Azoëtia: A Grimoire of the Sabbatic Craft: The Sethos Edition

by Andrew D. Chumbley

The Azoëtia is Andrew D. Chumbley's first book.
It was published privately by the author in 1992 as a softcover volume under the Xoanon imprint. The work received positive reviews from other contemporary practitioners.
Described as "...a complete recension of Sabbatic theory and praxis, relating the Three Great Rites of Ingress, Congress, and Egress, together with a detailed exposition of the 22 Letters of the Sorcerer's Alphabet", the book forms a résumé of Chumbley's system and is the core text for practitioners wishing to study and practice the Sabbatic path of Magic.
A tenth anniversary edition, revised to include further textual and illustrative material was issued by Xoanon Publishing on October 31, 2002, as Azoëtia (Sethos Edition). Part of the book's significance in modern occult literature lies in its conscious reinvention of the format of the "grimoire", or sorcerer's instruction book.
Gavin Semple hailed The Azoëtia as "a very different type of book; a genuine Grimoire, likely the only one to be published in modern times; [...] The Azoëtia is a work of breathtaking power and passion, in whose pages magic is restored to its position as the Sacred Art, the Sabbatic Craft is revealed as a living and very vital tradition."

About the author:
Andrew D. Chumbley (September 15, 1967 – September 15, 2004) was an English practitioner and theorist of magic, and a writer, poet and artist. He was Magister of the UK-based magical group Cultus Sabbati.

Genres: Occult, Witchcraft, Spirituality, Magick

Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 1992

About the author

Andrew D. Chumbley was an English practitioner and theorist of magic, and a writer, poet and artist. He was Magister of the UK-based magical group Cultus Sabbati. Chumbley’s writings presented a unique and innovative form of modern religious witchcraft to the world’s esoteric milieu that deviated significantly from the better-known Wicca.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chumbleys primary work on the crooked path is a diverse and complex text thatwill challenge the reader to expand their thoughts and praxis into a whole new realm, that of Azoth.

This grimoire is not a beginners text and it is highly recommended that you have a firm grounding in gnostic, pagan and general occult praxis and theory before tackling this volume. With that said I can not recommend this book enough - it is overwhelming in its vastness and Chumbley has certainly created a book that is going to stand the test of time.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew D. Chumbley’s The Azoetia stands as one of the most revered and enigmatic grimoires in modern occult literature. Often referred to as the foundation of the Sabbatic Craft, this 2002 Sethos Edition solidifies its position as a monumental work that bridges traditional British cunning-craft with Chumbley’s unique vision as a contemporary initiate. For those fortunate enough to obtain a copy, The Azoetia offers a complex and multi-layered system of magical practice that demands both devotion and a deep understanding of occult principles.

At its core, The Azoetia is a deeply personal and artistic expression of the Sabbatic Tradition, blending visionary poetics with practical magical instructions. Chumbley’s ability to weave dense, symbolic language with concrete ritual detail is unparalleled, making the text not only a grimoire but a work of esoteric art. His exploration of the Sacred Alphabet—a 22-lettered code representing the theurgic principles of the Arte Magical—forms the backbone of the work, guiding practitioners through layers of hidden meaning and transformative power.

What sets The Azoetia apart from other grimoires is its emphasis on the spiritual journey of the individual practitioner. Chumbley presents not just a collection of spells or rituals, but a full system of initiation that leads the adept through stages of Ingress, Congress, and Egress—rituals that mirror the arcane cycles of life, death, and rebirth. These rituals serve as both symbolic and literal rites of passage, designed to immerse the practitioner fully into the liminal realms of the Sabbatic path.

The addition of new artwork and revisions in the Sethos Edition enhances the depth and richness of the text, bringing Chumbley’s spiritual vision even more vividly to life. His artistry is not limited to the written word; the illustrations, as much as the prose, are conduits for magical understanding. Each element of the book, from its aesthetic presentation to its content, is charged with intent, making The Azoetia not only a manual for the practice of cunning-craft but also a talismanic object in itself.

One of the most striking aspects of The Azoetia is its exploration of the "magico-aesthetic formulae" that define the tools and symbols of the Sabbatic Craft. Chumbley’s descriptions of working tools go beyond the physical—each is imbued with a metaphysical purpose that transcends mere function, elevating them to objects of power that interact with the practitioner’s spiritual current. This detailed exposition makes the grimoire essential for those who wish to engage deeply with the occult forces inherent in the tools and symbols of the craft.

However, The Azoetia is not an easy read. It requires a deep commitment to the study of esoteric symbols, a willingness to engage with its cryptic language, and an openness to the visionary aspects of Chumbley’s work. For those prepared to invest the time and effort, The Azoetia offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of the Sabbatic Craft, revealing layers of meaning with each reading and magical practice.

[Samhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern classic and one of the most original work of traditional witchcraft. A whole system of sorcery is outlined and all the rites and tools of the Crooked Path tradition are described in a way that makes possible solitary initiation into the current that Mr Chumbley represented.

A system of magic for both harming and healing, but also for reaching gnosis and the hidden wisdom of witchdom.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the real deal, although you'll be hard pressed to find a community of people that actively practices this current. I have some problems with the way that Chumbley syncretizes "The Black Man of the Sabbath" with other archetypal gods such as Shiva, because Western witchcraft isn't related to other esoteric traditions in the way that some pagans might like to believe. On the other hand, this book is one of the most advanced systems of Western magic out there, so if you're a practitioner of that tradition, this grimoire is a must read.

[Michael Neal]

What can you say about Chumbley? Always fascinating.

[Luka Bakašun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the real thing. From all the modern occult authors, Chumbley seems to have been the only one who truly found and created authentic and powerful tradition. Azoetia is very powerful book. If your Praxis hasn't gotten you to adept-like level, the book can look like a very hard read, but I would still recommend it to everyone.