Recently, The Hermetic Society of Albuquerque, New Mexico, sponsored a book signing and day-long workshop by several Llewellyn authors, including myself. I thought I’d share a bit about it with you.

On Thursday night, a free book signing was held at a bookstore. The store expected about ten people, but because of the excellent promotion by The Hermetic Society, sixty-five people showed up! People came to see myself, M. Isidora Forrest (Isis Magic), and Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero (The Essential Golden Dawn, Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition, The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot). That night I gave a free talk with a title that is the same as the title of this column.

The following Saturday there were workshops all day long. Fifty-five people attended. First, the Ciceros did a slide-illustrated workshop on “Spiritual Alchemy” in which ancient and modern art was used to demonstrate how alchemy can be about changing ourselves. Then Ms. Forrest gave a fascinating talk on “The Origins of Spiritual Ecstasy.” This had a focus on the use of magical or spiritual energy and how it is related to magical ritual work. She also discussed its ancient usage and development among the Greeks and Romans.

After lunch I spoke on “Tarot & Magic,” illustrating how the symbolism on the cards can be used with colors, candles and even dancing to make changes in our lives. Ms. Forrest gave a second workshop on “The Goddess and the Golden Dawn” which not only looked at the female aspect of the divine in magick, but also focused on the impact that women had as members and leaders of that magical order.

After dinner there was an exciting, experiential workshop designed and conducted by the Ciceros called “Qabalah & The Tree of Life Walk” where people actually walk up the mystical Tree. I had the honor of playing the role of Malkuth.

Thursday Night Talk

My talk at the book signing began by discussing the nature of alchemy, the father of many modern sciences including chemistry, physics, metallurgy and medicine. The methodology practiced by the alchemists developed into the “scientific method,” the basis of scientific research today.

Alchemy has two intertwined goals. The first is the creation of the philosopher’s stone, a substance that enables the transmutation of common metals into gold. The second goal is the creation of the universal panacea, a remedy that will cure all diseases and prolong life indefinitely.

The works of the alchemists require interpretation. As a result, there are three primary ways of looking at the writings of the ancient alchemists.

1. Physical Alchemy interprets writings literally. Physical alchemists use physical substances to create change and heal others … as well as seek the means to turn lead into gold.

2. Sexual Alchemy uses the same books but claims that they are codes for spiritualized sexual concepts. You can still find such symbolism in the works of writers such as Aleister Crowley and his followers. The goals of the sexual alchemist are the same as those of the physical alchemist.

3. Spiritual Alchemy again uses the same sources, but interprets them differently. The goal of the spiritual alchemist is to use mystical and magical techniques to transmute the lower physical self (the “base metal”) into a higher spiritual self (gold). Methods involve meditation and ritual.

I also gave a brief history of alchemy around the world and especially in Western civilization, as well as an introduction into the concept of spirituality and how it is experiential rather than observational. I pointed out that in most religions, people or external sources (such as books) tell you what to believe and what to do. They tell you about the divine. But with spirituality you have direct experience of the divine. This eliminates a need for intermediaries.

Finally, I discussed magick and how many people come to it thinking it will give them power over others, only to learn that real power is power over yourself. That power allows you to make changes in your life and the lives of those around you. I pointed out that following the theories of Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, as you make these changes in yourself it will change the people around you and eventually change the world.

More on the Speakers

M. Isidora Forrest is an initiated Prophetess of the House of Isis, and was formally ordained by Arch-Hierophant Olivia Robertson as a Priestess of the International Fellowship of Isis. Her book Isis Magic begins with a fascinating history of the “Lady of the Ten Thousand Names,” then becomes more experiential as you journey into the magical religion of the Goddess and participate in a four-part initiatory journey through the “House of Isis.”

On a spiritual level, this process fosters growth and personal transformation. On a practical level, you will increase your magical and Priest/ess craft skills as you learn ways of healing, celebrating the seasons, honoring life passages, practicing divination and more.

Isis Magic is well researched, complete and deeply experiential. It is the perfect resource for the individual seeker, to inspire your circle or coven or as a program of personal development for those called by Isis to be her Priestesses and Priests.

Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero are Senior Adepts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and their books on the teachings and methods of that order have introduced more people to the actual teachings than any other pair since the founding of the Order.

In The Essential Golden Dawn they share information for those who want to find out what the Golden Dawn is and what it has to offer. This introduction explores the origins of Hermeticism and the Western Esoteric Tradition, as well as the rich history of the Golden Dawn and its founders. It explains the “laws” of magic and magical philosophy, describes different areas of magical knowledge that a Golden Dawn magician can expect to learn, and presents basic rituals for the novice.

With the support of Israel Regardie they created The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot, the first deck to include all the cards and images used by the famous Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Drawn according to the Order’s strict instructions, this deck brings to life all of the magic that is part of that Order. It comes with a complete, 192-page book in the same size as the deck that describes each card, including Qabalistic and astrological correspondences, the significance of the imagery and the card’s divinatory meanings.

Their Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition reveals the rituals of the Golden Dawn clearly and in a step-by-step manner with guidance that’s easy-to-follow. Studying the Knowledge Lectures, practicing daily rituals, doing meditations and taking self-graded exams will enhance your learning. Initiation rituals have been correctly reinterpreted so you can perform them yourself. Upon completion of this workbook, you can truly say that you are practicing the Golden Dawn tradition with an in-depth knowledge of qabalah, astrology, Tarot, geomancy, spiritual alchemy and more.

Along with Bill and Judy Genaw, they created The Golden Dawn Enochian Skrying Tarot, an amazing two-sided deck that is like having two decks in one, each with its own set of imagery, card interpretations and more. One side features the truncated pyramids of the Enochian tablets — along with an astounding array of symbolism — making this ideal for learning and using the Enochian system. The opposite side of the deck features the Western Tattvic symbols that are ideal for scrying, elemental work and more. Plus, each side amplifies the meaning of the other side of the card.

My own book, Tarot & Magic, is an expansion on a workshop I have been giving for many years. It is based on the concept that the symbols of the cards — in and of themselves — are deeply meaningful and can be used in a wide variety of magical techniques. Even if you have never worked with the Tarot cards or have no desire to memorize meanings for doing divinations, Tarot & Magic can help empower your magic, whether you are following a Pagan, ceremonial or uniquely individual spiritual system.

I think you will find any or all of these books and decks of immense value on your spiritual and magical path.