A Compendium of Magickal Practice from Ethics to Sex by Sapnabella & Axis © 2009 Oestara Publishing LLC ISBN: 978-0-9842166-0-4 Paperback 187 pages $20.86 (U.S.) E-Book ISBN: 978-0-9842166-1-1 202 pages $06.25 (U.S.) www.oestarapublishing.com
This book is designed to help the magickal individual strengthen his/her abilities in a variety of fields, operating on the assumption that all magickal skills are composed of sub skills which in many cases overlap between various types. As an example, visualization is a sub skill which is necessary for divination, invocation, charging of magickal objects, etc. Thus, if you develop stronger visualization skills using divinatory techniques, your ability will increase in the different fields simply because your basic ability has improved.
The topic list runs the gamut from magickal theory to channeling; from dream work to animal magick; and from trance working through sex magick. This obviously is an overview-type of situation. Any one of those topics could be (and often have been) covered in several books; having said that, however, I must say that I was impressed by the presentation of these two authors. Sapnabella is a High Priestess specializing in dream interpretation. Axis is a Channel who has led workshops on Pagan parenting. As a couple, they complement each other quite well.
Sapnabella takes the time to define her terms – even though I don’t necessarily agree with all her definitions. She makes it abundantly clear what she means when she uses a term.
Without a doubt, this book is well worth the cost (in whatever format you prefer). It is well-written, easy to understand and deals with topics which are of major interest. I don’t always agree with the position taken, but there is no denying that many others will agree with them. What I do agree with is the statement that one must NEVER neglect the mundane, whether referring to working spells, or protecting oneself. Magick is all well and good, and serves as a valuable adjunct to everything else.
There are various forms of magickal protection given ranging from simple to far more complex. Unlike many books, there are separate protective rituals given focusing on each of the elements; using totemic and mythic animals; and protecting your non-Pagan loved ones. Differences are made between protections and wards, and that is a vital distinction which is seldom made in other books.
There is a section on channeling. Distinctions are made between those things which come from intuition and those come from discarnate sources. Distinctions are also made between those things which we consciously attempt to channel and those things which come unbidden to our minds.
Information is given on how to induce channeling, as well as information on things which may trigger channeled information without conscious intent.
There is so much information contained within this book, that it just isn’t possible to do it justice in a review. I could go on and on, and still not begin to give it the depth of coverage it deserves. The various sections are designed to stimulate thoughtful consideration, and they succeed nicely.
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Compendium of Magickal Practice from Ethics (2009)
Posted - 10/30/2009 : 13:05:46
