The New Hermetics
21st Century Magick for Illumination and Power
by Jason Augustus Newcomb
The title of this book implies a new understanding and presentation of Western magical systems, specifically descended from the teachings of Hermes Trismegistos. What might seem like an archaic study ought to be made accessible, while the potential of our modern minds should be examined. In some ways, the book accomplishes these things, and indeed it is an enjoyable and useful read.
Someone unfamiliar with Hermetics, Aleister Crowley, Jungian thought, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Wilhelm Reich, Eastern meditation, or Yogic breathing techniques, can do quite well with
The New Hermetics. Author Jason Augustus Newcomb provides many exercises for scouting out the internal world of the personal mind and for communing with and ultimately becoming aware of the universal mind - or cosmic consciousness. The progression of these exercises is efficient and wise. The suggested order - through the levels of Initiate, Zealot, Practitioner, Philosopher, and Adept - ensures the reader will not go too far too quickly, thus avoiding error, frustration, or failure.
Those who are familiar with some or all of the schools that this work draws from will also benefit. For example, in my own experience with creative visualization, meditation, and magic, I have sometimes lacked structure - my experiences of cosmic consciousness have largely been spontaneous, and my work with goals could use more organized intention. This book has added to my own practice and I will continue to implement some of these tools.
One of the first things the author teaches is how to construct an "inner temple," in which all spiritual or magical work can safely be done. The four directions and their respective elements (East/Air, South/Fire, West/Water, and North/Earth) are visualized and invoked, and the reader - in his/her mind - stands within this room, spiritually empowered and open to all possibilities. Simple instructions for entering and exiting altered states are given, all devoid of unnecessary jargon (a point I find refreshing); methods for transforming negative traits into positive ones are provided, as are exercises that include work with tarot, past life regression, and charging talismans. Working through the book with even just a light discipline brings success in accomplishing personal goals.
The New Hermetics is a basic guide, but it is also a strong introduction to working with the innate power of the mind. The more profound contribution will be made by the reader; for the reader who wishes to engage his/her mind fully, the book can offer spiritual illumination and power, as promised.
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The New Hermetics
21st Century Magick for Illumination and Power
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