Ascension Magick by Christopher Penczak © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN
0-7387-1047-4 561 pages Paperback $21.95 (U.S.) $24.95
(Canada)
I need to be complete honest at the start of this review (I am writing
this
introductory paragraph before I get beyond the first couple of pages). I
got this book, not because of an interest in ascension magick, but because
of the author. I have read a bunch of Christopher's earlier books
(although
not all of them). I don't always agree with them, but I have learned
something from each of them. I got this book to see what I would learn
from
it.
The first section of this book deals with the roots and underpinnings of
the
Ascension movement. If you know noting about the precedents of modern
magick, this will be a revelation to you. If you know those precedents,
this will serve as a simple reminder. In any case, it is a must-read to
bring you up to speed for the rest of the book.
Normally I can get through a book of this length in a bit over a week. I
didn't even try to stick to that thinking with this work. The concepts
contained in this book need careful reading, thoughtful reflection, and a
sharp intellect. If, while reading this book, you find your attention
waning - STOP, put the book down and divert yourself for a while. This is
NOT a book to read at the end of a long day, although the ideas contained
within may slip more easily past your conscious censors.
If you are only mildly interested in the subject of ascensionism, you may
find Mr. Penczak's work to be overly long and daunting. If, on the other
hand, ascensionism and light working are ideas which call to you, this
book
will be an invaluable aid.
I am not sure, on a personal level, whether I should recommend this book
whole-heartedly. There is no doubt that I would recommend it to the
serious
seeker but, not having read a lot of ascensionist literature, and being
shaky (due to passage of the years) on Theosophical writings, I'm not sure
how Chris' take on the subject fits into the general overview of the
subject; hence my personal reservations.
Even though 500+ pages is long for an introductory work, the subject
covers
such a diversity of topics and details that it does not seem, to me, to be
overly lengthy. Christopher has made no attempt, in my opinion, to "pad"
this book. It serves as a good, basic text to provide an understanding of
the subject and a foundation for further personal work.
Christopher covers topic ranging from sacred calendars to secret
histories;
from Theosophy to Left hand Initiations; and from individual progress to
planetary (and galactic and cosmic) ascension. It is the story of his
journey to arrive at who and what he is today. It is not so much a guide
book as a travelogue. It may resonate with you; it may inspire you; but
it
is not intended to stifle your own experiments. You can compare your
results to his but you need to be constantly aware that, as some folks
remind us, "Your mileage may vary." You need to find what is right for
you.
Is this an essential book for the average reader? No, but it is a
valuable
resource for those who are looking for certain answers. It won't provide
those answers, but it will help to guide you on your search for them.
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