This second-revised edition of Crowley's magnum opus features new, more legible typesetting, text corrections based on a previously unseen corrected proof, and the previously unpublished Liber Testis Testitudinis. The original manuscript of The Book of the Law was re-scanned for this edition, using the latest technology, for the clearest facsimile possible.
Aleister Crowley devoted twenty-five years to writing and producing the four parts of this book. It is his magnum opus, in which he systematically expounds the mystical and magical theories and techniques taught in his magical orders, the A∴A∴ and the O.T.O.
This profusely illustrated new edition brings together the complete texts of all four parts of Liber ABA (Book 4) in one volume under the overall title Magick. This edition incorporates Crowley`s own additions, corrections, and annotations, and restores dozens of passages omitted from all earlier editions.
Magick is the fundamental textbook of modern magick in the New Æon. It also has invaluable teachings for students of Yoga and meditation. Crowley mastered the practices of Yoga during his studies in the East, and writes about them lucidly, without recourse to the imprecise language of mysticism.
Beginning with a discussion of the universal origin of world religions in mystical revelation, Magick then explores the theory and practice of mysticism and magick in the light of modern scientific thought. Crowley`s own revelation, The Book of the Law, is then treated as a case study, with an autobiographical study of events leading to its reception.
Extensively cross-referenced and annotated, this edition features over 100 diagrams and photographs, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and detailed index.
Aleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, novelist, mountaineer, and painter. He founded the religion of Thelema, proclaiming himself as the prophet destined to guide humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. A prolific writer, Crowley published extensively throughout his life. Born Edward Alexander Crowley in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, he was raised in a wealthy family adhering to the fundamentalist Christian Plymouth Brethren faith. Crowley rejected his religious upbringing, developing an interest in Western esotericism. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, focusing on mountaineering and poetry, and published several works during this period. In 1898, he joined the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, receiving training in ceremonial magic from Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. His travels took him to Mexico for mountaineering with Oscar Eckenstein and to India, where he studied Hindu and Buddhist practices. In 1904, during a honeymoon in Cairo with his wife Rose Edith Kelly, Crowley claimed to have received "The Book of the Law" from a supernatural entity named Aiwass. This text became the foundation of Thelema, announcing the onset of the Æon of Horus and introducing the central tenet: "Do what thou wilt." Crowley emphasized that individuals should align with their True Will through ceremonial magic. After an unsuccessful expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1905 and further travels in India and China, Crowley returned to Britain. There, he co-founded the esoteric order A∴A∴ with George Cecil Jones in 1907 to promote Thelema. In 1912, he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), eventually leading its British branch and reformulating it according to Thelemic principles. Crowley spent World War I in the United States, engaging in painting and writing pro-German propaganda, which biographers later suggested was a cover for British intelligence activities. In 1920, Crowley established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily. His libertine lifestyle attracted negative attention from the British press, leading to his expulsion by the Italian government in 1923. He spent subsequent years in France, Germany, and England, continuing to promote Thelema until his death in 1947. Crowley's notoriety stemmed from his recreational drug use, bisexuality, and criticism of societal norms. Despite controversy, he significantly influenced Western esotericism and the 1960s counterculture, and remains a central figure in Thelema.
Essential for anyone seriously interested in 20th century (and beyond) occultism, Western Mystery tradition, and Western esoteric work. I consider it the "Old Testament" of the above, and although I've had it on my shelf for over 20 years, I still revisit it on occasion. It contains commentary and ideas touching on pretty much everything related to Eastern/Western metaphysics, spirituality, yoga, occultism etc. which was known (in the West) at the turn of the 20th century. Not all is correct (especially AC's take on Eastern philosophy, which is purely his own limited understanding and subjective experience- and which would change later on), and the wordiness and intellectual style of writing that Crowley uses makes it hard to penetrate for most beginners or less intellectual types. Still, there are some hidden gems scattered throughout, practical instructions/rituals for starting on the AA path, fundamental texts related to Thelema (Liber AL etc.), Qabalah correspondences tables, a good summary on (Raja) yoga, and some great conceptual diagrams. As a consolation for those who find it complete babble, or unintelligent garbage- this heft volume will still look impressive on any bookshelf (and form a very effective paper weight or door stop).
Oh, Uncle Al, you're not big enough to fit for your reputation. I got this to read because a lot of people said it was important or helpful to understand magic and occultism. It's not, necessarily.
Crowley represents a stream of thought that is pretty garbled, which is a good representation of Western culture's relationship to ritual and spirit contact. I would really leave this alone, though. There is so much better material available to us English-speakers now than there was in Crowley's day, or to the Baby Boomers who rediscovered Crowley in the 60s-70s occult revival. The dude was wrong in a lot of things. Even in the most generous lights, his own personal mission for the world is better carried on without him, and we can have gratitude that we have moved on from needing to rely on his resources to do the work today. You'd be better served personally by reading a biography or two of him than by attempting to gain usable insights from his writings directly.
Crowley's definitive magnum opus on magick and self-actualization, made even more valuable by HB's introduction and extensive footnotes. Must-have for Thelemites and magicians of all persuasions. Except perhaps fans of Lynn V. Andrews and Silver TreeRaven (or whatever her name is this week).
My thanks to Watkins Publishing for a digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘Aleister Crowley's Four Books of Magick Liber ABA’, edited by Stephen Skinner in exchange for an honest review. I have since ordered its hardback edition.
This collection of four books under the title of ‘Book Four/Liber ABA’ by occultist, magician and philosopher, Aleister Crowley, is a masterpiece and a foundation text of modern magick. It was written in the early twentieth century in collaboration with a number of his students/scarlet women, who were given coauthor credit by Crowley.
Its four books cover meditation/mysticism, elementary magick, magick in theory and practice, and finally the Book of the Law, the central sacred text of Thelema, the religion founded by Crowley.
Dr. Stephen Skinner was an excellent choice of editor for this collection as he has written extensively on the subject of magic(k) over the years and also served as the editor for Crowley’s magical diaries. He places Crowley’s life and work in context both during his lifetime as well as his continued influence upon modern occultism.
Dr. Skinner includes a number of additions to Crowley’s raw material; notably an excellent Introduction, a Crowley chronology, extensive annotations, and a bibliography. There are also photographs and illustrations scattered throughout the text.
As a result, this is a volume that I am certain will have a wide appeal to occultists and magicians of various levels of experience. I am looking forward to adding it to my home library.
Crowley has a lot to say about occultism, and where the mundane meets occult. This is a convoluted guide to ceremonial magic and also some some pretty big jumps in thinking. It's interesting for anyone interested in the history of ceremonial magic, the golden dawn, etc. I would hate to try to practice anything from these instructions though - the insistence that of you can't you must be woefully unprepared and wrong minded is the first indicator that Crowley was as high and confused as the writing is obtuse.
Quite possibly the most I have ever spent on a book but worth every penny! Fantastic collection of the knowledge of various ancient cultures and views on "magic"
Oh, yes. The Blue Brick. What more can really be said?
This book is actually a compilation of three different books. That's what the colons indicate. I'm not sure why so many people don't seem to get that and instead think that the book just has a really odd title.
This book is a collection of the most important foundational texts that define Crowley's system of practical magick. It is an indispensable resource for anyone who dares to take on the challenge known as The Great Work.
You'll get to learn all the cool dance moves, song lyrics, and probably start several unusual knick knack collections. A few of you might even learn to sew! You really just never know what fascinating vocations might spring forth as a result of tapping into these ancient mysteries!
I'm going to help you out with something many people struggle with and Crowley doesn't do all that great of a job of explaining: magick vs mysticism.
Magick: The logistical mode of working to put Will into practice. Mysticism: The subjective experience of having put Will into practice.
With those definitions in mind, much of the material in this book will make a lot more sense.
And, years from now, when you get to that phase in your magical education when you get sick of it all and want to sell off your books and previously-treasured knick knacks, keep this one. Keep this one and keep one really nice leather-bound copy of Liber AL. You'll want those back one day, so this will save you some money!
Yes. This is a book I chose to read. It was weird. And fascinating, but not for reasons most would presume. I cant say I recommend this for anyone. I can though state. It is not as stupid as you might be told to presume it is. Here is an excerpt at the books end:
"At the conclusion of this part of this book, one may sum up the whole matter in these words: There is no object whatever worthy of attainment but the regular development of the being of the Aspirant by steady scientific work; he should not attempt to run before he can walk; he should not wish to go somewhere until he knows for certain whither he wills to go."
In short: Self help through the weirdest damn means. How can you make life closer to your liking.
Absolute essential reading on magical and occult theory and instruction, placed perfectly through the lens of the New Aeon. Dense and articulate, it’s easy to get lost if you don’t understand every reference Crowley assumes you’ll already know. Fortunately, the extensively researched notes from Hymenaeus Beta make for incredible supplementary contextual information with additional useful trivia relating to associated publications. Truly a monumental work and an essential read for practitioners of the occult and adherents of Thelema.
Crowley's magnum opus. If you haven't read this book don't call yourself a Thelemite. This is Crowley's Masterwork and covers all aspects of his system including the revalations of Aiwas Crowley's Holy Guardian Angel. An absolute must own for anyone interested in the occult, Magick, Thelema, Crowley, mystery schools, secret societies, the Golden Dawn, Free Masonry, etc.
About as complete an encyclopedia of Crowley's magical and mystical philosophies and proposed practices as exists. Whether any of this has any value is another question. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/202...
Crowley's most classic text, enjoyable and interesting read although many of Crowley's techniques relating to yoga are better taught and learnt from the Indian sources then by Crowley
"Con la Bacchetta Egli crea. Con la Coppa Egli preserva. Con il Pugnale Egli distrugge. Con il Denaro Egli riscatta. Le sue armi compiono la ruota; e su Quale Asse essa ruota, a Lui non è noto."
“I found myself at a loss for a name to designate my work… Theosophy, Spiritualism, Occultism, Mysticism, all involved undesirable connotations. I chose therefore the name MAGICK as essentially the most sublime, and actually the most discredited, of all the available terms. I swore to rehabilitate MAGICK; to compel mankind to respect, love, and trust that which they scorned, hated and feared.”
It took me several months to read, but I -did- finish the entirety of “MAGICK: Book Four – Liber ABA” by Aleister Crowley. This is essentially a textbook. Beyond its main body (Introduction and Four parts), it has literally hundreds of pages of appendices (including many additional writings by Crowley, a curriculum, further reading, full Rituals with plentiful illustrations), as well as annotations throughout, a glossary, and more.
A breakdown of the four Books:
1 – “Mysticism” (1913) – This is Crowley’s discussion of Yoga postures, methods of Meditation that he deems essentially connected to Magick. It’s interesting to note that this was published substantially earlier than most of this knowledge becoming widely available to the West – we take for granted how mainstream/readily accessible Yoga-related teachings have become, but in 1913 it was not so. Crowley was here ahead of his time. 2 – “Elementary Theory” (1913) – This section is the one I see so often sold misleadingly on its own in the public-domain market as if it were the -entire- Book Four. If you think you are buying the complete “Book Four” it should be substantially more than just this. This is meant as a criticism of cheap public-domain copes though, and not of this section itself, which I actually quite enjoyed. ‘Elementary Theory’ details the tools and the setting to be used for ceremonial magick. My favorite part of this section is a breakdown of the 4 main tools of the magician (Wand, Sword, Cup, Pentacle) which correspond to the Tarot minor arcana suites and/or aspects of the psyche. 3 – “Magick in Theory and Practice” (1930) – A much more thorough approach to magick, including 28 Theorems, various formulae, and tons of detail. The longest of the sections, but probably most informative, too. 4 – “The Book of The Law” (received 1904 / first pub. 1909) – I still cannot say I fully understand it (this was my 3rd time reading specifically TBoTL). But the additions of the notes and “Genesis Libri Al” greatly expand its context and content. It’s even included in the original handwriting, which is a nice touch, along with color reproductions of the Stele of Revealing. This is the Holy Text of the Thelema religion, but can certainly be enjoyed as esoteric poetry on its own.
Beyond those, I especially enjoyed combing the appendices. Crowley just wrote -so much- material and even if it isn’t ALL perfectly consistent in quality, it’s at least all fascinating. The best stuff more than makes up for the weaker stuff. And there’s plenty of interesting material throughout – I liked one part where Crowley lists the reasons that he believes he is the reincarnation of Eliphas Levi (an influential occult writer from a prior time); what with both men’s focus on the Will, I can see the possibility, at very least. And with the included Rituals, a serious student could get a decent start, even if practicing alone rather than in any sort of organization.
This is a high-quality hardcover book that will hold up to the wear of frequent use over time. Weiser did a fantastic job. “MAGICK: Book Four – Liber ABA” may be a bit expensive or tough to find, but I would argue it is one of the best books to use to gain a genuine understanding of occult work. Even if you are not inclined to Thelema (I do not consider myself a Thelemite but respect their belief), I think that Aleister Crowley is worthwhile to read/study for anyone with serious interest in the occult. I can say confidently that I learned the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram directly from this book (with a little help from the internet for pronunciation of Hebrew!) and when I am ready, it contains further, more complex rituals that I can more on to learning.
“Theorem 8 – A man whose conscious will is at odds with his True Will is wasting his strength. He cannot hope to influence his environment efficiently.” “Theorem 9 – A man who is doing his True Will has the inertia of the Universe to assist him.” -------------------------------------- follow mother_lachrymarvm on instagram for occult content and more... https://www.instagram.com/mother_lach...