High Magic: Theory & Practice

Frater U.D.. has provided an invaluable service in publishing this material which is an overview and how-to-guide of many different magical systems presented with open-mindedness. Highly recommended!!!

This book deserves five stars not for its title, but for its content, writing, organization, and flow. It is true that many of the practices included as exercises in this book would certainly not be considered "High Magic" as it is used as a term of art. Conventionally, Low Magic is that magic used to acquire and manipulate earthly things. High Magic is that magic which - through the magician's acquired knowledge of the universe - leads to union with God(s). Undeniably, the construction of a Money Sigil, as is described in this book, is certainly not "High" Magic by anybody's definition.In light of this discussion, I will not debase myself by commenting on one reviewer's description of the practices in this book as being "based on and emphasising [sic] sorcery" rather than magic. Rather, I agree with reviewer J. Hart's colloquial terminology of the magic contained in this book as Deep Magic. "Deep" in the sense that the theory explored in this book delves into a deeper understanding of magical functioning (i.e. the mechanics of how magic works). This is something almost all older grimoires and many contemporary books on magic eschew. Perhaps the author intended this nontraditional meaning - consciously or otherwise - in his title.Most magicians have a philosophical bent which is an amalgam of one or more schools of magical thought. Although Frater U.:D.: may be no different, he is neither rigid nor dogmatic in his narrative. His pedagogical style is both accessible to the neophyte and enlightening to the active practitioner. For example, he includes important foundational rituals such as The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and The Greater Ritual of the Pentagram in clear and concise language. His discussion of twenty-five magical tools, both the basic magical tools still widely used today, and the more archaic ones, is as excellent a primer on magical tools as you will find in any book.In evaluating this book, I would beseech readers not to expect a comprehensive encyclopedia of magic or a collection of detailed treatises on individual magical topics. Rather, if some of the sections seem sparse, remember that this is an instruction manual and basic textbook and should be used as such. Further exploration of certain topics in greater detail is the hallmark of good magical practice. Remember the first mandate of the maxim: To Know; To Will; To Dare; To Keep Silent.I love this book, and have re-read certain sections numerous times. I also particularly like the book for beginning students, as it provides practical exercises which are graded in difficulty and correspond well with the author's discussions on theory.

This is one of three books every beginner in High Magick should own without question. The other two besides this one is Frater's "High Magic II", and Donald Michael Craig's "Modern Magick: Third Edition."Myself, I prefer Frater U's work over "Modern Magick" personally, primarily because taking nothing from Modern Magick, it is the best for not only teachings, and practices in High Magick, but has wonderful history lessons as well. It's main downfall, in my opinion, is the author sways, and in many ways forces the student to practice in full Golden Dawn fashion, including crafting and using G.D. tools over your own. If Enochian magick is what interests you, or if you prefer the Golden Dawn form of practice, then "Modern Magick" would work better for you in the long run.For those such as myself, who practices High Magick with their own theme, tools, and tarot deck of choice etc., "High Magic" teaches everything you need without buying and searching for other half-filled books. Some critics state that they feel not enough mental work such as meditation or other form exercises, are not properly presented, that is just not factual. Frater teaches Sigil charging which instructs you on how to charge them using nothing other than mental visualization. Granted, he doesn't waste time making the student stare at candle flames, or color patterns across the sky for meditative techniques, this teaching can be found anywhere. In fact, there is no ONE form of meditation for everyone, thus. you need to find which form works for you either prior, or during your magickal studies.Frater also presents a fantastic bibliography on hard to find magickal books, I have purchased most of the ones he recommends and they have been a great investment. "High Magic I &II" is well worth the money, and I hope Frater U continues publishing more works in the future.

While this is mostly Practical Sigil Magic with some Golden Dawn/Thelema and other more formal ceremonial magic traditions, it's a good course. I'd compare it favorably to Donald Michael Kraig's Modern Magick as a good primer for beginners.

Great Book. Better than Kraig's Modern Magick imo. My only complaint is that there is no index. This makes it extremely difficult to find anything when using it as a reference. Minus one star for that.

Upside down

Great Book, 1 of 2, Top Notch Coverage of Subject!!!This order consisted of Three Books in One Box:The product Packaging was Terrible, No interior protection, Box itself just about fell apart without any outside help!Was delivered by Amazon, Not Third Party Shipper, Awful treatment of a Valuable purchase (to me), for some unknown reason the Damage was very Minor, considering how the package arrived!!! When opened one entire end of box fell off. I did Not Pay for Premium Shipping, and in my opinion it was Sub-Standard!!!

This is one of the best books I've come across in quite a while. It does not force any particular school of thought upon you e.g the Golden Dawn. It's a work book with well thought out theory having a real philosophical depth I've rarely seen elsewhere all mostly reference to Kabbalah, very unusual, in fact this is a very unusual book and one I wholeheartedly recommend. It is different and a very welcome change to the standard texts one find on this subject. It now supplants Kraigs' book Modern Magick and in many ways easier and much more usable. I intend to buy the second Volume.

just what I needed to explain so things

Great book for someone looking to start their academic path on becoming a magician. Also great for everyone else as reminder of key components and structure.

Fast delivery, excellent book !!!