Customer Reviews

The Tree of Life: An Illustrated Study in Magic

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first book by Regardie I have read, but not my first book on magic by any means (I have read works by Crowley, Agrippa, Barret etc). Despite its 500 pages, it was a matter of days before I had finished it, I just couldn't put it down!

The premise of the book is a study of magic as a technical system, stripped of cultural baggage, but that is where it fails slightly. For all the claims that they were free of religion, the Golden Dawn bunch really did seem obsessed with a form of monotheism, and one based in the Jewish faith. It's almost as if they want to keep that tie with traditional teachings, just in case! They obsess with Egypt as the cradle of religion, which it was in the sense that it spawned the Coptic church (from whence came the edited down version of the bible as we know it) & later on embraced Islamic tradition, but before all of that Egyption religion was not monotheistic in the sense that this book revels in.

However, if one ignores that & the rather absurd idea that we are the ultimate beings, whose next step is to become God, then it is possible to find a whole range of useful material. This book includes a discussion of the nature of the astral light, the qabalah (very briefly, but concisely), the symbolism & procurement of tools & the mechanics of ritual.

Of course, most of what can be found in this book can also be found in the likes of Crowley, but this has the added boon that Regardie doesn't spend half of the time pulling your leg with stories of baby sacrifice and that the material that is presented isn't obscured by dubious prose (a la Magick in Theory & Practice).

After reading this I am quite tempted to read his Garden of Pomegranates to see what he makes of the Qabalah. In short I would say that this book is worth getting for a study of how the Golden Dawn & many ritual magicians view magic (but of course in their eyes there is no other type of magic!), and also for some of the technical aspects of practice. Despite it being far from a stripped down version of magic, with quite an unacknowledged basis on Judaic teachings, the amount of information contained in it is nealry unparalelled. Worth the cover price ten times over (how very malkuth of me!).

This book is absolutely amazing, after reading it I went out and bought several of Regardie's books. This is definitely the best introduction to magic that I have read, and it definitely seems to be a major source that many contemporary introductions to magic are based on. I would, nevertheless, recommend people approach this book with: 1) a bit of familiarity with the basic premises of the Qabalah and Tree of Life (Dion Forutne's "The Mystical Qabalah" is a great place to start), and 2) an ability to decipher long and wordy sentences.
Other reviewers have complained about Regardie's writing style. I definitely agree the first chapter is a bit over the top, but throughout the rest of the book I fell in love with his style. It makes readers use conscious effort in order to gain understanding, because Regardie wraps many layers of meaning into what he writes. After the first chapter, I found the writing style extremely poetic and beautiful, although I definitely feel it could be simplified. Regardless of the writing style, Regardie's treatment of the topic is straightforward and clear... especially considering the veil of secrecy that cloaked discussion of magic in previous centuries.

The book is divided into two major sections. The first is basically more theoretical, covering the theory of the Tree of Life... a topic that perpetually reveals more and more depth intricate layers. The second (and much larger) part is more practical, though it really deals with the theory behind magical practices. This section really helps to demystify the meanings behind magical practice, and has helped give me a more clear direction in my own path.
Particularly valuable are the treatments of WILL and IMAGINATION, the two key ingredients in practical magic... many exercises are weaved into the text, and the reasons as to why these and other elements are essential is very clearly covered. The best part of this book was definitely the chapter on the astral plane and exercises to develop abilities for astral projection... I would have paid for this chapter alone!

This book has immense benefit for both the "armchair magician" (stuck in theory with no practice) and the practicing magician. It is a great overview for aspiring magicians, and I sense it would only reveal more as readers become more experienced. I will come back to it again and again...

Regarding the connection with Crowley... I was wary of Regardie for a while, because of the association with Crowley, but after reading this book I realize the extreme importance Regardie placed on spiritual aspiration. I actually find he has a lot in common with Samael Aun Weor (look him up), which really surprises me. Definitely, it seems Regardie is on the side of "white magic", and now that I am rereading Crowley I am sensing that his reputation is skewed. Parts of his writing seem to really glorify self indulgence, but I think there is more spiritual value to his work than he is often given credit for by his detractors.
Despite all of this, doing a bit of research suggests their connection was thinner than it may at first appear... Regardie was only Crowley's secretary, Crowley refused to give him any practical teaching in magic. And, later in life Regardie seemed a bit pissed off about his association with Crowley, because he considered himself a Golden Dawn member and not a Thelemite. Although the back of my edition says the book is "the most comprehensive introduction to the... writings of Aleister Crowley", I find this insulting almost. The publisher probably put it on to increase sales, because the book really has very little to do with Crowley.
At the very least, reading The Tree of Life helped expand my perspective and open my mind. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Israel Regardie is often unfairly lumped together as a follower of Aleister Crowley and as a Thelemite.

It is true that Regardie was the secretary of Crowley and sought instruction from him. However, Regardie developed along his own paths after his split with Crowley and became an esoteric teacher in his own right, mainly along Qabalist lines.

Regardie was instrumental in reviving the interest in Crowley and Thelema after the former's death. His publication of "The Eye in the Triangle" and his consistently well-done editing work on many books by Crowley kept many of them in print. All his life, Regardie thought of Crowley as a great teacher and a man the world should not miss out on.

Just as it is unfair to call Regardie a Thelemite, it is unfair to reproach him with wagging fingers for his admiration of Aleister Crowley. If you want stupid, vitriolic, and totally bogus accounts of Crowley's philosophy and the effect it might have on those assosciated with him, go read one or two of the other reviews. You're not material for this kind of stuff if you are low enough to describe a man's kind of death as a consequence of his occult tecnhique--even more so, when you're wrong with regard to those circumstances, seeing as the only person to witness his death completely contradicts everything you say.

All of that is evident from this book. Regardie admired Crowley, defended Crowley, and was deeply influenced by him.

Regardie's book, when it comes to essentials, is a particularly good account of the magickal tradition. The only other book worth as much consideration is "Book 4" by that nasty, evil, no-good Aleister Crowley who so many people hate without having the slightest clue what they are talking about (after all, we all know eastern mysticism and the tarot is *terrible* for the soul). The primary difference between Book 4 and The Tree of Life is that Regardie's book is designed for a more general audience (also a heck of a lot less expensive).

Regardie, at least for myself, can be a torture to read. Not that it's difficult--actually, he gets kind of "gushy" if I may be excused the word. There's too much of the picturesque and sentimental in Regardie, it can hamper his reading even if it leaves his knowledge and philosophy well enough alone.

The illustrations included were a nice touch: mostly Alchemical symbolism, and Christian ecstasies.

The Ciceros are, as usual, total hacks. (Warning, warning, the author despises the Ciceros). Somebody besides those two should start editing Regardie books; maybe they could provide real insight into the man and his noble work.

Until then, buy this book, wade through the completely frivolous endnotes of the Ciceros (there are over 500 and maybe 10 of them are interesting), who once again seem to want to use Regardie as an excuse to show how much esoteric "wisdom" and "personal insight" they have. Maybe I'm too harsh on them--maybe they just have some bizarre "foot" (excuse the terribly stupid pun) fetish. But, my God! they're determined to ruin the book for you!

In short: Ignore comments about Crowley that you may have seen on this site or elsewhere. If you want to know what was true about him, I'd suggest buying "Do What Thou Wilt" by Sutin, a good biography. If you don't care either way (which you shouldn't, if you're a Regardie follower), buy this book for a very good, detailed, discussion on the principles of esoteric philosophy. There *are* disputable philosophic points in this book...but I leave those up to the reader to find for him or herself.

(Revised with additions, 8/26/03)
Thank God this book is still available in its unedited/modified edition, besides the Cicero's!

Read and learn. Also, get, and practice, Regardie's 'Art of True Healing,' still available in a useful, functional edition, but little modified by Mark Allen. Well worth your bother! Cannot be recommended more highly: the Middle Pillar 'ritual' is integral to the Regardie material, and is much more practical than it sounds.

You won't regret it, answer-seekers ... !

Yet, some have little interest in matters purely/strictly occult. Occultism isn't necessarily the only reason one studies Regardie. Throughout all his books, a useful perspective on the world of psychology is offered. You may not care for western magic, Egyptian gods considered as symbols of the mind, spirit, etc.

However, Regardie, although by repute no master 'shrink' himself, offers many useful points of view on psychology and psychotherapy throughout his many books. His sanity and objectivity shine through, little handicapped by personal idiosyncracy. His reading lists can be useful. His 'Teachers of Fulfillment,' currently out of print, I hope to see reprinted soon. It offers a kind of 'Tree of Life' quality coverage on the New Thought ' metaphysical' movement, offering what I think are very useful insights into this movement. 'Energy, Prayer, and Relaxation' is another cognate volume, offering a variant on the 'Art of True Healing' method, and is a useful introduction to such methods/practices.

His 'One Year Manual' also stands well next to these. It is a blend of methods and techniques to be used by the individual, not only for health but for personal self-development as well, spiritual and otherwise. To me, it is an extremely practical work. The small but important and essential practise of 'self-recollection' as described therein has proved invaluable to me. It deserves a small book all to itself.

Add the essay on 'Meditation' from his 'Foundations of Practical Magic' ( out of print, but also no doubt soon to be re-released, ) well-known and admired among the cognoscenti, and you start to have a very well-rounded grounding/perspective indeed. This is a grounding and orientation of occultism, integrating psychology in general, to form a surprisingly unified whole, and a more than suitable springboard for the individual interested in steadily and carefully pursuing a course of action destined to change his/her life.

The recommended reading list of W.E.Butlers handbooks, etc. on an early page of 'Ceremonial Magic,' the non-occult but tremendously useful 'Lazy Man's Guide to Relaxation,' are two other Regardie books no doubt soon to be reprinted as demand increases. Also, Regardie recommends having on hand a copy of Jungs 'Two Essays on Analytical Psychology' on hand, to supplement all these general studies.

Frater Albertus' 'Alchemist's Handbook,' featuring an introduction by Regardie, usefully supplements the Golden Dawn material on the Internet. However, you should also familiarize yourself with Regardie introductions to the general Golden Dawn material, found in the two different published book collections of the Golden Dawn.

Korzybski's many books on semantics (aka: neuro-semantics) also contributes its moiety to the complete Regardie picture. See also Regardie's introduction to Edwin Steinbrecher's 'Inner Guide Meditation,' for an even further expansion of and familiarity with Regardie's realm and point-of-view.

Also on the horizon is 'Regardie Speaks,' useful for getting a further grasp on his ideas. After all these, you will know where to go next.

Read his books. Read his recommendations. Read introductions he has written for others. You won't regret it. The methods are not to be rushed into, as they can be quite powerful and useful. Sanity must guide the path and, as Regardie would say, 'fanaticism above all is to be eschewed.'

Add to all this his useful recordings, in particular the 'Middle Pillar Ritual' recording, useful with the 'Art of True Healing' essay, and his 'Body Awareness/Relaxation' recording, and you are well on your way.

The quiet intelligence, caution, and subtlety which pervades his books, is something I always look for in a writer, as in J. Krishnamurti, and others.
Those looking for a new perspective on life would do well to investigate his work.

Although I have since added in to the picture a moiety of Taoist immortalist classics to my 'armementarium,' I am constantly returning to Regardie. ( Taoist health techniques as in Eva Wong, Thomas Cleary and the like, I feel is the direction people like Deepak Chopra, Andrew Weil, Bernie Siegel, writers on the Qi-Jong, Feng Shui, and similar efforts are headed.) Enrich your appreciation and understanding of other psychology and 'self-improvement ' writings, by improving the entire picture for yourself, with Regardie.

You'll be glad you did. It just might be 'more rewarding than watching television,' or pursuing lesser, although 'flashier' writers on personal psychology/human potential and development subjects.

Bravo to the Ciceros for making Regardie's classic text even more usable for the 21st century reader. I'm glad they changed Regardie's old spelling of Hebrew words like Sephiros to Sephiroth to make them conform with the way modern magicians say these words! Sure, you can still buy the old Weiser edition, but if you do, you won't be getting over a hundred illustrations, great footnotes, a table of contents that you can ACTUALLY read, a 50+ page glossary of magical terms, and a comprehensive index. I know which edition I use more often, and it isn't the Weiser one!

Thank God this book is still available in its unedited/modified edition, besides the Cicero's!

Read and learn. Also, get, and practice, Regardie's 'Art of True Healing,' still available in a useful, functional edition, but little modified by Mark Allen. Well worth your bother!

You won't regret it, answer-seekers ... !

Thank God this book is still available in its unedited/modified edition, besides the Cicero's!

Read and learn. Also, get, and practice, Regardie's 'Art of True Healing,' still available in a useful, functional edition, but little modified by Mark Allen. Well worth your bother!

You won't regret it, answer-seekers ... !

Considered by many to be Mr. Regardie's Magnum Opus, this book is a must for any student of magic, although I wouldn't recommend beginners to undertake it without some experience of ritual and some exposure to occult theory. Regardie's words can be passive and needing of previous knowledge on the readers part, which a good majority of that required knowledge is give in the endnotes to the chapters, but not all. The new illustrations and comments are excellent and no other work has been as complete as this for me; other than Crowley's Liber ABA. If Crowley is hard to swallow for you, then Regardie is the choice to take.

This is the first book by Regardie I have read, but not my first book on magic by any means (I have read works by Crowley, Agrippa, Barret etc). Despite its 500 pages, it was a matter of days before I had finished it, I just couldn't put it down!

The premise of the book is a study of magic as a technical system, stripped of cultural baggage, but that is where it fails slightly. For all the claims that they were free of religion, the Golden Dawn bunch really did seem obsessed with a form of monotheism, and one based in the Jewish faith. It's almost as if they want to keep that tie with traditional teachings, just in case! They obsess with Egypt as the cradle of religion, which it was in the sense that it spawned the Coptic church (from whence came the edited down version of the bible as we know it) & later on embraced Islamic tradition, but before all of that Egyption religion was not monotheistic in the sense that this book revels in.

However, if one ignores that & the rather absurd idea that we are the ultimate beings, whose next step is to become God, then it is possible to find a whole range of useful material. This book includes a discussion of the nature of the astral light, the qabalah (very briefly, but concisely), the symbolism & procurement of tools & the mechanics of ritual.

Of course, most of what can be found in this book can also be found in the likes of Crowley, but this has the added boon that Regardie doesn't spend half of the time pulling your leg with stories of baby sacrifice and that the material that is presented isn't obscured by dubious prose (a la Magick in Theory & Practice).

After reading this I am quite tempted to read his Garden of Pomegranates to see what he makes of the Qabalah. In short I would say that this book is worth getting for a study of how the Golden Dawn & many ritual magicians view magic (but of course in their eyes there is no other type of magic!), and also for some of the technical aspects of practice. Despite it being far from a stripped down version of magic, with quite an unacknowledged basis on Judaic teachings, the amount of information contained in it is nealry unparalelled. Worth the cover price ten times over (how very malkuth of me!).

Amonst a ton of drivel published on the subject, these two by
the one-time Sect'y to A. Crowley are a must for the serious or even seni-serious inquirer into a (the?) basis for an understanding
on the underpiunnings of magic(k)