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What Is Occultism?
Offers the reader an in-depth look at what occultism can be to the rational and well-trained practitioner. Fortune presents a clear discussion, sweeping aside our cultural assumptions and stereotypes. She is able to place occultism in its proper place asa philosophy that employs scientific and rational methodology to explore the meaning of life, while retaining religious overtones. She reveals the heart of occult ethics and ideals that occult research seeks to aid people in achieving enlightenment.
199 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1999
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About the author
Dion Fortune
146 books479 followersViolet Mary Firth Evans (better known as Dion Fortune), was a British occultist and author. Her pseudonym was inspired by her family motto "Deo, non fortuna" (Latin for "by God, not fate").
From 1919 she began writing a number of novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism, including The Demon Lover, The Winged Bull, The Goat-Foot God, and The Secrets of Dr. Taverner. This latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with Theodore Moriarty. Two of her novels, The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic, became influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente.
Of her non-fiction works on magical subjects, the best remembered of her books are; The Cosmic Doctrine, meant to be a summation of her basic teachings on mysticism; The Mystical Qabalah, an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah; and Psychic Self Defence, a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Though some of her writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they have the virtue of lucidity and avoid the deliberate obscurity that characterised many of her forerunners and contemporaries.
From 1919 she began writing a number of novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism, including The Demon Lover, The Winged Bull, The Goat-Foot God, and The Secrets of Dr. Taverner. This latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with Theodore Moriarty. Two of her novels, The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic, became influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente.
Of her non-fiction works on magical subjects, the best remembered of her books are; The Cosmic Doctrine, meant to be a summation of her basic teachings on mysticism; The Mystical Qabalah, an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah; and Psychic Self Defence, a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Though some of her writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they have the virtue of lucidity and avoid the deliberate obscurity that characterised many of her forerunners and contemporaries.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 20, 2021
Dion Fortune is to Western Occultism what Daniel Ingram is to Western Buddhism: a sharp dose of common sense.
Both of them notice that in their particular field there is a great deal of wishful-thinking, credulous nonsense, niceness, empty ritual, and all sorts of things that are not at all 'the real deal'. Ingram bemoans people who think Buddhism is just progressive western politics; Fortune bemoans people who think Occultism is a get-rich-quick scheme. In fact, both of them are trying to teach a spiritual system which will radically alter your consciousness. Material benefits and psychic powers may potentially ensue but are not at all the point.
There's no lists of instruction in this book though, it is 'about' occultism rather than a straight-forward textbook. There's plenty on not getting sucked into a dodgy charisma-based cult; Fortune's opinions on the suitability of foreign spiritual frameworks; how things go wrong in magic; working in groups or working alone and the benefits and pitfalls of each. Overall, a very interesting introduction to the subject of occultism, especially recommended to people who have read a couple of fluffy pop-magic books and are skeptical.
Both of them notice that in their particular field there is a great deal of wishful-thinking, credulous nonsense, niceness, empty ritual, and all sorts of things that are not at all 'the real deal'. Ingram bemoans people who think Buddhism is just progressive western politics; Fortune bemoans people who think Occultism is a get-rich-quick scheme. In fact, both of them are trying to teach a spiritual system which will radically alter your consciousness. Material benefits and psychic powers may potentially ensue but are not at all the point.
There's no lists of instruction in this book though, it is 'about' occultism rather than a straight-forward textbook. There's plenty on not getting sucked into a dodgy charisma-based cult; Fortune's opinions on the suitability of foreign spiritual frameworks; how things go wrong in magic; working in groups or working alone and the benefits and pitfalls of each. Overall, a very interesting introduction to the subject of occultism, especially recommended to people who have read a couple of fluffy pop-magic books and are skeptical.
October 28, 2014
This is an excellent, down-to-earth explanation of the purpose and 'ways' of occult practice on the side of Light. Those unfamiliar with the tradition may be surprised to read how often Fortune invokes Jesus, and how little there is about casting spells.
I gave the book four stars because, as fine a work as it is, it is dated, especially in Fortune's attitudes about homosexuality and the "nature of the races." Her warning to stay away from any magical group which "promotes" homosexuality and warning against the predatory nature of homosexuals who seek to "convert" others, has become the attitude to avoid. Likewise, what she writes about the different natures of Asians, Western Europeans, and "negroids" is no longer accepted as self-evident.
Fortunately, these limitations of her era take up very few pages in an otherwise still worthy book.
I gave the book four stars because, as fine a work as it is, it is dated, especially in Fortune's attitudes about homosexuality and the "nature of the races." Her warning to stay away from any magical group which "promotes" homosexuality and warning against the predatory nature of homosexuals who seek to "convert" others, has become the attitude to avoid. Likewise, what she writes about the different natures of Asians, Western Europeans, and "negroids" is no longer accepted as self-evident.
Fortunately, these limitations of her era take up very few pages in an otherwise still worthy book.
September 17, 2011
There are certain aspects of this book that I disagree with, but since I don't want to color anyone's opinion I will say that there is a lot of good stuff in here and that I only disagree with certain small points that don't detract from the merits of this book by any means.
August 8, 2024
Had this book a long time ago when I was a lad and a member of the group. It's a good introduction to this world of occultism. Hints at paths to take. I, from time to time have to return to the beginning for a refresher course on why I do what I do. My past problem was selling a lot of my early editions only to buy back copies decades later.
My path is hard but I chose it. For those who enjoy wicca and the sympathetic systems can remain content in their ways. I chose this and this book just rekindled my memories.
It's a good introduction for those wishing to move on and allows the reader to watch out for the false.
My path is hard but I chose it. For those who enjoy wicca and the sympathetic systems can remain content in their ways. I chose this and this book just rekindled my memories.
It's a good introduction for those wishing to move on and allows the reader to watch out for the false.
November 2, 2016
This one's very much a mixed bag. As a historical document on the development of Western occult thought, it's invaluable. I also found Fortune's warnings against simply taking someone's word at face value without investigating thoroughly to be as timely today as when they were written.
On the other hand, her claims of scientific validation for occult principles all look laughable now, her ideas about the races are deeply uncomfortable, and the later essays in the book seem to me to lack the clarity of thought present in the first ones. If you're interested in exploring this strand of religious thought, this is an important text, but it's hardly an infallible one.
On the other hand, her claims of scientific validation for occult principles all look laughable now, her ideas about the races are deeply uncomfortable, and the later essays in the book seem to me to lack the clarity of thought present in the first ones. If you're interested in exploring this strand of religious thought, this is an important text, but it's hardly an infallible one.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews