Circles of power : an introduction to Hermetic magic / John Michael Greer

The ceremonial magic of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is among the most widely practiced of all magical systems today. Yet very few books on the Golden Dawn tradition pass beyond the basics into the more demanding and powerful magical practices the system has to offer. Circles of Power is the exception. It’s a comprehensive practical manual of Golden Dawn magic that proceeds step by step from basic principles and fundamental rituals to the heights and depths of magical attainment. Circles of Power provides detailed instructions for such rarely discussed magical techniques as the creation of telesmatic images, the construction and use of flashing tablets, the Golden Dawn method of etheric shapeshifting, and the use of the Formula of the Equinox―one of the two fundamental ritual formulas of the Golden Dawn tradition―as a basis for rituals of evocation, consecration, spiritual development, and more. This new edition has been thoroughly revised by the author. "Take the next step... Clear away the outdated clutter that has obscured the power and beauty of the Golden Dawn magical system and feel for yourself the difference these techniques can make in your life. Explore dozens of new rituals developed from the fragments and core documents of the greatest Magical Order in the Western world. Step out of the darkness and into the light of understanding. John Michael Greer writes in a lucid and entertaining manner, revealing previously unknown aspects of the magical rites of the Golden Dawn. Warm and engaging, Circles of Power revitalizes Western magic by removing the unnecessary rhetoric and obscure jargon. Everything is plainly and simply explained and all the information you need to begin working within this magical system is presented in a clear and concise manner. Filled with the fruits of personal experience and insights derived from in-depth research, Circles of Power is the next best thing to actually joining a Hermetic lodge." -- Back cover