Occultism Its Theory and Practice

by Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah and Ikbal Ali Shah

Book Overview

Occultism: Its Theory and Practice is a comprehensive guide to the world of occultism written by Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah. The book explores the history and philosophy of occultism, as well as its... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566192439
• ISBN13: 9781566192439
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Dorset Press
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Exelent take on the medival magic.

I was suprised by how well done this book was. It is clearly laid out with a good chapter order. I liked the evocation and invocation parts best since it had information from many different MSS. Many alternative rituals and different ways to make the tools of the trade. Many of the MSS that he has collected material from is very rare and hard to find. Under spells you find many of the more unusual experiments found in the grimoires such as the Hand of Glory and the Flying Carpet. Peter de Abanos Heptameron is included in its whole and most of the Grand Grimoire. Some of the information from both the Great and the Little Albert is in there also. This is not a beginners book and if you do not know of the grimoire traditions in beforehand I do not think you will get that much from this book. A grimoire worker will love it though.

More Goetia than Theurgia

I have had a copy of this book in my permanent collection for years. I have carefully read it cover to cover. It is one of the best explorations of Renaissance magical practice that I have found. In fact, I have discarded lesser volumes and maintained this one. This one volume covers the formal rites and ceremonies of evocation, spells, alchemy, conjuration, possession, and exorcism. It is very well illustrated with sigils, seals, pentacles, and tools. It is clear to me that much research went into the original grimoires. Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah is a true scholar of the occult. Having said all this, I would warn the would be reader that the majority of this work deals with conjuring supernatural entities and binding them to your will. This is a foolish and dangerous practice. First of all, you are never sure of exactly what you have contacted- no matter what it CLAIMS to be. Secondly, this is a work of ego, an attempt to impose your personal will over the natural order. If your motives are impure or mistaken you risk three-fold retribution back upon yourself. I am not saying that it won't work, but is it worth this price to you? From the text it is clear to me that Shah knew the difference between Theurgia (aligning your will with the Divine will in Its service) and Goetia (using occult power to serve your own ego.) Just be aware of what you are dealing with here, especially in the sections dealing with infernal evocation and demonology. That is why we have free will....