Magick in Theory and Practice. Illustrated

Aleister Crowley

• Publisher: Asimis Books
• Year: 2026
• eBook ISBN:
  9786178880286
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

Magick in Theory and Practice by Aleister Crowley is one of the central works of twentieth-century occult philosophy and the foundational manual of Crowley's spiritual system, Thelema. Both practical guide and metaphysical manifesto, the book sets forth Crowley's definition of "Magick" as the science and art of causing change in conformity with will. Drawing upon Western esoteric traditions—including ceremonial magic, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, and yoga—Crowley presents a structured path for spiritual development. He outlines rituals, symbolic systems, methods of concentration, and practices aimed at discovering one's "True Will," the core principle of Thelemic philosophy. The text combines technical instruction with dense philosophical reflection. Crowley discusses the psychology of belief, the discipline of the mind, and the importance of personal responsibility in magical work. Far from mere superstition, he frames magick as a rigorous spiritual science requiring training, ethical awareness, and self-mastery. Written in a style that ranges from analytical to provocative, the book reflects Crowley's intellectual ambition and controversial persona. Its blend of scholarship, mysticism, and polemic has made it both influential and debated within esoteric circles. Magick in Theory and Practice remains a cornerstone of modern occult literature—an ambitious attempt to systematize mystical experience and articulate a philosophy of individual spiritual freedom.

Table of contents

• Hymn to Pan
• Introduction
• Chapter 0 The Magical Theory of the Universe
• Chapter I The Principles of Ritual
• Chapter II The Formulae of the Elemental Weapons
• Chapter III The Formula of Tetragrammaton [26]
• Chapter IV The Formula of Alhim, and That of Alim
• Chapter V The Formula of I.A.O.
• Chapter VI The Formula of the Neophyte [46]
• Chapter VII The Formula Of The Holy Graal: Of ABRAHADABRA: and of certain other Words. Also: The Magical Memory
• Chapter VIII Of Equilibrium, and of the General and Particular Method of Preparation of the Furniture of the Temple and of the Instruments of Art
• Chapter IX Of Silence and Secrecy: And of the Barbarous Names of Evocation
• Chapter X Of the Gestures
• Chapter XI Of Our Lady Babalon and Of the Beast Whereon She Rideth. Also Concerning Transformations
• Chapter XII Of the Bloody Sacrifice and Matters Cognate
• Chapter XIII Of the Banishings: And Of the Purifications
• Chapter XIV Of the Consecrations: With an Account Of the Nature and Nurture Of the Magical Link
• Chapter XV Of the Invocation
• Chapter XVI (Part I) Of the Oath
• Chapter XVI (Part II) Of the Charge to the Spirit With Some Account of the Constraints and Curses Occasionally Necessary
• Chapter XVII of the License to Depart
• Chapter XVIII Of Clairvoyance and the Body of Light Its Power and Its Development Also Concerning Divination
• Chapter XIX Of Dramatic Rituals
• Chapter XX Of the Eucharist and of the Art of Alchemy
• Chapter XXI Of Black Magic of the Main Types of the Operations of Magick Art and of the Powers of the Sphinx
• Appendix I Curriculum of the A . . . A . . .
• Appendix II One Star In Sight
• Appendix III Notes for an Astral Atlas
• Appendix IV Liber Samekh Theurgia Goetia Summa (Congressus Cum Daemone) sub figurâ DCCC
• Appendix V A Few of the Principal Correspondences of the Qabalah. Reprinted With Additions From 777
• Appendix VI A few principal Rituals
• Appendix VII A few of the principal instructions authorised by the A . . .A. . .