This is an excellent book that reminds me very much of Lords of Lights in that it seems almost in a lecture type mode. This is the first of what's supposed to be a two volume set detailing a way of working using what Stewart refers to as the 'two sensitive points'. Now let's get one things straight, in this book there are not many techniques or exercises that one would call a system of magic. Instead, this book is something of a primer and discourse into the creation of the particular and it's relevance in today's world. The 'two sensitive points' are of course relative to the above and below, so there's a highly alchemical feel to this tradition of magic. I say seems because as I say again this book is a very sound introduction to magical thought in general, an excellent book for those beginners and intermediate magician's who want to study and understand the depth of the magical currents rather than be content to simply coast upon the surface. However, this book will also benefit those with greater experience since there are some excellent insights and ways of looking at things that are summated quite nicely. One of the most interesting things Stewart proposes is that the chakra scheme for the most part is invalid and not fit for western metaphysical conception, he does say that this is his personal experience and of course personal experience does vary but it's nice to finally hear one of the more respected authors of today's new age finally call out chakra system. Overall, the book is a bit pricey for the 150 pages but the content is quality. The main negative is that sometimes you wish Stewart would go a bit more in depth into certain points, but this book is relative to Vol 2 so I don't think he wants to go that much off course.

3 1/2 stars out of 4

Foreward 7
Preface 9
Intro 13
Ch 1 - Essential Conepts 41
Ch 2 - The Two Sensitive Points 65
Ch 3- Ethics and the Sphere of Art, Energies and Movement 77
Conculsion 97
App 1 101
App 2 117
App 3 121
App 4 123
App 5 141
Table 1 145
Illustrations 147
Bibiliography 155

Consider that there is no Above: there is only Around or the enfolding Sphere of "off-planet", within which the planet has its being. There is no Below: there is only Within or "in-planet", down to the central core of planet Earth where the nearest startstill burns, intimately close by cosmic measure, beneath our feet. (48)

We need not indulge in popular reductionism to justify spiritual tradition: the metaphysical teachings have been known for thousands of years, while the contemporary models in physics are paralells or alternatives finally appearing within a materialistic mindset. (66)

When we work with the Sphere of Art nd the wo Sensitive Points, we have to let go of the contemporary illusion of results. Only by doing so will we discover the potential results that will arise from the energies in the Sphere. This is perhaps pfrustrating for the modern mind, a situation of axiological ethics rather than obvious practicalities. (79)

If there are any questions let me know.

Just noticed that this book is currently onsale at RJ's website.

This post has been edited by Bb3: Mar 7 2009, 01:13 PM