Techniques of High Magic: A Manual of Self-Initiation

by Francis X. King, Stephen Skinner

Self-initiation into practical magic with clear instructions on how to perform invocation and evocations, achieve astral projection, make effective talismans, or practice divination using either geomancy, tarot or I Ching. Useful for a complete beginner or those further along the path.

Genres: Occult, Magick, Magic, Witchcraft, Divination, Spirituality, Tarot

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Francis X. King was an occult writer and editor who wrote about tarot, divination, witchcraft, magic, sex magic, tantra, and holistic medicine. He was a member of the Society of the Inner Light, an offshoot of the Alpha et Omega, which in turn was an offshoot of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Reviews

[Levanah G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Taking it for what it is — a book for beginners, it's very good. It does a great job at giving a basis to occult practices and not only it has a great selection of information but it's also explained in a simple manner. I'm tired of books for beginners that use wording that's clearly way too difficult or needlessly vague for someone who's just getting started.

The only thing that bothered me was the pronunciations the author gave for Hebrew terms, such as the ones for the Qabbalistic Cross. They're really not accurate and very funny to read as a Hebrew speaker. This one was my favourite:
"... say LE-OLAM (to the ages), AMEN. ('Lay-orh-lahm, Ar-men')"
Needless to say, there's no 'r' in the pronunciation in any part of it, and le is pronounced like in the word 'let'.

4/5, but I have to admit seeing the author talk about Aleister Crowley with a bath towel wrapped on his head made me want to give it a 5/5.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to a lot of the concepts and practices that were very popular in 20th century magick. This book gives great insight on how 20th century ceremonial magicians viewed things like: Evocation, Invocation, Astral Projection, Assuming Godforms, The Holy Guardian Angel, Consecrating your magickal tools, and other things like that which you've probably heard of if you're a student of the occult, but may not have had laid out to you in such an upfront and insightful way as this book does.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A descent book which is short, concise, and fairly thorough. I felt that the style of writing was dated and that the information presented in the book can be found elsewhere in more digestible formats. I would still recommend this title to anyone interested in the occult.

[Rosa Laguna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read for anyone with a serious interest in magic, I wish I had read it sooner.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating practical book on the practices of Golden Dawn (mainly). A lot of useful techniques.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't had much success invoking the gods yet, but I have finally consecrated my elemental weapons.