Practical Solitary Magic

Nancy B. Watson

thg 1 1996 · Weiser Books

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An accessible guide for beginners interested in practicing magic safely and effectively on their own.

Many students of magic don’t want to be tied to a particular group or tradition, but prefer to search, experiment, and grow on their own. Here, at last, is an eminently sane and readable handbook that gives not only the how, but the why and wherefore, of the materials and methods of the solitary magician. In Practical Solitary Magic, Nancy Watson combines a concise introduction to the psychology and ethics of magic with a thorough treatment of its mechanisms. In a lively style, enhanced by personal anecdote and thoughtful insight, she initiates novices into the rudiments of ritual and guides them in their first steps down the magical path.

Drawing on an architectural analogy, Watson demystifies the practice of magic by providing a structural view of magical operations. She explores the techniques and accoutrements of each of the four magical planes, leading her readers through the various chambers of a four-tiered edifice, and sweeping away layers of accumulated cobwebs from topics shrouded in esoteric jargon. Oracle divination, numerology, and magical incantation; visualization, clearing, and prayer; archetypes, elementals, and god-forms—all come to life with Watson’s pragmatic analysis. She closes with a careful warning to her readers to avoid all those who would attempt to “re-mystify” the craft.

Watson’s clear narrative and vivid imagery illuminate all the corners of her magical mansion with the light of common sense and folk history. Not only will you enjoy your guided tour, you’ll be tempted to take up residence there.