Transcendental Magic

By Arthur Edward Waite and Éliphas Lévi

Book Overview

Delve into Ancient Occult Philosophy and Mysticism

French author ?liphas L?vi (born Alphonse Louis Constant, 1810-1875), who is often referred to as "the last magi," defined magic as "the traditional science of the secrets of Nature which has been transmitted to us from the Magi." And to those who studied this arcane art came a power: "By means of this science the adept is invested with a species of relative omnipotence and can operate superhumanly-that is, after a manner which transcends the normal possibility of men."

Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual is Arthur Waite's esteemed English translation of ?liphas L?vi's original, groundbreaking exploration of ancient occult philosophy. L?vi was one of the first occultists to integrate the tarot into the discipline of magi-a development that significantly influenced the field in the years that followed. Bringing to light wisdom and information that were previously restricted to secret society initiates and practitioners of the ancient esoteric arts, Levi's work summarizes the common themes of multiple traditions into a single, understandable whole.

L?vi initially focuses on doctrine and theory, illuminating the foundations of magic and examining the relationships between science, formal religion, and occultism from Kabalistic, Hermetic, and Christian viewpoints. He also explains the meaning of symbols such as the tetragram and the pentagram (including the difference between them pointing up or down), as well as letters, numbers, necromancy, and witchcraft. In subsequent chapters, originally published several years later, L?vi describes specific rituals, ceremonies, and divinations, listing the actual materials, tools, and processes involved in practicing magic, identifying the proper vestments and settings for performing rituals, as well as the ideal mindset to adopt and how to avoid falling prey to dark magic.

As translator, Waite adds notes to the text, further elucidating Levi's writings with explanations and commentary.

Replete with occult wisdom and teachings designed to enable disciplined initiates to shape their environment, this seminal book is a critical resource for any student of magic or Western occultism, and a must-have reference item for any occult science library.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648372341).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 164837235X
• ISBN13: 9781648372353
• Release Date: November 2022
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 474 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

One of Occultism's powerful treatise of Theory and Practice

This splendid book, written by one of the greatest influences on western occultism, is highly recommended for the sincere and serious students and initiates of the Western Occult Tradition. The book is broken down into two books of 22 chapters, 22 to signify the 22 Greater Arcanum of the Tarot and Kabballah. Yet, sadly, as most of the modern great occult minds are confused with the new age isms and skisms, the secret keys of this Kabbalistic, Gnostic treatise is either lost or forgotten. There is another book, that has been recently translated from its original language that not only unveils the Kabbalistic synthesis within all ancient religion (as Levi beautifully expounds upon) but also this book reveals the ancient and secret keys that are the "foundation" of all the Occult traditions. This book was written by the Gnostic Master Samael Aun Weor. The book is called "The Initiatic Path in the Arcana of Tarot and Kabalah". It is difficult to find, yet one can contact a Gnostic Institute nearest you (gnosticinstitute.com).

A must read for people interested in knowing themselves...

This book, although very complete and full of useful concepts and information, is not for everyone. It contents very powerful concepts and rituals that might confuse and disorient the not ocult-savvy reader. If you are an occasional and not a serious reader of the subject, choose a more simple book. If misunderstood, the book can cause damage to self and others, or even dementia, depending on the susceptibility of the reader. If you think you are prepared, you will find this book most useful and very clarifying. And if all of the other basic books on Ocultism and Magic start to bore you up, this book will most certainly take you to the next level.

High end teachings for the low end magician

Works of this nature should be cherished by all humanity