Article Topic: Magic

The Magic of Tutankhamun The tomb of Tutankhamun lay undisturbed in Upper Egypt’s Valley of the Kings through many centuries, from the end of the 18th Dynasty (BCE 1572-1315) to the twentieth century, when it was uncovered by ...

There are many differing opinions on what chaos magic really is, many of which evoke an image of something dark, sinister, and dangerous. Andrieh Vitimus, author of Hands-On Chaos Magic, dispels the myths and details what chaos magic really is and how, in these uncertain times, it can provide a framework by which we can improve magical results and achieve whatever outcomes we desire.

Dion Fortune, one of the most striking, enigmatic, and least known women of the twentieth century, can be credited for much of what we consider to be "New Age" today. To get to the essence of her for the new reader, how can she be summed up? Alan Richardson, author of the forthcoming Aleister Crowley and Dion Fortune – Logos of the Aeon, Shakti of the Age, discusses just why we should credit DF.

Readers interested in spirituality live in an amazing time. Bookstores, libraries, and the Internet provide information on all manner of traditions, from the most orthodox to those that, a few centuries before, would have ensured a quick trip to the stake. It is hard for us to recall that, even a few decades ago, books on occult topics were quite difficult to come by. One such book that has lived in infamy is Der Lange Verborgene Freund, or "The Long-Lost Friend." Now newly updated, editor Daniel Harms explains its importance–both yesterday and today.

All of us are shaped by many factors: genetic heritage, family structure, our generation, the culture in which we are raised, and how that culture views gender. As we move through the years our experiences also go into making us who we are. Magic gives us tools to cope with the challenges life presents, and like us, magic is shaped by many external factors. How do we keep magic moving forward in our current times? Brandy Williams, author of Practical Magic for Beginners and The Woman Magician, explains.

Most magicians have a routine they follow prior to casting a spell: creating a ritual space, casting a circle, and consulting a Book of Shadows. From where do these practices come? David Rankine, co-author of The Veritable Key of Solomon, discusses how the Key of Solomon helped shape ritual as we know it today.

Magick has evolved tremendously over the past few years. It has stood the test of time, overcome the slander of contrary opinion, and it has taken a very deep position in the mainstream community. The new faces and names to the occult remain loyal to their traditions, but are not bound by it, and all of us have built our foundation from the techniques of elder work. What will the magickal foundation be like for those of tomorrow?

The daily rituals are the most commonly practiced techniques by the modern Occultist, Beginner and Adept alike; for one to halt their practice altogether would most likely prove to be unwise. Yet, I am sure most would agree that the monotony of the day-to-day continuation can tend to become boring or even tiresome. The following are some techniques to rejuvenate the power and manifestation of your daily rituals, including the Lesser Banishing Ritual.