Ssotbme Revised - An Essay on Magic

I will start by saying the intention of this book found on page 129: “Although the true intention of this book is not to advocate one way of thought over another, but rather to illustrate four valid and complementary paths, the argument is bound to favour Magic because it is the more popularly discredited path and thus most in need of reinstatement against its critics.”. The author is referring to a diagram (on page 3) with four directions (similar to quadrants but more like a compass): Art, Religion, Science, and Magic and how these are related to Intuition, Thinking, Sensation, and Feeling. He uses very clever dialogues from these four directions to reinforce his points in the essays. Some readers may think that the author is using verbal trickery in these dialogues because there are always many possible responses from one way or the other, but the author makes his point. There is a very interesting section on the “cycle of thought” related to these four directions. The dialogue on page 100 is very good (The eternal triangle of religion, science and magic). It is not common to find magic books on Magic Theories like this one. The author mentions different magic concepts in a very interesting way. I recommend this book because you can find many concepts between lines among other things.......

Perfect book for learning to identify styles of thought so you can consciously choose your orientation to your own thinking.Extremely empowering exercise. You can learn to articulate why you're choosing to think the way you do without feeling flustered or like you're being condescended to. Though people will still probably condescend, you will now be equipped to not take the bait and thus avoid having an unwanted emotional response.

As a scientist, programmer, and dabbler in various magical, shamanic and mythological studies I found this book the equivalent of the missing link. It is utterly mind blowing and has enabled me to fully integrate the disparate fonts of knowledge I have pursued. From revolutionary discussions of virtual reality, brilliant elucidations of Crowley's work, to mind expanding view points on the Art, Religion, Science and Magick and their interplay this book has no equal. It deserves the highest praise I can deliver and it should be read by anyone with inclinations to magical thinking. I am embarking on a quest to read every book this author has ever published.

I have begun carrying this around in my briefcase, so when people ask what my opinion is of the relationship between science and magic, I can wave it at them. Okay, not really. But I do quote it at them. And I have to say that the revision of this classic essay is thrilling. Other reviewers mention things like using TVs as crystal balls . . . and that's all interesting. But the serious magician will find much of interest in this slim volume beyond mere technique. I've been looking for a "magical method" that can compete with the scientific method. SSOTBME lays much of the groundwork for that method -- and if you read it back in 1974 I'd humbly recommend rereading this new edition. Now that it's back in print, this baby is on my "mandatory reading" list.

This book has been out there for quite some time and still remains a staple. And for good reason, the information is presented in a manner which just flows. Much is covered in this book, but the thought it provokes is even more. Excellent, recommended!

Anyone with enough intellect and determination to read this book several times will not be disappointed. I am a casual/studying occultist, and the information here was pivotal to my growth as a human and as a shaman. The humor helps, too.

This is one of those books that I reread to gain new insights.

A refreshing challenge to the way we think, individually and as a society, and an inspiring call to wonder and creativity in one's inner life.

Sorry but I didn't like it. Too clever clever.

I loved the book, it offers a perspective on magic that was new to me. It is funny and well written, though maybe towards the end it becomes a bit repetitive.

Fantastic book, well written and has a very interesting point of view.

Still an inspired and deeply useful book, but I did prefer the (shorter) original. Sorry Lemuel - you just can't please some folk.

O conteúdo é ótimo, livro que influenciou toda uma geração, um marco numa nova abordagem à mágia.Só não dou 5 estrelas porque a edição é bem simples, mas nada que desabone o livro.Recomendo sem restrições.