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Author Topic: Resources for learning practical magic  (Read 3125 times)

Aster Breo

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Resources for learning practical magic
« on: September 02, 2018, 01:04:34 am »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

For example, I've been reading Jason Miller's The Sorcerer's Secrets, and while some of the early material is the kind of thing I'm looking for (e.g., the types of breathing and the gazes), most of it is way too ceremonial for what I'm looking for.

I'm not interested in learning how to summon and command demons. I am interested in improving the odds of getting the job and that kind of thing. And I think I might be interested in learning more about rootworking, hoodoo (if I understand that word correctly -- an accurate definition would be greatly appreciated!), and hedge witchery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

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Jenett

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2018, 10:45:17 am »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

The thing that Jason excels at (though the rest of his material is also really helpful when it's helpful) is the part before doing the magic: setting up how to frame the magical working you're doing, how to set up an intention or working that's complete enough. (So, I'd encourage you to keep reading for those parts, even if the method you want is different.)

For me, I have found once I figured out how to frame what I am looking for, the actual method matters a lot less, and I pick a method that works for me, my current situation, etc. and run with it.

(I'm also at 'I'll use oils other people have made from hoodoo tradition, but that is not my tradition, and I don't want to step further into it than that because I want to explore my own background's folk magic traditions' which means I can't give great advice on the hoodoo and rootworking fronts.) 

I just did a list for my current students for their next reading assignment, which included books on magical theory, and one I particularly mentioned was Brandy William's Practical Magic for Beginners. Her background is in Wicca and Thelema, so there's some "And there's this ceremonial approach" but the book is focused on core skills and techniques, with the other stuff as an aside to help you put it in larger context.

I also really like Ivo Dominguez's work, which is less relevant here, but he has books specific to psychic development and creating sacred space (with applications for magical space) if either of those are of interest.
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milkeyedmender

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2018, 01:48:27 pm »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

For example, I've been reading Jason Miller's The Sorcerer's Secrets, and while some of the early material is the kind of thing I'm looking for (e.g., the types of breathing and the gazes), most of it is way too ceremonial for what I'm looking for.

I'm not interested in learning how to summon and command demons. I am interested in improving the odds of getting the job and that kind of thing. And I think I might be interested in learning more about rootworking, hoodoo (if I understand that word correctly -- an accurate definition would be greatly appreciated!), and hedge witchery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

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So, this is basically what I’m into.  I like kitchen witchery, hedge witchery, herbal/medicinal work, some divination.. that sort of thing.

Here are some books I love:

Scott Cunningham Magical Household
Hedge witch Book of Days
Full Moon Feast
Tarot Bible


I also have several books that go through the wheel of the year.  I like this in general, but also think you’re more likely to get certain things if they match with the general time of year you’re asking. 


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Aster Breo

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2018, 11:38:02 pm »


The thing that Jason excels at (though the rest of his material is also really helpful when it's helpful) is the part before doing the magic: setting up how to frame the magical working you're doing, how to set up an intention or working that's complete enough. (So, I'd encourage you to keep reading for those parts, even if the method you want is different.)

*snip*

I just did a list for my current students for their next reading assignment, which included books on magical theory, and one I particularly mentioned was Brandy William's Practical Magic for Beginners. Her background is in Wicca and Thelema, so there's some "And there's this ceremonial approach" but the book is focused on core skills and techniques, with the other stuff as an aside to help you put it in larger context.

Thanks, Jenett! I always appreciate your suggestions.

I will keep reading Jason's book, though I'll probably skip sections...

And I've downloaded William's book.

Thanks!

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Aster Breo

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2018, 11:38:56 pm »




Thanks! I'll check out the titles you listed.

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Jabberwocky

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2018, 08:11:45 pm »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

For example, I've been reading Jason Miller's The Sorcerer's Secrets, and while some of the early material is the kind of thing I'm looking for (e.g., the types of breathing and the gazes), most of it is way too ceremonial for what I'm looking for.

I'm not interested in learning how to summon and command demons. I am interested in improving the odds of getting the job and that kind of thing. And I think I might be interested in learning more about rootworking, hoodoo (if I understand that word correctly -- an accurate definition would be greatly appreciated!), and hedge witchery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

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On Hoodoo, I'd suggest Stephen Grasso's 2004 talk. It's the best introduction I know. You can find a transcript on Scribd - https://www.scribd.com/document/217858462/S-Grasso-Hoodoo-ENG

Adam Blackthorne's The Master Works of Chaos Magick: Practical Techniques For Directing Your Reality has a typically pompous title, but it's decent enough, In particular, he's interested in stripping away some of the ceremony which sounds like what you're looking for.

Really though, I've found with practical magic the key really is intent. When it comes to stuff like symbolism no book can be anywhere near as accurate as your own creation. So with anything I'd suggest using books etc. as inspiration and to nick ideas from and creating your own spells. I've personally found that's way more effective for me.
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Aster Breo

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2018, 05:18:28 pm »


On Hoodoo, I'd suggest Stephen Grasso's 2004 talk.

Thanks! I'll check those out.

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Moth

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2018, 12:22:08 pm »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

For example, I've been reading Jason Miller's The Sorcerer's Secrets, and while some of the early material is the kind of thing I'm looking for (e.g., the types of breathing and the gazes), most of it is way too ceremonial for what I'm looking for.

I'm not interested in learning how to summon and command demons. I am interested in improving the odds of getting the job and that kind of thing. And I think I might be interested in learning more about rootworking, hoodoo (if I understand that word correctly -- an accurate definition would be greatly appreciated!), and hedge witchery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

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I recently bought Six Ways by Aidan Wachter. I really like his approach to magic because it's about doing things that work for you in your practice and also about making changes to already existing rituals and practices for them to suit your needs.

I've started using some of the exercises in the book and i find them simple (which I like) but effectful. Here's a link to a description of the book.

http://www.aidanwachter.com/sixways/

letty

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #8 on: December 29, 2018, 08:06:36 pm »
I'm looking for recommendations for resources (books, websites, etc) in beginning magic, specifically magic that is very practical in its application and isn't based on complicated theories of astronomy, arcane texts, and incantations in old or invented languages.

For example, I've been reading Jason Miller's The Sorcerer's Secrets, and while some of the early material is the kind of thing I'm looking for (e.g., the types of breathing and the gazes), most of it is way too ceremonial for what I'm looking for.

I'm not interested in learning how to summon and command demons. I am interested in improving the odds of getting the job and that kind of thing. And I think I might be interested in learning more about rootworking, hoodoo (if I understand that word correctly -- an accurate definition would be greatly appreciated!), and hedge witchery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Traditional witchcraft books are real useful for this in my experience. Books such as A Deed Without A Name by Lee Morgan & Besom, Strang, and Sword have been helpful for me. There are these cheap little amazon kindle books that vary in usefulness, but a few of the Pagan Portals books have at least given me a framework, like the Hedge Riding one.

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #9 on: December 30, 2018, 01:20:56 pm »
... Besom, Strang, and Sword....

I looked that up, and found a very positive review by Jason Miller, whom Aster mentioned above. And then I added it to my Amazon wishlist. Thank you for the rec!

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Aster Breo

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #10 on: December 31, 2018, 12:21:55 am »
I recently bought Six Ways by Aidan Wachter. I really like his approach to magic because it's about doing things that work for you in your practice and also about making changes to already existing rituals and practices for them to suit your needs.

I've started using some of the exercises in the book and i find them simple (which I like) but effectful. Here's a link to a description of the book.

http://www.aidanwachter.com/sixways/
Thanks! This does look like a good one.

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Aster Breo

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #11 on: December 31, 2018, 12:23:00 am »
I looked that up, and found a very positive review by Jason Miller, whom Aster mentioned above. And then I added it to my Amazon wishlist. Thank you for the rec!

Sunflower
I just downloaded the sample. Thanks for this recommendation!

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EmberHearth

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Re: Resources for learning practical magic
« Reply #12 on: December 31, 2018, 07:52:13 pm »
Here are some books I love:

Scott Cunningham Magical Household

Also Scott Cunningham:

Earth Power
Earth, Air, Fire & Water

His three Encyclopedia are good for quickly finding associations.

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