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The Book of Abramelin: A New Translation
The Book of Abramelin is the first modern translation of this magical work since Mathers' original translation over 100 years ago. Not only is the language updated, but Georg Dehn, the compiler and editor, has sourced his work from all extant manuscripts, while Mathers used just one. The result is a stunning new translation that has already set the occult world abuzz. It includes voluminous important material left out of Mathers' work, including an entire Part 2 filled with magical recipes, important distinctions in the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel ritual, and complete word grids that were only partially completed by Mathers. This is an essential work for any serious practicing magician or student of occult history.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1458
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 3, 2024
The book can do without the Opening Hymn. The forward and the introduction should be re-written, if not gotten rid of. The translator's note is manipulative and almost nonsensical. My purpose is to read the Kabbalistic book, written by a Hebrew (thought to be Yaakov ben Moshe Levi Moelin 1365 – 1427). I couldn't care less about modern or secular occultists. Many readers are sucking salt because the book is for the most part of a Judeo-Christian basis. If you don't like that, you'll not enjoy this book and should move on.
The author Abraham von Worms (thought to be a pseudonym) reached a high standing at court and performed his arts for the benefit of many (including Popes, the Kaiser, Bishops, a Greek Emperor, etc).
Magic Squares are what caught my attention to this book. I usually do a lot of quantitative and abstract math for university, where passerbyers usually comment, "that looks like magic." Some examples of the math I've done in the past,
. These are not difficult examples or full of math symbols (which we do), just strange and in someways resemble "magic" or magic squares. Sometimes math does look like magic because sometimes magic is full of math. So when I found out that this book contains magic squares, I just had to see what kind of math is used. Magic Squares are very old and still very mysterious. In the book, there is a word square with the consecutive letters NASA for the magic of walking in the sky.
Here is a fun word square (not in the book).
Here is Dürer's magic square, 1514 (not in the book). Quite fun to make masonic ciphers with it. Decipher this simple message I made;
Word squares and magic squares are very mysterious, MUCH can be done with them, and much is still unknown about them. These squares, and their various forms (such as Ben Franklin's) can create known eigenvectors, see Ernst Chladni's method with sand. There are still many unsolved magic squares, such as the 3x3 Squared Magic Squares. Can that one be done? Before you dismiss these squares, know that they could very well hold many secrets, especially when viewed in their original form and language. In any case, they are very mathematically interesting.
I read the four books (which make one) in their order and I recommend you do the same.
I don't agree with many of the author's points or thoughts. Regardless, he does take a very noblesse oblige approach in regards to using his arts. I kept reading because I'm very curious about the mysteries (which are mostly not his own). The mysteries are found from book 2 and forward. The book makes for a very interesting read.
After reading the book, I believe A Dark Song (2016) is based on the magic detailed in this book.
The author Abraham von Worms (thought to be a pseudonym) reached a high standing at court and performed his arts for the benefit of many (including Popes, the Kaiser, Bishops, a Greek Emperor, etc).
Magic Squares are what caught my attention to this book. I usually do a lot of quantitative and abstract math for university, where passerbyers usually comment, "that looks like magic." Some examples of the math I've done in the past,
. These are not difficult examples or full of math symbols (which we do), just strange and in someways resemble "magic" or magic squares. Sometimes math does look like magic because sometimes magic is full of math. So when I found out that this book contains magic squares, I just had to see what kind of math is used. Magic Squares are very old and still very mysterious. In the book, there is a word square with the consecutive letters NASA for the magic of walking in the sky.Here is a fun word square (not in the book).
Here is Dürer's magic square, 1514 (not in the book). Quite fun to make masonic ciphers with it. Decipher this simple message I made;
Word squares and magic squares are very mysterious, MUCH can be done with them, and much is still unknown about them. These squares, and their various forms (such as Ben Franklin's) can create known eigenvectors, see Ernst Chladni's method with sand. There are still many unsolved magic squares, such as the 3x3 Squared Magic Squares. Can that one be done? Before you dismiss these squares, know that they could very well hold many secrets, especially when viewed in their original form and language. In any case, they are very mathematically interesting.
I read the four books (which make one) in their order and I recommend you do the same.
I don't agree with many of the author's points or thoughts. Regardless, he does take a very noblesse oblige approach in regards to using his arts. I kept reading because I'm very curious about the mysteries (which are mostly not his own). The mysteries are found from book 2 and forward. The book makes for a very interesting read.
After reading the book, I believe A Dark Song (2016) is based on the magic detailed in this book.
December 9, 2017
Much better and more complete than S. L. MacGregor Mathers' version
The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage
, as he was working from an incomplete French manuscript, whereas the authors here have access to an older and more thorough German copy, presumably closer to the German source. That said, I'm still hoping for a "second revised edition" to expand a bit and clean up some of the errata.
August 10, 2020
I almost cannot believe that I have finally read this iconic work. I don't think I can properly review it, so much as react to it. I am glad to have read it, and do recommend to occultists who are beginning to undertake more lengthy ritual work (not necessarily an Abramelin working) for specific purposes, especially if planning to do grimoire work. It was very readable and easy to comprehend.
I specifically read the Mathers translation, as this work would come to significantly influence the Golden Dawn.. I think I have read that certain parts of the manuscript were omitted? I will eventually need to compare it with another translation. I appreciated Mathers' footnotes and commentary, which are clearly biased,so the reader ought to keep that in mind.
I have avoided reading this for a long time. I concluded a long time ago that this working was a trap for the ego, that most people are being set up to fail. I'd heard stories of friend of friends experiencing terrible accidents and losing their minds in related practices. I decided that this kind of undertaking is for dire situations, like war, where extreme measures would be needed, where you would make sure to have your last will and testament written out, someone to prepare your meals and take care of your family, and also be your "spotter" if an obsession/posession emerged.
I didn't realise that this work was the foundation of Goetic workings that so influenced Crowley. I was so surprised and disappointed to see the Goetia entities listed. I'd read and heard of the Goetia before...I don't think highly of that system, and can't help but feel wary about the people interested in it. (I obviously don't know THAT much if I was blind-sighted by it's foundational manuscript.)
Ultimately, the manuscript in the beginning emphasises duty, discipline, devotion to Higher Power, humbleness, and also Fear of God. I mostly appreciated that part, especially the comment about never converting as a rejection the religion was born into, because that conversion is a rejection of the principle that all components are a microcosm of the Whole.
Six months of disciplining the mind and body in devotion are followed by communion with one's Holy Guardian Angel (this is where Crowley got the term.) Following this point, after those six months, the practicionner can proceed with particular Goetic invocations, while tapping into the authority invested in them by God & the Holy Guardian Angel.
I appreciate that this text emphasises being firm of will and structured with Goetic entities, but not torturing them or being nasty, as I've heard elsewhere.
The text is written from the perspective of a man named Abraham who is writing this for his son, Lamech. There are some points that make me critical of the time (ex .attitude about women) and about the character of Abraham and Lamech (in bestowing his son this manuscript, is Abraham not avoiding the proper method of transmission outlined in it's pages, as he recieved it? Will this not negatively impact his son?) There are other contradictions, in terms of the ethics outlined and the applications described in Abraham's personal story chapter, that I would consider very seriously before undertaking the operation.
Crowley's Liber Samekh draws heavily from the Book of Abramelin. I coincidentally was reviewing the Golden Dawn "Bornless Ritual", also related to Liber Samekh, which is modeled after an exorcism on the Greek Magical Papyri. I think there are some careful differences in between these rituals that are important to see before undertaking them on your own. I'm grateful I had good advice from teachers, and look forward to diving a bit deeper to understand the influences upon these rituals, which are now significant part of important Hermetic Orders.
I specifically read the Mathers translation, as this work would come to significantly influence the Golden Dawn.. I think I have read that certain parts of the manuscript were omitted? I will eventually need to compare it with another translation. I appreciated Mathers' footnotes and commentary, which are clearly biased,so the reader ought to keep that in mind.
I have avoided reading this for a long time. I concluded a long time ago that this working was a trap for the ego, that most people are being set up to fail. I'd heard stories of friend of friends experiencing terrible accidents and losing their minds in related practices. I decided that this kind of undertaking is for dire situations, like war, where extreme measures would be needed, where you would make sure to have your last will and testament written out, someone to prepare your meals and take care of your family, and also be your "spotter" if an obsession/posession emerged.
I didn't realise that this work was the foundation of Goetic workings that so influenced Crowley. I was so surprised and disappointed to see the Goetia entities listed. I'd read and heard of the Goetia before...I don't think highly of that system, and can't help but feel wary about the people interested in it. (I obviously don't know THAT much if I was blind-sighted by it's foundational manuscript.)
Ultimately, the manuscript in the beginning emphasises duty, discipline, devotion to Higher Power, humbleness, and also Fear of God. I mostly appreciated that part, especially the comment about never converting as a rejection the religion was born into, because that conversion is a rejection of the principle that all components are a microcosm of the Whole.
Six months of disciplining the mind and body in devotion are followed by communion with one's Holy Guardian Angel (this is where Crowley got the term.) Following this point, after those six months, the practicionner can proceed with particular Goetic invocations, while tapping into the authority invested in them by God & the Holy Guardian Angel.
I appreciate that this text emphasises being firm of will and structured with Goetic entities, but not torturing them or being nasty, as I've heard elsewhere.
The text is written from the perspective of a man named Abraham who is writing this for his son, Lamech. There are some points that make me critical of the time (ex .attitude about women) and about the character of Abraham and Lamech (in bestowing his son this manuscript, is Abraham not avoiding the proper method of transmission outlined in it's pages, as he recieved it? Will this not negatively impact his son?) There are other contradictions, in terms of the ethics outlined and the applications described in Abraham's personal story chapter, that I would consider very seriously before undertaking the operation.
Crowley's Liber Samekh draws heavily from the Book of Abramelin. I coincidentally was reviewing the Golden Dawn "Bornless Ritual", also related to Liber Samekh, which is modeled after an exorcism on the Greek Magical Papyri. I think there are some careful differences in between these rituals that are important to see before undertaking them on your own. I'm grateful I had good advice from teachers, and look forward to diving a bit deeper to understand the influences upon these rituals, which are now significant part of important Hermetic Orders.
June 24, 2012
Fictional stuff. This is when the occult takes Kabbalistic knowledge, alchemy, a variety of pagan rituals, mix in some Christianity, Judaism and any number of ancient beliefs and fairy tales, throws it all together and you get the material that's in this book. Waste of money, but if you are a collector of occult stuff and you can get a nice tooled leather antique copy of this book, that would be a nice coffee table ornament and conversation piece.
March 5, 2018
Abrmelin the Mage
They said read the classics if you want to learn real magic. So I read one of the classics and believe me I am no further along the magic path then I was before. I found the language dry boring and overly scholarly like written in a form of English that the modern reader would find it hard to comprehend. The instructions are somewhat confusing as to how to perform the magical actions. For someone like me reading a Wicca 101 book would be more beneficial.
The book itself is composed of three books. The first book tells of how Abraham the Jew travel from Europe to the Middle East in order to find the right maniacal technique to contact and have conversation with your Holy Guardian angel. The total work takes about three months before you are purified. The author must have had a crystal ball because he tells the reader to make sure he can perform his undertaking. Most people do not have the time to isolate three selves from the world for six months and most cannot build an oratory or an alter to the specification on their property.
The next two books tell how to interact with demons and angels. The magical actions rely on the order of angels and demons and working with magical squares. Many of these instruction were either vague on what to do and rather wordy.
This book is great to read for historical reference. Magic of this type is too complicated for modern people to carry out, unless they belong to a lodge or have a tutor. A couple things I liked about the book is that it extolled the virtues of righteous living and not exploiting magic for evil ends. Abraham we also said that he met many magical performers who were practicing baseless superstition on or being enslaved by evil spiritual. Forces while thinking they were on top of it all. Some of the arguments sill hold true today.
They said read the classics if you want to learn real magic. So I read one of the classics and believe me I am no further along the magic path then I was before. I found the language dry boring and overly scholarly like written in a form of English that the modern reader would find it hard to comprehend. The instructions are somewhat confusing as to how to perform the magical actions. For someone like me reading a Wicca 101 book would be more beneficial.
The book itself is composed of three books. The first book tells of how Abraham the Jew travel from Europe to the Middle East in order to find the right maniacal technique to contact and have conversation with your Holy Guardian angel. The total work takes about three months before you are purified. The author must have had a crystal ball because he tells the reader to make sure he can perform his undertaking. Most people do not have the time to isolate three selves from the world for six months and most cannot build an oratory or an alter to the specification on their property.
The next two books tell how to interact with demons and angels. The magical actions rely on the order of angels and demons and working with magical squares. Many of these instruction were either vague on what to do and rather wordy.
This book is great to read for historical reference. Magic of this type is too complicated for modern people to carry out, unless they belong to a lodge or have a tutor. A couple things I liked about the book is that it extolled the virtues of righteous living and not exploiting magic for evil ends. Abraham we also said that he met many magical performers who were practicing baseless superstition on or being enslaved by evil spiritual. Forces while thinking they were on top of it all. Some of the arguments sill hold true today.
June 14, 2020
Surprisingly enjoyable read.
I went in expecting a dry instruction manual (to be honest I dreaded that it would be like most of Crowley's books. Crowley wrote with a lot of bombast, but it was hard for him to overcome the 'textbook' nature of his subject matter). But this book is almost like an adventure novel.
The earlier chapters describe Abraham the Jew's long journey through several countries in search of occult knowledge. He runs across a number of eccentric, memorable characters through these journeys. All these characters sort of reflect the different paths you can go down if you're a practitioner of magic.
The latter chapters go into detail about occult rituals. Especially interesting were the chapters on communicating with spirits. A lot of Crowley's work was influenced by the writings in these chapters. The instructions are clear, concise and the expected results are noted down in detail.
One of the better grimoires I've read.
I went in expecting a dry instruction manual (to be honest I dreaded that it would be like most of Crowley's books. Crowley wrote with a lot of bombast, but it was hard for him to overcome the 'textbook' nature of his subject matter). But this book is almost like an adventure novel.
The earlier chapters describe Abraham the Jew's long journey through several countries in search of occult knowledge. He runs across a number of eccentric, memorable characters through these journeys. All these characters sort of reflect the different paths you can go down if you're a practitioner of magic.
The latter chapters go into detail about occult rituals. Especially interesting were the chapters on communicating with spirits. A lot of Crowley's work was influenced by the writings in these chapters. The instructions are clear, concise and the expected results are noted down in detail.
One of the better grimoires I've read.
February 14, 2021
Surprisingly fun read for a 15th century text. First part is smooth, reads almost as an exciting novel, delivering author's (unfortunately so often dogmatic and dated) principles and believes to his son. He's a bit of a rockstar tbh. The rest is pretty much a manual for initiation into the Abramelin's magical system.
The procedures themselves are hardly any use for a 21st century man, the book is soaked with christian dogmas and yes, also those those signing-contracts-with-the-princes-of-hell bits. But as dated as the manuscripts might have grown, the basic moral framework is worth some reflection time. The content, taken metaphorically rather than literally, is so often referenced from various branches of successive western mystical traditions. It provides a lot of missing (implicit) links in the reasoning of his successors.
The procedures themselves are hardly any use for a 21st century man, the book is soaked with christian dogmas and yes, also those those signing-contracts-with-the-princes-of-hell bits. But as dated as the manuscripts might have grown, the basic moral framework is worth some reflection time. The content, taken metaphorically rather than literally, is so often referenced from various branches of successive western mystical traditions. It provides a lot of missing (implicit) links in the reasoning of his successors.
November 2, 2008
wiggledy washy paint by number magic for fortune whores and bandits.
February 10, 2011
Awesome & informative for those who want to see what a lot of what the modern world knows as magic is based on.
April 5, 2013
This book is essential reading for the occult student. While the ritual is cumbersome and practically impossible for the modern adept, the methods and the discussion of the book are a major part of the western occult tradition. For instance, many forms of magick discuss the discussions with the holy guardian angel, which the framework of is from this book. I learned a great deal about the occult sciences and Jewish mysticism reading this book--and if you're interested in increasing your knowledge of either, you should check it out.
January 17, 2017
I doubt the origins of this work or its story, but it is fascinating and full of fantastic illusions. Some may be upset to think I find this work to be pure fiction and is merely trying to give away the concept of WILL without being too obvious about it. In a way shrouding the real purpose of these sigils to prevent those expressing WILL in a manner that could be destructive. While reading I felt as if Mathers himself is the author behind this, which wouldn't make this work less valuable to occult students. It is still one of my favorites since it gives off a great essence of knowledge even when it is trying to be more than another occult work exploring how to express WILL and how to chart such things in a scientific manner. I can see how this work is a great inspiration towards the ideals of "The aim of religion the method of science" and it is definitely a work needing to be read by those who are interested in Crowley's works or the 20th century understanding what 'Occult' even means to be understood as.
May 28, 2017
"Unlike many grimoires, the Book of Abramelin is actually a fairly entertaining read. The narrative of the first book reads like a novella, and the unique bad-angels-working-for-good-angels-working-for-the-magician-working-for-God concept makes the magical instruction fairly interesting too. George Dehn and Steven Guth put out a translation of one of the older manuscripts, but unless you were seriously considering performing the ritual herein described, I wouldn’t bother shelling out the extra money. The Mathers translation may not the most authentic version of this book of spells, but it still includes all of the bits I’d be interested in."
Check out my full review of Abramelin's magic book on my blog
Check out my full review of Abramelin's magic book on my blog
January 1, 2013
Part early modern adventure story, almost the first novel, part a guide for the perplexed, part neuromantic user manual
July 12, 2017
A friendly heads up, the second edition (English) offer some essential new material. Well worth the price of a second ticket.
January 4, 2017
An excellent translation with corrected grammar by Dehn.
The notes that accompany the text provide excellent levels of elucidation. The original work is an excellent piece of work. The clarity of message that it matters not what faith an initiate holds, all are able to achieve results is in contrast with many other grimoire's of antiquity. The approach to working with what are typically views as Dukes, Kings, and servitors of the daemonic hierarchy is far from the notion of them being inherently evil -- an approach that is rare within works of a Judaeo-Christian context.
Many will scoff at the approaches of this work. The truth is, that a work of 18 months is beyond the will-power of many who would prefer instant results. Yes. the final goal of the Abramelin work is union with deity -- an approach that is shared with yoga. To the LHP adherent, then they simply require an alteration of final goal as with yoga.
The notes that accompany the text provide excellent levels of elucidation. The original work is an excellent piece of work. The clarity of message that it matters not what faith an initiate holds, all are able to achieve results is in contrast with many other grimoire's of antiquity. The approach to working with what are typically views as Dukes, Kings, and servitors of the daemonic hierarchy is far from the notion of them being inherently evil -- an approach that is rare within works of a Judaeo-Christian context.
Many will scoff at the approaches of this work. The truth is, that a work of 18 months is beyond the will-power of many who would prefer instant results. Yes. the final goal of the Abramelin work is union with deity -- an approach that is shared with yoga. To the LHP adherent, then they simply require an alteration of final goal as with yoga.
July 26, 2016
This book is pretty fucking cool; It's very puzzling - most of it, I'm not exactly sure how it works but it's very cool nonetheless. The old style font and type-face are dope, lots of victorian style scrolls and borders and things. There is a lot of mention of angels/demons names with the hebrew-to-english pronunciation and assignment of numerical values to each letter for the purpose of mathematical "operations".
May 7, 2013
A complete Magickal operation for what is commonly termed as 'The Knowledge and Conversation with Holy Guardian Angel'!
Very, very important book to, well, HAVE, if you are a serious Magickian.
Must-have for Thelemites.
Very, very important book to, well, HAVE, if you are a serious Magickian.
Must-have for Thelemites.
August 1, 2009
Best edition of this classic.
September 10, 2022
Book is entirely dedicated to sacred magic - sacred being the key word. This is not a grimoire on how to get a better job or find a significant other (though there are magic squares for these results) - it is primarily instructions for union with God / Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel / ~bodhicitta. The author first extolls a pious, humble foundation of a life devoted entirely to God, with many sections devoted to warning readers away from practices like demonology and astrology. What impressed me about this book is the directness and ability to cleanly separate hardcore spiritual practice from "low magic" (ie. magic used for selfish results, and simple elemental magic) that is rivaled only by Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism. A great quote: "Why do you want to question the stars, the sun, the moon, when you can talk with Angels and the good spirits? That is like asking wild game for permission to hunt."
As far as the translation, don't be scared off if you read the Mathers translation; this text can be easily understood by all - it's more readable than many 20th century occult treatises (ahem, Crowley).
After descibing an extensive year-long spiritual retreat, with the goal being Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, the book describes how to properly interact with demons ("unredeemed spirits"). This is a subject with many grimoires and books written on it, but the Book of Abramelin is set apart in its simplicity of technical ritual, and a heavy focus on the subjective manner in which one should communicate with these spirits. Specifically, it is advised to always speak very calmly and in a conversational tone, to never make any deals (only very calm commands), and to always treat the spirits with an appropriate degree of respect. They are fallen spirits who are assigned by God to be servants, not the powerful entities portrayed in horror movies. One technique I thought was funny - if a spirit doesn't respond appropriately to your commands, it is recommended that you simply call his manager.
Finally, there is a section dealing with results based magic based on magic squares, similar to the SATOR square. This section functions more as an reference book for anything from turning animals into humans, to conjuring spirits to sing to you, to the standard money and relationship magic.
As far as the translation, don't be scared off if you read the Mathers translation; this text can be easily understood by all - it's more readable than many 20th century occult treatises (ahem, Crowley).
After descibing an extensive year-long spiritual retreat, with the goal being Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, the book describes how to properly interact with demons ("unredeemed spirits"). This is a subject with many grimoires and books written on it, but the Book of Abramelin is set apart in its simplicity of technical ritual, and a heavy focus on the subjective manner in which one should communicate with these spirits. Specifically, it is advised to always speak very calmly and in a conversational tone, to never make any deals (only very calm commands), and to always treat the spirits with an appropriate degree of respect. They are fallen spirits who are assigned by God to be servants, not the powerful entities portrayed in horror movies. One technique I thought was funny - if a spirit doesn't respond appropriately to your commands, it is recommended that you simply call his manager.
Finally, there is a section dealing with results based magic based on magic squares, similar to the SATOR square. This section functions more as an reference book for anything from turning animals into humans, to conjuring spirits to sing to you, to the standard money and relationship magic.
March 19, 2022
It has been well over 30 years since I read my copy of Abramelin and what I took away from this grimoire is that it is useful to retire from the world for periods of time to focus oneself. I took this to heart back in college days when I had a run down apartment in a low rent section of town and a p/t job which allowed me to work & save $ so that I could take one to two months off work as a sabbatical where I would focus solely on magical research, meditation, rituals and summonings.
While I never performed the Abramelin rite, and I am too old now (according to Mathers), I still gleaned a great deal from this manual. For one thing, the working begins by clearing out your psyche of issues you had from your earlier life. Almost like what an Uncrossing Ritual will do. The next stage is where you begin to replace all of that empty mental space with positive, inspirational literature. The idea being to "prime the pump" so to speak. Finally the last stage is about preparing to summon the actual HGA and Its subordinates. A very worthwhile approach.
Sadly today everyone and their brother "claim" they are meeting their HGA using all sorts of crazy methods including Cybershaman - a computer program you simply stare at. What does this mean? Mainly that people just do not want to do the actual WORK involved. Why? Simply put laziness because there HAS to be a simpler method than Abramelin, right? Nope. Just like in the African religions, to acquire a Head spirit, you must get duly initiated in a living tradition by a priest who also has a Head spirit on him. In other words, this ritual belongs to the Holy Guardian Angel and it is their way to make contact and be installed on a person. Thus if you truly desire your HGA, then study this manual and consider how you can retire from the world and perform the rite to get your legit HGA.
4/5 stars because not a fan of Mathers presentation and writing style. Otherwise, decent work.
While I never performed the Abramelin rite, and I am too old now (according to Mathers), I still gleaned a great deal from this manual. For one thing, the working begins by clearing out your psyche of issues you had from your earlier life. Almost like what an Uncrossing Ritual will do. The next stage is where you begin to replace all of that empty mental space with positive, inspirational literature. The idea being to "prime the pump" so to speak. Finally the last stage is about preparing to summon the actual HGA and Its subordinates. A very worthwhile approach.
Sadly today everyone and their brother "claim" they are meeting their HGA using all sorts of crazy methods including Cybershaman - a computer program you simply stare at. What does this mean? Mainly that people just do not want to do the actual WORK involved. Why? Simply put laziness because there HAS to be a simpler method than Abramelin, right? Nope. Just like in the African religions, to acquire a Head spirit, you must get duly initiated in a living tradition by a priest who also has a Head spirit on him. In other words, this ritual belongs to the Holy Guardian Angel and it is their way to make contact and be installed on a person. Thus if you truly desire your HGA, then study this manual and consider how you can retire from the world and perform the rite to get your legit HGA.
4/5 stars because not a fan of Mathers presentation and writing style. Otherwise, decent work.
January 13, 2018
Regardless of which "version" of it you read, it traces back to the same manuscripts. Regardless of what you think of this (warning: personal opinion ahead) overly elongated, arduous and dramatic means of obtainment of what some call "Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel", one cannot play down on its impact on the Western Esoteric Tradition... particularly over the last 100+ years or so when the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn's S.L. Macgregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley went to great lengths to spam about its efficacy and importance in Theury and Inner Alchemy. That being said, Liber Samekh on its own makes for a better shortcut (belated "Another Opinion Warning")... but don't take it from me just because I'm a sub-Neophyte who has already seen that Samekh fixes broken shit :D
August 20, 2021
A bit of a disappointment from what was promised!
I was sad to have found out after reading the Mather's edition, that it was translated from a previously already translated version and encompasses only 3 out of the 4 manuscripts the original German manuscripts have. So it is a bad version of the original work.
Since Abraham, the original author, was of monotheistic beliefs, his interpretation and explanations to his son about the topic he supposedly was studying, was very convoluted and fought about, in his own words. I found the struggle more interesting than the substance and it was a good picture of middle age view of the world. The "magic" is all based on magic squares and I have found many notes on it being mistranslated and incomplete, so it is unusable.
It serves as a study of the occult at best, but I can't see why it is so highly rated???
I was sad to have found out after reading the Mather's edition, that it was translated from a previously already translated version and encompasses only 3 out of the 4 manuscripts the original German manuscripts have. So it is a bad version of the original work.
Since Abraham, the original author, was of monotheistic beliefs, his interpretation and explanations to his son about the topic he supposedly was studying, was very convoluted and fought about, in his own words. I found the struggle more interesting than the substance and it was a good picture of middle age view of the world. The "magic" is all based on magic squares and I have found many notes on it being mistranslated and incomplete, so it is unusable.
It serves as a study of the occult at best, but I can't see why it is so highly rated???
August 26, 2019
This book provides a very thorough introduction to occultism in the Renaissance era. Despite being a 19th century translation of a 15th century book, it is really quite readable and if one holds an interest in occultism (either as an aspiring practitioner or merely someone intellectually curious) this is well worth reading. In particular, those interested in Aleister Crowley would benefit from seeing the roots of many rituals he outlined.
July 9, 2022
One of the most foundational books for the student on his long journey to wisdom and esoteric insight, which is the truest of all, respect and reverence! From early childhood in old Bulgaria"70,80 years, I was tasked to read and learn from this pearl of knowledge! p.s. You know all the knowledge in this family comes not exactly from the Jews, but from the Egyptian mysteries and the most already from Thrice the great Hermes Trismegis!!!
February 3, 2023
Tried a few spells, and ended up selling my soul for a ticket to a concert. Was a good show though so Idk kinda worth it.
Definitely would recommend. Get yourself a trusty Guardian angel and you can play around with this thing for the rest of your life (well, you may be forced to).
I advise you not to give your little cousins the magic square puzzle thingies. Mine might have let loose a few old Jewish demons out into the world.
Definitely would recommend. Get yourself a trusty Guardian angel and you can play around with this thing for the rest of your life (well, you may be forced to).
I advise you not to give your little cousins the magic square puzzle thingies. Mine might have let loose a few old Jewish demons out into the world.
July 15, 2017
The infamous Abramelin.... hmmm
I find it odd the medieval texts go into such great lengths of the importance of the dynamics of things
rather than getting straight to the point....
It's interesting for its historical stance, It was quite a long read and for some reason I have the name Lamech now stuck in my head....
I find it odd the medieval texts go into such great lengths of the importance of the dynamics of things
rather than getting straight to the point....
It's interesting for its historical stance, It was quite a long read and for some reason I have the name Lamech now stuck in my head....
August 22, 2018
This was interesting, but I think I'm way too lazy to become a Magician, and I just don't want to go into isolation for six moons. Having to give up six moons after Easter would also mean I wouldn't be able to work, but apparently I would be able to get Spirits to bring me silver and gold, so I wouldn't need another job.
February 3, 2024
Interesting to read. They say if you want to do real magic, read the classics. This is definitely magic, but I don't think it's of use to me personally. It is very heavily christianized and includes a lot of supplications and prayers to the Christian god, which may benefit some- but not all occultists and magicians.
November 21, 2024
Restarting the bookshelf. This book set my mind ablaze. I hadn't delved into this world very deeply, but the idea that magic exists as a gift from god blew my mind. I had always separated magic and religion mentally for some reason. Wild. The amount of preparation suggested, the process itself...commanding demons to do holy work...just a fascinating read.
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