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In the Center of the Fire: A Memoir of the Occult 1966-1989 — Occult Philosophy

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In the Center of the Fire: A Memoir of the Occult 1966-1989

Name: In the Center of the Fire: A Memoir of the Occult 1966-1989
Price: 29.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Wasserman, James
ISBN: 9780892542017

✍️ Wasserman, James

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review) 179 sold

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

James Wasserman's memoir plunges readers into the heart of New York's hidden esoteric landscape from the mid-60s through the late 80s. As a dedicated proponent of Aleister Crowley's philosophy, Wasserman offers an unfiltered account of his initiation into the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and its subsequent growth from a handful of devotees to a global movement. He illuminates the vibrant, sometimes gritty, underground current flowing alongside iconic cultural touchstones, introducing a cast of avant-garde figures and detailing the establishment of TAHUTI Lodge, providing an intimate journey through a pivotal period for modern occultism.

Wasserman, James

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Occult Philosophy

🏛 Ibis Press 📅 2012 📖 336 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9780892542017

Fun Fact

Wasserman's memoir vividly captures a transformative era for modern occultism and the O.T.O. Its strength lies in its candid, insider perspective on the energetic confluence of magic and counterculture in 1970s New York. While not a dry academic history or ritual instruction manual, it offers a rich, experiential narrative. This book is an invaluable, engaging testament to Thelema's growth, positioning it as a key primary source.

📝 Description: In the Center of the Fire: A Memoir of the Occult 1966-1989

In this daring exposé by a survivor of a unique era in the New York occult scene, James Wasserman, a longtime proponent of the teachings of Aleister Crowley, brings us into a world of candlelit temples, burning incense, and sonorous invocations. The author also shares an intimate look at the New York Underground of the 1970s and introduces us to the company of such avant-garde luminaries as Alejandro Jodorowsky, Harry Smith, and Angus MacLise. A stone's throw away from the Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol's Factory, William Burroughs' "bunker," and the legendary Chelsea Hotel was a scene far more esoteric than perhaps even they could have imagined. When James Wasserman joined the O. T. O. in 1976, there were fewer than a dozen members. Today the Order numbers over 4,000 members in 50 countries and has been responsible for a series of ground-breaking publications of Crowley's works. The author founded New York City's TAHUTI Lodge in 1979. He chronicles its early history and provides a window into the heyday of the Manhattan esoteric community. He also breaks his decades of silence concerning one of the most seminal events in the development of the modern Thelemic movement -- detailing his role in the 1976 magical battle between Marcelo Motta and Grady McMurtry. Long slandered for his effort to heal the temporary breach between the Orders of A.'. A.'. and O. T. O., James Wasserman sets the record straight. And, he meticulously chronicles the copyright contest over the Crowley literary estate--of which he was an important participant. This is also a saga with a very human tableau filled with tender romance, passionate friendships, an abiding spiritual hunger, danger, passion, and ecstasy. It also explores several hidden magical byways including the rituals of Voodoo, Tibetan Buddhism, and Sufism. Finally we are given a bird's eye view of the 1960s hippie culture and its excesses of sex and drugs, and rock n roll--along with the personal transformations and penalties such a lifestyle brought forth. Reconstructed from personal memories, magical diaries, multiple interviews, court transcripts, witness depositions, trial evidence, and extensive correspondence, this book elucidates a hitherto misreported and ill-understood nexus of modern magical history. It also shares tales of a mythical moment in American life as seen through the eyes of an enthusiastic participant in the hip culture of the day.

📑 What's inside

Introduction
Part 1. 1966 to 1973
1. Antioch College and the World of the Spirit
2. On the Road
3. On the Mend
4. Portland and the Abbey of Thelema
5. On the Road Again
Part 2. 1973 to 1977
6. New York City and Weiser's Bookstore
7. Weiser Publishing and The Commentaries of AL
8. Meeting Marcelo Motta in Brazil
9. California and Grady McMurtry
10. Harry Smith and the Game Changes
Part 3. 1977 to 1979
11. The Early Days of Studio 31
12. The Tree of Life and The Egyptian Book of the Dead
Part 4. 1979 to 1989
13. The New York O.T.O
14. The Founding and Early Years of TAHUTI
15. The Constitutional Conflicts and the First Motta Trial
16. The San Francisco Lawsuit
17. Grady's Death and Bill Becomes Caliph
18. Gurney's Death
Epilogue: The Beat Goes On
Appendices
Analysis by a Master of the Temple (Jack Parsons)
The Caliphate Letters and Transcriptions
The Follower Letter and Transcription
1979 Initial Proposal for TAHUTI Encampment
1979 An Invocation to the Masters of the O.T.O
1981 TAHUTI Lodge Statement
1981 TAHUTI Lodge Temple Guidelines
1981 Beltane Ritual
1981 Application for the Guild of Drama and Thaumaturgy
1985 Caliph Election Announcement
1985 The Three Triads of the O.T.O
1989 Richard Gernon: In Memoriam
1989 Thelemic Middle Pillar as a Group Ritual
Liber Oz vel LXXVII
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Index
Contact Information

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This book serves as a vital primary source for understanding the Ordo Templi Orientis during its formative years. Wasserman provides an authentic, insider’s view of the smoky, secret world that defined New York’s occult landscape from 1966 to 1989. However, readers seeking polished literary fiction or detached academic analysis may find the memoir’s personal focus and specific esoteric jargon too insular. It is not suited for those uninterested in the detailed mechanics of ritual initiation or the specific history of Crowleyan philosophy. The narrative’s strength lies in its raw documentation of a community’s growth, but it demands a reader ready to engage with specialized historical and spiritual contexts without distraction.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the hidden currents of counterculture history will find this memoir an essential window into a transformative time. Those interested in the personal dynamics of spiritual initiation and the gritty reality behind esoteric organizations will appreciate Wasserman’s unfiltered perspective. It is particularly valuable for enthusiasts of Aleister Crowley’s philosophy who wish to understand how his teachings evolved from small groups into larger movements. The intimate journey through the establishment of TAHUTI Lodge offers a unique glimpse into the dedication required to sustain such underground currents, making it a rewarding read for anyone seeking depth beyond surface-level occult knowledge.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to 20th-century esotericism, the O. T. O.'s formative years, or the fascinating intersection of occultism and New York's 1970s counterculture, this memoir offers an unparalleled, personal vantage point into a truly unique historical moment.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This book serves as a vital primary source for understanding the Ordo Templi Orientis during its formative years. Wasserman provides an authentic, insider’s view of the smoky, secret world that defined New York’s occult landscape from 1966 to 1989. However, readers seeking polished literary fiction or detached academic analysis may find the memoir’s personal focus and specific esoteric jargon too insular. It is not suited for those uninterested in the detailed mechanics of ritual initiation or the specific history of Crowleyan philosophy. The narrative’s strength lies in its raw documentation of a community’s growth, but it demands a reader ready to engage with specialized historical and spiritual contexts without distraction.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While Wasserman is a key figure in Thelema, his memoir offers a broader look at 1970s counterculture and the general occult scene in New York. It's accessible for anyone interested in esoteric history or biography, not just practitioners of Thelema.

The author details his experiences and the Order's public history, including its growth and challenges. However, it respects the inner sanctum of O.T.O. initiations, focusing more on the cultural context and personal journey rather than specific ritual secrets.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Thelemic Renaissance in New York

Wasserman provides a rare, firsthand perspective on the dramatic resurgence of Thelema and the Ordo Templi Orientis. He chronicles its transformation from a small, dedicated group into a significant international organization, detailing the practicalities and spiritual challenges faced by early members in establishing and expanding its influence during a pivotal era.

Esoteric NYC Subculture

Beyond ritual chambers, the book explores the dynamic interplay between the occult and New York's bohemian avant-garde. Readers encounter figures like Alejandro Jodorowsky and Angus MacLise, revealing how esoteric pursuits intertwined with the experimental art, music, and counterculture movements thriving just blocks away from iconic venues like The Factory and the Chelsea Hotel.

A Seeker's Candid Memoir

This isn't just history; it's a deeply personal narrative of Wasserman's own path within the occult. He shares his experiences, insights, and the challenges of living an esoteric life amidst a rapidly changing urban landscape. The memoir offers an intimate look at the dedication and internal transformation required for profound magical engagement.

📜 Historical context

This memoir emerges from a significant period following the mid-20th century occult revival, specifically detailing the post-Crowley efforts to re-establish and expand Thelemic institutions. It sits within the tradition of personal accounts from magical practitioners, providing an insider's view of how esoteric societies adapted and thrived amidst the cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s, contributing to the modern occult landscape.

📚 Glossary

Thelema
O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis)
Avant-garde

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might the specific cultural and political climate of 1970s New York have shaped the development and expression of occult practices?
Reflect on the challenges and rewards of committing to a deeply esoteric path within a largely conventional society, as Wasserman describes.
In what ways do you see the "avant-garde" spirit of artistic and magical exploration from that era still influencing modern esoteric thought or practice today?