The Watkins Dictionary of Magic
January 11th 2009 04:14
Whats the difference between Magic and Magick? she asked.
I must have looked particularly dumfounded because I really didnt know?
Perhaps, I reasoned, one is old archaic language, the other more modern?
However, I could feel that the answer lay much deeper, as the word itself suggested and offered her a book from the reference section. I thought she would be best served by Neville Drury and recommended his Watkins Dictionary of Magic as a good starting point.
Although this book is not the definitive dictionary on all things symbolic, she was not disappointed with the answer which she found, which was nestled amongst the 3,000 or so entries listed : form the Worlds of Magical Formulas, Secret Symbols and magical traditions. Taken from around the world, we soon discovered that the use of a *k* to the word *magic* itself, was added by Aleister Crowley in 1929; who defined magick as *the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with Will,* first coined in his book entitled; Magick in Theory and Practice.
As I said, not the definitive reference dictionary available, The Watkins Dictionary of Magic is however, perhaps the most authoritative guide in such a compact, portable paperback (328 page) lightweight format. It provides succinct and informative reading, drawing as it does from diverse fields of magical rituals, symbols, tribal and mythological gods and goddesses, throughout human history. It offers fascinating explanations of all things magical - including creatures, spells and formulas - and includes many unique entries on secret symbols and the symbolism of transformations themselves, as used by secret societies throughout human history.
This book is as enthralling as it is compact and concise and will lead you to a factual beginners understanding of many mystical traditions including the Kabbalah, the Tarot, the Hermetic traditions and Gnosticism; placing them all in geographical and historical context and describing many of their sacred esoteric texts in easy to read detail.
For the avid researcher, The Watkins Dictionary of Magic, also features reliable biographies of leading figures in the field, from medieval occultist Cornelius Agrippa to Moses de Leon, author of the Kabbalistic work, The Zohar.
A wonderful blend of historical fact, folklore and mythology for the inquiring mind to explore ~ from the past ~ in this world : and the next one as well.
Also Available by Nevill Drury : The Dictionary of the Esoteric.
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