Helpful Score: 1
This is a decent introduction to ritual magic. Frater pulls from many famous occult authors, including Mathers and Crowley, and explains the meanings behind the most basic and more complicated exercises. I commend him for his effort in making such things more accessible to those who are not so familiar with symbolism and occult tradition.
Frater does a good job of keeping things magical, while keeping things down to earth by referencing psychological and sociological reasons. He includes warnings and references throughout each chapter. And most of the exercises throughout the book are useful.
Because Frater references several different authors and their perspectives, it makes it easier for the reader to understand things. Most of the time varying perspectives are given equal importance; of course, like most authors, his own preference comes across in various places.
While the contrasting perspectives are incredibly helpful, this is also a large weak point in his book. Mixing traditions is innovative and can be useful; however, when mixing traditions, one needs to be aware of the 'whys' for each system. Many times different traditions have not been mixed for good reasons.
This is an excellent 101 resource. For both new and experienced magicians, this book would be a great reference to, perhaps, find a tradition one is more comfortable with pursuing because of the various traditions it pulls from.
Frater does a good job of keeping things magical, while keeping things down to earth by referencing psychological and sociological reasons. He includes warnings and references throughout each chapter. And most of the exercises throughout the book are useful.
Because Frater references several different authors and their perspectives, it makes it easier for the reader to understand things. Most of the time varying perspectives are given equal importance; of course, like most authors, his own preference comes across in various places.
While the contrasting perspectives are incredibly helpful, this is also a large weak point in his book. Mixing traditions is innovative and can be useful; however, when mixing traditions, one needs to be aware of the 'whys' for each system. Many times different traditions have not been mixed for good reasons.
This is an excellent 101 resource. For both new and experienced magicians, this book would be a great reference to, perhaps, find a tradition one is more comfortable with pursuing because of the various traditions it pulls from.
