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Low Magick: It's All In Your Head ... You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is
Take a fascinating journey into the life of one of the most respected, sought-after, and renowned magicians alive Lon Milo DuQuette. In this follow-up to his popular autobiography, My Life with the Spirits, DuQuette tells how a friend was cursed by a well-known foreign filmmaker and how they removed that curse with a little help from Shakespeare. He explains how, as a six-year-old, he used the Law of Attraction to get a date with Linda Kaufman, the most beautiful girl in first-grade. DuQuette also reveals the ins and outs of working with demons and provides a compelling account of performing an exorcism at a private Catholic high school.
As entertaining as they are informative, the true stories in this memoir contain authentic magical theory and invaluable technical information.
As entertaining as they are informative, the true stories in this memoir contain authentic magical theory and invaluable technical information.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
61 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Lon Milo DuQuette
126 books506 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 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 16, 2011
I have a confession to make... this is the first Lon Milo DuQuette book that I have ever read.
The first thing I will be doing after reading this book is checking out the back catalogue. DuQuette's style of writing is incredibly accessible and entertaining.
Although this book is dealing with 'low magick' (the stuff that you are most likely to be warned not to dabble with!) it is autobiographical, and the charm it holds is in how much of his magickal diaries he opens and shares. It really drives home that DuQuette is an experimenter - if you tell him that something can't or shouldn't be done, he is going to set about finding out WHY. This is what makes him such a trailblazer in his field. If everyone sat back and followed the 'don't do it' rules, we still wouldn't be eating tomatoes!
My personal highlight was the invoking of all the spirits of a Tarot deck into the deck in a weekend. It reminded me of some of my early spiritual 'experiments' and I am sure far more people than would care to admit it have undertaken just as crazy things!
The first thing I will be doing after reading this book is checking out the back catalogue. DuQuette's style of writing is incredibly accessible and entertaining.
Although this book is dealing with 'low magick' (the stuff that you are most likely to be warned not to dabble with!) it is autobiographical, and the charm it holds is in how much of his magickal diaries he opens and shares. It really drives home that DuQuette is an experimenter - if you tell him that something can't or shouldn't be done, he is going to set about finding out WHY. This is what makes him such a trailblazer in his field. If everyone sat back and followed the 'don't do it' rules, we still wouldn't be eating tomatoes!
My personal highlight was the invoking of all the spirits of a Tarot deck into the deck in a weekend. It reminded me of some of my early spiritual 'experiments' and I am sure far more people than would care to admit it have undertaken just as crazy things!
December 4, 2020
Amazing book, not what I expected from the idea I had of Low Magick and I really liked the "disclaimer" of not being a technical book but more like a "Stories" book, even though there are a couple of chapter with very interesting techniques about invoking and such.
This is my first Lon Milo Duquette book and I love the way he writes, he's such a witty individual, I actually cracked up with laughter at the mercury invocation idea when discussed with Constance (and the invocation had begun) hahaha I love this guy. I already ordered the paperback edition of My life with the Spirits and The key to Solomon's key, I have the kindle version of Chicken Qabbahla, so I guess I have some good read awaiting me.
This is my first Lon Milo Duquette book and I love the way he writes, he's such a witty individual, I actually cracked up with laughter at the mercury invocation idea when discussed with Constance (and the invocation had begun) hahaha I love this guy. I already ordered the paperback edition of My life with the Spirits and The key to Solomon's key, I have the kindle version of Chicken Qabbahla, so I guess I have some good read awaiting me.
June 18, 2012
It's a re-read cause I got a mind like a sieve.
November 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this. A narrative from one of the Thelemic world's pre-eminent ceremonial magicians with lots of practical examples of concepts and work in action. A fast and engaging read. Recommended!
January 19, 2012
While Low Magick was, as I expected, very funny and recalled My Life with the Spirits. It also served as a very good explanation of magick in general, in particular to answer the question: why should we be evoking spirits into a triangle? This explanation of magick to be a practical tool to evolve one's psyche I felt to be particularly impressive. I do however think the book could have been slightly longer as it didn't seemto drag at any point and I imagine Lon has a great many stories which could be usefully applied to explain the subject further.
August 5, 2021
"mto bom, o cara aborda as experiêcias espirituais dele quase como um comediante e me fez rir alto várias vezes, ele também não recai numa dessas de superioridade intelectual, deixa bem evidente o tempo todo que ele não tem como saber tudo, apenas sabe o que viveu."
June 9, 2013
Low Magick is an account of Lon Milo DuQuette's adventures and misadventures as a practicing magician. He states early on that he is uncomfortable with the usual definitions given for high and low magick. DuQuette is a clear writer, with a lot of wit and enough personally embarrassing tales to make what might otherwise be dry, step by step descriptions of rituals, truly entertaining. He starts with his downfalls in his early days of magic and crowns the story with his exorcism of a catholic school where despite his years of experience, he is still nearly duped by the demon. He makes a point of explaining the magic theory involved in his rituals so even if the reader is not familiar with Enochian Goetia, Quaballah, astrology or tarot, it is possible to follow the story. I would say that the intent of this book is to explain his philosophy of magic; "It is not the magick which is good or evil, or high or low-it is the magician."
August 27, 2011
So far, Lon has explained concepts that I was only vaguely aware of and has answered questions that I have had, but did not know how to formulate them. I am at the beginning of the second chapter and I anticipate an immediate second reading after the entire book is finished.
Key concept: Low Magick is not inferior to High Magick.
A must read, this will be one that I will read every year.
Key concept: Low Magick is not inferior to High Magick.
A must read, this will be one that I will read every year.
December 18, 2019
Nope. Not for me.
The book is well written by an experienced magician, but it focuses on solomonic magick of demon invocation. I disagree with this approach and it is a certain way to get your ass kicked “spiritually”.
If you’re interested in stories about solomonic magick, then this book is for you.
The book is well written by an experienced magician, but it focuses on solomonic magick of demon invocation. I disagree with this approach and it is a certain way to get your ass kicked “spiritually”.
If you’re interested in stories about solomonic magick, then this book is for you.
April 26, 2019
This is the first book I read from Lon Milo DuQuette, and also the first book I read on magick.
It was a really fun, interesting and mind-opening read. The way he describes his adventures as a magician is very entertaining, he does get technical sometimes, but only enough for ignorant people (like me) to understand what he's talking about. He has a good sense of humour and more than once I giggled while reading about experiences that would, honestly, scare the shit out of me.
Growing up in a christian family I've never heard a single good thing about any magic system at all. Reading about DuQuette's view of angels, demons, spirits and supernatural intelligences offers me an entirely new view of the world. The way he describes the interaction between the magician and their own magick is perfectly summed up by the book's subtitle: It's all in your head... You just have no idea how big your head is.
Whether you are interested in magick, belief systems or spirituality, this is an enjoyable read.
It was a really fun, interesting and mind-opening read. The way he describes his adventures as a magician is very entertaining, he does get technical sometimes, but only enough for ignorant people (like me) to understand what he's talking about. He has a good sense of humour and more than once I giggled while reading about experiences that would, honestly, scare the shit out of me.
Growing up in a christian family I've never heard a single good thing about any magic system at all. Reading about DuQuette's view of angels, demons, spirits and supernatural intelligences offers me an entirely new view of the world. The way he describes the interaction between the magician and their own magick is perfectly summed up by the book's subtitle: It's all in your head... You just have no idea how big your head is.
Whether you are interested in magick, belief systems or spirituality, this is an enjoyable read.
September 4, 2011
I wish more books on magic were written like this one. Lon Milo Duquette teaches principles in his stories with his usual sense of humor and straightforwardness.
March 1, 2014
More philosophical than practical, Duquette is still engaging in this very enjoyable book.
September 30, 2024
"Nie ma prawdy, są tylko opowieści".
"Magija niska" to ciekawy tytuł. Nie wiem czego się po nim spodziewałam, ale na pewno nie tego.
Autor postanawia podzielić się swoją wiedzą i doświadczeniem, za pomocą opowieści. Opowiada historie ze swojego życia, odnosi się również do kultury, religii czy postaci np. do Salomona.
Książka pełna jest rozważań filozoficznych. Niekiedy się w niej gubiłam i musiałam wracać do pewnych fragmentów. Mimo to jest bardzo ciekawa. Lon Milo DuQuette przedstawia czym jest tzw. magija wysoka i niska, choć dla niego są to raczej żartobliwe nazwy - stąd tytuł.
Najważniejszą zasadą autora jest (po prostu, a może aż?): nie bój się! Podobało mi się, że przywoływał tutaj różne anegdoty.
Uwielbiam czytać o różnego rodzaju wierzeniach, jest to fascynująca tematyka. Znajdziemy tutaj pewien misz masz oraz częste odniesienia do religii jak islam, judaizm i przede wszystkim chrześcijaństwo. A także dużą dozę filozofii.
Na pewno nie jest to lektura dla każdego, ale jeśli Was również interesują różnego rodzaju wierzenia czy magia, myślę, że ten tytuł przypadnie Wam do gustu.
"Magija niska" to ciekawy tytuł. Nie wiem czego się po nim spodziewałam, ale na pewno nie tego.
Autor postanawia podzielić się swoją wiedzą i doświadczeniem, za pomocą opowieści. Opowiada historie ze swojego życia, odnosi się również do kultury, religii czy postaci np. do Salomona.
Książka pełna jest rozważań filozoficznych. Niekiedy się w niej gubiłam i musiałam wracać do pewnych fragmentów. Mimo to jest bardzo ciekawa. Lon Milo DuQuette przedstawia czym jest tzw. magija wysoka i niska, choć dla niego są to raczej żartobliwe nazwy - stąd tytuł.
Najważniejszą zasadą autora jest (po prostu, a może aż?): nie bój się! Podobało mi się, że przywoływał tutaj różne anegdoty.
Uwielbiam czytać o różnego rodzaju wierzeniach, jest to fascynująca tematyka. Znajdziemy tutaj pewien misz masz oraz częste odniesienia do religii jak islam, judaizm i przede wszystkim chrześcijaństwo. A także dużą dozę filozofii.
Na pewno nie jest to lektura dla każdego, ale jeśli Was również interesują różnego rodzaju wierzenia czy magia, myślę, że ten tytuł przypadnie Wam do gustu.
July 25, 2025
This isn’t a typical autobiography, although Lon Milo DuQuette tells a lot about himself and provides examples of how to employ various practices.
The title of the book contains the term “Low Magick”, but this work has a huge emphasis on ceremonial magick which many people associate with high magick and not low magick.
Of course, Lon Milo DuQuette knows what high magick and low magick are. It is very likely that the author has chosen to use the phrase “Low Magick” because a lot of the stuff he describes can be attributed to a DIY attitude.
If you are interested in magick that is relatively complicated, you will enjoy this book.
The title of the book contains the term “Low Magick”, but this work has a huge emphasis on ceremonial magick which many people associate with high magick and not low magick.
Of course, Lon Milo DuQuette knows what high magick and low magick are. It is very likely that the author has chosen to use the phrase “Low Magick” because a lot of the stuff he describes can be attributed to a DIY attitude.
If you are interested in magick that is relatively complicated, you will enjoy this book.
March 5, 2018
I Love this book. I was already well acquainted with magick, ritual, and the overall topics of this book, but reading this was excellent for pulling my ass out of my head (or was it the other way around?) and understanding the core of what makes magick work, and get to the nitty gritty without confusing the pomp and circumstance for the thing itself. It is also a great book to recommend to someone who is completely new to magick or who has a held belief that "low magick" is useless.
October 30, 2020
Clever, funny and more than you think
These stories are more than just stories. As I haven’t arrived at my understanding yet as to how much more and what much more, I’ll leave your understanding to you.
On the surface though, these stories are entertaining, witty and sometimes very funny (the Mercury “invocation” especially). They may also serve a glimpses through windows and even invitations to a larger world.
Enjoy as you will!
These stories are more than just stories. As I haven’t arrived at my understanding yet as to how much more and what much more, I’ll leave your understanding to you.
On the surface though, these stories are entertaining, witty and sometimes very funny (the Mercury “invocation” especially). They may also serve a glimpses through windows and even invitations to a larger world.
Enjoy as you will!
August 13, 2019
A great inside look into Lon Duquette's life
The book gets five stars because as usual, this book is captivating and attention grabbing as are his other books. Even if you're not into the esoteric or ceremonial magick specifically, Lon's are definitely entertaining enough to keep your attention throughout the whole book.
The book gets five stars because as usual, this book is captivating and attention grabbing as are his other books. Even if you're not into the esoteric or ceremonial magick specifically, Lon's are definitely entertaining enough to keep your attention throughout the whole book.
October 28, 2020
Ganesha, ganesha, gane-e-esha
G-a-a-nesha
This book it worth it alone for the Ganesha invocation/banishing ritual, which is just so splendidly perfect.
It is another well written, easy to read set of adventures in Ceremonial/low magic, which will make you want to find a carpenters ruler and a copy of the Goetia.
G-a-a-nesha
This book it worth it alone for the Ganesha invocation/banishing ritual, which is just so splendidly perfect.
It is another well written, easy to read set of adventures in Ceremonial/low magic, which will make you want to find a carpenters ruler and a copy of the Goetia.
July 14, 2021
This is a brilliant book - part memoir, part guide. It covers everything including astral projection, a dancing Ganesha, an the exorcism of a Catholic girls school and conversation with a demon. It's humorous, never arrogant or patronising, warm and loving. DuQuette is now one of my top three writers about magick.
April 20, 2023
It is all in the title. This is not a how-to book but a collection of the author's experiences that help him illustrate basic but very important points.
You can read it in one sitting and the fun and easy tone make you feel as if your weird old uncle was telling you one of his crazy stories. But don't be deceived, the ideas are very profound and worth being taken seriously.
You can read it in one sitting and the fun and easy tone make you feel as if your weird old uncle was telling you one of his crazy stories. But don't be deceived, the ideas are very profound and worth being taken seriously.
December 28, 2020
Excellent starter or intermediate volume for those interested in esoteric practices. The author has an amusing way of writing about this rather sombre and somewhat taboo topic. Looking forward to reading more of Lon Milo's work
January 1, 2022
More of a biography than a magickal guide, but a bit of both! Immensely entertaining and an extremely useful book for anyone curious about delving into magick and the occult. Best enjoyed after his other autobiographical work, "My Life With the Spirits" but reading that book first is unnecessary.
March 23, 2018
Understandable and spirited. On the other hand, I am not sure how much I got out of it
August 27, 2019
It was interesting book from Occultist, it made me
remember about “The Bad Trip ”. Good Idea about Magic Makes You
Change to get Something, and sometimes it's hard.
No financial profit...
remember about “The Bad Trip ”. Good Idea about Magic Makes You
Change to get Something, and sometimes it's hard.
No financial profit...
December 22, 2019
Even though the tarot development section was very intense, I love Lon Milo's style of writing; it's like listening to a friend cypher while having a cup a coffee.
Thank you Lon Milo
Thank you Lon Milo
February 28, 2020
Love it! Highly recommended
Super interesting, I learned a lot from this book, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking in the path of Magick.
Super interesting, I learned a lot from this book, I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking in the path of Magick.
October 14, 2020
Very interesting.
My partner got this book. His review = Interesting subjects. Great & entertaining stories. Never boring. He enjoyed every page.
My partner got this book. His review = Interesting subjects. Great & entertaining stories. Never boring. He enjoyed every page.
February 20, 2021
Lon has a compelling voice and imparts useful information via stories making this a fun read.
September 28, 2021
A delightful read. Actually more of a story about working with magic. Rather than instructing you ”how to”.
September 15, 2022
a fun romp through the mind of a magician
DuQuette shares with us some of us inspirational and interesting adventures and perspectives of being a magician in todays world.
DuQuette shares with us some of us inspirational and interesting adventures and perspectives of being a magician in todays world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews