The Complete Magick Curriculum of the Secret Order G.B.G.: Being the Entire Study, Curriculum, Magick Rituals, and Initiatory Practices of the G.B.G

by Louis T. Culling, Carl Llewellyn Weschcke

Founded upon the revolutionary premise that High Magick can be distilled to a few powerful and efficient steps, Louis T. Culling's original edition of this classic magick book broke all the rules. Llewellyn is proud to present an updated and expanded edition of this pioneering work. The G∴B∴ G∴, or "Great Brotherhood of God," was a magickal order founded by acclaimed magician Frater Genesthai. Louis T. Culling, one of the initial members of the G∴B∴ G∴. in California, was instructed by Genesthai to reveal the Order's magickal curriculum when the time was right. Carl Llewellyn Weschcke, publisher of Culling's original edition of this book, offers illuminating commentary, definitions, and discussion points to render these profound magickal philosophies and practices even more accessible and relevant for contemporary magickal practice. This new edition is also an interesting philosophical commentary, answering a number of questions about historical occult orders and figures like Aleister Crowley. The techniques taught in this curriculum

Genres: Spirituality, Magick, Occult, Magic

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Michael Snuffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw a copy of the original publication of Culling's GBG curriculum when I first started getting into occultism back in the late 90s. I didn't have any money at the time, so I didn't get the book; later I regretted passing it up. So you can imagine how happy I felt when I heard that Llewellyn had republished the GBG curriculum.

What a disappointment! I only made it a quarter of a way through the book before I gave up, saying “I don’t have time for this crap!”

You may ignore the "Commentary" and the "Definitions and Discussion Points" at the end of each chapter. (Note: the subtitles lack consistency; the section labeled "Definitions and Discussion Points" in the preface changes to "Study and Discussion Points" in Chapters 1-5, then returns to "Definitions and Discussion Points" from Chapter 6 forward.) Weschcke appears to have very little knowledge of Thelema, a big problem when analyzing the papers of an order “based on three points: The Book of the Law, Thelema, and the Aeon of Horus.” (page XXVIII.)

For example, consider his definition of the A.’.A.’.: “An order founded by Crowley after leaving the Golden Dawn. It was reputed to reflect Crowley’s bisexuality. See the website www.ordoaa.org/ for information and essential instructions for aspirants of the A.’.A.’.” This definition, repeated throughout the book, offers no real information! What about the curriculum, or the fact that each member only knows a teacher and a student, or maybe even its use of Thelema? On the other hand, Weschcke’s definition of the OTA comes straight from Runyon’s website propaganda. I don’t know why he even mentions the OTA in this book other than to give Runyon a plug. But I digress.

Bad writing and editing turned me off to this book. I kept finding errors. Another example: the entry for the OTA in the Index lists the wrong page numbers; it duplicates the listing for the OTO. And how many OTOs exist? Weschcke seems uncertain, but a quick browse through the Wikipedia entry clearly states that Kenneth Grant no longer claims to represent the OTO. Fact-checking, please!

In a nutshell, this new agey interpretation of the curriculum from a serious magical order falls far short of my expectations. I would really like to see the papers published without Weschcke’s commentary, or an analysis by someone who has a better grasp of the subject than Weschcke. I have a great deal of respect for Weschcke as a publisher, but I wish he had handed this project over to Donald Michael Kraig instead of handling it himself.

p.s. Unfortunately, I will have to read this book again at some point as research for one of my next books. It would make me very happy if someone who has a copy of the original publication of the GBG papers would determine if Weschcke altered them in any way in this new publication. I could salvage the papers from this book if I knew for certain that Weschcke did not edit them.

[Durgadas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains practical information for expanding mystical experience and awareness, which was useful for me, particularly around dream work and sacred sexuality. In my opinion, the removal of much pomp and circumstance and the distillation of information and techniques in this book is extremely helpful. I didn't practice everything in this book, but reading it shifted my practice in several tangible ways, which isn't often my experience with occult books. It's probably a helpful adjunct for people studying Ceremonial Magick and Thelema who want to practice at a deeper level (that said, there is some heternormative material in here that I think is dated and inaccurate, so as with anything, I think it's best to approach this with a grain of salt and our discernment). This will likely not be satisfying for practitioners who lean more toward armchair occultism, Crowley worship, or Thelemic dogmatism (which oddly, sadly, and ironically, is a thing). All that said, I have never read a book that was more padded than this. I found Weschcke's added material to be hit and miss (but when it was hit, I was glad for it). Those sections repeat a significant amount of information and may best be skimmed.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The additional material and references by someone who doesn't seem to grasp the subject very well are pretty irreverent but the other "original" info is quite good/interesting. CF Russell is someone I am greatly interested. I wish someone would just publish a book of the order papers, maybe someone who is more experienced in Russell's work or specifically the GBG curriculum giving a bit of commentary..if necessary...

[John Poquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhh, this book is so bonkers crazy it's awesome. Reminds me of David Icke stuff with less conspiracy and more sex magick.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

intersting concept of a "shortcut" to the HGA!

[Mark Richfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another cacophony of stuff nicked from Crowley (or perhaps Franz Bardon?)yet again. I would not waste my time or money on this piece of wack job crap.
But somebody will stumble upon it and try to use it and probably hurt themselves or someone close to them.