Product Description

This important collection includes Aleister Crowley's two most important instructional writings on the design and purpose of the magical diary, John St. John and A Master of the Temple. These were the only two works regarding the magical diary published in Crowley's lifetime. Both were first published in Crowley's immense collection of magical instruction, The Equinox. John St. John chronicles Crowley's moment-by-moment progress during a 13-day magical working. Crowley referred to it as "a perfect model of what a magical record should be." A Master of the Temple is taken from the magical diary of Frater Achad at a time when he was Crowley's most valued and successful student. It provides an invaluable example of a student's record, plus direct commentary and instruction added by Crowley.

With commentary and introductory material by editor James Wasserman, Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary is the most important and accessible instruction available to students of the occult regarding the practice of keeping a magical diary.

This revised edition includes a new introduction by Wasserman, a foreword by noted occult scholar J. Daniel Gunther, revisions throughout the text, a revised reading list for further study, plus Crowley's instructions on banishing from Liber O.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #640452 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
I think the most important part is the introduction which really sets the tone for the rest of the publication. -- New Moon Newsletter, September 2006

About the Author
James Wasserman is a student of the occult and has been practicing the Magical system of Aleister Crowley for many years. He is the author The Templars and the Assassins and Art and Symbols of the Occult. Other published works include Aha! (formerly published by New Falcon) and his original political commentary, The Slaves Shall Serve (published by Sekmet Books).

Customer Reviews

Learn from those who walk the walk
Aleister Crowley penned "John St. John" as an antidote to claims that the practice of magic necessarily involved long periods of seclusion, preparation and meditation. This diary demonstrates how one can achieve the same ends without renouncing mundane life, making it an invaluable case study for anyone contemplating a Great Magical Retirement. Paired with the diary of his star pupil, Charles Stansfeld Jones, this compilation from The Equinox is a primer on how to keep a magical record...a fundamental practice in Crowley's scientific illuminism. Mr. Wasserman's articulate annotations illuminate the more obscure or cryptic entries, and the humorous culinary glossary alone is worth the price of admission. Aleister Crowley And the Practice of the Magical Diary is an indispensible resource for all students of magick.

excellent ceremonial magick resource
while most of the material contained can be found for free online, I would still encourage anyone interested in ceremonial magick, and especially those interested in Thelema & Aleister Crowley, to pick up this book. The practice of the magickal diary is vital, no matter your personal Path.

A top pick
If the title sounds familiar, it's because Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary has appeared before - but this revised, expanded edition is a top pick for any adept or student who wants a sampling of texts drawn from Volumes 1 and III of Crowley's impressive The Equinox. Here are step-by-step methods and descriptions which includes John Street John and A Master of the Temple from the original - perfect for occult students.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch