Well, I recently ordered said book from the internet. At about sixty some odd pages, I must say that's it's a fairly interesting book. This really isn't something for the experienced ceremonialist, it's more of a beginners guide to the LBRP and how to perform it.

One of the main differences that this book presents to a practionier of the LBRP is the way that it's performed. Instead of physically acting out the LBRP, we're instead invited to perform the ritual in our imagination. Nothing truly groundbreaking I know, but the author does present a very solid version of the ritual that's perfectly geared to doing it via the imagination. One flaw the descriptions however is in the description of forming the encircled cross, which could have been elaborated on more thoroughly.

We're of course also presented with all the need for magic ritual, it's effect and it's place in the magical work. All concisely and nicely written out so that anyone knew to the way would have no trouble understanding what is meant.

One part that intrigued me is when the author tells us that each point of the pentagram represents a different aspect of life: power, wealth, healing, protection and love. Frater Shaddai then gives the reader a few rituals that they can perform (again, via the imagination) within the LBRP. His words on the topic of love are quite practical and something I greatly appreciate.

All in all this book is a superb book for people looking to enter the magical realm and aren't quite sure which way they would like to go. If I ever had to give a beginner intersested in magic a book, this might well be the one. The one big advantage of the big is that there's nothing cumbersome about it, it doesn't scare a person away, it's very user friendly and it's filled with effective and dare I say fun stuff. The only thing that rubbed me slightly wrong is that it's called secrets of the pentagram ritual, I feel that the title, keys to the pentagram ritual would have been a more suitable title.

I'll give this book 2 and 1/2 stars given the price and information given. However, if your looking for a place to start this book is a very solid 3 if not 3 and 1/2 stars.

This post has been edited by Bb3: Nov 27 2006, 07:30 AM