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Homemade Magick: The Musings & Mischief of a Do-It-Yourself Magus
Sharing the lessons he's learned from over forty years as a magician and family man, Lon Milo DuQuette reveals his unique point of view about magick―its ups and downs, ins and outs, and how his family and home are the foundation of his practice. Written in Lon's humorous style that makes learning and discovery a joy, Homemade Magick will show you that everyday life events are, in fact, true magical adventures. As you navigate your journey, learn how With this insightful book as your guide, you can see how the magical world is already an integral part of your life. Between easy-to-follow instructions and Lon's colorful stories about his years as a domesticated magician, you'll be inspired to wake up to your own magical identity―and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Lon Milo DuQuette
117 books511 followersLon Milo DuQuette is an American singer-song writer, author, lecturer, and occultist, best known as an author who applies humor in the field of Western Hermeticism.
Born in Long Beach, California and raised in Columbus, Nebraska, he was an aspiring studio musician and recording artist in the 1970s, releasing two singles and an album, Charley D. and Milo, on the Epic Records label.
He married to his high school sweetheart, Constance Jean Duquette. They live in Costa Mesa, California and have one son, Jean-Paul.
Since 1975 he has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been the O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master and one of the most visible members of the Order. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.
Born in Long Beach, California and raised in Columbus, Nebraska, he was an aspiring studio musician and recording artist in the 1970s, releasing two singles and an album, Charley D. and Milo, on the Epic Records label.
He married to his high school sweetheart, Constance Jean Duquette. They live in Costa Mesa, California and have one son, Jean-Paul.
Since 1975 he has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been the O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master and one of the most visible members of the Order. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 23, 2014
It is only recently that I have been exposed to the works of Lon Milo Duquette, and boy I am glad to have been introduced to his works. This work like the others is easy to read, witty and makes the arduous path of magic a whole lot easier to follow. Homemade magic is a gret read for both the beginner and the more advanced practitioner.
Starting off with an introduction of a young California kid forced to move away from paradise to a boring backwater Nebraska, he teels about adjusting to new climes and meeting his future wife Candace. His description of himself I meant to inform us that only she could deal with a man like him. Baba Lon sure has a sense of humor. His life story goes through the sixties, his college life and musical career and tells about his initiation into the OTO.
The first chapter or section gets the new practitioner initiated and makes the newbie ask some very essential questions about who they are. There is a lesson about coming up with your own magical motto. Now who we are is always changing, we are constantly being reinitiated and we will always come up with new magical mottos.
The book then moves into telling the magician how to get his magical weapon and how to consecrate them. You know the chalice, wand, sword, club and pentacle. To make them Lon’s way is the best and easiest way and for someone like me who is not that hands on and is a bit lazy this is the way to go.
Lon then goes on to tell the neophyte how to turn his home into a lodge and how to make your own set of Tarot cards. THE best way to learn magic is to teach magic according to the master. He tells you some great books and then you have to read the stuff and learn it. There is no room for ego and always accept that you can be wrong. In making a magical household there is away the challenge of raising the children. Of course they should be included to the extend that they can handle it and things should not be kept hidden or spooky. I like the way he tells the reader how to use the tarot card to make a magic circle. A bit detailed and will have to be read over. Take good note.
Getting started in magic is difficult and things are not always what they seem. But getting the essentials and simplifying down to the important stuff eases the transition into magic. This is one book that I will use. Even if I do not use everything there are lots of things I will pull out and use. For example at the end he gives over Eliphas Levi’s invocation to the four directions. I will use that in may faerie workings. The Morning-Afternoon-evening salutions to the Egyptian deities is simple and easy to use. I plan on using it. His rites to Demeter are useful even if I end up modifying it to meet my own needs.
Let me leave off with a few final things and maybe two. As a husband you know everything but your wife is always right. You know how tough marriages can be, especially between two magicians. Demons in human form who disrespect you for your flagrant flaws can really end up saving your life.
Starting off with an introduction of a young California kid forced to move away from paradise to a boring backwater Nebraska, he teels about adjusting to new climes and meeting his future wife Candace. His description of himself I meant to inform us that only she could deal with a man like him. Baba Lon sure has a sense of humor. His life story goes through the sixties, his college life and musical career and tells about his initiation into the OTO.
The first chapter or section gets the new practitioner initiated and makes the newbie ask some very essential questions about who they are. There is a lesson about coming up with your own magical motto. Now who we are is always changing, we are constantly being reinitiated and we will always come up with new magical mottos.
The book then moves into telling the magician how to get his magical weapon and how to consecrate them. You know the chalice, wand, sword, club and pentacle. To make them Lon’s way is the best and easiest way and for someone like me who is not that hands on and is a bit lazy this is the way to go.
Lon then goes on to tell the neophyte how to turn his home into a lodge and how to make your own set of Tarot cards. THE best way to learn magic is to teach magic according to the master. He tells you some great books and then you have to read the stuff and learn it. There is no room for ego and always accept that you can be wrong. In making a magical household there is away the challenge of raising the children. Of course they should be included to the extend that they can handle it and things should not be kept hidden or spooky. I like the way he tells the reader how to use the tarot card to make a magic circle. A bit detailed and will have to be read over. Take good note.
Getting started in magic is difficult and things are not always what they seem. But getting the essentials and simplifying down to the important stuff eases the transition into magic. This is one book that I will use. Even if I do not use everything there are lots of things I will pull out and use. For example at the end he gives over Eliphas Levi’s invocation to the four directions. I will use that in may faerie workings. The Morning-Afternoon-evening salutions to the Egyptian deities is simple and easy to use. I plan on using it. His rites to Demeter are useful even if I end up modifying it to meet my own needs.
Let me leave off with a few final things and maybe two. As a husband you know everything but your wife is always right. You know how tough marriages can be, especially between two magicians. Demons in human form who disrespect you for your flagrant flaws can really end up saving your life.
January 14, 2020
As always Lon Milo DuQuette embraces the subject matter with a firm grasp of knowledge as well as a lighter, more pleasant and comical way of helping the reader easily understand and feel confident in themselves as they read and work along with the book. I would and will continue to suggest this book as well as several others of Lon's books to beginners.
November 4, 2020
It's humorous, like always with Lon. It does follow the 80/20 rule, i.e., a lot of the charm can be condensed to practical advice. But then you would also be throwing away the baby with the bath water.
March 26, 2018
A well written, enjoyable, practical (including a section on do I need to work?), and sometimes silly introduction to Magick.
June 22, 2018
Lots of great information and humor as usual.
August 22, 2019
A humorous, heartfelt, and straightforward book on the high magical path.
Read
May 20, 2020This is really a breakdown of African science to his point of view.
October 7, 2014
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.0 of 5
I feel a little duped by this book. Let me share with you the Goodreads opening description of the book:
This sounds like a delightful, personable biography of a magician. For me, and I suspect the vast majority of readers out there, a magician is someone who performs illusions. Penn & Teller, Harry Blackstone, Harry Anderson, Criss Angel, David Copperfield, etc.
No. This is a book by someone who practices what most in the world would consider the occult or the dark arts (though that is a misnomer). This is a book by a self-made magick-as-religion magus.
Despite very quickly realizing that this was not at all what I was expecting, I did my best to accept it for what it was and give it the benefit of the doubt and read it cover to cover. This is made more difficult because it's not a topic I'm personally interested in (though I like to think I have an open mind and am willing to 'listen' to anothers' beliefs).
As a biography, I'm not very impressed with the book. There's very little biography here, frankly. This is more of a 'how-to' book. DuQuette does talk a little personal history, but only when referencing how he came by some of his magick, but as a biography, explaining his childhood and how he came to be interested in the life of magick rites and rituals? Not so much.
As a 'how to' book - how to perform rites and rituals and come by certain 'powers' without a magus in your area to teach you - this is probably a little more helpful. For those interested in this particular lifestyle (and let's face it, it is almost more of a lifestyle than a religion) this should prove helpful. But I couldn't help but wonder how ... shall I say 'authentic' a rite or a ritual is when it is performed by someone using make-shift props and incantations that are spoken without proper inflections. How important are these props and rituals if such substitutions can be made? Are they needed more for the person delivering the rites, to give them a sense that there's another power at work, than they are for actual necessity?
Not being interested in learning how to perform 'magick,' I grew bored with the book. there really was more of this than there was 'biography' and what biography there was really felt a little depressing. While DuQuette seems perfectly happy with his life and proud of what he's accomplished (this is good! More people should have such pride) I couldn't shake the sense that a 'biography' by such a person seemed really unnecessary. I'm not sure what the target market is here, though clearly it isn't me.
Two stars to this book because it MAY be helpful to people who want to know more about how to live this life, but it's NOT a biography, it does NOT show "that everyday life events are, in fact, true magical adventures" and it is not particularly interesting.
Looking for a good book? For the very small target audience, those interested in learning occult how-to, this might prove interesting, but otherwise it's not particularly worthwhile.
I feel a little duped by this book. Let me share with you the Goodreads opening description of the book:
Sharing the lessons he's learned from over forty years as a magician and family man, Lon Milo DuQuette reveals his unique point of view about magick--its ups and downs, ins and outs, and how his family and home are the foundation of his practice. Written in Lon's humorous style that makes learning and discovery a joy, Homemade Magick will show you that everyday life events are, in fact, true magical adventures.
This sounds like a delightful, personable biography of a magician. For me, and I suspect the vast majority of readers out there, a magician is someone who performs illusions. Penn & Teller, Harry Blackstone, Harry Anderson, Criss Angel, David Copperfield, etc.
No. This is a book by someone who practices what most in the world would consider the occult or the dark arts (though that is a misnomer). This is a book by a self-made magick-as-religion magus.
Despite very quickly realizing that this was not at all what I was expecting, I did my best to accept it for what it was and give it the benefit of the doubt and read it cover to cover. This is made more difficult because it's not a topic I'm personally interested in (though I like to think I have an open mind and am willing to 'listen' to anothers' beliefs).
As a biography, I'm not very impressed with the book. There's very little biography here, frankly. This is more of a 'how-to' book. DuQuette does talk a little personal history, but only when referencing how he came by some of his magick, but as a biography, explaining his childhood and how he came to be interested in the life of magick rites and rituals? Not so much.
As a 'how to' book - how to perform rites and rituals and come by certain 'powers' without a magus in your area to teach you - this is probably a little more helpful. For those interested in this particular lifestyle (and let's face it, it is almost more of a lifestyle than a religion) this should prove helpful. But I couldn't help but wonder how ... shall I say 'authentic' a rite or a ritual is when it is performed by someone using make-shift props and incantations that are spoken without proper inflections. How important are these props and rituals if such substitutions can be made? Are they needed more for the person delivering the rites, to give them a sense that there's another power at work, than they are for actual necessity?
Not being interested in learning how to perform 'magick,' I grew bored with the book. there really was more of this than there was 'biography' and what biography there was really felt a little depressing. While DuQuette seems perfectly happy with his life and proud of what he's accomplished (this is good! More people should have such pride) I couldn't shake the sense that a 'biography' by such a person seemed really unnecessary. I'm not sure what the target market is here, though clearly it isn't me.
Two stars to this book because it MAY be helpful to people who want to know more about how to live this life, but it's NOT a biography, it does NOT show "that everyday life events are, in fact, true magical adventures" and it is not particularly interesting.
Looking for a good book? For the very small target audience, those interested in learning occult how-to, this might prove interesting, but otherwise it's not particularly worthwhile.
Read
February 21, 2017You can find my review published in Spiral Nature Magazine here:
http://www.spiralnature.com/reviews/h...
http://www.spiralnature.com/reviews/h...
January 13, 2015
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this through netgalley.com. I've also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DuQuette at various pagan conferences and have enjoyed our conversations.
I've never really read one of Lon Milo DuQuette's books before. It's because of the title, and the fact that I've had some fond memories of the man that I decided to read through Homemade Magick. I'm glad this was my first DuQuette book. As I read it, I hear Lon's voice talking back, and smiling as he tells me a bit about himself, shares his knowledge of magick, and gives us a glimpse into his world.
At it's core Homemade Magick is part memoir, part how-to, but it's all Lon Milo DuQuette. In this fast read, DuQuette shows us that anyone can become their own magician. He disperses 40 years of knowledge in between stories of how he and his family navigated the world. He tells stories of how he got initiated, created his own tools, and transformed his own house (or hotel rooms) into a temple of worship. He then teaches the reader how they can do the same.
I loved this book for blended memoir and teaching style. DuQuette lives the life and talks the talk and he gives how to be a magician to us straight. He allows the reader to understand their work, their place in magick, and reminds us that we do not need the fancy, expensive clothes or tools to DO the work. It's all within us. Also, I loved his sections that included tarot-- i'm huge on tarot magic and the uses and it's nice to see that he also notes that tarot can be a great tool for setting up magical spaces, temples, and can be used as the magician's implements.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a true glimpse into a self-made magician, and want to know that you really can become a "homemade" magician of your own creation, get this book. Thanks Lon and I can't wait to see you next.
I've never really read one of Lon Milo DuQuette's books before. It's because of the title, and the fact that I've had some fond memories of the man that I decided to read through Homemade Magick. I'm glad this was my first DuQuette book. As I read it, I hear Lon's voice talking back, and smiling as he tells me a bit about himself, shares his knowledge of magick, and gives us a glimpse into his world.
At it's core Homemade Magick is part memoir, part how-to, but it's all Lon Milo DuQuette. In this fast read, DuQuette shows us that anyone can become their own magician. He disperses 40 years of knowledge in between stories of how he and his family navigated the world. He tells stories of how he got initiated, created his own tools, and transformed his own house (or hotel rooms) into a temple of worship. He then teaches the reader how they can do the same.
I loved this book for blended memoir and teaching style. DuQuette lives the life and talks the talk and he gives how to be a magician to us straight. He allows the reader to understand their work, their place in magick, and reminds us that we do not need the fancy, expensive clothes or tools to DO the work. It's all within us. Also, I loved his sections that included tarot-- i'm huge on tarot magic and the uses and it's nice to see that he also notes that tarot can be a great tool for setting up magical spaces, temples, and can be used as the magician's implements.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a true glimpse into a self-made magician, and want to know that you really can become a "homemade" magician of your own creation, get this book. Thanks Lon and I can't wait to see you next.
July 17, 2014
Quick shout out and thank you to Llewellyn Publications via Netgalley for letting me read the book early in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving this 3 triquetras out of 4 not because I didn't enjoy the book, but rather people it doesn't seem to be my flavor. I try to read and review books as neutrally as I can, but that doesn't always work. (Which is why you should never take any one reviews opinion as solid fact, but you guys knew that.)
The book was fun and witty, and the writer's style was very likable. I guess there was just something....off about it for me. If you're looking for something that relates to Theurgy or High Magick then this may very well be a great book for you, but there were many themes and aspects that I wasn't familiar with, or didn't use in my practice and therefore a lot of the book wasn't of use to me. There is a lot of emphasis on the Pantacle (no that's not a typo), the Cup, the Sword and the Wand.
A lot of the book ties in with Qabbalah/Kabbalah which I don't use and don't have a real interest in using either. However, I know that many, many people DO use Kabbalah themes and believes in their practice so, like I said, I guess this one just wasn't a fit for me. Coming out in early August, for those who practice this way I think you'll really like the author and the way he writes!
I'm giving this 3 triquetras out of 4 not because I didn't enjoy the book, but rather people it doesn't seem to be my flavor. I try to read and review books as neutrally as I can, but that doesn't always work. (Which is why you should never take any one reviews opinion as solid fact, but you guys knew that.)
The book was fun and witty, and the writer's style was very likable. I guess there was just something....off about it for me. If you're looking for something that relates to Theurgy or High Magick then this may very well be a great book for you, but there were many themes and aspects that I wasn't familiar with, or didn't use in my practice and therefore a lot of the book wasn't of use to me. There is a lot of emphasis on the Pantacle (no that's not a typo), the Cup, the Sword and the Wand.
A lot of the book ties in with Qabbalah/Kabbalah which I don't use and don't have a real interest in using either. However, I know that many, many people DO use Kabbalah themes and believes in their practice so, like I said, I guess this one just wasn't a fit for me. Coming out in early August, for those who practice this way I think you'll really like the author and the way he writes!
October 22, 2014
This is one of my favorite books by Lon. Part auto-biography and part pragmatic ("homemade") magick instruction, Lon is at his best like usual. Witty, funny, candid, humble, honest, and downright awesome, this book is chock full of pragmatic advice for the budding magickian. Although a Thelemite, he does not make the book difficult for that of other religious traditions to understand and comprehend. His book is quite user friendly and shows the man's years of experience not just as an established occultist and magickian, but as a husband, father, music partner, head of a lodge, student, etc in his multi-faceted career. And while the book is quite easy to understand, it's not watered down, fluffy bunny, new agey, mumbo jumbo filled of stories of crystals, dragons, fairies, or how won the lottery or banged a bunch of goodlooking broads by enchanting this secret magickal formula. No, there was none of that. In fact, Lon goes into detail about almost every magickal item he ever created, bought, or rituals (i.e. how his Tarot of Ceremonial Magick came to be) was actually by accident, happenstance, or just plain luck.
For those of you just now getting into western ceremonial magick and want to have the most SOLID foundation from which to start out with, this is an essential book for you to have! All of LMD's books are recommended by me but this one is a must!
For those of you just now getting into western ceremonial magick and want to have the most SOLID foundation from which to start out with, this is an essential book for you to have! All of LMD's books are recommended by me but this one is a must!
October 2, 2014
You won't find any secrets of the universe tucked away in the pages of this book. What you will find is far more useful and important: a suite of common sense suggestions and pragmatic, down to earth advice, gathered over many years' experience, which will help you live and balance your life and work in a practical, effective way. Then you'll be in an ideal position to go seek those mysteries of the universe for yourself, which is a far better scenario.
The book is written with warmth, humour, a little teasing self-deprecation and refreshing practicality. Anyone who has spent years winning their spurs, doing things the hard way, will smile, perhaps wince a little, and nod as they read the advice herein. I guess many a young buck will think this everyday stuff doesn't apply to them: more fool them, they'll come back to it with their tails between their legs when their noses have been bloodied.
For those willing to listen to the advice of those who have trod the path before them, this is one of those rare treasures which is actually useful instead of all smoke and mirrors.
The book is written with warmth, humour, a little teasing self-deprecation and refreshing practicality. Anyone who has spent years winning their spurs, doing things the hard way, will smile, perhaps wince a little, and nod as they read the advice herein. I guess many a young buck will think this everyday stuff doesn't apply to them: more fool them, they'll come back to it with their tails between their legs when their noses have been bloodied.
For those willing to listen to the advice of those who have trod the path before them, this is one of those rare treasures which is actually useful instead of all smoke and mirrors.
June 7, 2015
I grabbed this book hoping for something to fit my open source based approach to magick. Duquette has provided both anacdotal stories and practice advice. I appreciated the fact that, while referring to his own flavor of magical ceremony (oto), he makes a point to emphasize the need for the reader to modify the rituals and/or deities/avatars to their own spiritual path. he encourages the reader to stop wait, take the few minutes or hours each day, and work on your craft. so let's do just that folks!
June 20, 2015
Very down-to-earth and useful information for today's Magi. Not everyone is a part of a group, and we all must create our own way apart from others, even in a group. This book helps us step-by-step, to start applying our natural magical or miraculous abilities to everything in life. Everything in life is Magick whether we use it to our advantage or not is up to us. Excellent reading and not hard to get through.
August 3, 2017
It's... cute. (I guess.) There are a small few helpful hints scattered about. More than anything, it is an amusing memoir, maybe even inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews