Magic Power Language Symbol: A Magician's Exploration of Linguistics

by Patrick Dunn

From the sigils of chaos magic to the numerical code of Qabalah, all magical practices operate in a web of symbols and language. Yet academics seldom examine the role that semiotics and linguistics play in the unfolding of magical works.

In the follow-up to his debut Postmodern Magic, Patrick Dunn returns once again to the theoretical realm of the sign, the signified, and the changeable perceptions of a slippery reality. Intellectual and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738713600
• ISBN13: 9780738713601
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!!

highly detailed, this book fulfills it's claims. a great breakdown of the esoteric uses of linguistics. goes great with Robert Anton Wilson and Umberto Eco!

The power of words in magic - The magical power of words

A welcome addition to the growing body of metaphysical literature, "Magic Power Language Symbol" details a linguistic theory of magical and occult practice. Written by Patrick Dunn, a scholar of linguistics and known for his previous work "Postmodern Magic" (not a prerequisite for this book), it deals with aspects of magic that are mysteriously absent in virtually all other treatments. Being someone without any prior knowledge of linguistics, the book opened up a world of ideas that, had I not been interested in theories on magic, would have probably been ignored; and to great detriment, since I now see how pervasive language is in all aspects of life. One must wonder after reading this book: why do most books on magic ignore the importance of words? True, there exists explanations on why specific words are present in rituals-- various God-names or angelic powers; even techniques like Hebrew gematria or notariqon (words made from acronyms) are dealt with extensively in other treatments. But all fail to explain the power of words on the subconscious mind. Patrick Dunn imparts clear explainations on why words and language are so powerful in magic, and you will also understand the magical power of words. The mystery of words in magic should be obvious to anyone who takes but a moment to consider the magical jargon. After all, a ritual designed to cause some effect in the world is called a "spell". Spelling we know from, well, spelling words. Moreover, a book of magical rituals is called a "grimoire", which is a French term meaning "book of grammar". On top of that, the patron deity of magic is Thoth-Hermes, the God of writing and language. "Magic Power Language Symbol" explains this mystery. It is highly recommended for all interested in the power of words, the use of words in ritual, as well as those interested in theories of how magic actually works. In addition, it is recommended for a general audience, for the very important reason that word-magic can be used against you without you knowing it. Just turn on the news-- you'll see what I mean! After two introductory chapters dealing with theories of symbols and language (linguistics) as they relate to magic, the chapters move on to specific topics, and can be read independently. The middle chapters treat incantations, sigils, Enochian, speaking in tongues, Qabalah (that is, literal Qabalah-- gematria, notariqon, temurah, etc.), and mantras. The final two chapters are the best and are probably some of the author's finest ideas. Chapter nine deals with myth and metaphor, detailing how they inform the magical consciousness. Chapter ten explains the power, positive or negative, of self-talk-- that is, how the internal dialogue we use actually programs our subconscious mind, which can give us disturbed feelings if used negatively, or else empowered feelings if used positively. This final chapter would be very beneficial to anyone who may be going through therapy or taking medicatio

A good explanation of the connection between linguistics and magic

Overall, I was fairly impressed by this book. I think Dunn does an excellent job of explaining a lot of the theories behind language and magic, as well as showing how theories can be made into practice. He explores concepts of gematria, glossalia, metaphor, semiotics and much more and in the process makes all the concepts approachable and easy to understand. In fact, I think that's the strength of this book. It's written so that anyone can pick up the book, read about the concepts, and put them into practice, though at least in the case of gematria, readers will probably need to have a decent familiarity with Quabala. I also liked his explanation of the semiotic web and the Defixio. In both cases he not only explains the theory, but also provides personal anecdotes and suggestions for how the reader can incorporate those practices into his/her work. I think his latest book is a good introduction to linguistics and magic, and he provides the reader some other works to explore once they finish his work. I did have two minor issues which made this book a four out of five for me. The fourth appendix of the book has a bunch of practical exercises for the book. It seems odd that the exercises are placed at the end of the book, instead of incorporated into the book. I'm not sure if that a decision of the publisher or the author. The other issue is that while he does cover a lot of the connection between linguistics and magic, he doesn't cover much of the contemporary work occurring with linguistics or magic. He dedicates only a small section to the contemporary work. That said, this a good primer for linguistics and magic and how the two disciplines can be brought together. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in branching outward from more conventional approaches to magic.