The Gates Of The Necronomicom, What did you think of this book? Options

Hello All,
I've recently read the newest book book by Simon. I suppose its a good source of information when it talks about Gate walking; even providing Daoist views of that. Its gives a quick crash course in Ancient civilizations and a unique view of the Big Dipper in reference to the Necronomicom. It gives dates and times perfect for Gate Walking so those interested in such will have a good resource.
Now for all the praise I just gave the book here comes the pain. I didn't like it. The reason I didn't like it is because It didn't give me what I was hoping for. I'm a ceremonial magician and I do rever and respect the Elder Gods, But I'm not a priest by any means. So when I picked up this volume, I had hoped that this text would be somewhat like a grimoire and its not. So thats what I think of the Book. What do you think?

Hi everyone,

So, would you say that this book isn't a necessary companion to Simon's Necronomicon?

I ask from the viewpoint that most of the power from Simon's Necronomicon comes from the energies of the source materials. The more Simon alters or adds to that material, the more he risks sapping it's vigor, right? I know that Simon remake of Sumero-Babylonian religion and Cthulhu mythos doesn't adhere faithfully to either tradition, but it's a wonderfully written book, isn't it? It's awe-inspiring when it means to be, and is wonderfully terrifying when it intends to. But he owes that to the Sumerians and Lovecraft as much to himself, doesn't he?

Sorry if it's not a good question, but I'm afraid to read the later books if they are going to 'spoil' the first one for me.

Hagetaka

Hi everyone,

So, would you say that this book isn't a necessary companion to Simon's Necronomicon?

I ask from the viewpoint that most of the power from Simon's Necronomicon comes from the energies of the source materials. The more Simon alters or adds to that material, the more he risks sapping it's vigor, right? I know that Simon remake of Sumero-Babylonian religion and Cthulhu mythos doesn't adhere faithfully to either tradition, but it's a wonderfully written book, isn't it? It's awe-inspiring when it means to be, and is wonderfully terrifying when it intends to. But he owes that to the Sumerians and Lovecraft as much to himself, doesn't he?

Sorry if it's not a good question, but I'm afraid to read the later books if they are going to 'spoil' the first one for me.

Hagetaka

Dead Names is a good read, but not necessarily essential. I would still recommend it though. I am not done with his Gates book yet, but from what I have read so far I would recommend it to anyone interested in working the initiatory aspect of the Necronomicon. His Freudian analysis of the Underworld journey helped put a lot of things into perspective.

As per page 189, I am pausing the debate until I do finish the book and post my review. Dont worry Distillate, I wont be much longer. Let me finish the (IMG:style_emoticons/default/book.gif) , then I will get back to (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sport_boxing.gif) .

Ashnook