Messages In This Digest (4 Messages)
- 1.
- BOOK REVIEW: Grimoires: A History of Magic Books From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 2.
- CD REVIEW - Bending Tradition From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 3.
- CD REVIEW - Archives of Ages to Come From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 4.
- CD REVIEW - Con Suite From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
Messages
- 1.
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BOOK REVIEW: Grimoires: A History of Magic Books
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net
Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:39 pm (PDT)
Grimoires: A History of Magic Books by Owen Davies © 2009, 2010 Oxford University Press
ISBN: 978-0-19-959004-9 380 Pages Paperback $27.95
I need to acknowledge right now that I am NOT a Ceremonial Magician, but then again, this book is written for people like me. This is NOT a compilation of Grimoires, nor is it a distillation of those books. It is a broad overview of magick books and books about magick (which are not necessarily the same thing). There is a fairly thorough discussion of the suppression of magick books, which makes it abundantly clear that, although most of us think in terms of the Christian church's efforts in this respect, Christianity was a "Johnny come lately" to that game. There had been suppressions long before the beginning of the Common Era.
This type of book often falls into one of two categories. It is either heavily influenced by the pop culture (unlikely in this case, given that it is published by Oxford University Press), or it is full of erudite, academic attitudes which leave you grabbing your dictionary as you read. This book walks the middle ground quite nicely. It answers questions with easily understood words, and saves the inevitable citations for the end of the book.
One thing which modern readers often forget when reading about the grimoires of the past is that simply because two (or more) books had the same name did not mean they had they same content, especially in a time when the books in circulation were manuscripts, as opposed to printed volumes. Religious scholars has this brought home to them with the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library where there were numerous books with identical names and widely varying contents. Grimoires were, generally, perceived as having more power if they were handwritten (magicians would make handwritten copies of books which they had in their library to impart more power to them). What this means is that even those grimoires which have survived in printed form may only be ONE version of numerous ones which circulated during the Renaissance and later periods.
Also, bearing in mind the expense of papyrus, parchment, or (eventually) paper, books tended to be relatively short. Thus, a "massive" grimoire might have consisted of 50 to 100 pages handwritten, with illustrations scattered throughout. In today's society; with the technology available by the middle of the 20 th century, that could have translated into a printed "booklet" of 15 to 40 pages. Therefore a magician who had 50 books of magick in his library wouldn't raise an eyebrow today, but in the past would have been seen as very knowledgeable (and probably quite wealthy).
Another thing which must be taken into account is that, with the generally low literacy rates of the past, there was a tendency to consider ANY book to be magical, thus astrological books, almanacs, prayer books, philosophical writings, and mathematical books could be, and often were, lumped in among those books which were considered to be grimoires. Most magical practitioners could not afford (or else could not read) the grimoires which circulated, and thus made do with diagrams copied from them, lists of names and words, or simply possession of the books themselves.
The author takes great pains to explore not only the "Magic Books" themselves, but the perceptions of those who possessed them; those who attempted to ban them; and the "average" individual of the time.
That is what makes this such a valuable resource. Modern readers tend to forget that things have evolved on many levels since the advent of civilization and, even more so, during the past few centuries.
How many of you reading this review are aware of the alleged magickal underpinnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon church)? How many know that several Popes of the Roman Catholic Church were accused of working magick? And were also cited as authors of popular grimoires? And that there were books of magic in the colonies in America (French, British, and Spanish)? See, there's a lot of information out there that most of us are blissfully unaware of. This book decreases the level of ignorance regarding such topics.
Of course, he doesn't neglect the better-known aspects either. There are references to Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, the belief in antediluvian civilizations, and the pre-eminence of Egypt as a source of magical knowledge. The important thing about this book, from the standpoint of someone involved with modern magickal thought, is that it helps to clarify relationships of which the average individual is only moderately aware.
The most valuable section, to my mind, is the section which deals with the magic books which were published during the late 19 th and early 20 th century. People sometimes forget that some organizations (The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn comes to mind) produced their own magic manuals. Some of them were made available (intentionally or otherwise) to the wider public. In the early 20 th century there were publishers who played fast and loose with the laws of copyright, and produced unauthorized editions of circulating books (often in languages other than the originals) at reduced prices, and in many cases inferior quality, and with altered authorship claims. Some of these books gained their own notoriety and went on to influence generations of magicians.
Although this book is not aimed at the Pagan/magical communities, it will serve those groups well, especially as it concludes its survey of grimoires with a look at three modern creations: The Necromonicon, the Book of Shadows, and the Satanic Bible. Each of these books was created to fill a perceived need; each was stitched together from existing sources (and contained spurious or missing attributions; and each has come to have its own devoted group of followers.
While I do not necessarily agree with all of the author's conclusions and assertions, I am capable of understanding how they have been arrived at. He makes no attempt to peddle his own conclusions at the expense of alternative beliefs, he merely shows what has led him to his final position.
As many books which, in the past, were written to show the fallacy of the grimoires in circulation, this book will undoubtedly find its way into the hands of individuals who will use it to give their bookshelves a look of authenticity. It will also be used by some individuals as a source of their own supposed magickal ability, without a doubt. But these are secondary uses. The primary use is, and should be, to expand knowledge of the history of books of, and about, magic. As such, I highly recommend it.
- 2.
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CD REVIEW - Bending Tradition
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net
Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:54 pm (PDT)
Bending Tradition CD by Emerald Rose © 2000 13 Tracks Total Running Time 48:50
$14.78 (U.S.) $8.99 Music Download from Amazon.com
Penny in the Well 3:14 Come by the Hills 4:24
Fire in the Head 3:25 Merry May Folk 4:18
Lucky Man 4:19 Johnnie Cope 2:39
Jigs: The Green Hills of Garland/ 3:20 Castle of Arianrhod 5:36
The Gallagher Lass/The Ferret's Nose Freya Shakti 3:19
Red-Haired Mary 4:00 Unfinished Business 2:23
Pagan Girl 3:58 Hills of America 3:55
I first encountered this talented group by way of the CD "The Best of Pagan Song" (which I reviewed waaaayyyy back in 2004. Why I waited so long to follow up and request more of their music, I can't explain. Even then I recognized the enthusiasm and energy they had. On top of that, the music I heard on that CD ("Penny in the Well") was just plain enjoyable.
As should be obvious, if you've read any quantity of my music reviews, I have weaknesses for both Celtic music, and songs which actually tell a story. I enjoy chants and instrumental as well, but my favorites would be songs inspired by Celtic myths. Emerald Rose may not be telling mythological tales all the time, but still...the stories are fun and that is enough.
The voice of this quartet blend nicely and carry the listener along. Their use of instruments also assists in sweeping you up and carrying you to the ultimate destination, which is a place of simple pleasure and happiness. Throughout the album I found myself smiling almost constantly. There is something, which is more than the sum of the parts, which is quite compelling about their music.
I always enjoy having the lyrics available, if only so I can see the differences which creep in between writing and performing a song. On occasion you have to wonder why the divergence occurs, but then you realize that it really doesn't matter.
Find a comfortable chair, place the beverage of your choice close to hand, sit back and enjoy some of the finest Celtic music you are likely to find. It isn't appropriate for ritual, but as a means of winding down afterward, I highly recommend it.
- 3.
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CD REVIEW - Archives of Ages to Come
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net
Fri Mar 16, 2012 5:48 pm (PDT)
Archives of Ages to Come by Emerald Rose © 2005 16 Tracks Total Running Time: 64:08
$22.22 (U.S.) $6.99 Music Download from Amazon.com
Come to the Dance 4:38 Wheel of Fortune 4:31
Before the Twilight Falls 4:45 Four Jacks 3:44
(For Blodeuwedd) Irish Heartbeat 3:04
Take Me Down (To Her Water) 4:06 Dagger of the Moon 4:13
Four Doors to Elfland 4:44 Urania Sings 5:03
Queen of Argyll 2:55 Whistler's Farewell 4:51
Three More Drops 3:35 Dance of the Rats 3:44
Autumn in Asheville 3:31 We Come From Monkeys 3:17
Gwydion's Song to Lleu 3:20
The very first track on this album lets you know without doubt that the purpose of this group is to help
raise awareness and energy. If you can't see yourself dancing around the circle raising energy...are you sure you're Pagan? This album is more consistently Pagan than "Bending Tradition" (see my previous review) which was dominantly folk in tone.
The fourth track ("Four Doors to Elfland") consists of four jigs, two of which are happy-go-lucky little experiences and two of which are, by the band's own description, "spooky". According to the liner notes for this track: "This set has been variously called the 'Bipolar Set' or 'Bad Pizza.' Band is not responsible for any sudden mood swings resulting from listening." It is nice to have a little advance warning.
This album sits about midway between the first release of Emerald Rose's that I reviewed and the latest release, so it helps to showcase the evolution of the group and their music. I didn't plan to review the CDs in chronological order (and in fact, I don't, as you will see in the following reviews), but it seemed they arranged themselves in a particular order as I unpacked them. I've learned to trust my instincts on things like that.
This CD shows a bit more depth (for lack of a more descriptive word). It still contains, however the energy and enthusiasm which drew me to them in the first place. Unfortunately for me, sometimes I just can't find the proper word to describe what I feel, no matter how hard I try. "Depth" isn't accurate, but it conveys a bit of what I am trying to get to. The songs on this album are less likely to appeal to a mainstream audience since they are less "folk" and more Pagan.
I'm sure there are others out there more familiar with Emerald Rose's music than I am, but if you are not one of those, and you are looking for a nice, enjoyable Pagan-friendly experience, this is the way to go.
- 4.
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CD REVIEW - Con Suite
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net
Fri Mar 16, 2012 5:53 pm (PDT)
Con Suite by Emerald Rose © 2011 12 Tracks Total Running Time: 34:57 $14.98 (U.S.)
Chocolate Frog 2:39 Never Split the Party 3:27
No Booze Today 2:44 Vulcan Rubdown 3:18
Tree Huggin Man 2:18 Big Damn Heroes 3:31
Fairies Stole My Keys 2:53 Danny in the Jar 2:53
All For Me Grog 2:54 Solitary Motel 2:04
Bronya Vladivoshtnochtl 2:23 Vampire Girl From Orn 3:53
Every once in a while you just have to kick back and have fun. And if you can do while making fun of cultural icons, all the better (and the more icons, the higher the level of fun). If you read the liner notes and don't get the references you may as well put this album back and spend some time brushing up on the society in which we all live.
As much as I have enjoyed the previous releases by this group, this was a whole 'nother level of entertainment. From Harry Potter to eco-warriors, from booze to Pon Farr there is nothing serious about this album. Its sole purpose for existence is to be fun.
" Fairies Stole My Keys" has the potential to be the next "Talking Wicca Blues" (see my review of "Circle Magic Music" by Circle [done in 2010]). It relates those events that we all suffer through on a daily basis.
" Danny in the Jar" is an almost three minute mash-up of all the popular Irish pub songs. It allows the group to handle all the requests for the old favorites in one shot, and then allows them to move on to other songs. It isn't even worth trying to inventory the songs in this mash-up, there are so many.
And then there's "Solitary Motel." What can you say about a song which combines Elvis and the paranormal? I guess all that can be said is, "Don't take yourself so seriously. In fact, that pretty much sums up this entire CD. So, if you can handle more than half an hour of continuous chuckling, if not outright laughter, this is the disc for you.
I'm not really sure whether this album belongs in my comedy collection, or somewhere else. All I know for sure is that it is fantastic.
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___________________________________________________________________________
�` Earthwise �`
<:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::]]======0
The Worldwide Spirit of Paganism
in Australia, America & Worldwide!
Take a Look at Our Huge EBay Store
For all your Magickal & Ritual Supplies
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Astarte-Earthwise
___________________________________________________________________________
This Earthwise Book of Shadows group holds the expectation
that a tolerant, mature and respectful dialogue be strived
for in our communications with each other. Members are
encouraged to challenge anyone not adhering to these
principles and to notify the list owner Astarte if you are
offended by a posting, write to me at
earthwise@bigpond.com
Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________
Earthwise is a world wide group.
We are based in Bolwarra, NSW. Australia.
Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley where we hold sacred rituals, workshops, social events and outings, for more information see our calendar of events at Witches Meetup
http://www.meetup.com/earthwise/
___________________________________________________________________________
Astarte also works full time as a Psychic Counsellor, Medium,
Clairvoyant, Healer and Teacher.
If she can be of assistance to you, please see her home page at
www.earthwise.net.au
___________________________________________________________________________
ARE YOU CREATIVE?
Astarte is always sourcing new suppliers of quality pagan
related items, to purchase wholesale or even put on consignment,
she willing to purchase worldwide items for the Earthwise Store.
If you have something of interest please contact Astarte
earthwise@bigpond.com
___________________________________________________________________________
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