A Guide to Magic, Witchcraft and the Paranormal: The Romance of Sorcery Rohmer, Sax

Name: A Guide to Magic, Witchcraft and the Paranormal: The Romance of Sorcery Rohmer, Sax
Price: 63.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Rohmer, Sax
ISBN: 9781138992092

✍️ Rohmer, Sax

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the hidden history of magic, from ancient Egypt to European witch trials, through the eyes of a master storyteller.

Sax Rohmer, renowned for his fictional thrillers, unveils his profound knowledge of the arcane in this accessible non-fiction work. He embarks on a sweeping historical journey, tracing the origins of sorcery from ancient Egypt, through the mysteries of Islamic djinns, the wisdom of the Magi, and diverse methods of divination. The book also illuminates European witchcraft, from royal court intrigues to infamous Scottish trials, profiling pivotal figures like Apollonius of Tyana and Cagliostro. Rohmer's aim is to bridge the chasm between modernity and the timeless truths of ancient mystic arts, making this an unparalleled general introduction.

Key themes

{'title': 'Global Occult History', 'body': 'This volume meticulously traces the origins and evolution of sorcery across diverse civilizations. From the foundational magical practices of ancient Egypt to the mystical insights of the Magi and the spiritual landscape of Brahmins, it offers a panoramic view of how magic has manifested throughout human history and across continents, highlighting its universal appeal.'} {'title': 'Profiles of Key Adepts', 'body': 'Rohmer dedicates significant attention to the lives and legacies of influential figures in occult history. Readers will encounter detailed accounts of luminaries such as the enigmatic Apollonius of Tyana, the prophetic Nostradamus, the polymath Dr. John Dee, and the controversial Count Cagliostro, understanding their contributions to the development of mystic arts.'} {'title': 'Bridging Ancient & Modern', 'body': "The book critically examines the perceived disconnect between contemporary thought and ancient spiritual wisdom. Rohmer posits that modernity has created a 'gulf' that obscures profound, timeless truths. His work serves as an eloquent attempt to reconnect readers with these forgotten esoteric principles, urging a re-evaluation of magic's place in understanding existence."}

🏛 Routledge 📅 2019 📖 256 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781138992092

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Fun fact

Rohmer’s 'Romance of Sorcery' is an exceptional gateway to occult history, distinguished by its accessible prose and panoramic scope. It excels at demystifying complex traditions and presenting a cohesive narrative of magical belief through the ages. While not a practical grimoire, those seeking a scholarly yet engaging overview of magic’s diverse forms will find it invaluable. Readers expecting instructional content might be disappointed, but as a foundational historical text for understanding the occult, it is truly unparalleled in its clarity and breadth.

📝 Description: A Guide to Magic, Witchcraft and the Paranormal: The Romance of Sorcery Rohmer, Sax

First published in 2005. The shadow side of Sax Rohmer is revealed in this long unobtainable volume; widely known as the author of the popular Fu Manchu books, he was also a dedicated scholar of the occult and an adept in the mystic arts. Written for the layman, his only non-fiction work is this guide to the realm of magic in its many forms, beginning with the birth of sorcery in ancient Egypt. The Moslem djinns, the sibylls, the philosophy of the Magi, modes of divination, and magic of the Brahmins are all examined, as are the manifestations of sorcery in Europe including witchcraft at the French royal court, and the infamous witch trials of Scotland. The stories of key figures such as Apollonius of Tyana, Nostradamus, Dr John Dee and Cagliostro are recounted in detail, and there is a comprehensive index from alchemy to zodiac. Rohmer aims to bridge the gulf that has opened as a result of modernity, between revealed religion and the ancient truths that need to be sought anew. There is no better general introduction to magic, sorcery and the paranormal.

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.4/5

★★★★★

If you're a curious seeker fascinated by the historical tapestry of magic, witchcraft, and the paranormal, this book offers a superb entry point. Rohmer's clear, engaging style makes complex subjects approachable, perfect for those beginning their exploration into the deeper currents of esoteric…

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Rohmer explicitly crafted this work for the 'layman,' providing a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the vast and varied world of magic, sorcery, and the paranormal without requiring prior specialized knowledge.

While it explores various magical practices and figures, its primary aim is historical exposition and understanding of magical traditions. It is not an instructional guide for spellcasting or practical ritual work, but rather an overview of the subject's history.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Global Occult History

This volume meticulously traces the origins and evolution of sorcery across diverse civilizations. From the foundational magical practices of ancient Egypt to the mystical insights of the Magi and the spiritual landscape of Brahmins, it offers a panoramic view of how magic has manifested throughout human history and across continents, highlighting its universal appeal.

Profiles of Key Adepts

Rohmer dedicates significant attention to the lives and legacies of influential figures in occult history. Readers will encounter detailed accounts of luminaries such as the enigmatic Apollonius of Tyana, the prophetic Nostradamus, the polymath Dr. John Dee, and the controversial Count Cagliostro, understanding their contributions to the development of mystic arts.

Bridging Ancient & Modern

The book critically examines the perceived disconnect between contemporary thought and ancient spiritual wisdom. Rohmer posits that modernity has created a 'gulf' that obscures profound, timeless truths. His work serves as an eloquent attempt to reconnect readers with these forgotten esoteric principles, urging a re-evaluation of magic's place in understanding existence.

💬 Quotes from the book

«From the earliest whispers of incantation in the Nile Valley to the hushed secrets of forbidden rites in European courts, the human impulse toward the arcane has shaped our world in ways often unseen.»

«The modern age, in its haste to rationalize, frequently casts aside the profound truths once held sacred. It is in these forgotten annals that we find echoes of powers we may yet reclaim.»

📜 Historical context

First published in 2005, this volume reintroduces a seminal non-fiction work from Sax Rohmer, an author deeply immersed in the occult. It stands in the tradition of popular occult histories that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aiming to demystify esoteric traditions for a broader audience. Rohmer’s unique blend of scholarly research and narrative flair positions it as an accessible yet comprehensive guide within the field of occult studies.

📚 Glossary

Djinns
Sibylls
Magi

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might the 'ancient truths' Rohmer discusses still resonate or manifest in today's seemingly rational world, and in what forms?
Which of the historical figures or magical traditions mentioned in the book most captivates your imagination, and what specific questions does it raise for you?
Consider Rohmer's idea of a 'gulf' between revealed religion and ancient truths. How do you personally perceive this divide, and what might be ways to bridge it?