I read a lot of books that involve magic. Most fantasy novels include magic and witches and sorcerers. So I decided to read this brief book by Sarah Lyons who explains the history of magic, describes the different types of magic (chaos magic is very hot right now), and the elements of witchcraft.
I particularly liked Lyons’s discussion of Tarot cards and the various decks available.
Do you believe in magic? GRADE: B
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Why Study Magic? 5
Chapter 2 The Basics 13
Chapter 3 Chaos Magic 37
Chapter 4 Spell Books and Grimoires 57
Chapter 5 Ceremonial Magic 83
Chapter 6 Witchcraft 117
Chapter 7 Paganism, Gods, and History 141
Chapter 8 Where to go from here 161
Acknowledgments 173
Um, Sources for These Claims? Or Selected Bibliography 175
Further Reading 177
Index 179
I believe in the magic of a young girl’s soul! Believe in the magic that is rock and roll! Otherwise, pfui!
Bob, I always knew you were a Lovin’ Spoonful kind of guy!
“…chaos magic is very hot right now……….Do you believe in magic?”
No, but I believe in chaos.
Dan, just look at what might happen if that Texas judge bans abortion pills! More rights taken away from women!
Do you believe in magic in a young girl’s heart
How the music can free her whenever it starts?
And it’s magic if the music is groovy
It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie
I’ll tell you about the magic, and it’ll free your soul
But it’s like tryna tell a stranger ’bout-a rock and roll
Otherwise, no.
😉
Jeff, I felt the thrill of magic when I married Diane!
George, I had a similar experience when I met my “new” wife 16 years ago – may have written about this already.
After being a widower for several years and going GAFIA to Florida, Texas and New York regularly a friend asked me in Hungary whether I had a new girlfriend.
I laughed: Who would want an old geezer like me, already 62 years old?
After her pressuring me (and doing the same to Eva – yes, that’s her name) several times we both agreed to meet with her to introduce us in a restaurant.
The magic started when I opened my car’s door for her, not thinking about my shepherd dog on the backseat and she got a big kiss from the dog …
What’s its name, such a lovely animal …
And after dinner I drove her home and asked her if we should meet again. she said “yes” and I asked “when” and she answered:
Tomorrow!
The probability of finding a woman like that, also a science fiction fan and a lover of rock&roll is close to zero – so it must have been magic!
Wolf, like you I’m thankful for having a wonderful wife who loves me as much as I love her!
Cap’n Bob: your comment was not there when I submitted mine, honest. But GMTA.
Some days.
Patti, it was a magical day the first time I met you!
Now you have me humming Lovin’Spoonful songs for the rest of the day…
Jerry, maybe you can enjoy summer in the city, too!
Jeff M.: Because my comments have to be moderated, unlike everyone else’s, my comment didn’t appear until George got around to it. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to see the connection.
I’m not quite rigidly predictable in no believing in the supernatural (as opposed to loving it as a concept), but close enough. Magic for me is others’ Wishing Hard. Though, of course, one can get certain things going with social pressure and/or classic or modern pharmaceuticals, as most magic traditions tend to involve.
Good marriages and similar relations can be persuasive, but I suspect other, non-supernatural factors tend to be the sources of sustained happiness.
Have to wonder how much the book was sold on the strength of the author’s photo (to the publishers, that is…no suggestions beyond that).
Todd, I suspect Sarah Lyons’s earlier book sales might have persuaded the publishers of HOW TO STUDY MAGIC to buy this book and promote it.
I’ll believe it, though that she’s (in her author photo?) giving a come-hither look while wearing a bondage collar did invite a certain too-easy snottiness.
Todd, marketing is everything!
Todd, I completely agree with you on good marriages. I’ve seen a lot more Bad Marriages than Good Marriages.