Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard

by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

With contributions and additional material from Raymond Buckland, Raven Grimassi, Patricia Telesco, Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart, and other illustrious members of The Grey Council, here is the book Merlin would have given a young Arthur...if only it had existed. This essential handbook contains everything an aspiring Wizard needs to know. It is profusely illustrated with original art by Oberon and friends, as well as many woodcuts from medieval and alchemical manuscripts—plus charts, tables, and diagrams. It also Biographies of famous Wizards in history and legend; Descriptions of magickal tools and regalia (with full instructions for making them); spells and workings for a better life; rites and rituals for special occasions; a bestiary of mythical creatures; systems of divination; the Laws of Magick; myths and stories of gods and heroes; lore and legends of the stars and constellations; instructions for performing amazing illusions, special effects, and many other wonders of the magickal multiverse. To those who study the occult, in particular, Witchcraft, the name of Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is internationally-known and respected. He is a genuine Wizard, and he has written this book for any person wishing to become one. Perhaps, as some have written, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is the real Albus Dumbledore to aspiring Harry Potters! In addition to his own writings in this collection, he also presents other writers who add some highly thoughtful insights. Such as Raymond Buckland, among others. The illustrations and photographs which accompany the text are among the finest found anywhere, and are a helpful boon to those wanting to see what they are reading about. Biographies of many famous Wizards of history and legend appear in the book. Detailed descriptions of magickal tools with information for making them appears in this book. Additional information includes rites and rituals for special occasions, a bestiary of mythical creatures, a detailed and educational discussion on the laws of magick, myths, and lore of the stars and constellations. This book is full of instructions! As a handbook and guide for becoming a Wizard, this is as near perfect and honest a book as one will find today. New Page Books has done a great service to the paranormal and occult community readers by publishing this worthwhile reference book. Oberon Zell-Ravenheart has written a classic on Wizardry. This is his masterpiece. One of the American pioneers of Paganism in the United States, his lifetime of learning and information is shared with readers from all walks of life. He started in 1968 with the publication of his award-winning journal, Green Egg, and is often considered by readers as one of their favorite Pagan writers. The lessons in this fine book are accurate, honest, and entertaining. If you want to become a Wizard, this is the book to start with, and learn from. This Grimoire is must-have reading for readers interested in true magick. The information given on ghosts will hold the reader spellbound, as will all information in this reference book!

Genres: Witchcraft, Magick, Nonfiction, Occult, Magic, Paganism, Reference

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ultimate magick book! If only I had had this when I was 11... I am now reading it cover-to-cover.

*It took several years of picking it up every couple of months, but I finished it :)

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

More breadth than depth, this textbook-style book covers a lot of occult ground. It is set up like a home course, but I'm not sure than in practice it could be done like that, since some of the assignments are long-term life suggestions. Like many a school textbook, this book occasionally drives me crazy with a lack of specific resources for statements. Sure, there's a bibliography at the end, but it doesn't state where specific assertions come from, and I have to say, a lot of them sound implausible. And I've read a lot of "Intro to Paganism" books, so that's saying something. I guess it's the way that so much of it is presented as fact that seems weird and off-key. Lao Tzu was a famous historical wizard? Really? I guess that's very open to interpretation...

So, a good book to skim. Maybe to use as a reference jumping-off point. He covers a lot more ground than most Pagan 101 books; I think I've heard the book described as "Pagan 102", and that sounds about right. It points you in the direction of more info on each subject, so you can jump to well-cited sophomore-level research yourself.

[Samantha McGuire (Mirror Bridge Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book in the mail today and I have to say it is almost overwhelming because of how packed full of information it is! It is a true work/study book. Topics and Chapters range from discussing wizards and fairies to nature spirits and elementals to many forms of ritual and ceremonial magick, to spiritual meditations and divination techniques. This may be the only magic reference book you will ever need on your bookshelf. I am excited to work through this book! This one will definitely require a pen and notebook for note taking!

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utter garbage. I acquired it in the hopes of finding some ideas/sources to use in writing, but it's basically a badly written hodgepodge designed to appeal to the Harry Potter LARP'ing crowd.

[Constantin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good concept, but it is so crowded, does not go deep into any subject, and jumps from one thing to another. Kind of a complete mess to be honest.

2 stars because at least it is a good source of subjects to research yourself. So, yeah at least it can be used as a checklist.

[Deb White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. I've done everything in it and continue studies on my own. It really opened up more than just standard ritual and history. It opened science, math, conjury, story telling, the cosmos... 12-14 subjects in all, which I continue to explore.

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a "MacGyver's How To On Magick" this and the companion book would certainly fit the bill!

[Imler Charles Hyppolite Jourdan Anglade · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3 stars Wing told lies in the book The Golden Age was the era African mesopotamian native of the land was the biggest richest Empire ever in all the #kingdoms in the world when Kristopher Colon came from Europe to the land we left behind to the new world #NewWorldBoyo he was amazed until he came to the land the neighbors was always at peace no wars because we had forgotten the reason we left no elders to teach the younger generations hate came in divided the #caçiques stories are been told without truth lives could be saved lies makes it not perfect for me cause magic is not written magic is not taught we are the magic each in everyone of us what we do with our magic is our choice magic is when your able to whisper to wind when your in trouble whisper to the sun when your cold whisper to the wind when their is dryness magic is not to invade the mind science is not supposed to use for destruction of the world magic is about Love

[Seneca Dogstar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Broad mix of accurate information and misinformation; while some of the individual sections or exercises might be helpful as a resource for teaching others, I would not recommend to someone trying to learn magic on their own.

[Steve Cran]

It took me a week to read this awesome book and let me tell you it was an adventure. Fact filled loaded with all sorts of information and mind you not just about magick but also information about science, history and mathematics. After all Magick is a science which involves forming hypotheses, experiments and recording your observations.

For anyone just getting started with magick this book is one of those that i would call perfect. It gives you an over view of a variety of magical systems. It covers Ceremonial magick, Wicca, Celtic, alchemy etc. I think you get the idea. The book does make a point of separating magick from religion. It is a book about technique and practice. The author may have written the book for teenagers but I find that iit is an excellent guide for adults.

Oberon Zell writes instructions in an easy to follow fashion. For the first time i now know how to consecrate my magical tool and even have followable instructions on how to engrave them. Awesome. For the first time I know how to plan and perform a ritual whether solitary or for a group. Oberon gives a very easy to understand outline along with concise explanations about what you are supposed to to do to carry out each step. The sigil making part was great any beginner in magic can read the section and know exactly what they are supposed to to. If there is magic then this book will show you how to do it.

The book comes loaded with table and comparisons of different mythologies, times, correspondences and Gods. Use these table as you will find them invaluable in doing your magick. I look forward to reading the author's follow up. Normally I would a summary of the book I read but the information is just too exhaustive. I will refer to this book again and again as I take my steps down the path of magical growth.

Not only is Oberon Zell Ravenheart a great author but his book also has contribution from such magical greats as Raymond Buckland, Donald Michael Kraig, Telesco and Raven Grimassi. This goes beyond any Wicca 101 book put oout by Llewelyn.

I give it a four star rating because despite the excellent content the publisher left out the appendices, index and bibliography. It was supposed to be there and the table of contents has it listed. I contacted the author and he said he would contact the publisher. I am waiting to hear from the publishers.

[Valenfore Alestreneon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this for my apprentices and I found myself hooked! Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is practically a modern day Merlin. I found some of his perspectives outright false and cringed when he described "The Big Bang" as a "creationist theory" and actually thought that it postulated that the universe came from one giant explosion, but it's forgivable, since a pen can cross that silly little excerpt. =) That and some 2012 b.s. aside, this is a phenomenon, PHENOMENAL book that's really good on its Magik and is chuck filled with various projects and practices. It has great exercises for just about every aspect of Magik and we all know that in the world of Magik, exercises > philosophies.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I'm reviewing the Grey School of Wizardry, I'd give it a 5/5. If I'm reviewing this book, a 4/5, mostly because they've packed it with so much information, that every topic is only briefly discussed. It would be nice to have a more in-depth grimoire, but this one still has its charms.

I can't say that I agree with the opinion regarding Satanism, mentioned towards the back of the book, but I understand why it had to be said.

The charts and tables come in handy, and I use it as a resource often.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, amusing, very broad in scope, a little scattered, but a really good teaching tool

[Kai Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the basics for the pagan just starting out - better than Cunningham!

[Oanh Bui]

i want to know what this book can do..

[Jay D]

Silly.

[Jack Yeaton]

It was great and very informative.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

aimed at teens, but that made it easy to understand

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

read a long time ago enjoyed it thoroughly

[Shahara LeFay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish to own n share this book forever!

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this for reference material for my writing.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any path you walk this book is a must for your library!