Techniques of High Magic

I own the original first edition hardback and later purchased the released paperback edition of this book. This is a classic text which was among the first of high magic 'for beginners' style books published in the 1970's. My only criticism is that although the chapters are detailed covering a wide range of topics from divination by geomancy to talisman creation, they are quite short. However it does present a workable system of high magic, using hebrew Angel and God names on the traditional ritual equipment which can later be used with some grimoires. Very good value for money.

Brilliant book especially for the beginner

Very interesting but not quite my thing so gave it to a friend.

Not as good as Skinner's other books, but gives the artist a variety of essentials to begin practicing safely.

This is one i got when first published but lost.

This is where it all started for me, 41 years ago as of this writing (1981). It's a great book, and if you are interested in the Golden Dawn, OTO or other similar systems, this would be a really good taster, to see if you're really into this approach. If you decide to continue, the information you get from this little book will make later studies much less daunting. I gave my copy away about 20 years ago, and am considering buying another for nostalgia.

Good book though I have a different edition. NOW, please note the first word of the title of this book i.e. TECHNIQUES so really the criticism that this book contains no Qabbalah is mute as Qabbalah is mostly theory and not totally essential for Magick no matter what any may tell you. Personally I find Qabbalah somewhat laborious & unnecessary.

I bought this book many years ago and though it does have limitations it is a superb launching pad, giving the seeker a great deal of information, useful in its own right, but informing about how to follow on, if necessary. I've noted on blogs people asking advice about books on many of the subjects dealt with here in detail, clearly unable to afford time nor money to wade through the masses of literature available these days. Furthermore the explanations are easy to follow unlike some texts that are deliberately abstruse. Of course it is limited by size and what it can present but it's an excellent start.

Super clear and easy to follow. A lot of very useful information. A must have for anyone interested in magic.

So this book is directly for the neophyte who has read and studied about magick and feels ready to start a practical path. Every single word in this book is about the practice of the magical exercises with no explanation or theorical background whatsoever, so if you are not familiar with the theory you might feel out of place with this book because it’s oversimplified (because of its practical aim). Now, be aware that it is a practical path that requires a lot of discipline and determination, it’s not about relaxing meditation you can do for 15 minutes one day or another. If you want to take advantage of this book you need commitment. I don’t think that the evocation chapter is enough to accomplish a successful evocation (this particular technique requires more expertise). The astral projection chapter is very good as well as the geommancy divination and talisman crafting.

A must have in your classic occult books collection.

Un libro de este autor siempre despierta interés. Una iniciación a la Alta Magia en la que nos explica el inicio del camino. Dentro del sistema de la Golden Dawn y la magia Egipcia, muy anterior a la medieval.

Uma obra menor de Stephen Skinner, em começo de carreira. É interessante, mas sem a profundidade e erudição de suas obras posteriores, sendo mais um breve apanhado de tópicos de magia.