Abrahadabra: Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thelemic Magick

by Rodney Orpheus, Lon Milo DuQuette (Foreword), Cathryn Orchard (Illustrator)

Thelemic Magick as it is practiced today owes an unmistakable debt to its main proponent, Aleister Crowley. And yet Thelemic Magick, separate from Crowley's admittedly polarizing exploits and personality, remains one of the most effective and well-documented systems of ritual magick available to modern spiritual seekers. Rodney Orpheus does a remarkable job presenting this magical system in a way that will have even neophytes practicing magick—and more importantly, understanding it—in no time. Abrahadabra covers the meditation, ritual, and philosophy that form the foundation of magical study in a fun and casual style and balances this theory with hands-on exercises. Abrahadabra is an excellent introduction to Crowley's form of magick, and it presents a workable system of magick for anyone interested in "The Science and Art of causing Change in accordance with the Will."

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

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Rodney Orpheus is an Irish musician, record producer, author, and technology designer. He is best known for his work with his band The Cassandra Complex and his books Abrahadabra and Grimoire of Aleister Crowley.

Reviews

[Cathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I created the illustration of the Tree of Life for this edition of this book.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a Thelemite friend when I was looking for something that would give me a good introduction to that tradition, though my interest was an outsider's.

It's clear, well-written, enjoyable and informative, and I'd definitely recommend it. Not being more widely informed on Thelema I can't comment on how well it explains what a Thelemite would consider the most important features of Thelema, and maybe I'd go as low as three or as high as five if I did, on which basis I'm settling on four stars as a compromise.

[Sin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for your occult library if you want to work with the Thelemic system of magick. In clear and clever terms it will help you navigate the work of Crowley and the system he crafted.

[Aaron Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me to renew my interest in Thelema after a hiatus for a few years. With it's clear and intelligent style and it's fresh perspective it gave me the groundwork to begin anew in my Magickal studies. If you are looking for a rehash of Crowley this is not the book. If you are looking for a new perspective on Thelema, you've come to the right place.

[D Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the best introductions to the thelemic system out there, very well written, easy and enjoyable to read that also takes the subject matter very seriously. Written by celebrated artist, musician and Thelema practitioner Rodney Orpheus this is a great book on alternative spirituality which I highly recommend.

[Nathaniel Robinson-Juleff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most concise and comfortable introduction to Thelemic magick I've ever seen. Absolute must read for anyone on the topic.

[Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book, next to The Magick of Thelema by Du Quette, i regard this is one of the best introductions into magic and living magically in the new aeon

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not brilliant.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really solid primer on Thelema. Rodney writes in a very light and breezy style that will quickly guide one along the general precepts of Thelema. Would pair very well with either Lon Milo DuQutte's The Magic of Aleister Crowley or David Schoemaker's Living Thelema. I think that Orpheus does a better job of separating Thelema from Crowleyanity than those two well-regarded primers; however, those other two are stacked with more detailed explanations of the classical ritual practices. Wish I had this book twenty years ago. Really liked Orpheus' explanation of Thelemic ethics and the encouragement he gives for experimentation with one's practice.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an excellent primer for beginners embarking on the Thelemic path. For those who have already begun diving into it, a lot of it will be somewhat redundant but there are some rituals outlined that are unique and seem promising.

[Emissary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made a start and it seemed interesting.
I'll be back one day to finish it off.

[Kacper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice introduction to magick

[Stella Kydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, Highly recommended.

[Tim Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, highly recommended, helped me a lot on my journey of discovery of all things Thelema & Crowley.

[Graeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and informative!

[Joe Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a clear and practical guide for Thelemic Magick. Most occult books that I've read feel incomplete when offering rituals and practices. Orpheus gives excellent instructions, making this a great How To book.

The further reading examples also point you to appropriate Crowley readings, finding selections that avoid the usual flowery hoo-hah.

[Rodhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abrahadabra is not an invaluable contribution to Thelemic literature, but is a great gift for beginners. I wish I had multiple copies of this book to give away to anybody willing to dabble for the first time with ceremonial magick and the world of Aleister Crowley.
The author is easy to read. His sarcastic tone and preposterous attitude make the book fun. The book is not dry though the examples it uses sometimes are far-fetched. Personally, I detest his commentary to Liber V vel Reguli in the appendix (too much focus on where to keep your wand, instead of what is actually happening in that ritual). Orpheus' Egyptian banishing ritual I never tried, but it seems like it could be a powerful experience.
To make it clear, if you are a seasoned practitioner, there is nothing in here for you, but if you are just starting, this is a must-read.

[Christaeon Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book invaluable for the understanding of the basics of Thelema. It is extremely well written and the author does very well to make easy reading of a very complicated subject.