The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times

by Marco Visconti

This is a no-nonsense, practical guide to working the magick of Aleister Crowley in modern times.

Marco Visconti has taught Aleister Crowley's Magick to hundreds of aspirants, proving to himself and others its transmutative powers. This book brings together the effective techniques and practices from those lessons. We all live very busy lives in increasingly small spaces, but this book shows that to practice magick you don’t need fancy tools or robes or marbles halls. Magick is truly for everyone, because all you need to practice it is a will set in stone.

Each chapter in this manual is a lesson, which will add a new tool to your magical

the nature of the Body of Lightwhat Prana is and how to harness itthe 4 Hermetic Elements that make up the foundations of the Magical Pyramidthe Quintessencethe PentagramHexagram ritualsthe Astral Light invoked through the Middle Pillar
The benefits gained from bringing Magick into your life are manifold. You will gain a deeper understanding of your role in the universe, the ability to communicate with the Other, and the wisdom that comes from such relationships. Overall these practices offer a new and deeper sense of awareness of your own role in the universe.

Genres: Thelema, Occult, Magick, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Magic, Reference

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Marco Visconti is a modern Thelemite, educator, and author whose work focuses on making esoteric principles accessible to contemporary audiences. After spending years immersed in the study of Aleister Crowley's writings and Western occult traditions, Visconti distilled his knowledge into practical guides that help seekers navigate the often-challenging terrain of ceremonial magick and mysticism.

His best-known publication, The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times, has been praised for its structured approach to Crowley's teachings, providing readers with clear instructions for integrating Thelema into daily spiritual practice. Marco's candid style—honest about Crowley's complexities and enthusiastic about Thelema's enduring relevance—has endeared him to both newcomers and veteran practitioners.

A former member of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), he eventually chose to pursue an independent path. He has since become known as a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability within occult communities, an approach that has sparked lively debate among fellow Thelemites. Beyond his literary contributions, he regularly hosts online courses, webinars, and workshops, sharing his insights on ritual magick, tarot, astrology, and the deeper mysteries of Western esotericism.

Today, Visconti continues to explore the evolving landscape of modern spirituality, offering guidance to those seeking transformative experiences and personal gnosis through magical practice. His commitment to making ancient teachings vibrant and relevant for the digital age underscores his broader mission: to foster a community of inquisitive minds dedicated to the pursuit of True Will.

Reviews

[Peter Levenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wrote a foreword for this book so I guess you could say I am enthusiastic about it! There are a lot (probably way too many) "beginner" books on occult themes, many of them written by people with only a very recent interest in the subject, with little or no practical experience, and therefore not that useful to someone who wants to know how best to approach the field and its bewildering array of books, many with ponderous or spooky or edgy titles. Marco Visconti, though, has been involved in this field for quite some time, and has the battle scars to prove it. His method is to assume nothing about his reader except for sincere interest and a good basic education level. While the subject matter is specifically the magical system of Aleister Crowley -- and believe me, such an introduction to the basic concepts of Crowley's magic is sorely needed and well-received, and I wish it had existed when I was reading (or trying to read) Crowley's "Magick: In Theory and Practice" back in the 1960s -- one could easily port many of Marco's lessons to magical and occult systems in general.

Marco has been conducting classes online for awhile now, and you can find his offerings on the Internet when you're ready for more focused and intensive work. This volume, his first book, serves well as an invitation to the entire field. He is a no-nonsense guide, sincere in his practice but without the "edge lord" personality we too often encounter, especially among the Crowley devotees. His lessons here are empowering. If you already have some Crowley and magic books, after you've read Visconti you will go back to them with greater understanding and a deeper appreciation for the system itself.

Strongly recommended.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Overthinking is the death of Magick" - this quote on page 60 is what I have needed to read/hear for a very long time and it set the tone for a book that will be something I work through again and again.

This subject is complex, ancient and the study and mastering of it is worthwhile and can change everything about you as a person.
This is not something you can just pick up, read and then live, it's time being given to learning and this book sets everything out in a way that is both easy to follow but also leaving the reader in no doubt that this requires dedication and practice.

I have had teachers in the past, I have a couple of books I go to for reference and I have witnessed the ceremonial aspects of Thelema in person so I have an understanding of what it entails, however the reference tables, the illustrations and diagrams are extremely useful to me, so for a complete beginner they are vital.

Like I said, this is a workbook, something you work through at the suggested pace, for me I will master the basics before moving on to anything else. It's NOT a quick read, it's not a simple introduction to Magick, it's also not loaded down with information and details, those are for you to go out and study for yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers Watkins Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book, I look forward to working with it for a long time.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a Manual like no other. It will be your companion on your journey to learn magick, giving you all the tools you need to build a solid foundation: from the basics of Western Esoteric practices to more complex Thelemic rituals. This book is rich and packed with information that I could never find anywhere in beginners' books back when I started practicing.

The modern style of writing makes it an incredibly enjoyable read. It is also enriched by comprehensive diagrams, sheets, and one-of-a-kind illustrations that guide you through all rituals, lessons, and pathworkings. Each chapter is timed and requires you to do your homework. it teaches you how to experience magick directly for yourself, making this product a full-on course distilled in a book.

Don't forget to check out Marco's other offers too. He's not only a great author but also the creator of fantastic courses, with weekly Q&As and new content published each week.

[Chris Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read both Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker and found both useful but Marco Visconti is a breath of fresh air and my favorite Thelema book. Thelema is about doing and Marco strips the practice down to a straightforward guide while conveying the challenge. I was really enjoying the book but at page 40, Marco really had me when he said without energy breathing, there is no magic. No mincing words; straight at you honesty which to me captures more of AC's spirit than volumes of his mediocre poetry. Just a strong, honest, real book from someone who has clearly done the work. Thank you, Marco.

[Risa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. This felt more like an experience than a book. With all things magick becoming 'trendy' there has been an abudance of false information spread on youtube/tiktok/instagram. With so much misinformation all around, this was a breathe of fresh air. This took my prior knowledge of Thelema to a whole new level. Everything is explained clearly while still allowing the reader to have their own experience. This isn't just a manual to know more about a topic. This will give you the chance to grow within the topic and truly embrace the magick.

"Do what though wilt shall be the whole of the law"

Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Aleister Crowley Manual is a valuable work book style learning tool for the modern occult student. Focused on more on the internal work and dedication of magic than the well known outer trappings this manual allows for the novice to work at their pace and for the adept to deepen their existing practice. This writing is great for those wanting to learn to apply the knowledge in their personal practice rather than the reader seeking purely academic knowledge on the topic.

[Elhoim Leafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times by Marco Visconti is THE ONLY BOOK on Thelema you immediately need to have.

Aleister Crowley is not a character easy to understand for modern practitioners, and neither were even to his contemporaries. He was an attractive and endowed mind eager to gain knowledge and understand the universe differently and more deeply. Exploring the paths trodden by Crowley and the works he did can lead even the most skilled magician to absolute exhaustion.

What Marco Visconti Has accomplished here is amalgamate together his decades of knowledge, experience, and practice, making it accessible and eloquent to everyone interested in going deep into the experience of the Thelemic path.

Marco V. could easily show off and overwhelm the reader with his vast knowledge of the subject; however, he chooses to patiently and thoughtfully teach it, making it understandable and digestible even for the most difficult of academics.

Among so many books available out there which vaguely scratch the surface edges of Thelema, which end up leaving the reader overwhelmed, confused, and bored, "The Aleister Crowley Manual" will stand out for being practical, helpful, complete, and for guiding the student and practitioner in the right direction.”

― Elhoim Leafar. Author of ‘The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags’ and ‘Manifestation Magic.’

[Kulturowa.Anihilacja · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Magija Thelemy” okazała się dla mnie niezwykle skondensowana esencja nauk Aleistera Crowleya, a wszystko to ubrane jest w bardzo praktyczny sposób. Muszę jeszcze nadmienić, że pewna obietnica z początku książki zostaje dotrzymana, ale o tym to musicie się przekonać sami.

Pierwsze, od czego muszę zacząć i pochwalić zarazem to niezwykła przejrzystość i rzeczowe instrukcje przekazywane przez autora. Wszystko jest bardzo przyjazne dla czytelnika, a przynajmniej dla mnie było. Przedstawianie poszczególnych praktyk krok po kroku, zdecydowanie nie odstraszy niezagłębionych w temacie czytelników.
Doceniam, że Visconti nie skupił się wyłącznie na teoretyzowaniu, a bardziej stworzył pewne kompendium praktyk, które sprawdziły się na jego kursach i jak zapewnia autor, przyniosły dość wymierne efekty.

Autor zapewnia, że przedstawione techniki są dla każdego bez podziału na kategorie wiekowe, wyznaniowe czy rasowe. A regularne kilkuminutowe sesje mogą dać widoczne efekty zarówno w sferach emocjonalnej jak i psychicznej.

Warte odnotowania są również wszelkie grafiki, czy wykresy zawarte w książce, które oprócz uatrakcyjnienia wizualnego publikacji, pozwalają wiele zrozumieć i lepiej przyswoić.

Chciałabym nieco głębszej analizy tekstów Crowleya, jednak jeśli odbyło się to kosztem mnóstwa porad praktycznych, to jestem stanie to zaakceptować, chociaż tli się we mnie nadzieja, że Visconti będzie ten temat eksplorować także od części nieco bardziej teoretycznej.

Jakie są moje osobiste odczucia? Co do samej książki niezwykle pozytywne, bo jako osoba z otwartą głową nie ma dla mnie nic bardziej stymulującego umysł jak poszerzanie swoich horyzontów. Co do strony praktycznej będę ten temat dopiero eksplorować, ale jestem bardzo pozytywnie nastawiona. Jeśli lubicie więcej wiedzieć, widzieć, czuć i doświadczać to nie pozostaje nic innego jak sięgnąć po tę książkę.

[william m manzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a classic of the genre, so much practical and straight forward information. If you seek answers to why Magick works and how this is the book you need to read

[Jeannie Holmes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: The Aleister Crowley Manual
Author: Marco Visconti
Genre: Thelema - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Watkins Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: February 14, 2023
ISBN: 9781786787361
Read: March 1-18, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Marco Visconti has taught Aleister Crowley's Magick to hundreds of aspirants, proving to himself and others its transmutative powers. This book brings together the effective techniques and practices from those lessons. We all live very busy lives in increasingly small spaces, but this book shows that to practice magick you don’t need fancy tools or robes or marbles halls. Magick is truly for everyone, because all you need to practice it is a will set in stone.

Each chapter in this manual is a lesson, which will add a new tool to your magical arsenal:

the nature of the Body of Light
what Prana is and how to harness it
the 4 Hermetic Elements that make up the foundations of the Magical Pyramid
the Quintessence
the Pentagram
Hexagram rituals
the Astral Light invoked through the Middle Pillar

The benefits gained from bringing Magick into your life are manifold. You will gain a deeper understanding of your role in the universe, the ability to communicate with the Other, and the wisdom that comes from such relationships. Overall these practices offer a new and deeper sense of awareness of your own role in the universe.

Review: I freely admit my understanding of Thelema as a philosophy and spiritual path are limited, as is my overall knowledge of Aleister Crowley. After reading Marco Visconti's book, however, I don't feel as though either has increased all that much.

While Visconti seems to know his subjects rather well, his explanations of Thelema are rudimentary and lack true depth in what is an otherwise complex area of study. I've read other Thelema and magick-based books, some of which are reviewed here and accessible via the archives, and Visconti covers nothing that isn't already available in other books and with more clarity. Also, it's difficult to take an author who claims to have years of experience and accumulated knowledge seriously when they quote Wikipedia as their primary research source. Sorry, but Wikipedia doesn't even pass muster in the most basic of English composition courses. Either provide actual scholarly works or resources that are considered "sacred" to your particular philosophy/spiritual path as a backup or don't include the information at all.

Perhaps the only true reason to read this book is for the list of other books and websites on the subjects of Thelema and Crowley included at the back. However, even these can be found with a quick Google search so...yeah....

[Aion 838 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Aleister Crowley Manual" is a top-quality book that provides a comprehensive introduction to Magick and Thelema. It is well-written, beautifully designed, and reflects the character and expertise of the author. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in these subjects, regardless of their level of experience.

[Weronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thelema to ścieżka duchowego rozwoju oparta na zasadzie „Czyń wedle swej woli, niechaj będzie całym Prawem”. Stworzona przez Aleistera Crowleya, łączy rytuały, medytację i osobistą wolę. Jest kontrowersyjna i czasami pełna sprzeczności nawet wśród praktyków…
Dziś przedstawię wam książkę autorstwa @marcovisconti2393 traktującej właśnie o Thelemie.🧙🏻

"Magija Thelemy" to książka o praktykach magicznych inspirowana magią Alistera Crowleyaukierunkowanych na współczesne czasy i skierowana do początkujących. Publikacja, to w większości “samo mięsko”, dużo konkretnej I ciekawe wiedzy. Dokładne opisy rytuałów, przydatne tabele, klarowne i rzeczowe wyjaśnienia.
Autor spokojnie i powoli wprowadza nas w świat magiji, skupiajac się na własnej interpretacji, nie cytując biernie słów twórcy Thelemy.
Pojawiają się też wyjaśnienia spojrzenia Visconitego na istotę magiji, które jak sam autor jest świadomy może kontrastowac z poglądami innych thelemitów.
Marco nie odcina się oczywiście od źródeł, opowiada o historii, przedstawia bogów Thelemy, pojęcia i rytuały z nią związane.

Bardzo podoba mi się też szczerość Viscontiego wobec postaci Crowleya. Autor stwierdza bowiem, że rzeczony Alister“był okropny”, jednocześnie rozgranicza ojca Thelemy od samej magiji. Szanuje!!

Marco nie koloryzuje, nie owija w bawełnę, stawia na szczerość i profesjonalizm w swoich wyjaśnieniach. Widać ogromną wiedzę i zaangażowanie w dzielenie się nią. Uważam, że książka wciągnie każdego kogo fascynuje tą może mroczniejsza strona magii i okultyzm.
Poza tym wizualnie książka jest naprawdę pięknaa wizualnie.
polecam!

[Tobias Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 20th century, Aleister Crowley, the founder of Thelema, wrote his treatise on magick, where he laid out and explored his theories, practices and views of both combinations of western and eastern esotericism aptly named Liber ABA. or, simply put, Book Four. Seventy-six years after 'Uncle Al's passing, a new book by the author and ceremonial magician Marco Visconti presents these ideas to a new generation.

Suppose you ever have wanted to explore one of the western esoteric traditions longing to know the meaning behind 'true will' but wanted to avoid the drama and politics that can often be associated with systems involving lodges. In that case, the Aleister Crowley Manual, Thelemic Magick for Modern Times, is maybe the book for you.

Occultists often say, 'do we really need more books about the lesser banishing ritual of the Pentagram? Or hasn't this all been said before? What's the point?' These points are all arguably true. However, In an age where there are no real secrets anymore, and access to rituals and different teachings from societies can be found at a click of a mouse, Viscontis' book cuts through the archaic language of Victorian English and gets straight to the point.

Throughout the chapters, the reader will explore and engage with different rituals; some might be familiar to those who have practised ceremonial magick, such as The L.B.R.P., but other rituals might not be so familiar, especially if you are new to engaging with this system. Yet, through a carefully presented approach, the reader will soon be thrown into the enchanted world of Thelema, one where they will be guided in a clear, precise and accessible way.

This approach to making Thelema easily accessible to his readers is quickly evident in the book's first few pages. For example, Visconti provides an easily readable table of correspondence for the reader, adapted from Liber 777. For those that have never engaged with a book of correspondence, having so many tables of information and not knowing what to do with them can seem daunting. Yet the tables of correspondence provided in this book have been carefully considered not to overwhelm the reader but to whet their appetite for more and perhaps engage with Liber 777 itself when ready. Furthermore, various images with a unique art style are also presented, which will no doubt help those visual learners understand the signs, symbols and mudras (seals) associated with Thelema. The way the book is set out is unique from other books I have previously read on Thelema. The book does not read as if it was a preface of multiple previously published works by the author. Visconti presents the information within the pages in a non-intimidating way, ensuring all the wisdom found is bite-sized, making this book extremely easy to read and follow, especially for those who wish to pick up the book and get started with Thelema on their daily commute.

All this information is presented compactly in 236 pages and has a very affordable price, which is undoubtedly a fantastic selling point. However, one might think that to present Thelema in such a way, the text must be dry and extremely simplified and won't do justice to Crowley's original works. Yet, this is not the case. Throughout the book, Visconti's humour and years of experience in magick and the occult community shine through the text. It becomes evident very early on that Visconti is passionate and longs for more people to understand the system of Thelema and the practice of magic in general. Visconti even addresses some of the hot takes that can often be seen on social media relating to Crowley's past. Importantly Visconti also makes it very clear that this is the reader's journey of discovery and growth, not his, not Crowleys, or anyone else's but yours; after all, it would not be your 'True Will' otherwise.

[J P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco Visconti is an incredibly knowledgable and experienced practitioner/theoretician. Much material online showing his progressive approach to Magick and practice in the present day and openness to other ideas and learning beyond Thelema, which is his cornerstone. Perhaps viewed as a “primer or introduction” due to its no fuss approach, this would be far from a criticism. In fact the comment could be deemed a fitting complement since in many ways such a thing must be incredibly hard to do whilst still containing what’s important. The book is a distillation of work and teachings to date and I really recommend it as a must have for all interested in Magick, particularly Thelemic. 93

[Johannes Frenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book you need to know the basics of Thelema and of the system Aleister Crowley created!
But this isn't a book just for armchair magician. Marco always reminds the reader that you have to do the hard work but also encourages that it is totally worth it. You can clearly read between the lines that he for himself has walked the path and is talking from experience.
Over the last years I read a lot about ceremonial magick but no book until yet was so straight forward (not even High Magick by Damien Echols).
If you want a basic overview about the ceremonial magick system of Thelema and what it means to do "The Great Work", this book is your way to go.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book is geared towards introductory to medium level practitioners interested in the system of Thelema. The text and practices are written in a refreshingly clear and concise manner with wonderfully relatable illustrations throughout.
It’s a compendium of the fundamental practices of Thelma presented in a logical progression where each subsequent lesson builds upon the basis of those previous.
With this text one is able to learn and formulate a stable daily practice.
Highly recommended.

[Kevin Henneborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco has taken Crowley's work and removed the jargon that may throw off a reader while trying to interpet the words of Crowley. This book is certainly a good reference for those wanting to better understand the world of Thelema, or even for a seasoned pratitioner looking to rekindle your love of Thelema under a modern and updated point of view. I have high hopes that Marco will deliver yet another book teaching us more about Thelema, as he seems to understand the works of Crowley better than any other author - it's sure to become a classic within the modern age of magick.

[raccontami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lasciate stare TikTok, la magia moderna ricomincia da qui. Forse il libro più completo sulla magia cerimoniale che possiate trovare, senza passare anni a cercare testi astrusi o a dare soldi a loschi figuri. Consigliatissimo.

[Emiliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Amazing

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot of great critiques of Thelema, Aleister Crowley, and ceremonialism in general that can be boiled down to, “a bunch of elites nonces are being exactly that, even as they strive for something better.” In this pretty short volume, Marco Visconti really cuts through a lot of that elitist nonsense and gives us a needed starting place for approaching the Great Work through a Thelemic lens. His writing really hits the right balance of being approachable while not feeling dumbed down, and the progression of the lessons creates a sense that his approach may take some work, but that it is very possible. The lessons also build a case for why this particular course and the operations suggested are a good path without giving away all of the secrets that can be uncovered only by practice. This is very much a roadmap for how to DO magick, not just think about it.

Marco also doesn’t shy away from talking about some of the very real issues many have brought up about Thelemic Organizations, Crowley, and how Thelema has been practiced in the recent past, showing that there is a Thelema that need not make space for the Alt-Right. Thelema’s most well know maxim “Do what thou wilt” has sometimes been an invitation to the worst kinds of people, and this work lays out exactly why that need not be true and shouldn’t be tolerated.

But by far the best feature of this book is that, despite being called “The Aleister Crowley Manual,” it creates a Thelemic path that is informed by the works of Crowley while not engaging info hero worship or even centralizing the man himself. Marco acknowledges that Thelema as a system has roots in the work of many who came before or were contemporaries of Crowley, and that many have iterated on his work over the last century. It allows for taking the bits that are truly important while not picking up any of his personal shortcomings (and they are many).

In all, The Aleister Crowley Manual is a perfect starting place for the Thelemic neophyte, a fine refresher of the fundamentals for the adept, and quite frankly, the text that the 93 Current needs.

[Efrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, simple to read and totally recommended

[Ian Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough, concise, approachable, and, dare I say, essential read for anyone exploring Thelema, as well as Western esotericism more broadly. Marco lucidly explains the ideas, philosophy, and practices at the heart of magick, providing enough material to support a fruitful practice while also leaving space for the reader to take up the work themselves. Ultimately, it is the reader who must rise to the challenge, and this book offers a full programme of study and practice to support that journey.

[Jeremiah Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive yet simple guide to the Thelema on the market!

[OverThinker93 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Written by a thelemite, a magician, sharing his framework, and insights
(This review is strictly my individual opinion, my feelings and theory of this book)

What is a Thelemite? You tell me. It’s not just a group of friends or a clique. It’s not merely a follower of a fraternal order, though such an order may include Thelemites. It’s not a community, though a community can certainly contain them. Some might ask if Thelema is a movement or an idea—once again, you tell me. Others would argue it isn’t something that can be taken from you simply because you left or were removed from a group; it’s not a badge or a status. Many books have been written—perhaps entire volumes—attempting to describe it. Yet putting it plainly might cheapen or misrepresent it. What I do know is that it’s something you are. It reverberates in your convictions and informs every action you take. It’s individual and personal, revealing its meaning and truth as you grow in life. It’s infectious; once it takes hold, you are it. There is no going back.

That said, it speaks volumes when an individual separates from a Thelemic order—or from friends and siblings in that context—and yet remains a Thelemite, even if that parting was unhappy. They may find themselves alone, but still they remain who they are, keeping their oaths, and importantly, the oath they made to themselves, to evolve, to find their aspiration.

I have a strong feeling, the author of the book I’m reviewing stands as an example of this principle. Even though he is no longer part of a particular Thelemic order, he continues to believe in Thelema and uphold the idea that thelema is for everyone who wants to practice it. Marco Visconti, even if not a member of the same fraternity as I am, strikes me as the real deal—a genuine Thelemite through and through. One must remember that membership in a Thelemic order does not inherently make you Thelemic. One chooses to become thelemic and uphold those values within themselves. I feel that thelemic influence and energy has infused the hardbound pages of this book. It’s simply infectious and contagious, so be warned, after reading this book, you may realize you were always thelemic without realizing it, or ne inspired to take a thelemic path.

Regarding Marco Visconti’s book itself: the text is concise, well thought out, and presented in a modern yet innovative way. It’s organized to serve newcomers—whether they pick it up for everyday guidance or consult it as they progress further along their path.

I don’t detect any ego here. The author doesn’t seem to be inflating his own image. Instead, the tone is humble, guiding individuals on their journeys and gently pointing the way to avoid confusion or misleading expectations about experiences that ultimately can’t be conveyed in words.

Though the work is insightful, it’s also practically technical. This book feels truly next-generation. The images, diagrams, and tables are clean and concise, and I find it fascinating that that he mentions some of the images were generative AI prompts before it became widely popular. Even though the author is academic, he writes for a general audience. Visconti never assumes the reader already knows basic Thelemic concepts, nor does he overwhelm them. Instead, he provides a framework that any aspirant can use as a launchpad for personal exploration. The text isn’t overly poetic or obscure—something that often happens with other Thelemic works—so you won’t be left puzzled. Instead, it’s accessible and forward-looking, written by a modern Thelemite who speaks in a contemporary voice. I’ve used this book alongside my “big blue brick” and The Equinox to illuminate abstract concepts that previously eluded me.

Visconti even addresses common hangups and magical plateaus that practitioners encounter, doing his best to give the reader the courage to move past obstacles that have left many frustrated and discouraged. I also find his references extremely useful, and he offers insight on how to seek additional material beyond his own work. The book feels like it was written by a true Thelemite: down-to-earth, passionate about Thelema, and genuinely eager to help others discover it.

What makes this book stand out in a sea of works on the occult, magick, and Thelema is its balance of the practical and the insightful, honed through the author’s experience working with students. Most of all, it’s written by a Thelemic author who maintains his oaths and remains uninfluenced by external orders or third parties. The ideals presented here form a framework, a testament to his sincerity, and reinforce its core goal: to help the reader on their journey.

I highly recommend it—perhaps even as your first Thelemic book

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Watkins Publishing for an advance copy of this book on understanding the world of magick and the potential it opens in all of us.

Learning a new way of looking at the world can be lonely, confusing, exasperating, unsettling, and dangerous. Especially dangerous. Not just in threats to both body and soul which can leave scars that might not heal, and a soul that could be compromised, but also to the mind, causing a loss of confidence in one's self. In magick, confidence is very important, for one has to be sure of purpose and of goals. And that lack of confidence might leech into the person's life, inhibiting growth and making the learning of new things, a frightening unpleasant experience. Marco Visconti has seen this happen, and has written a manual for people wanting to start and know more about magick, Thelema and esoteric knowledge, but didn't know where to start or found other works daunting. The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times is a guide, a learning workbook to start a person off on a new old way of looking at the world, a way that could change lives, all clearly written and very well thought out.

The book came together during the Pandemic when Visconti began to offer classes when so many were trapped inside, with thoughts about how the ways they had grown up with had failed, or were lacking something. Using Zoom Visconti held weekly discussions on Aleister Crowley, Thelema, magick and more, which gave him the ability to see what was easy to comprehend, what was difficult, and also what could be done in small spaces, as so many were trapped inside, not only with their own thoughts, but with roommates or parents, who might find certain rituals disturbing. The book begins with an introduction to Crowley, Thelema, ideas and what rituals can do and what the dangers could be. Visconti explains the ideas of breathing, how to do so, visualization and meditation and how to set images and sigils for ritual work. There are sections on further rituals, and a collection of readings for advanced learning.

Visconti is a very good teacher and has created a manual, more a workbook, heavy accent on the work, which is both a good introduction, and a very helpful tool. The fact that Visconti was teaching over Zoom gave Visconti an opportunity to get a good feel for what he was teaching and sharing, which leads to a smoothness in the writing. For a small book this is really filled with a lot of information, and is laid out quite well. Visconti is also concerned with the well being of readers, always discussing safety and protecting one's self no matter how insignificant things might be. This is a book not only for beginner but for people of all levels of experience as lots of ideas and information can be gleaned from the book.

Recommended for those with an interest in Crowley, Thelema, magick and more. Also for fans of podcasts such as Last Podcast on the Left, who discuss magick, Crowley and other things covered in this book. Also for role players to get an idea of rituals, and cosplay enthusiasts to add a bit of reality to their costumes. A very interesting, useful book, with lots of information.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone who wants to start practicing Thelema in the tradition of Crowley--Marco Visconti gives VERY in-depth descriptions and step-by-step guides to rituals like the LBRP and the LBRH, and others. It doesn't include Thelemic approaches to Solomonic Magic or Enochian magick though, which was part of what I was expecting to read about when I bought the book.

I still maintain that Aleister Crowley was mostly a fraud that had some caucasian chavinistic fetishes for Ancient Egypt and Hinduism. It's pretty obvious to me that most of Thelema is an amalgamation of Egyptian gods, misunderstood Jewish Kabbalah, highly inaccurate yogic philosophy, and some elements of the Greek Magical Papyri. He was a rather obnoxious white man who used spirituality to manipulate people during the Victorian occult renaissance--Therefore, I tend to not place a lot of value on his systems of occult theory.

That being said, it is interesting to see that many occult practitioners use visualization exercise to summon demons, and that many times they rely on little else. Personally, I would not attempt this, and I would call into question the authenticity of the entities being summoned. Seeing that most of Thelema is based on Crowley's imagination, it makes me wonder if they're even speaking with demons at all, or if they're just talking to their imaginations. I'll stick to Tibetan Buddhism and chöd practice I guess--Nothing like meditating in a graveyard to summon demons and get them to do what you want.

[Tim Pendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The British Isles have provided the world with not one but two 'world religions'. Thelema is one and Wicca is the other. Considering just how pragmatic and commonsensical the English appear to be, two esoteric belief systems is quite an achievement.

Whether Thelema is, in fact, a religion is, of course, a moot point. It might better be classed as a spiritual practice with religious aspects depending on who is practising and on what terms. Visconti's book is an excellent guide to whatever it is regardless.

Visconti plays it straight throughout, refusing to engage in the controversies within a practice which can prove remarkably small-minded amongst some practitioners considering the avowed open-minded intentions of its putative founder, Aleister Crowley.

Nevertheless, there are implicit indications that the author belongs to the twenty-first century liberal wing of the practice. This is not shy of accepting that Crowley was a bit of a rascal with socio-political views unacceptable today yet making this irrelevant to the 'religion'.

We have a parallel in Heidegger whose profound philosophy stands regardless of the controversy of his links to national socialism and remains the basis of much of what passes for continental philosophy today even when excitable intellectuals try to contest his insights.

This reviewer thinks Visconti and the Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis in Anglia (which takes the most possible liberal view critical of Crowley the man) are right - the ideas do stand up regardless of the man. I say this as someone who is not a 'believer'.

From this perspective, I can think of no better introduction to what the practice comprises - an eclectic and syncretic mix of invented Egyptianism, Qabalah and ideas drawn from both Indian and Western esotericism - than this well written book.

Personally, I suspect that Thelema suits a certain type of human personality who can express or needs to express themselves in a particular way centred on ritual and complexity and who has a searching nature caught between the psychological and some awareness of the external (the divine).

Crowley himself jumped between seeing the various forms with which he communicated as internal or external. Visconti implies that this and other binary approaches to reality are not relevant to the process. The process itself does not require that anything be true other than the True Will.

Visconti also does a service by making it crystal clear that anyone who is serious about Magick is going to have to put in many hours of exercise and that not only does nothing come easily but that the 'dark night of the soul' is a necessary way station to any final state of being.

On the other hand, he is not obfuscatory or off-putting. Although the relatively uneducated are at something of a disadvantage, anyone can accept what he offers. None need get entrapped into distracting secret societies or 'churches' in order to follow the thelemic path.

This may not be for me - my path was (as the reference above to Heidegger might have suggested) one of atheistic existentialism that also embraced hard work and the dark night of the soul but baulked when Heidegger went all mystical and talked of the divine - but I respect its purpose.

The book is actually an easy read in literary terms but not an easy read in practical terms. There is a huge amount of data packed into a relatively small space but the reader who is inspired will know what they are in for and that a courageous stance will pay off if this is to be their way,

Of course, most practical types will be left cold by the book and see it as mumbo-jumbo. The truth is that it is mumbo-jumbo to the majority of humanity. A lot of it is mumbo-jumbo to me. But the point is that the mumbo-jumbo is a means to an end, a process, and the process is what interests.

Crowley set up a system of thought that requires a leap of faith in order to get out of the rational and mostly binary thought of our species under normal conditions in order to liberate the individual - Maat Magick would go further to try and liberate the species.

The religious aspect of Thelema could, in fact, work against the liberation of the individual but the Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis in Anglia handles this rather well. In some cases, Thelema has worked to enslave what it should liberate but, to his credit, the author gets out of that trap.

My own response to Crowley is to see him as a highly transgressional and liberatory figure who one should never allow oneself to be wholly entranced by. His eccentric, disruptive and often damaging True Will was a breakthrough in culture but not the True Will of anyone but himself.

To follow Crowley slavishly is, paradoxically, to deny what he stood for. Thelema when it follows the man rather than the practice is always much less interesting than when it takes the practice and transforms it constantly in the light of experience and knowledge.

Yes, this is high irrationalism but we are about to enter an age (an Aeon perhaps) when we will be co-existing with an entirely new species we have created (AGIs), one that will represent perfect self-programming rationality. Our deliberative irrationalism may be what preserves our humanity.

[Jörg · Rating 5 out of 5]

To review this book it is first and foremost important to ask what it is and for whom it is written.

Marco Visconti wrote a introductory book of thelemic ceremonial magick that anyone can understand and start out with. If one likes the imagery and metaphors including hints at Qabbalah, imagery of ancient egyptian religion, etc., it provides easy to pick up techniques to introduce these ideas into one's life. Some of the tools presented, like building habits in breathwork, pathworking, visualisation and living consciously with the sun are probably useful for anyone - no matter if you buy into the mystisicm these tools originate from or not.

Most of these things are well known, you can read them up here or there and there are a lot of people and groups that would be able to tell you about these. The problem is that you would need to dig into a large corpus of text, talk to people that made their spiritual workings a whole, sometimes questionable, identity, meet groups with complex and sometimes questionable social structure and then tell shit from shinola all by yourself.

This book presents a pain-free short-cut. Visconti, someone who doesn't just know the backgrounds, the sources and history, but is actually a decades long practicioner of the techniques presented, did all of the work for you, replaced ancient and pretty stupid looking illustrations with modern, understandable and helpful artwork by Mars Neumann and wrote all the basics down in understandable language. In addition, despite the title, Visconti does a decent job in emancipating Thelema to a degree from its 19th century edgelord prophet without denying Crowley's genius.

In a time where people are trying to find some sort of a spiritual retreat again, this book is clearly one of the sane and useful places to begin such a journey. For people that just want to know what that "high magick" stuff is actually about it gives an overview. For people that actually want start practicing, it's a good manual. And it's pretty good at all of the above.

People that want you to join a cult, people that want someone to tell them what's right or wrong, people that want their soul "saved" or whatever will probably not like it, I would guess, and really should not bother.

If you however read all of the above and you feel like learning something about Thelemic Magick, or if you already know one or two things but feel like you could use some hints on how to get actually started, just order it. It's good.

[Aratron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove into The Aleister Crowley Manual expecting a dense, rehashed tome, but instead found a pulsating, breath‑by‑breath journey toward living magick. Marco Visconti writes with the intimacy of a seasoned guide, leaning in and whispering secrets across candlelight, yet maintains the clarity of a professor highlighting key concepts in plain sight. The result is a precise roadmap into Thelemic practice.

Right from the opening chapter on breathwork and elemental grounding, I could feel the rhythm of my lungs, the gentle tremor of elemental energy. The sections on the Body of Light and prana evoked a tangible hum in my fingertips, as if the ether itself had slipped into my veins. It’s rare for a manual to deliver such visceral engagement; many seem content to remain dry lectures, but Visconti pulls us into the living pulse of ritual.

What struck me most is how well-paced and layered the text is. Each lesson—from pentagrams to middle-pillar work—unfolds like a carefully choreographed dance. The month‑by‑month structure, described by another reviewer, encourages repeated reading and repeated doing—because mastery, like true will, doesn’t arrive at once . Diagrams are not decorative but essential, guiding the eye and body with step‑by‑step precision.

I also appreciate Visconti’s candidness about Crowley himself. He doesn’t idolize or condemn, but portrays Crowley as brilliant yet flawed, and reminds readers that the power of Thelema outlasts its founder. This honesty—including a respectful critique of cultural appropriation—gives the work emotional weight and ethical grounding, a feature readers deeply value.

Emotionally, the book carries me from curiosity to awe. In the section on astral invocation, I felt the world broaden around me; in middle-pillar practice, the architecture of my will seemed to solidify under my skin. The manual beckons, touches, transforms.

While not a lightweight read (assuming some familiarity with Crowley helps), it rewards the attentive reader with profound insight into ritual, doctrine, and inner work. It’s the rare book that's simultaneously a scholar, mentor, and companion.

If you're seeking a magickal practice that breathes, builds, and burns with authenticity, this manual is the compass and the spark. It’s not just recommended; it’s essential. My highest praise: Visconti has crafted a book that helps you do magick, not just dream it.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco Visconti's The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick for Modern Times serves as a practical guide for those interested in exploring Aleister Crowley's magickal teachings within the context of contemporary life. Drawing on years of personal practice and instruction, Visconti distills Crowley's complex systems into accessible lessons that resonate with today's seekers. The manual adopts a no-nonsense approach, acknowledging the realities of modern living—busy schedules, limited space, and the absence of elaborate ritual tools. Visconti demonstrates that true magick resides within the practitioner's will rather than external trappings. Each chapter introduces new tools and techniques in a progressive manner, allowing readers to develop their practice methodically.

One of the book's strengths is its practicality. Visconti breaks down rituals and concepts into understandable segments, removing the intimidation often associated with Thelemic magick. His clear and direct writing maintains the depth and nuance of Crowley's original teachings, making the manual suitable for both newcomers to Thelema and experienced practitioners looking to refine their skills. The book delves into the transformative power of magick, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of their role in the universe. The emphasis on cultivating a "will set in stone" reflects the core Thelemic principle of discovering and aligning with one's True Will. Through these practices, readers can enhance their magickal abilities and experience personal growth and a heightened sense of purpose.

Visconti presents communication with the "Other"—whether one's Holy Guardian Angel, spirit guides, or the collective unconscious—as an attainable goal through disciplined practice. He provides a framework for these profound experiences without resorting to mysticism or vague promises. His grounded and respectful approach is informed by his own journey in the magickal arts. The Aleister Crowley Manual makes Crowley's work relevant and approachable for the modern seeker, stripping away unnecessary complexity while preserving the profound wisdom within. This book is a valuable addition to any magickal library and is highly recommended for anyone serious about exploring Thelemic magick in today's world.