On alt.religion.wicca, Mike <gleason.mike at (no spam) comcast.net> wrote:
A Compendium of Magickal Practice from Ethics to Sex by Sapnabella
&
Axis =A9 2009 Oestara Publishing LLC ISBN: 978-0-9842166-0-4
Paperback 187 pages $20.86 (U.S.) E-Book ISBN: 978-0-9842166-1-1
202 pages $06.25 (U.S.)
www.oestarapublishing.com
This book is designed to help the magickal individual strengthen his/
her abilities in a variety of fields, operating on the assumption
that
all magickal skills are composed of sub skills which in many cases
overlap between various types. As an example, visualization is a sub
skill which is necessary for divination, invocation, charging of
magickal objects, etc. Thus, if you develop stronger visualization
skills using divinatory techniques, your ability will increase in the
different fields simply because your basic ability has improved.
The topic list runs the gamut from magickal theory to channeling;
from
dream work to animal magick; and from trance working through sex
magick. This obviously is an overview-type of situation. Any one of
those topics could be (and often have been) covered in several books;
having said that, however, I must say that I was impressed by the
presentation of these two authors. Sapnabella is a High Priestess
specializing in dream interpretation. Axis is a Channel who has led
workshops on Pagan parenting. As a couple, they complement each
other
quite well.
Sapnabella takes the time to define her terms =96 even though I don=
92t
necessarily agree with all her definitions. She makes it abundantly
clear what she means when she uses a term.
Without a doubt, this book is well worth the cost (in whatever format
you prefer). It is well-written, easy to understand and deals with
topics which are of major interest. I don=92t always agree with the
position taken, but there is no denying that many others will agree
with them. What I do agree with is the statement that one must NEVER
neglect the mundane, whether referring to working spells, or
protecting oneself. Magick is all well and good, and serves as a
valuable adjunct to everything else.
There are various forms of magickal protection given ranging from
simple to far more complex. Unlike many books, there are separate
protective rituals given focusing on each of the elements; using
totemic and mythic animals; and protecting your non-Pagan loved ones.
Differences are made between protections and wards, and that is a
vital distinction which is seldom made in other books.
There is a section on channeling. Distinctions are made between
those
things which come from intuition and those come from discarnate
sources. Distinctions are also made between those things which we
consciously attempt to channel and those things which come unbidden
to
our minds.
Information is given on how to induce channeling, as well as
information on things which may trigger channeled information without
conscious intent.
There is so much information contained within this book, that it just
isn=92t possible to do it justice in a review. I could go on and on,
and still not begin to give it the depth of coverage it deserves.
The
various sections are designed to stimulate thoughtful consideration,
and they succeed nicely.
From another author who can demonstrate no magickal skills at all.
The 'neo-pagan' community is composed of the most gullible people
I have ever encountered.
Sid
