Foundations of Practical Magic

by Israel Regardie

A guide to occult techniques comprising a selection of essays exploring the potential of magic within ourselves. These essays, now revised and brought together, represent the fruit of a lifetime's study and experience of occult techniques. The emphasis throughout is on practical methods of releasing the vast inner potential on which magic depends, with the aim of finding 'the jewel of a new life' - a life full of creative possibilities based on a radical renewal of consciousness.

Genres: Occult, Magic, Magick, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 1988

About the author

Israel Regardie (born Francis Israel Regudy) was considered by many to be the last living Adept of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. At an early age, Regardie worked as Aleister Crowley's personal secretary. In addition to his extensive writings, Regardie practiced as a chiropractor and as a neo-Reichian therapist. He taught psychiatry at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and contributed articles to many psychology magazines.

Reviews

[Matt]

Outstanding. Especially as a primer and accompaniment to other occult and Magick works. Regardie organizes what seems like an overwhelming body of occult topics into a slim and comprehensible volume that not only provides a topical survey, but also practical starting points for the beginner - and points of clarification and reminders for the befuddled neophyte and erstwhile magus alike. The inclusion of “The Art of True Healing” is essential reading for those who read Regardie’s “The Middle Pillar” - it practically unlocks the seemingly simple method and gives a wealth of depth to it that could constitute a full magical regimen on its own if one so desired. I’d recommend this to everyone but especially to students or the curious who want to know “What exactly is Magick? What is Qabalah? How is all this stuff connected?” Or even the often posed - “So where do I begin?”

[Ben Lawrie]

A good introduction to Regardie consisting of short essays that outline his thoughts on magic, the qabala meditation and his approach to true relaxation.

Regardie can be a little wordy so this book is a good taste of his work before committing to bigger works. Definitely worth a read.

[Anna Gibson]

Great for a beginners book.

[Ian Jones]

I first read a paperback edition of this book in about 1990 and even then it had been in print for a long time. Unfortunately, I read it and ignored it, though two of the chapters stayed in the back of my mind. My paperback version is buried in one of my storage units, so when something prompted me to re-read it recently, I got the Kindle version. I now regret not paying closer attention to it all those years ago.
One thing I wanted to do in those days was to start meditating but I didn’t have the time or the patience. Reading the chapter on meditation again makes me realise that I’ve lost 36 years. Everything the author says about the benefits of meditation has been validated by more recent writers and institutions, such as Dispenza, Radin, Monroe and Gaia. Focusing on a regular breathing pattern is still a standard way of getting into the zone. The other chapter that really stands out for me is the one on healing. The middle pillar exercise that the author recommends aligns with current thinking about the chakras or energy centres.
There is other material here on the Qabalah and the Tree of Life, which is invaluable and repays study. For readers whose preference is more modern works on manifesting and transurfing, I would recommend this book as a source of wisdom.

[Justin]

Short but well thought out introduction to Qabbalah and meditation

[Teleri]

It is indeed, quite an excellent foundation.