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Liber ABA: Magia em Quatro Partes
Amplamente considerado a obra prima de Aleister Crowley, o Liber ABA é tão famoso quanto incompreendido. Seja pela dificuldade de encontrar boas traduções ou por seu tamanho imponente, a maioria do público brasileiro apenas ouviu falar deste clássico, mas nunca o leu. Esta histórica edição, uma parceria da Penumbra Livros com a Sociedade Novo Æon, tem a intenção de mudar este quadro.
Liber ABA foi escrito ao longo de três décadas e é considerado por muitos a síntese mais abrangente e didática do conhecimento esotérico moderno. Com “apenas” 832 páginas, consegue ser ao mesmo tempo uma enciclopédia, um guia de treinamento, um manual de instruções, um tratado histórico e um completo grimório.
O livro é dividido em quatro partes, contando também com numerosos anexos. A primeira parte trata de yoga e meditação, disciplinas fundamentais para o sucesso na magia; a segunda apresenta em detalhes o simbolismo e o ferramental mágicos; a terceira lida com as fórmulas da magia cerimonial; a quarta traz a íntegra do Livro da Lei, texto base do sistema de Thelema, e todo o contexto ao seu redor. Os anexos incluem diversos libri com importantes rituais, tabelas para consulta e numerosos textos de referência.
Esta é a primeira vez que todo este material é publicado em português em um único volume. Além dessa particularidade, destacamos a primorosa tradução e os comentários de Marcelo Ramos Motta, um dos mais respeitados magistas da tradição thelêmica. Parte destes comentários são inéditos, parte só foi publicada fora do Brasil, e todos são extremamente enriquecedores para a leitura. O texto foi revisado, palavra por palavra, tendo como base as primeiras edições em inglês, corrigindo diversos erros propagados por edições estrangeiras.
Liber ABA é leitura fundamental para qualquer estudante sério de magia e ocultismo. É o texto que define as bases sobre as quais a magia ocidental do século XX em diante foi construída. É igualmente valioso tanto para o completo iniciante quanto para o veterano de estudos, inclusive aqueles que já leram e releram outras edições.
Liber ABA foi escrito ao longo de três décadas e é considerado por muitos a síntese mais abrangente e didática do conhecimento esotérico moderno. Com “apenas” 832 páginas, consegue ser ao mesmo tempo uma enciclopédia, um guia de treinamento, um manual de instruções, um tratado histórico e um completo grimório.
O livro é dividido em quatro partes, contando também com numerosos anexos. A primeira parte trata de yoga e meditação, disciplinas fundamentais para o sucesso na magia; a segunda apresenta em detalhes o simbolismo e o ferramental mágicos; a terceira lida com as fórmulas da magia cerimonial; a quarta traz a íntegra do Livro da Lei, texto base do sistema de Thelema, e todo o contexto ao seu redor. Os anexos incluem diversos libri com importantes rituais, tabelas para consulta e numerosos textos de referência.
Esta é a primeira vez que todo este material é publicado em português em um único volume. Além dessa particularidade, destacamos a primorosa tradução e os comentários de Marcelo Ramos Motta, um dos mais respeitados magistas da tradição thelêmica. Parte destes comentários são inéditos, parte só foi publicada fora do Brasil, e todos são extremamente enriquecedores para a leitura. O texto foi revisado, palavra por palavra, tendo como base as primeiras edições em inglês, corrigindo diversos erros propagados por edições estrangeiras.
Liber ABA é leitura fundamental para qualquer estudante sério de magia e ocultismo. É o texto que define as bases sobre as quais a magia ocidental do século XX em diante foi construída. É igualmente valioso tanto para o completo iniciante quanto para o veterano de estudos, inclusive aqueles que já leram e releram outras edições.
832 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Aleister Crowley
886 books1,936 followersAleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. He founded the religion of Thelema, proclaiming himself as the prophet destined to guide humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, Crowley published extensively throughout his life.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices.
In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic.
After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities.
In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947.
Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 9, 2008
Definitely NOT a beginner's treatise, but quite possibly the most exhaustive and illuminating book on post-Golden Dawn Hermetic ritual magick.
February 7, 2015
Essential for anyone seriously interested in 20th century (and beyond) occultism, Western Mystery tradition, and Western esoteric work. I consider it the "Old Testament" of the above, and although I've had it on my shelf for over 20 years, I still revisit it on occasion. It contains commentary and ideas touching on pretty much everything related to Eastern/Western metaphysics, spirituality, yoga, occultism etc. which was known (in the West) at the turn of the 20th century. Not all is correct (especially AC's take on Eastern philosophy, which is purely his own limited understanding and subjective experience- and which would change later on), and the wordiness and intellectual style of writing that Crowley uses makes it hard to penetrate for most beginners or less intellectual types. Still, there are some hidden gems scattered throughout, practical instructions/rituals for starting on the AA path, fundamental texts related to Thelema (Liber AL etc.), Qabalah correspondences tables, a good summary on (Raja) yoga, and some great conceptual diagrams.
As a consolation for those who find it complete babble, or unintelligent garbage- this heft volume will still look impressive on any bookshelf (and form a very effective paper weight or door stop).
As a consolation for those who find it complete babble, or unintelligent garbage- this heft volume will still look impressive on any bookshelf (and form a very effective paper weight or door stop).
March 3, 2011
Ever yearn for an occurrence in your brain characterized essentially by the uniting of the subject and object? Samadhi? Visions of God?
Want to step outside the myth of dialectics? Bound too fastly to your inherited metaphysics?
Well this is the place to start. I'm working on it.
Want to step outside the myth of dialectics? Bound too fastly to your inherited metaphysics?
Well this is the place to start. I'm working on it.
August 6, 2020
Oh, Uncle Al, you're not big enough to fit for your reputation.
I got this to read because a lot of people said it was important or helpful to understand magic and occultism. It's not, necessarily.
Crowley represents a stream of thought that is pretty garbled, which is a good representation of Western culture's relationship to ritual and spirit contact. I would really leave this alone, though. There is so much better material available to us English-speakers now than there was in Crowley's day, or to the Baby Boomers who rediscovered Crowley in the 60s-70s occult revival. The dude was wrong in a lot of things. Even in the most generous lights, his own personal mission for the world is better carried on without him, and we can have gratitude that we have moved on from needing to rely on his resources to do the work today. You'd be better served personally by reading a biography or two of him than by attempting to gain usable insights from his writings directly.
I got this to read because a lot of people said it was important or helpful to understand magic and occultism. It's not, necessarily.
Crowley represents a stream of thought that is pretty garbled, which is a good representation of Western culture's relationship to ritual and spirit contact. I would really leave this alone, though. There is so much better material available to us English-speakers now than there was in Crowley's day, or to the Baby Boomers who rediscovered Crowley in the 60s-70s occult revival. The dude was wrong in a lot of things. Even in the most generous lights, his own personal mission for the world is better carried on without him, and we can have gratitude that we have moved on from needing to rely on his resources to do the work today. You'd be better served personally by reading a biography or two of him than by attempting to gain usable insights from his writings directly.
January 4, 2010
Twaddle and blather. I read the whole thing. What do people see in this guy? I want my 80 bucks back.
April 17, 2014
The bible of Magick of the 20th Century. Indispensable resource for anyone studying and/or practicing the Western esoteric tradition.
August 23, 2010
Crowley's definitive magnum opus on magick and self-actualization, made even more valuable by HB's introduction and extensive footnotes. Must-have for Thelemites and magicians of all persuasions. Except perhaps fans of Lynn V. Andrews and Silver TreeRaven (or whatever her name is this week).
October 14, 2021
My thanks to Watkins Publishing for a digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘Aleister Crowley's Four Books of Magick Liber ABA’, edited by Stephen Skinner in exchange for an honest review. I have since ordered its hardback edition.
This collection of four books under the title of ‘Book Four/Liber ABA’ by occultist, magician and philosopher, Aleister Crowley, is a masterpiece and a foundation text of modern magick. It was written in the early twentieth century in collaboration with a number of his students/scarlet women, who were given coauthor credit by Crowley.
Its four books cover meditation/mysticism, elementary magick, magick in theory and practice, and finally the Book of the Law, the central sacred text of Thelema, the religion founded by Crowley.
Dr. Stephen Skinner was an excellent choice of editor for this collection as he has written extensively on the subject of magic(k) over the years and also served as the editor for Crowley’s magical diaries. He places Crowley’s life and work in context both during his lifetime as well as his continued influence upon modern occultism.
Dr. Skinner includes a number of additions to Crowley’s raw material; notably an excellent Introduction, a Crowley chronology, extensive annotations, and a bibliography. There are also photographs and illustrations scattered throughout the text.
As a result, this is a volume that I am certain will have a wide appeal to occultists and magicians of various levels of experience. I am looking forward to adding it to my home library.
Highly recommended.
This collection of four books under the title of ‘Book Four/Liber ABA’ by occultist, magician and philosopher, Aleister Crowley, is a masterpiece and a foundation text of modern magick. It was written in the early twentieth century in collaboration with a number of his students/scarlet women, who were given coauthor credit by Crowley.
Its four books cover meditation/mysticism, elementary magick, magick in theory and practice, and finally the Book of the Law, the central sacred text of Thelema, the religion founded by Crowley.
Dr. Stephen Skinner was an excellent choice of editor for this collection as he has written extensively on the subject of magic(k) over the years and also served as the editor for Crowley’s magical diaries. He places Crowley’s life and work in context both during his lifetime as well as his continued influence upon modern occultism.
Dr. Skinner includes a number of additions to Crowley’s raw material; notably an excellent Introduction, a Crowley chronology, extensive annotations, and a bibliography. There are also photographs and illustrations scattered throughout the text.
As a result, this is a volume that I am certain will have a wide appeal to occultists and magicians of various levels of experience. I am looking forward to adding it to my home library.
Highly recommended.
March 27, 2023
Crowley has a lot to say about occultism, and where the mundane meets occult. This is a convoluted guide to ceremonial magic and also some some pretty big jumps in thinking. It's interesting for anyone interested in the history of ceremonial magic, the golden dawn, etc. I would hate to try to practice anything from these instructions though - the insistence that of you can't you must be woefully unprepared and wrong minded is the first indicator that Crowley was as high and confused as the writing is obtuse.
April 1, 2009
Still, the one I'd save from a fire.
August 21, 2009
Quite possibly the most I have ever spent on a book but worth every penny! Fantastic collection of the knowledge of various ancient cultures and views on "magic"
May 11, 2026
Oh, yes. The Blue Brick. What more can really be said?
This book is actually a compilation of three different books. That's what the colons indicate. I'm not sure why so many people don't seem to get that and instead think that the book just has a really odd title.
This book is a collection of the most important foundational texts that define Crowley's system of practical magick. It is an indispensable resource for anyone who dares to take on the challenge known as The Great Work.
You'll get to learn all the cool dance moves, song lyrics, and probably start several unusual knick knack collections. A few of you might even learn to sew! You really just never know what fascinating vocations might spring forth as a result of tapping into these ancient mysteries!
I'm going to help you out with something many people struggle with and Crowley doesn't do all that great of a job of explaining: magick vs mysticism.
Magick: The logistical mode of working to put Will into practice.
Mysticism: The subjective experience of having put Will into practice.
With those definitions in mind, much of the material in this book will make a lot more sense.
And, years from now, when you get to that phase in your magical education when you get sick of it all and want to sell off your books and previously-treasured knick knacks, keep this one. Keep this one and keep one really nice leather-bound copy of Liber AL. You'll want those back one day, so this will save you some money!
This book is actually a compilation of three different books. That's what the colons indicate. I'm not sure why so many people don't seem to get that and instead think that the book just has a really odd title.
This book is a collection of the most important foundational texts that define Crowley's system of practical magick. It is an indispensable resource for anyone who dares to take on the challenge known as The Great Work.
You'll get to learn all the cool dance moves, song lyrics, and probably start several unusual knick knack collections. A few of you might even learn to sew! You really just never know what fascinating vocations might spring forth as a result of tapping into these ancient mysteries!
I'm going to help you out with something many people struggle with and Crowley doesn't do all that great of a job of explaining: magick vs mysticism.
Magick: The logistical mode of working to put Will into practice.
Mysticism: The subjective experience of having put Will into practice.
With those definitions in mind, much of the material in this book will make a lot more sense.
And, years from now, when you get to that phase in your magical education when you get sick of it all and want to sell off your books and previously-treasured knick knacks, keep this one. Keep this one and keep one really nice leather-bound copy of Liber AL. You'll want those back one day, so this will save you some money!
June 5, 2019
Yes. This is a book I chose to read. It was weird. And fascinating, but not for reasons most would presume. I cant say I recommend this for anyone. I can though state. It is not as stupid as you might be told to presume it is. Here is an excerpt at the books end:
"At the conclusion of this part of this book, one may sum up the whole matter in these words:
There is no object whatever worthy of attainment but the regular development of the being of the Aspirant by steady scientific work; he should not attempt to run before he can walk; he should not wish to go somewhere until he knows for certain whither he wills to go."
In short:
Self help through the weirdest damn means. How can you make life closer to your liking.
"At the conclusion of this part of this book, one may sum up the whole matter in these words:
There is no object whatever worthy of attainment but the regular development of the being of the Aspirant by steady scientific work; he should not attempt to run before he can walk; he should not wish to go somewhere until he knows for certain whither he wills to go."
In short:
Self help through the weirdest damn means. How can you make life closer to your liking.
May 30, 2021
Absolute essential reading on magical and occult theory and instruction, placed perfectly through the lens of the New Aeon. Dense and articulate, it’s easy to get lost if you don’t understand every reference Crowley assumes you’ll already know. Fortunately, the extensively researched notes from Hymenaeus Beta make for incredible supplementary contextual information with additional useful trivia relating to associated publications. Truly a monumental work and an essential read for practitioners of the occult and adherents of Thelema.
November 1, 2019
Crowley's magnum opus. If you haven't read this book don't call yourself a Thelemite.
This is Crowley's Masterwork and covers all aspects of his system including the revalations of Aiwas Crowley's Holy Guardian Angel. An absolute must own for anyone interested in the occult, Magick, Thelema, Crowley, mystery schools, secret societies, the Golden Dawn, Free Masonry, etc.
This is Crowley's Masterwork and covers all aspects of his system including the revalations of Aiwas Crowley's Holy Guardian Angel. An absolute must own for anyone interested in the occult, Magick, Thelema, Crowley, mystery schools, secret societies, the Golden Dawn, Free Masonry, etc.
September 17, 2022
About as complete an encyclopedia of Crowley's magical and mystical philosophies and proposed practices as exists. Whether any of this has any value is another question. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/202...
April 21, 2018
i love you
March 30, 2019
magnum opus
February 5, 2020
Establishes a practical theory of magick, a "how", but (disappointingly) no "why".
February 1, 2021
{PT I ONLY} Interesting take on religion, genius, and mysticism .
Read
April 12, 2021i think of it as a way to see and feel farther and deeper into one self and oneselfs true will
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Skipping the last part, we don’t have the time for this madness sjeez. Brilliant though.
October 4, 2021
Fav quote: "The boy who prides himself on his school knowledge is in danger of becoming a college professor."
December 7, 2023
Not for begginers. Mind-Breaking, life altering.
December 16, 2023
Only for the initiated.
May 28, 2024
This might be the most impressive book I've ever read...
September 29, 2024
Crowley's most classic text, enjoyable and interesting read although many of Crowley's techniques relating to yoga are better taught and learnt from the Indian sources then by Crowley
June 29, 2026
"Con la Bacchetta Egli crea.
Con la Coppa Egli preserva.
Con il Pugnale Egli distrugge.
Con il Denaro Egli riscatta.
Le sue armi compiono la ruota; e su Quale Asse essa ruota, a Lui non è noto."
Con la Coppa Egli preserva.
Con il Pugnale Egli distrugge.
Con il Denaro Egli riscatta.
Le sue armi compiono la ruota; e su Quale Asse essa ruota, a Lui non è noto."
August 6, 2026
True say
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews