"In this text, Lon Milo DuQuette takes readers into the sometimes terrifying, sometimes hilarious world of the modern ceremonial magician. Laced with self-effacing humour, his confessions, insights, and profundities contain a body of technical information on magick."

Has anyone here read this book and willing to comment on its accuracy in the world of the ceremonial magician? There is much mention in the reviews I have read of the book being so funny and hilarious--but is it too much so?--is it realistic?

Thanks in advance.

It is a nice book, although you may have encountered a lot of the stories elsewhere, e.g. the introduction to the Enochian Dictionary, the New Falcon edition of the Goetia etc. If you have not read them I would say it is worth reading.

If you ever get the chance, go see Lon talk somewhere. Last time he was here he was supposed to be giving a 1 hour lecture on something, but he said, "Well, I haven't got anywhere else to be, anyone else got things they need to do?" and then proceeded to just chat with folks for about 4 and a half hours about Goetia and the Enochian system. He talked about a lot of examples from his experiences that aren't in the books. It was great. One of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet too!

I have a copy, actually. Brilliant book. I've never met the man, although I'd really like to. It's not only worth reading for the autobiographical aspects, but for good pointers on how to whip your inner demons and make them work for you. In a lot of ways it's a story of how he grew to be a man--probably 20 years too late, but better late than never. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I love the instance of him conjuring the fire wand and the water main breaking outside and flooding the street. I've had similar instances happen, although none quite as dramatic! And I've done the 'accidentally break new equipment' bit. Not fun.

It's definitely worth reading. Since most of it is personal experience it really can't be objectively verified, but it's still a good read. There's quite a bit of basic theory in there too. If you've never read any of his other works, this is a good introduction, and it's how I got introduced to them, so...

You won't regret buying it at all.

I have to agree. Great book!

it's ok

not sorry i bought it / but not overjoyed either.

it's a good book about a magicians life, but it's not a good book on learning how to be a better magician, IMO. I recommend it though as long as you don't expect much from it other than an entertaining read and a slight insight into working the goetia and enochian in a modern context. Be aware though, that he treats the goetics as aspects of the mind that can't hurt you, but I don't, and a lot of other people don't either, so most people have trouble with them, even if he doesn't. So research carefully before you try anything he's tried. After all, in the book he describes several mystical experiences he has had so he was already prepared to work with the goetics more than most beginners.

His description of working with enochian also shows how easy it is to become obsessed with any system, so be wary of that also. Regardie warned him to be careful, but he didn't listen and lost his job while trying to finish the enochian tablets.

That's ok--I, myself, am not a CM, but find their work fascinating as is working with spirits in general. In that the author treats the goetics as aspects of the mind that can't hurt you, etc.--is disappointing as I believe the opposite is true.

But in any event, thank you, everyone, for your replies.

That's exactly my only gripe with it. Most people that read the book, if they're not occultists or are looking to this book as a good start, might actually believe that a demon can't hurt them. Lon claims to never have been attacked, ever, in his life by a spirit. I find that very difficult to believe, and if it's true then he is a one-in-a-million magician that is very lucky, or very well taken care of by higher powers.

I believe Lon Milo may be just that one-in-a- million! I herd an interview he gave about his first invocation of one of the goetia, It was hilarious! But was also reveling as to what kind of person he is. It was as tho there was no “wrong “ in his world, only something to get though or deal with. The things that happened to him were situations that would have made most people say “oh well I blew it” and stop. He took it in stride kept going and finished his first ritual, and to this day has been reaping the rewards of his request.
I feel he is one of those people whose heart energy is so big that demons are not able to affect him. Or possibly it's because his thought energy is structured so that he sees nothing as an obstacle and negitive energy dissolves around him.
He is a magician that we can all learn from, not by following his words verbatim but from who he is, his essence and how he stands in the same world that we do, but reacts so differently.
I will make a point to read My Life with the Spirits soon, hopefully my life with the mundane will slow down so I can enjoy a book.....
peace to you all-
fiona
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