The Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic is a book written by Eliphas Levi, a French occultist and author. Published in 1856, it explores the practices and principles of ceremonial magic, also known as high magic or theurgy. Levi's work is organized into two parts, each revealing different aspects of high magic. The first part, titled "Doctrinal," lays the foundation for understanding the philosophy behind high magic. It delves into various concepts, including the existence of a universal energy known as the astral light, the concept of correspondences, and the role of symbolism in magic. Levi also discusses the three major pillars of magic: knowledge, will, and action.
THE CANDIDATE
Such was Magic from Zoroaster to Manes, from Orpheus to Apollonius of Tyana, when positive Christianity, victorious at length over the brilliant dreams and titanic aspirations of the Alexandrian school, dared to launch its anathemas publicly against this philosophy, and thus forced it to become more occult and mysterious than ever. It is, in truth, a monumental and extraordinary work, strong and simple as the architecture of the pyramids, and consequently enduring like those - a book which is the summary of all sciences, which can resolve all problems by its infinite combinations, which speaks by evoking thought, is the inspirer and moderator of all possible conceptions, and the masterpiece perhaps of the human mind.
Levi also discusses the three major pillars of magic: knowledge, will, and action. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and harnessing these pillars to achieve magical results. The second part of the book, titled "Ritual," presents detailed instructions for performing rituals and ceremonies in high magic.
Dogma and Ritual of High Magic. Book I
Behind the veil of all the hieratic and mystical allegories of ancient doctrines, behind the darkness and strange ordeals of all initiations, under the seal of all sacred writings, in the ruins of Nineveh or Thebes, on the crumbling stones of old temples and on the blackened visage of the Assyrian or Egyptian sphinx, in the monstrous or marvellous paintings which interpret to the faithful of India the inspired pages of the Vedas, in the cryptic emblems of our old books on alchemy, in the ceremonies practised at reception by all secret societies, there are found indications of a doctrine which is everywhere the same and everywhere carefully concealed. Occult philosophy seems to have been the nurse or god-mother of all intellectual forces, the key of all divine obscurities and the absolute queen of society in those ages - when it was reserved exclusively for the education of priests and of kings. It reigned in Persia with the Magi, who perished in the end, as perish all masters of the world, because they abused their power; it endowed India with the most wonderful traditions and with an incredible wealth of poesy, grace and terror in its emblems; it civilized Greece to the music of the lyre of Orpheus; it concealed the principles of all sciences, all progress of the human mind, in the daring calculations of Pythagoras; fable abounded in its miracles, and history, attempting to estimate this unknown power, became confused with fable; it undermined or consolidated empires by its oracles, caused tyrants to tremble on their thrones and governed all minds, either by curiosity or by fear.
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This section encompasses a wide range of topics, including the consecration of magical tools, the construction of magical circles and pentacles, and the invocation and evocation of spiritual entities such as angels and demons. Levi provides step-by-step instructions, accompanied by illustrations, for each ritual, making it a comprehensive guide for practitioners. Levi's Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic has been highly influential in the occult and esoteric communities since its publication. Its systematic approach and emphasis on symbolism have helped shape contemporary ceremonial magic practices. Additionally, Levi's works have inspired many other occultists and authors, such as Aleister Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, who built upon his teachings and expanded the body of knowledge surrounding high magic. Overall, the Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in exploring the theory and practice of ceremonial magic. It offers a comprehensive overview of the philosophical foundations of high magic, as well as practical instructions for performing rituals and ceremonies. By studying and applying the principles outlined in this book, practitioners can delve into the realms of the occult and tap into the powers of the astral light to manifest their desires..
Reviews for "The Role of Sound and Music in High Magic Rituals"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I found "Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic" to be incredibly dense and difficult to comprehend. The author uses complex language and convoluted explanations that made it nearly impossible for me to grasp the concepts being discussed. Perhaps this book is better suited for experienced practitioners or those with a deep interest in occult studies, but for someone like myself who is new to the subject, it was extremely frustrating and off-putting.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic". The content seemed outdated and irrelevant, and it failed to provide any valuable insights or practical knowledge. The author relied too heavily on esoteric terminology and abstract theories, without offering any concrete examples or actionable advice. I was expecting a comprehensive guide on high magic, but all I got was a confusing and unhelpful read.
3. Jennifer - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic", but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The book heavily relies on historical references and religious symbolism, making it difficult to connect with the teachings on a personal level. Additionally, the author's writing style was overly verbose and lacked clarity, making it hard to follow along. Overall, I found it to be a tedious and unenjoyable read.