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The Mystical and Magical System of the A∴A∴ - The Spiritual System of Aleister Crowley & George Cecil Jones Step-by-Step
Previously, so comprehensive a guide book has not been readily available. Initiation is a reality. Humanity has a potential to grow far beyond its native state of consciousness and capability. This growth is a spiritual growth. Its fruits inform and empower every facet of human, mortal expression, while disclosing to each of us our own inherently immortal natures. On this spiritual growth, more than any other thing, the future welfare and progress of humanity depends. For thousands of years, Adepts have known how to unlock or awaken this growth how to mature it and unleash genius at will. Beginning in 1906, two such Adepts, Aleister Crowley and George Cecil Jones, organized and made public the mystical and magical disciplines by which any motivated person can achieve this spiritual maturity and have direct experience of realization, liberation, union with God, or cosmic consciousness. They called their system A∴A∴. Its methods are those of empirical science; its aims, those of devoted religion. This book explores, step-by-step, the mystical and magical system of the A∴A∴ For many in the West, it is a strange thought that spirituality can be drilled in the same way that a muscle is strengthened. Yet, an ear trained to listen to music detects wondrous subtleties that the untrained ear misses. The same is true of the palate trained to distinguish fine food and wine, or the eye trained to discriminate nuance in any of a thousand areas. The same is true of spiritual experience. The stages of its unfolding are the discovery of one's True Will (or who one is in the Universe), and the practical means of expressing this in the world; the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (or conscious union with the Divine); and the continued advance toward and through that vast gulf, or Abyss, which lies between humanity and Divinity. The author, in more than 20 years of experience of the mystical and magical system of the A∴A∴, has derived enormous value from it. This book is the clearest, most complete presentation of the system ever written. Never before have the inner pathways of this Journey been so finely mapped, nor the Way so clearly marked. To you, dear children of the Light, do we deliver freely what has been given to us. May the Way be opened for all who would walk it, proudly, joyously, serenely with strength, wisdom, love, and the LIGHT which informs them with Beauty. from Chapter 11 of the Mystical and Magical System of the A∴A∴
302 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 18, 2013
I am not a member of the A.A. However, I am a practicing Thelemite from a different branch of teachings. As such, I have a deep interest in all things Thelemic, and especially with documents and information relating to the A.A.
I would consider this book an essential reference to any Thelemic student, or anyone seriously interested in the systems of magick developed by Aleister Crowley. This book is crammed with useful and fascinating information. Further, the book is lucidly written, and the author is an obvious authority on Thelema. He makes clear whether he is making an assumption, or where evidence can be found to back up his statements. He also allows for differences of opinion and states his reasons for his own.
I'm giving the maximum rating just because of how much useful information there is. Having said that, this may not be the right book for a beginner or someone looking for a introduction to Thelema. This book would primarily benefit experienced Thelemites. There are multitudes of references to other books and writings, with which some comprehensive prior knowledge is immensely helpful. But there are also many gems to be found for the beginner as well.
If I had any problem with the book, it is a minor one. Which is that Eshelman is obviously biased towards favoring the approach of his own particular lineage. Sections that discuss the turbulent history of Thelemic orders tend to gloss over many vital details, often in favor of the Soror Estai lineage. Eshelman is looking at Thelema through an effective, though very particular lens. I also understand his attitude of following as precisely as possible Crowley's original intentions in order to preserve the effectiveness of the teachings. The reader should just keep in mind that this book is just one snapshot of a much wider community of Thelemic teachings and practices.
I would consider this book an essential reference to any Thelemic student, or anyone seriously interested in the systems of magick developed by Aleister Crowley. This book is crammed with useful and fascinating information. Further, the book is lucidly written, and the author is an obvious authority on Thelema. He makes clear whether he is making an assumption, or where evidence can be found to back up his statements. He also allows for differences of opinion and states his reasons for his own.
I'm giving the maximum rating just because of how much useful information there is. Having said that, this may not be the right book for a beginner or someone looking for a introduction to Thelema. This book would primarily benefit experienced Thelemites. There are multitudes of references to other books and writings, with which some comprehensive prior knowledge is immensely helpful. But there are also many gems to be found for the beginner as well.
If I had any problem with the book, it is a minor one. Which is that Eshelman is obviously biased towards favoring the approach of his own particular lineage. Sections that discuss the turbulent history of Thelemic orders tend to gloss over many vital details, often in favor of the Soror Estai lineage. Eshelman is looking at Thelema through an effective, though very particular lens. I also understand his attitude of following as precisely as possible Crowley's original intentions in order to preserve the effectiveness of the teachings. The reader should just keep in mind that this book is just one snapshot of a much wider community of Thelemic teachings and practices.
November 6, 2020
Simply one of the best.books.covering his.mystical.system!
June 16, 2016
It can be amusing to see how a modern library with a computer database for the stock and an electronic cash register can sell Middle Age superstition. Probably because 'it works, I have seen it' can make it real for most people who hear it.
January 27, 2011
Mostly a collection of Crowley's writings. Commentary alternates between insightful and self-serving. Handy.
October 31, 2013
A very informative overview of the A:.A:. with a nice mix of Eshelman and Crowley. A few open secrets and a great read. 93s.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews