The Book of Ceremonial Magic - Arthur Edward Waite - The Book of Ceremonial Magic by Arthur Edward Waite was originally called The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts. It was first published in a limited run in 1898, and distributed more widely under the title The Book of Ceremonial Magic in 1910Writing in the late 19th century, Waite had studiously researched many obscure tenets of magic. Much of this book concerns the obscure occult tomes, which the author condenses and presents to readers in this single volume. Waite's studies uncover a variety of knowledge; there are thousands of spells and rituals that date back to Medieval times and have a theological basis. Many exist to ward off devils, witches or other evil phenomena, while others seek to conjure beneficent spirits. Another intriguing aspect of ceremonial magic is the ability to form pacts with supernatural beings. These rituals in themselves act to compel supernatural entities to assist a human being; none of them involve offering one's soul. However, many require one or more materials and ingredients to begin - grave dust or a certain plant for instance. Waite disapproves of those who reprint and sell the older magical grimoires for two principle reasons. Firstly the quality of the English translations is low, often proscribing completely different instructions and requisites for a given ritual than was given in the original source text. Secondly these books make no distinction between 'white' or 'black' magic; such lack of organization makes it difficult for the modern reader to distinguish the practices. Over 150 symbols, seals, insignia, charts and other illustrations populate this text, each offering insight into how the magician correctly undertakes his tasks. Waite includes many scripts that the performer of magic must read out loud as he attempts to conjure, summon or communicate with forces from other planes of existence.

The Book of Black Magic is Arthur Edward Waite's magnum opus of occult lore; this edition contains the author's original icons, symbols, seals and drawings. This supreme guide to occultist history, lore, magick, and ceremony is split into two parts: The first is entitled ""The Literature of Ceremonial Magic"". Here, Waite examines the ritualistic traditions which surrounding the occult movement for centuries. He notes various texts, and how these had a bearing upon the practice of the occult and of magical ceremony. The second part, ""The Complete Grimoire"", concerns how those who practice black magic and occult ritual become versed in the craft. The stringent physical and mental requirements, and the need to practice a spiritual attunement and inner ablution, is detailed. Astronomical knowledge of the planets and their movements is a necessity, as is possession of a variety of instruments, plus a deep knowledge of the various symbols and scripts used in occultism.

An exhaustive guide to the occult, featuring passages on folklore, occultist history, and magic ceremony. First published in 1898, The Book of Black Magic and Pacts contains a large number of magic spells and occult writings taken from a variety of sources. This volume is one of the greatest overviews of the occult. Written by Arthur Edward Waite, influential scholarly mystic and co-creator of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck. The contents of this volume feature: - The Literature of Ceremonial Magic - The Antiquity of Magical Rituals - The Rituals of Transcendental Magic - The Rituals of Black Magic - The Initial Rites and Ceremonies - Concerning the Descending Hierarchy - The Mysteries of Infernal Evocation According to the Grand Grimoire - The Method of Honorius - Miscellaneous and Minor Processes - Concerning Infernal Necromancy

Arthur Edward Waite's classic grimoire of magical studies is presented here complete with the original illustrations, that the reader may understand the symbols, rituals, incantations and alchemy involved. Writing in the late 19th century, Waite had studiously researched many obscure tenets of magic. Much of this book concerns the obscure occult tomes, which the author condenses and presents to readers in this single volume. Waite's studies uncover a variety of knowledge; there are thousands of spells and rituals that date back to Medieval times and have a theological basis. Many exist to ward off devils, witches or other evil phenomena, while others seek to conjure beneficent spirits. Another intriguing aspect of ceremonial magic is the ability to form pacts with supernatural beings. These rituals in themselves act to compel supernatural entities to assist a human being; none of them involve offering one's soul. However, many require one or more materials and ingredients to begin - grave dust or a certain plant for instance. Waite disapproves of those who reprint and sell the older magical grimoires for two principle reasons. Firstly the quality of the English translations is low, often proscribing completely different instructions and requisites for a given ritual than was given in the original source text. Secondly these books make no distinction between 'white' or 'black' magic; such lack of organization makes it difficult for the modern reader to distinguish the practices. Over 150 symbols, seals, insignia, charts and other illustrations populate this text, each offering insight into how the magician correctly undertakes his tasks. Waite includes many scripts that the performer of magic must read out loud as he attempts to conjure, summon or communicate with forces from other planes of existence.

Gateways Through Light and Shadow is the second book by Bryan Garner, known to his fellow ceremonial magicians as Frater Ashen Chassan, and in it we are again offered the illuminating opportunity to observe and learn from a practicing magus engaged in his Work. Once more he offers instruction in the processes of grimoric ceremonial magic and shares the insights he has gained from his ongoing research and operations. However, what may be most extraordinary about Gateways is that it allows us access to the detailed magical journal records of the communications received by Ashen Chassan and his gifted scryer, Benn mac Stiofán, during the evocations of such profound Spiritual beings as the seven Planetary Archangels, the seven Olympic Planetary Spirits, the four Spirit Kings of the Cardinal Directions, and the Supercelestial Angels Sandalphon and Metatron. Gateways Through Light and Shadow is illustrated throughout with two-color line art of the talismanic magical implements used in the evocations, including sigils, seals, lamens, pentacles, and magic circles, along with new implements created by the magician under the guidance of the Archangels, as well as new portraits of the evoked Spirits. "This book is a major contribution to the study and practice of Western ceremonial ritual magic. This is a book that no serious practitioner of magic should be without." --from the Foreword by Dr. Stephen Skinner

The Book of Ceremonial Magic is famous as one of the first attempts to document various famous grimoires and other magic texts. In this work, Waite pays much attention to the history of magic texts, refuting many of their legends. He also raises a question of the relations between magic and theology. He discusses these issues in particular examples, like raising the question of why good angels would be summoned to kill an enemy. Another merit of this work is synthesizing many famous grimoires into one system.