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Magia oriental Shah, Idries

Shah, Idries
Reader rating
4.8
(1 reviews) 117 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the hidden currents of thought spanning continents, from ancient rites to mystical symbols.

Idries Shah's "Magia Oriental" offers an illuminating exploration into the esoteric mindsets and cultural practices stretching from the Maghreb to the Far East. This meticulously researched volume, enriched with numerous illustrations, distills years of dedicated fieldwork across a diverse array of cultural landscapes. It delves into the underlying philosophies and methodologies of human thought regarding the unseen, making it an indispensable resource for understanding informal belief systems and arcane traditions. From Indian alchemical principles to Arabic numerology and ancient Brahmanic immortality spells, Shah unveils a tapestry of global magical heritage.

Key themes
Cross-Cultural Esoteric Understanding Global Magical Practices Survey The Human Mind's Beliefs
Historical context

This work situates itself within the broader tradition of comparative esoteric studies, bridging diverse mystical landscapes from the Maghreb to the Far East. It serves as a scholarly yet accessible bridge between informal belief systems and arcane traditions across global cultural histories.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
Mircea Eliade · Carl Jung · G.I. Gurdjieff
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Isf Publishing 📅 2019 📖 344 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781784799441
Fun fact
Shah's "Magia Oriental" excels in presenting a meticulously researched, panoramic view of esoteric thought across vast regions, making complex ideas accessible. It will disappoint those seeking a 'how-to' guide for spellcasting, as its focus is deeply academic and anthropological. This book stands as a cornerstone in the comparative study of magic and informal beliefs, offering a critical yet empathetic lens that enriches the understanding of human spiritual endeavor, firmly establishing its place in serious occult scholarship.

📝 Description: Magia oriental Shah, Idries

El libro Magia oriental es reconocido como un brillante estudio acerca de cómo, qué y por qué piensa la gente, en territorios que se extienden desde el norte de África hasta Japón. Profusamente ilustrado, el libro es el resultado de años de investigación y trabajo de campo en una docena de diversas regiones culturales. Su erudita precisión y genuina contribución al entendimiento cultural lo han transformado en un texto fundamental para cualquiera interesado en creencias informales y prácticas esotéricas. El trabajo incluye material sobre alquimia india, el sistema abjad de los árabes, la adivinación y los hechizos talismánicos, e incluso contiene un antiguo conjuro Brahmán para conseguir la inmortalidad.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Idries Shah presents an illuminating exploration of esoteric mindsets, enriched by numerous illustrations and years of dedicated fieldwork. This volume is a must for anyone interested in the methodologies of human thought concerning the unseen across diverse cultural landscapes. However, it may not suit readers seeking dry academic detachment or those uninterested in informal belief systems and arcane traditions. The text demands engagement with varied mystical contexts, from the Maghreb to the Far East. While some might find the breadth of coverage overwhelming, the distillation of global magical heritage remains a significant achievement for those willing to dive into these hidden currents.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with a deep curiosity about the hidden currents of thought that span continents will find this volume indispensable. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the underlying philosophies of human thought regarding the unseen, whether through Indian alchemical principles, Arabic numerology, or ancient Brahmanic spells. Shah’s meticulous fieldwork provides a rich tapestry of global magical heritage, offering valuable insights into informal belief systems. If you appreciate how mystical symbols and rites connect disparate cultures, this book illuminates those links with clarity and depth, making it a perfect companion for serious students of the esoteric.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5
★★★★
If you are fascinated by the human mind's journey into the mystical, curious about ancient wisdom traditions, or seeking a scholarly yet accessible guide to global magical thought, this book is an essential addition to your library. It's for those who wish to understand the 'why' behind esoteric…

Reader rating

4.8
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Idries Shah presents an illuminating exploration of esoteric mindsets, enriched by numerous illustrations and years of dedicated fieldwork. This volume is a must for anyone interested in the methodologies of human thought concerning the unseen across diverse cultural landscapes. However, it may not suit readers seeking dry academic detachment or those uninterested in informal belief systems and arcane traditions. The text demands engagement with varied mystical contexts, from the Maghreb to the Far East. While some might find the breadth of coverage overwhelming, the distillation of global magical heritage remains a significant achievement for those willing to dive into these hidden currents.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While it details various magical practices and incantations, "Magia Oriental" is primarily an academic and anthropological study. It offers profound insights into the history and cultural context of magic, rather than step-by-step instructions for practitioners.
Its distinction lies in its rigorous research and expansive geographical scope. Shah combines meticulous fieldwork with scholarly analysis to present a nuanced, comprehensive view of how diverse cultures interpret and practice magic, making it a cornerstone for serious study in the field.

📖 Who should read this

If you are fascinated by the human mind's journey into the mystical, curious about ancient wisdom traditions, or seeking a scholarly yet accessible guide to global magical thought, this book is an essential addition to your library. It's for those who wish to understand the 'why' behind esoteric practices.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Cross-Cultural Esoteric Understanding

The book provides a comprehensive, global perspective on how various societies conceptualize and engage with magic and informal beliefs. Shah's research aims to bridge gaps in understanding, presenting these practices not as isolated phenomena but as interconnected expressions of human thought and spiritual seeking across vast geographies, fostering a deeper appreciation for their common threads.

Global Magical Practices Survey

This work meticulously documents a wide range of specific esoteric traditions. It details practices like Indian alchemy, the numerical symbolism of the Abjad system, various forms of divination, and the creation of talismans. This broad scope showcases the universality yet unique manifestations of magical thought, offering a rich compendium of historical and cultural methods.

The Human Mind's Beliefs

At its core, the work explores the fundamental 'how, what, and why' of human belief, particularly concerning the unseen and the mystical. Shah examines the psychological and sociological underpinnings that lead individuals and cultures to embrace esoteric systems, providing insight into the very nature of human consciousness and its engagement with the spiritual and the unknown.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The common threads woven through disparate magical practices reveal less about universal truth and more about the universal architecture of the human imagination.”

“To truly grasp the essence of Eastern magic, one must abandon preconceived notions and embrace the subtle interplay of culture, psychology, and spiritual aspiration.”

📜 Historical context

Shah's work often bridges academic study with Sufi insights, presenting esoteric traditions in a way that appeals to both scholars and practitioners. This book stands firmly within a tradition of comparative religion and anthropology, offering a unique lens on magical practices. It predates much contemporary New Age discourse, providing a more grounded, cross-cultural examination of genuine historical practices and their cultural significance.

📚 Glossary

Abjad System
Talismanic Spells
Brahman Incantation

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How do the informal beliefs and esoteric practices discussed in this book resonate with or challenge your own understanding of reality and spirituality?
  2. Considering the vast geographical and cultural scope, what universal human needs or desires do you believe these diverse magical traditions seek to fulfill?
  3. In what ways might understanding historical magical thought contribute to a more profound appreciation of contemporary cultural or religious practices?

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