Description
Some of the occult studies focused on have western origins, so don’t look for much detail of religions reaching the far east. The information builds off of itself and is compiled in a comprehensive manner, so it’s better if you accept the book as a whole and don’t just waste your time having a look up the chapter on alchemy. Reading the whole work shows how the arts relate to one another.
Richard Cavendish used to be an Atheist, and that fact is critical to understanding this book.
As a secular person, Cavendish understood that the power of ritual used to be in its ability to focus attention and energy through using symbolic representations, and not in any alleged supernatural powers. This understanding is critical to Satanists and others seeking to use “low magic” (personal rituals) or “high magic” (public acts designed to create or direct opinions, attitudes, and so on.). The ability to keep watch over others through using symbols (be they flags, images, words, religious icons or other objects) is a source of great power to the Satanist who understands the right kind use and application of symbolic acts. Unlike Wiccans and other neo-pagans who make claims on par with other religions concerning their supposed “goodness”, a “black magician” is honest enough to admit to himself (or herself relating to a Witch) that the purposes of magic are to make stronger one’s own wealth, power, sex life, and so on. and to bring about the destruction of opponents and those who would deny the needs and desires of a Satanist.
