Specs: Trade Paperback | English | 264 pages | 6 x 9 IN
Pub Date: July 2014
SUMMARY
The philosophical roots of much of Wicca and Paganism, as well as Western ceremonial magick, come from ancient Egypt. In this thoroughly researched book, the Grand Master of the Aurum Solis shares the history and evolution of the theurgic tradition—including the origins of Hermeticism in Egypt and the Mediterranean world, the birthplace of the theurgic tradition—and how-to instructions for discovering the presence of the divine in the world.
Providing a seven-step system of exercises and rituals to help the reader achieve higher levels of consciousness, Jean-Louis de Biasi also includes tips and techniques for working with sacred texts, information about the five temples of the human being, The Great Work, the three cosmic rituals, and the real planetary days. A valuable resource for those interested in the history and practices of the Western Mystery Tradition.
FOREWORD
by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke
​
Where to start?
That’s a writer’s challenge whenever asked to contribute a foreword to a new book.
The Magick of the Gods is premised on the antiquity of the Western Esoteric Tradition, and of the Aurum Solis within that tradition. It’s specifically about particular magickal principles and certain techniques with elements specific to the A.S. tradition. It would be easy for someone to say, “Well, just start at the beginning.”
ARTICLES RELATED TO THIS BOOK
​
High Magick & Initiatic Orders
For centuries, the ancient Western Mysteries have been transmitted through rituals called "initiations." Everyone can learn from books how to perform rituals, visualization, and self-empowerment, but nobody can seriously initiate himself.
To do so, you need one or more persons who will perform a special ritual for you. We know the existence of such ceremonies of initiations from a very early period, 1700 BCE if we consider the Mysteries of Eleusis in Greece. Later, other closed groups such as the Pythagorean, Neoplatonists, Hermetists, and Theurgists practiced initiatic secret rituals.
TESTIMONIALS
This book is an instant classic. As I first leafed through it, my overwhelming reaction was "Yes! Finally!" With so many books on Magick and Hermetics already available, this is the one, while accessible to all, is perfect for Pagans like me.
We did the first ritual, the Harmonization with Thoth, the day this book arrived. This very moving and enjoyable ritual is a perfect example of one of the main themes of Aurum Solis- Harmonization. The many other rituals are equally powerful yet joyous, as being in the company of the Gods should be! The practice of Theurgy is laid out clearly for any one who wants to elevate their spirit and better their life.
Rediscover the Magick of the Gods and Goddesses is rich with history, philosophy and theory as well. Fortunately, it is extremely well organized, which also sets it apart. The seven sections of the book are each replete with information, exercises and rituals, ending with a self-test, the answers to which being found in the back of the book. The answers are very understandable summaries of key points in each chapter.
The Aurum Solis makes use of the pentagram in a unique way, and this is very thoroughly explained. This explanation and the method of attributing the planets to their proper days are invaluable. The personal experiences the author describes (such as visiting Iamblichus' tomb in Syria) make this book all the more "real". I also found the history of the groups, orders and societies that form the roots of the Ogdoadic Tradition fascinating.
Tanys
A monumental book!
Jean-Louis de Biasi's book is an excellent introduction to the spiritual practices of the Aurum Solis, which has its roots in Hermetic philosophy and the Pagan religions of ancient Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East. Blending history, philosophy, and detailed practical instruction, "Rediscover the Magick of the Gods and Goddesses" presents theurgy in a ready-to-use system of spiritual development. Numerous diagrams and self-tests at the end of the chapters enhance the book’s value for self-instruction.
Bruce
Practical advice on Hermetic spiritual practices
Great introduction to theurgy!
J.E. Riadon
Five Stars
The book lays out the basics for a system of Neoplatonic philosophical study and classic ritual practice aimed at spiritual enlightenment in the vein of the Western Mystery Traditions. It is indeed a slight departure from the works of Denning and Phillips, but is also not intended to be an in-depth 3-volume series like the former. In regard to his critics, Mr de Biasi's work is more of "reformation" than "innovation". He dispenses with the "gothic horror novel" style of writing that has predominated the Western Mystery Traditions for too long in favor of plain speech. Though a little "light" in that regard for some, he reintroduces basic philosophy, history and modern archaeology in place of fanciful speculation and regurgitation. Too many of the writings upon which the Western Mysteries were founded are based on bad medieval European scholarship and/or incomplete information. This was later to be followed with the "enthusiastically subjective" materials of the late 17th/early 18th century. I personally applaud OAS for continuing to study and renovate instead of getting stuck in Edwardian-period dogmatism regarding esoteric study. I think this book is a step in the right direction regarding the type of material that the 21st century student of the Western Mysteries is coming to expect; the simple fact is that Aristotle -will- continue to dominate until the student reads Plato and makes peace with the irrationality in us all.
Regarding those that commented on the abundant editorial oversights (which is ironic)...yeah...it's still a Llewellyn book, but one of their better ones of late.
H.L.
A step in the right direction
If you're looking for a book to teach you more about Magic and it's history, this is a great book to add to your collection. Rediscover the Magick of the Gods and Goddesses takes the reader wayyyyy back to the earliest periods of magic to discover the roots of the religion. Theurgy discusses the development of magic from the beginning to the present and is a good guide to show the beginner just where this religion developed from. Great read for anyone interested in learning more about the past and where religion truly developed from.
S.W. Tangel
Great Book for those looking to learn more!