de resultados e possibilidades.
December 23, 2008
Absolutely phenomenal book. Most articulate non-dogmatic magical text I've read. I wish this could have been my first read in the field.
August 13, 2013
essential. a book to refer back to full of wonderful ideas and exercises.
September 19, 2023
Truly amazing and insightful about the nature of freestyle and intuitive practices. I especially liked the parts about connecting with your environment.
As someone who has always struggled with visualizing this book really opened the doors for me to realize that there are many different approaches to visual magick and that the best magick is what works intuitively and on a personal level.
As someone who has always struggled with visualizing this book really opened the doors for me to realize that there are many different approaches to visual magick and that the best magick is what works intuitively and on a personal level.
November 1, 2020
This feels like an important read. It’s refreshing to come across a magician’s boom that doesn’t purport to be an end all be all authority on one’s particular experience while still giving some great tools and exercises to build skill. Loved it!
December 6, 2021
A classic in modern occultism. Every read you can take something new from it, and is one of the first books I recommend to neophytes. The exercises are simple and profound, allowing anyone in any situation to sit down and do them if they please.
April 18, 2024
Enjoyable and easy read. There are a few practical exercises given that can be incorporated into one's practice but for me there were a couple of nuggets of wisdom to chew on and digest around the nature of spirits and the human psyche.
September 14, 2024
This is the second book I have read from this author. While it seems at times to be very unorthodox, I suppose that is precisely why I like it as it breaks the usual concepts out of preconceived boxes.
September 9, 2018
Don't waste your time.
August 20, 2021
These rituals are fluid yet comprehensive and allow your magick to be a part of your creative process. I am so excited to be in nature and impliment some of the practices in this book.
September 20, 2023
Bem relaxante de ler e explicativo, ainda faltam treinar alguns exercícios, mas é realmente algo que até um completo iniciante iria entender
July 12, 2024
sempre um prazer reler
January 21, 2025
This is the best book I've read about how to develop and build a relationship with your imagination.
December 25, 2020
Read and will be read again. This book is recommended by Aiden Wachter, the author of 'Six Ways'. I believe that Aiden might have gotten the idea of X from Jan Fries and developed it further! 'Weaving Fate' talks about this idea.
April 20, 2014
An easy read to understanding Visual Magick...a book that gives a good overview if the subject...allowing the opportunity as to what other areas related to it that you might want to pursue after reading it...for someone who maybe just starting off in this area....a great book to begin with....
June 15, 2015
The first part of the book was very nice and informative (seemed like a psychological self-help book using magic-related words to explain the generic concepts). The latter part has been too focused on magic itself without much of a background in psychology, which was a pity.
August 25, 2016
Pretty damn good, no nonsense, magic.
January 15, 2017
An Excellent book of Jan Fries. Of easy lecture, and with a good balance of Theoretical / practical information. Highly recommended!
November 22, 2025
I recommend this to anyone interested in Magick... I think it is wonderful for beginners especially.
January 15, 2013
Unusually creative yet practical book on magic.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews