I just read Modern Magick by Donald Kraig. I found it to be very informative and a good beginers book that can take you to more advanced forms of magick also a good review for more seasoned practioners. Of course they are Mr. Kraig's own views and style, I do believe anyone interested in CM could get something out of it. I'm intersted in others view's on the subject.

I agree completely. Modern Magick is a great place to start for any aspiring Ceremonialist.

I don't agree with Kraig on everything he says in the book but I think the book succeeds in its aim to allow the student to pick up and understand most other magickal books after studying Modern Magick.

It's strengths are that it puts everything into context nicely and it explains the history and meaning (as well as gives very detailed instructions on the execution) of many of the popular rituals today. Its weakness is that it is a little too white-light-new-agey for me, but that just might be a personal opinion.

Well, that's why through out the book Kraig said, "Think for yourself, question authority." He even meant himself (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif). I loved the book. I read it through 3 times and still refer to it when I need something brushed up on or just to double check something. He brings magick out in a way that EVERYONE can understand, thus why I really liked the book. When I first started magick a friend of mine had the book. I borrowed it from him and tried reading it (This was YEARS ago). I couldn't make heads or tails of it and actually found it boring. Then, about a year later after I had read some basic stuff on magick I felt it was time I could tackle that big blue book. And tell you what, it's been a fav ever since. I'm actually fond of lesson 7, making and designing your own talismans. I still use that system, I've modified it to my own needs, but I still follow his general guidelines.

"Thumbs up" for Modern Magick from me too. It's one of the few books I can honestly say contributed a whole lot to my initial magickal education. Granted, there are a few error's in the book, and he may at time say "interesting" things, however, I can honestly say the book has impacted me far more positively than it ever could negatively.

Thumbs up for a beginner's book.

-F.F.

I'm glad to see the good reviews so far. I definitely agree that every one should think for themselves. I wish this book would have been available 27 years ago!

I agree this is a great book for people doing magic. I never completed the course, but I got a lot out of it anyway. Definitely talismans are important for mages. I don't like his use of Enochian later in the book. I think the other book to get with this one is the Magician's Workbook by Tyson.

c2-c4

This post has been edited by sithhunter: Oct 28 2006, 07:42 PM

I haven't read the Magician's Workbook yet. I've paged through it thought it looked interesting, but it didn't look like he gave much theory. As for Enochian check out Tyson's Enochian for Beginners. Redhand (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wizard.gif)

When I went to pick up this book at the store by my house, they were out, so I picked up "Practical Magic" which is a pretty informative book thats pretty much along the same lines as Modern Magick.

picked this book up a couple years back, man I wish I did sooner! It would have saved me lots of money (and time) on shitty books designed to initiate one in CM.

This is one of my wery favorite books on magick, it opend up so mutch for me becouse the writing style is understandable, not only did it give me all the wonderful information in the book itself, it also gave me a way to understand so many other books that was dificult to grasp. I truly do recomand this book, it is worth its price many times over and if the choice is between this book and 20 other books on magick, choose Modern Magick it is what will get you the most value.

I have to agree, this is one of the better works put out in a long time! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wizard.gif)

I used to have a copy of this. I sold it because so much of the information was redundant and it was taking up space.

If someone is a beginner, though, it's a really good book to get started with. I could have done without the Sex Magick chapter though, sticking that in a beginner level book is ASKING for trouble.

The Magician's Workbook is short on theory, but draws extensively from Crowley and Regardie's beginner exercises to provide a somewhat more complete... "initiatory experience" than Modern Magick does. I really recommend the exercise where you note down every time you say "I", although I think a rubber band on the wrist is better than a tally. I like that one a lot. I don't like Tyson as a rule... but then again, I can't get Enochian right either and I've been studying the original texts for a while. I'm sure Tyson has too. Definitely something hidden in there.

Have you tried Tysons Enochian for beginners?
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Beginner or Advanced this is a good book either using it as a course or a review. The sex magick comes later in the course if you followed it corectly you would be ready. Of course DMKs Modern Sex Magick is also a very good read.
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