Editorial Review

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Reviews (380)

A Great Bible That Actually Makes Sense.
Even before I bought The Satanic Bible I've always favored the Satanic religion the most because it makes the most sense, instead of denying you of your natural needs, it embraces them. It doesn't discriminate again anyone whether you're white, black, asian, European, gay, straight, bisexual or whatever, it'll except you no matter what. The Bible was a big help to answer a few questions I had about the religion and I'm not even half way through it yet and it's gotten me to respect the religion a lot more then I already did. If you only think Satanism is whatever the christians cowardly discribe it to be or if you're just plain courious then you should buy it and read it. If you don't like it after you try it then you don't have to keep it so it won't hurt anyone. There's a million things in the first few chapters that makes it a great bible that actually makes sense.

Geniuos
Pure Geniuos. Great book, changed my religious perspectives. I just wanted it to inspire me to write Black Metal songs... but now Im a satanist. Great book, Buy It.

Great Book - Very sound philosophy.
This book was the best book I've ever read by far.It's very philosophical.
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. New Age    3. Occultism    4. Satanism    5. Spirituality - General    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    7. Satanism & demonology   

Reviews (55)

One of The Greatest Books On Esoteric Knowledge Ever Written
I have to honestly say that Hall outdone himself on this one. It is one of the greatest books on esoteric knowledge ever. He speaks openly about the mystery schools,divination,book of Revelation and other spiritual topics. A must have for anyone interested in the esoteric traditions.

Brilliant Work
Brother Manly P Hall has written a brilliant book that covers so much. His knowledge of esoteric philosophy and religion is endless. He was a brilliant man who has contributed so much through his many works. This book is very well written and is vey beautiful. It is a very insightful piece of work that will enlighten all who read it's text. I would encourage all to read this book, it is one of the most important and influential books that I have ever had the honor of reading. I would recommend reading some of Hall's other works and those of Sir Francis Bacon among others.

THE encyclopedia of esoteric teachings
The book is amazing in its amount of topics covered, from Gnostic beliefs, the lost city of Atlantis, who really wrote Shakespeare, who were the Rosecrucians,secret meanings of the Zodiac, alchemy, Pythagorean math, mystery schools and much,much, much, more at 56 chapters. For an introduction to every esoteric religion in history, buy this book.I read it from cover to cover and it was enthralling for all 672 pages.Also get "lectures on ancient philosophy" to go into more depth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. General    3. History    4. Mysteries, Religious    5. New Age    6. Occult Sciences    7. Occultism    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    9. Secret societies    10. Spirituality - General    11. Symbolism    12. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (37)

golden dawn
Very good book - can be called a bible for humans, who are looking for self-awakening. Many interesting rituals and informations about modern magic and The Golden Dawn louge.

Isreal lives
What can I say..awsome book by one of the Great Magi of our times!Gives you the complete system from top to bottom as far as the Golden Dawn goes.Beginers could use this book...but Id suggest Donald Michael Criegs "Modern magick" first if your realy new to the system!But just to help give you some foundation before you dive into this complete Tome.Suppliment it with some od Isreal's teachings on CD and youll go far.......fast!

An excellent reference, not for beginners
Step by step instruction is lacking and certain fundamental ideas are assumed to be known and understood by the reader...a complete beginner would be lost with this book alone.It is an invaluable reference for someone who has a certain level of practical experience, but a book like Don Kraig's Modern Magick would be preferable to start with.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Hermetic Order of the Golden D    3. Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Occultism    9. Rosicrucianism    10. Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    12. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (67)

Absolutely Wonderful
This book is one of the most responsible books with runes I've ever come across.Written thoughtfully and carefully, this tool can help anyone connect with their higher selves.I highly recommend it to anyone interested in growth.

A unique system- not quite compatible with other rune books
This was the first book on runes I got, and while it served me well for a few years, as soon as I started reading other books on runes, I felt a little betrayed.Blum doesn't mention that there is an order to the runes that everyone but himabides by.He doesn't mention that there are countless other resources on the meanings.Reading his book, you get the idea that he somehow divinely accessed these meanings all by himself.I had to relearn the order of the runes and puzzle out the differences between his book and other more traditional books.He does have some phrases like "wait on the will of god" and such, but those never really bothered me and I'm pagan.I still have the rune set and book and refer to them from time to time, but I wish I'd started out with a more traditional book on runes.

Still a great set after all these years
This book has been with me for over ten years and is still an insightful and servicable guide.
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Subjects:  1. Divination - General    2. Miscellanea    3. New Age    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Oracles    6. Runes    7. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    8. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (6)

Walking with gods
I first came across the thoughts of Colin Wilson in one of his novels, 'The Philosopher's Stone', where the hero - let's call him Will Colinson - relates:
THE OCCULT (RANDOM HOUSE, INC./1971)
As far as the history part goes, Wilson's book is a fascinating documentation of occultism starting with primitive shamanism and progressing through century after century of magicians and mages and adepts from Dee to Dion Fortune, Cagliostro to Crowley while touching upon almost every aspect of supernatural phenomenon. But whereas Christian beliefs teach that the occult and all its branches and manifestations are demonic in origin (or at the very least draw real demonic spirits to the ones who engage in such practices as divination, ritual magick, invoking of spirits, psychic mediums who open themselves up to any spiritual contact like a human ouija board, and astral projection), Wilson argues that the occult is a way to get in touch with the deepest part of subconscious self as well as the Jungian "collective unconscious" or universal energy/psychic ether that he contends we can manipulate or tap into thus enabling us to discern the future and relive past lives (yes, he also argues in favor of reincarnation). As a Christian I must speak according to the mainstream theological point of view which Wilson conveniently pushes to the back burner (so to speak) especially when you read of all these weird supernatural things happening to all these people who deliberately ignore the warnings of God in regards to participating in these rituals. Of course, it would be perfectly fine to engages in such occultic practices if there weren't real entities out there trying to kill you. And even if you don't believe in such fallen/demonic/angelic entities, why take the chance? Why risk opening such a Pandora's Box that you can't control (or which these entities make you think you can control) and which could very well destroy you (mentally, physically, and spiritually) as well as those you love? Instead of believing the pseudo-psychological mumbo jumbo of men why not just accept the truth that there is a God and that there is a macro-world of angels and demons that we cannot see? Why is this so hard to believe? We can believe in a micro-world of invisible-to-the-naked eye organisms yet refuse to believe in a macro-world of God and Satan, angel and demon, faithful and rebellious even though we can see the positive and negative results of these forces every single day throughout the entire world. A simple comparison of the evil practices of Aleister Crowley (and the horrible results of his self-centered philosophy of "do what thou wilt" which has left a trail of insanity and death highlighted by Crowley's own struggle with heroin and sexual disease) to the life and character of Jesus Christ (and his example of love, peace, goodness, faith, kindness, self-control, humility, compassion, righteousness, holiness, and truth under God) gives a perfect example of all that is wrong with the occult. The three star rating is for Wilson's "HISTORY", not his philosophy.

One of Wilson's most engaging researches..
Having read quite some books written by C.Wilson, i know that going through the ones where he's conducting research is always a great experience.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Cults    3. New Age    4. Occult Sciences    5. Occultism    6. Parapsychology - General    7. Mind, Body, Spirit    8. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (21)

Excellent, but for comedic purposes
I've never been much of a Texe Marrs fan and I approached this book with an open mind.But this book is just so hard to take seriously.As I read the other reviews from people who found this enlightening and opened their eyes and such, I sit here scratching my head.You're telling me that the cast of Seinfeld used the cover of Newsweek to communicate with their New World Order masters???That because Bill Clinton folded his hands in an on-camera interview he was doing the same?Danny Glover felt the need to evoke Mystery Babylon on the cover of an AARP catalog?C'mon.Maybe 15% of these pictures should raise eye browes.The rest are like a rorschach test for conspiracy theorists.You will see what you want to see depending on your level of paranoia.

Outstanding
This is an outstanding book.What can one say?A picture is worth a thousand words.Lanelle

Obvious boo boos make it a dubious read...
I was enjoying this book as a summer read kinda thing, and I came across several mistakes..big ones. Thebiggest so far is that Helen Keller was the developer of sign language for the deaf!She was not as most of us know, but it made it convenient to fit her into the illuminati. Nice pictures, and the reproduced articles from obvious sources are pretty good, but as soon as you start running into misleading info, then any book that claims to expose anything is cast into doubt. I also noticed some of the handshakes just look like regular handshakes, frankly. I mean what good does it do to have to decode a book of decoding? Take what you have already learned and then apply it to some of the content in this book and it becomes just another vague rung on the step to exposing the big picture. Worth the money, though and a fun read, just double check the facts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Magick Studies    3. New Age    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Occultism   

Reviews (49)

Satanic Rituals Very Helpful
This is an excellent companion to the Satanic Bible. It is very user friendly.

Brilliance inteachings of the Left-Hand Path!!!!!!!!!
The Satanic Rituals written by the world famous founder of organized and modern authentic Satanism is a magnificent collection "PRINCIPLES" and authentic Black Mass Rituals and other Occult Philosophies.Like all other books by Magus La Vey it is devoid of useless gibberish and rhetoric!This book is highly well written in terms of the book's content,theme,structure,etc.This is REQUIRED READING for the REAL novice SATANIST or the REAL advanced WIZARD or WITCH of the Left-Hand PATH!!!!!!

a good guide on practicing satanism.
i think the rituals/ceremonies are original. the only thing i don't like about this book was how Mr. LaVey didn't give some clue as to when the Black Mass or Das Tierdrama were to be performed. i also don't like how LaVey didn't tell you what chemicals to use to make the flame for the Call to Cthulhu ritual black or how he didn't show what special sigils to use in some of the rituals that didn't use the baphomet for the participant(s)to wear during the ritual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Occultism    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    6. Satanism & demonology    7. Satanism   

Editorial Review

The Macks divert our gaze from our contemporary red-faced, cloven-hoofed misrepresentation of demons to remind us of the ancient roles demons were originally assigned to play. From the Tommyknockers of North American mountain mines to the South African Mbulu that waits in the river for lone travelers, Read more

Reviews (30)

Pleasant read.
The book had many demons and the small stories that go with them. I think the only thing I would have liked more in the book is for the writer to post more pictures of some of the demons the writer was trying to describe. Evnen though this was a very well made book and it is simple enough for the average reader to understand yet complex, the writer used words that I had to look up in the dictionary. So I would recomend this book to a person who is curious about demons, but not thoose who are very serious about the subject.

A Fascinating, Frightening and Sometimes Amusing Look at Malicious Spirits Worldwide
Well, as the title says, this book is a "field guide" to Demons, faeries and other malicious spirits. The book opens with a couple discussions on the nature of demons, evil, and so forth, before splitting into a field guide style approach that breaks it down into sections like "mountain", "ocean", "desert" and so forth. Within in each section are given several different demons or types of demon, along with a write up of their habits, myths and lore, how to defeat them and the like.
Leave Your Butterfly Net At Home~In Search Of The Supernatural
A delightful field guide for the would-be spirit chaser in training. While this is primarily a reference book, it goes beyond most books of this genre by giving the reader more than just a brief dictionary type description of the creature being discussed.
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Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Demonology    3. Fairies    4. Folklore & Mythology    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Occultism    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Satanism & demonology    10. Demonology & Satanism   

Reviews (2)

workhorse for literary alchemy
this book is fun, well written, and detailed. most useful for literary and artistic readings of alchemy, or "comparative religion" type studies, less so for detailed info on the protoscientific aspects (try Lawrence Principe). I'm using this book for a class on alchemy I'm teaching this semester. It's a good way to approach the rich terminology and symbolism, though it can get a bit repetetive as the same idea gets explained in different ways in different articles. Could have better footnotes and cross-referencing, but very useful for the casual reader or beginning student who is just becoming familiar with a confusing and difficult set of terms and images.

The Philosopher's Stone
This is a superb book for anyone interested in alchemy. For those interested in alchemy and its connections to literature-- it's even better. The articles are bursting with relevant information and insight into thisoften perplexing subject matter in an accessible, readable style. A"must have" for anyone interested in alchemy. The only thing Idon't like is the price, which may prove prohibitive for some. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    2. Literary Criticism    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Occultism    5. Reference    6. Alchemy in literature    7. British Isles    8. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    9. Literary & Linguistic Reference Works    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    11. Literary studies: general   

Reviews (207)

Believe in what you want to believe, but...
Realize that H. P. Lovecraft came up with the Necronomicon in his fiction.I don't see how people can believe in this stuff.Read some background information on the horror/weird fiction writer before diving into nonsense.There was never a necronomicon made by any Abdul Alhazred.

Malicious hoax
This book is a malicious hoax. If the magick in it works at all, it will just be to blow up in your face. The "real" Necronomicon was invented by H.P. Lovecraft in imitation of R.W. Chambers' The King In Yellow, a fictional tome that will drive anyone who reads it insane.
Where is mr. Simon? Not here on this earth, most likely.
I gave up listening to this mexican radio talk show which airs nationally in the country. On this show, they talk about the occult, possessed children with tiny horns [and who live in mexico-but they are stories which don't make the six o'clock news, or the front page newspaper story for the major papers], ghosts, etc., But there was this story in particular that called my attention. What happens to the brujos, or these magick men who sell their soul to the prince of this world, satan. According to the people of this small town in mexico, it was said that this magick man (the brujo) was seeking a recruit in the town in order to take over. But the mission was not accomplished, and the people of the town said(and these are no myths at all, because satanism is really heavy in mexico), that the man was ripped up the devil because his time was up. That was the pact between them two. This could be the same situation for Simon. I tell you nicely, but do not enter this stuff. Enjoy your life, and live peacefully without any type of magick in your life. Just go to a good church and follow Jesus! We are in the last times....before tribulation period before antiChrist arises onto world scene. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Al azif    2. Alhazrad, Abdul.    3. Magick Studies    4. New Age    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Occultism    7. Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Spirit communication & mediumship, spiritualism   

Reviews (10)

Good, butneed corrections !
I got the book today and just a few minutes of skimming it I found an important mistake( maybe a publisher's fault) : The sigil of Och (pg. 339)is printed with the Phaleg's one and vice-versa pg.370 . I hope I don't find another big errors since someone uses this book to practice without consulting other ones would be lead to a grave mistake and perhaps serious problems since these sigils are used in talismans among other things in cerimonial magic, for example. The author asks to let him know about any incorrections and I wil do that. So my tip is take care with this good book since more faults may be present !

A must have for any serious occultist
This is a great occult reference encyclopedia about the occult and literally contains everything you ever wanted to know about the occult and magick.
Incredible reference book and work of art.
NO Pagan, Witch, Occulist, Magickian or Philosopher should be without this book. There is NO EXCUSE. This is the most phoenomenal book of its kind. JMG must have spent years creating this. I have never found a more helpful, clear yet complete guide for the Occult sciences and all things Pagan. This cleared more things up for me than many other books ever could. This is brilliant. Pick up a copy; you will be thrilled that you did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Encyclopedias    3. Europe, Western    4. History    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. North America    9. Occultism    10. Reference    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies   

Reviews (69)

Best Book on exposingGermanBlueprint for relentless Christian Sadism
This is the best example of christian sadism,in medieval Germany,that ripples to this very day.This document backfired on the provincial witch-finders,Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger.Eventhough,both were admonished by an encyclical church edict,the witch-baiting treatise lived on as a testimony of their brutal plans of continuing Christian injustice.The "Witch's Hammer", may have even nutured theefforts of future Christian demagogues,to maintain control over the xenophobic citizenry though.This fanaticism has been a persistent problem ,throughout German history.The best modern example was,of course, the Nazi reign of terror.The prime opinion,of the German christians,was that they were betrayed by the jewish elitists.Why would the German jews,bite the hand that fed them,by fostering a hostile and depraved christian populace?The enclusive jews were restricted ,by the upper catholic church oligarchy,to monetary-economics and academic affairs only.That's how the court-jews(hofjuden),were employed after the collapse of old monarchy regime. What real forces led to German Nationalism ,no one can say for sure completely.The eugenics minister,Heinrich Himmler,believed that christianity planted the seeds of ignorance and that Germnay needed a "New World Order".Himmler felt that Adolf Hitler was a theatrical Vienna interloper in his Bavarian affairs.Yet,as many of the Nazi brass,he could not match the charismatic brilliance,of Hitler.The fledgling Nazi parti may have floundered ,without the confident aureate persona of Hitler.The Bohemian Hitler ,an outsider in his own native Braunau village,seized upon the uncertainty and fears of the German people,to promote his sadistic xenophobe plans against humanity.Himmler was a "Bavarian Communist" ,really.Himmler believed that Hermann Goering would succeed Hitler,in the event of "the leader's untimely demise,via assassination".If Goering took over,he would have kept Nazi matters ,within the European continent.Hitler saw the Japanese ,as a servile colonist branch of his christian plans ,for Germanic world domination .And Tojo saw Hitler as a good destroyer of the catholic church and that the German christian leftovers ,would be ultimately servile to him. Yet,Goering ,a Nazi Nationalist,held fast to the mood of fellow Nazi ministers,and didn't rock the boat.Goering would have the blessings of the Catholic church,and Himmler saw a need for an enclusive Bavarian democratic socialist-labor gruppe,i.e. Bavarian communist movement, "away from Rome",however.As fate would have it,the christianised German pagans gamble ,on Hitler's victory, was a complete failure.-The "Witch's Hammer" is the best record we have,showing the Germanic christian's ridiculous plans of promoting blind adherence of a sadistic authority.Only grooming a hysterical atmosphere ,for the insane dictatorship of a reckless Christain zealot,like Adolf Hitler.Monty Summers may be guilty of honoring the sadistic fanatics,Kramer and Sprenger.Yet, Monty Durham's writs may have absolved these bibliolatrous sadists.It could happen here ,in today's America.

Revenge
Despite the additions of Montague Summers, this is the perfect example of a book that SHOULD be burned.This and other texts of the period motivated persons in positions of power to torture women (mostly), with practices such as pouring molten metal into all of their orifices, in the name of Christ, of all people.Persons that commit such acts need to be hunted down.They can be taken care of in the next world as well, but first things first.

A compelling opinion piece
Montague Summers' translation of the Malleus Maleficarum is a must have for any library focused on the occult and its history.The myths and bigotries associated with the medieval invention of diabolical witchcraft become quite clear through this biased translation of the original Latin text compiled by James Sprenger and Heinrich Kramer.Summers' frightening laud of the original is elemental in understanding how this work could have been born out of the fear and ignorance of medieval Europe.Summers' earnest belief in diabolical creatures such as werewolves and vampires heartily fuels his praise of the terrible work carried out under the Bull of Pope Innocent VIII which lead to the persecution, torture, forced admission and grusome execution of perhaps thousands of innocent people.If you are planning on becoming a witch hunter, you would do better to brush up on your Latin and look to the original text or await Christopher Mackay's much anticipated translinear edition.I would also suggest researching as many primary sources as possible, such as the work of King James I.That said, the Summers edition is a significant look through the types of eyes that might have composed the original work, and the views that were (and possibly are) being harbored in more contemporary times on this controversial and esoteric subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Criminal procedure (Canon law)    3. Demonology    4. Early works to 1800    5. General    6. Medieval    7. New Age    8. Occultism    9. Sociology    10. Witchcraft    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    12. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (9)

Wilsonian Romp
There really is not much for me to say on this one. It's just a fun ride. The kind you come to expect with Wilson. It is book you can read without having read the Cosmic Trigger books, but it helps.

What a conclusion
How many books can begin with their author dieing?Well, it seems that nothing is impossible to Robert Anton Wilson.Finding out about his death on the internet, Wilson takes us along another journey of self discovery and an examination of belief systems. OK, HERE'S THE DEAL....
I feel that Wilson might be a genius. He seems to me to be smart enough to realize that his opinion isn't necessarily the best one. He's careful to state that his opinions are just that, OPINIONS.This colors everything he does. {People looking for answers should run screaming the other way.) Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. New Age    3. Occultism    4. Spirituality - General    5. Science fiction   

Reviews (13)

I'a, Tyson!
Though knowledge of H.P. Lovecraft's "Cthulhu Mythos" enhances the enjoyment of this brilliant work, it isn't necessary. Tyson's Necronomicon traces the detailed path of the Mad Arab from his expulsion from Yemen into the desert to his final mind-shattering demise in Damascus. This text would also make a great sourcebook for the popular Call Of Cthulhu role-playing game from Chaosium. Lovcraft would have been delighted!

You must eat 3 Fungus Spiders to gain the second sight
Before I begin I do realize that this book is considered an "Occult" book and alot of the people who buy this believe in the contents. My response to that is simply .... "wow". Anyways, I read this book strictly as fiction. I myself am not a huge fan of lovecrafts work but, I am intrigued by his mythology and really wanted to have alot of it layed out in front of me. Sadly at first I had a hard time finding that. But this book definently did that Job. First it is well written, you can tell by the more complex language the author uses. Second, it in detail covers the Chthulthu Mythos and lays all the basic and much of the in depth information about them out for the reader. Third, This book is loaded with content and definently gives great credit to Lovecrafts writings. But their are a few downsides. It is written from the perspective of that "crazy arab" so it reads more like a handbook or guide. Their also isn't much action except for in the end. So It can be somewhat of a slow read, sense I found it hard to sit down and read a large amount at once. But the chapters are short so it makes this problem not to bad.Lastly, The book is heavy in terminology from Lovecrafts other stories so those people who haven't read much of Lovecrafts work might find some of the information confusing. Overall it is a good book and no doubt will satisfy those whom are just interested in the sheer fiction side of Lovecrafts Mythos. But I'm sure for those out there whom believe it to be real or semi - real. The author follows the occult quite a bit himself or so I've heard and I'm sure you will be satisfied.

Tons of facts, but zero excitement
This is a book that more or less only devoted fans of H.P. Lovecraft, his creation Necronomicon, the Cthulhu Mythos and so on will appreciate. In other words, unless you've read (and liked) the stories penned down by the Gentleman from Providence you won't find much pleasure in reading Tyson's Necronomicon.
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Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Fantasy fiction    3. Fiction    4. Magicians    5. Magick Studies    6. Middle East    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Occult fiction    9. Occultism    10. Religion    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    12. Magic & alchemy    13. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Reviews (30)

You've all got it wrong...
Everyone, listen. Realize that when you are talking about Satanism you need to know that it is not about conjuring "demons", killing Christians, and the "occult." It is about living your life to the fullest without any stupid religious restrictions, "rejoicing life in the carnal, the mundane, the flesh." Stop looking at it from a "Christian" point of view. This book is good, yes, but of course it's not the first book you want to get if you want to be a Satanist. If you want to do it right, GET THE SATANIC BIBLE 1st! You need to already know this. If you read The Devil's Notebook first, you won't get the right understanding. And enough of the LaVey insults. If you're a Satanist you should have more respect for the man. Nuff said.

An Entertaining Read
This book is a collection of essays, written by Mr. (pope?) Lavey.Judging by the introduction, written by Adam Parfrey, it is some sort of tribute to him - though I am not for sure.It is good for entertainment, though not a whoooole lot else... but then again,books are a form of media, and the whole purpose of media is to entertain, so... Of limited interest . . .
Not only to Joe Citizen, but to most Satanists as well, to whom this must seem rather tiresome.This is my first exposure to LaVey's writings, and I'm not terribly impressed.I found his style (and philosophy) to be manipulative, juvenile, and pedantic. A predilection for obscure words and arcane references.I'll assume then, that being irritating and difficult to understand is a Satanic tenet.Don't get me wrong--I found many interesting parts to this book, especially when it came to his taste in classical music, in manufactured environments and artificial human companions.If you're into robotics you definitely want to hear what LaVey has to say.But if you're new to Satanic philosophy or the Left Hand Path, I'd look elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Demonology    3. Fiction    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Occultism    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Satanism    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    11. Social Science / Popular Culture    12. Devil   

Reviews (8)

Fascinating and Compelling
I have not posted a review on [...], or for that matter, any other book-related website for several years, but felt I had to do so after reading Founding Fathers, Secret Societies. Dr. Robert Hieronimus, ably assisted by Laura Cortner, have given us a book for our times, and one of the most fascinating and compelling retellings of the founding of this country ever published. With true scholarship and first class story-telling, Hieronimus and Cortner establish for us the ethics and humanity upheld by the League of Iroquois, and the tremendous impact that their beliefs and actions had on our founding fathers. They go on to decode in detail the true meanings of the Great Seal of the United States and reassert the real vision behind the founding of our great nation. I don't read a lot of fiction, but I read this book with the attention and focus I usually reserve only for a true page-turner of a novel. And given the ever-deepening rifts in our current body politic, I came away from Founding Fathers profoundly moved and, yes, inspired. I can only add that no matter what your political predisposition may be, this remarkable volume offers us all an opportunity to reflect on the real story behind the birth of America, the true vision its founders had for the republic, and some practical thoughts on how we can all help it to get back on track. Robert Hieronimus and Laura Cortner have performed a great service in making this knowledge available to all of us, and I for one thank them for their efforts. A must read.
A TRUE JEWEL OF A BOOK
This book is a multidimensional discourse on the founding of a Nation whose history is veiled and obscured intentionally in secrecy. The author presents facts about the contributions of indigenous people in the founding of this Nation not told on any level of formal education. The author mentions there were Masonic symbols found in the wilderness of North America where no white man had ever ventured. These symbols were thought to be centuries old. By reading this book one can better figure how America fits into the national & international landscape from the very beginning. I like how the author breaks down the personal charts of the founders Franklin, Washington etc. Not a conspiracy book at all. I found it hard to put down once I started it. The notes and bibliography presents a vast amount of material for further research. I would highly recommend this book to the real seeker of truth, not for those who can not handle the truth. A good companion to this book would be "The Huevolution of Sacred Muur Science Past and Present" by Noble Timothy Myers-El

Disapointed
This book deals with some fairly rediculous topics.I'm not into mysticism or talisman's or that stuff, so perhaps I am biased.
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Subjects:  1. Archives    2. Freemasonry    3. History    4. History: American    5. Miscellanea    6. Occultism    7. Secret societies    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Organizations    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism    13. Freemasonry & secret societies    14. USA   

Reviews (33)

Scott's review of Combatting Mind Control
I found the book very informative and easy to understand. I was able to relate to what Steve was talking about having been raised in a mind control cult myself. I would recommend the book to those who are working on helping someone escape this subtle nightmare to become alive again. I am persuing the same mission field as Steve and he inspired me to stay with it.

Excellent book on cults and mind control
Anyone interested in this book should go to (...) "Constructing Social Reality".The program is hosted by Phillip Zimbardo, the well know social psychologist from Stanford University and long-time president of the American Psychological Association, and features footage of Steven Hassan talking briefly about his views on cults and mind control.It should give one a good sense of the tone, intelligence and validity of Hassan's writing.

This book helped me
When I learned that L. Ron Hubbard had officially "erased" his 2nd wife, Sara, and began describing her as the Russian communist spy Sara Komkosadamanov, and then I saw the huge stack of abandoned dianetics books at a used book store, I knew something was seriously wrong. Since then I've been reading and reading. Now I've just finished a really nice and concise over-view of whole messy subject: 'Combatting Cult Mind Control' by Steven Hassan. If you're tempted to wander into the world of cults, read this book first. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Cults    4. General    5. Hassan, Steven    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Occultism    9. Psychology    10. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    11. Anthropology    12. Contemporary non-Christian cults & sects    13. Coping with personal problems    14. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (55)

Practical & Thought Provoking
Dr. Lisiewski has written an excellent treatise on ancient magic passed down to all of us. He brings to light the simplicity of magic through his scientific training and personal experience that helps all of us better understand this esoteric field. I highly recommend this book to any serious student of magic. Jeff

Historical Piece
I am doing a doctorate in Medieval History; a subject which has been done to death in colleges and universities around the world. It was not easy getting my Department's permission to do so unless I came up with something "very unique," to use their collective opinion. When I told them it would be done on those religiously based texts known as "Grimoires," books used by early catholic priests and later average people (called "Magicians") to summon up demons, and how this could have anthropological implications as well, especially along Graeco-Egyptians lines. They were delighted. I used Dr. Lisiewski's book for the breakdown of the historical time line periods into which he divided the grimoires, and from there expanded upon the texts available during each period, again using those texts and further references he named in his book and in the bibliography. Needless to say, my doctoral proposal was approved without undue difficulty by my hastily assembled committee, and I am off and running.
THE companion to ANY grimoire
I have been using this book to study that most famous (and hated!) book by Arthur Edward Waite, The Book of Ceremonial Magic. For a long time I felt there was a lot in it that was disguised or hidden by Waite, just like Dr. Lisiewski stated in his book. He was right. What I do is keep the Doctor's book as my constant companion when I am studying Waite. And without too much trouble (except for Waite's long windedness) pearls of wisdom surface in droves. I am seeing into the actual structure of evocation now for the first time.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Controversial Knowledge    3. Cults    4. New Age    5. Occultism    6. Spiritualism - General    7. Magic & alchemy    8. Mind, Body, Spirit    9. Wicca   

Reviews (7)

Robin Wood Tarot: The Book
I had owned the deck & booklet for some time but I have to say that owning this book which is excellent and is going to totally improve my study of and readings with this deck.If you have the deck and find you just need to know more about the card than the booklet gives - This is the book for you, least it's that way with me
A good biography
Essential good in Robin Wood biography. I like her writing style also. But brings nothing new.

If you love the Deck.. get this book!!
For the most part, you don't need a deck specific book to learn to read tarot.Unless you have a more intricate... or as some might say, "oddball" deck, most general tarot books will teach you the subject as well as supply traditional interpretations that can be applied to most decks.