Categorizing the Occult: Magickal Traditions and their Meaning

by Tarl Warwick

The world of the occult has always been typified and understood in terms of categories; white and black magick, good and evil magick, "authentic" rites and ceremonies with a definitive tradition and those of a more modernized form. However, most categorization systems have looked at the occult as something mostly to be defined based on subjective definitions of whether such rites are or are not acceptable within a cultural context. This text attempts to categorize some of the more important phenomena within the mystic world based on whether their source is found within or without the practitioner, and attempts then to explain the basics of the philosophies behind these phenomena. From the psychic arts to mantras, and from invocation to evocation, this work will give the reader an introductory look at the magickal world from a perspective which until now has not been used.

Genres: Occult, Nonfiction

63 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2015

About the author

Tarl Warwick is a writer, illustrator, occultist, blogger, and avid gardener from the state of Vermont. Active in multiple online communities, he was administrator for the Times of Pol, a short-term news website and platform for activism, and has participated in dialogue with numerous pagan and occult orders.

Originally a student of plant biology at the University of Vermont, he has also studied archaeology and religion at Castleton State University.

Reviews

[Jocelyn Durre · Rating 3 out of 5]

General info

Basic info on the meanings behind various magical traditions of the occult. Interesting facts filtered through the real life experiences and opinions of the author. The book has an opening introduction but ends abruptly with no end section. Overall a fun and informative read

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and informative

This is an excellent overview of magical systems, clearly delineating their essential natures and goals. . .satisfying in itself or as a springboard to deeper study.

[The Grimm Lady · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a book . It's a small pamphlet of basic introductions to several witchcraft branches . Although I am naturally curious about witchy things , it would be time better spent if you Google it .

[Dianas^Records · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first, I was a little disappointed when the book began defining different 'rituals' on meditation and other physical arts as well as describing the process of how it's done(eg. Yoga, Taichi etc.) Can't say that I've learned anything extravagant regarding magical traditions as I hoped I would, but then again, I have way big and possibly too fantasy-based expectations out of books regarding magic and occult.

The second half was surely interesting and caught my attention. Though my opinion stands at that the content was more of a description rather than telling connections between different traditions and rituals.

[Pucho · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting read and quick introduction to different Occult/Witchcraft traditions/paths from the author's perceptive but with existence of the Internet/WorldWideWeb/Social Media, this "Book" (A.K.A Pamphlet) is pretty much rendered redundant.

[MarcellusFairleyIII · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no book . no pages with words

I found the book empty . The pages were blank , I had a wonderful time imagining what the words would say

[Cameron74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

It is good as a first read on the subject. Definitely an introductory text. I'll definitely read more of Tarls work in the future

[Bulldog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good summary

Doesn’t really delve deeply into any topic, but it summarizes internal and external forms of worship. The author makes some interesting points.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Tarl book and it didn't disappoint!

Absolutely educational and very instructive as far as the knowledge and base ideas that are needed for the serious occultist!

[NatSoc Neophyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on internalized and externalized occult practices. Dispelled some notions that I had about certain practices, and indeed helped me to improve on my current ritual practices. Would recommend it to any practicing occultist.