The History of Magic

Name: The History of Magic
Price: 26.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Levi, Eliphas
ISBN: 9781477613528

✍️ Levi, Eliphas

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the ancient lineage of magic through Levi's profound historical inquiry.

Eliphas Levi’s "The History of Magic" stands as the pivotal second volume in his ambitious three-part exploration into the profound "science of the ancient Magi." While each installment offers complete instruction on its own, a deeper, integrated understanding of Levi’s comprehensive magical system necessitates engaging with the entire trilogy. This particular work illuminates the evolution and traditions of magical practice, laying bare the foundational principles and historical trajectory that shaped the esoteric arts, making it critical for grasping Levi's influential philosophy.

Key themes

{'title': 'Triadic Wisdom', 'body': "Levi structures his monumental work around the mystical significance of the number three, mirroring the ancient hierophants' belief in it as the generative principle. This book, as the second part, exemplifies how a profound understanding of any doctrine involves its theoretical basis, practical realization, and ultimate application, reflecting a fundamental esoteric truth."} {'title': "Magical Tradition's Tapestry", 'body': "This volume meticulously charts the historical development of magical practices, rites, and beliefs across various cultures and epochs. It serves as a scholarly journey into the roots of the esoteric arts, presenting a detailed account of how the 'science of the ancient Magi' has manifested throughout human history and influenced subsequent spiritual traditions."} {'title': 'Interconnected Knowledge', 'body': 'While "The History of Magic" offers a complete narrative on its own, Levi emphasizes that its full depth is only revealed when studied in conjunction with its companion volumes. This highlights the integrated nature of his magical philosophy, where history, doctrine, and practical application form an inseparable whole for genuine comprehension.'}

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2012 📖 442 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781477613528

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Fun fact

Levi’s "The History of Magic" is not a grimoire of spells, but a scholarly, philosophical treatise tracing the origins and evolution of esoteric thought. It excels in contextualizing magic within a grand historical narrative, making it indispensable for academic or serious occultists. Those seeking practical instruction or light reading may find its density challenging. However, as the crucial historical pillar in Levi’s foundational trilogy, it firmly establishes itself as a definitive work in the intellectual landscape of Western esotericism, offering unparalleled insight into the 'science of the ancient Magi.'

📝 Description: The History of Magic

Thank you for checking out this book by Theophania Publishing. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you soon. We have thousands of titles available, and we invite you to search for us by name, contact us via our website, or download our most recent catalogues. The works of Eliphas Levi on the science of the ancient Magi are intended to form a complete course, divided into three parts. The first part contains the Doctrine and Ritual of Transcendental Magic; the second is The History of Magic; and the third will be published later under the title of The Key to the Great Mysteries. Taken separately, each of these parts gives a complete instruction and seems to contain the whole science; but in order to a full understanding of one it is indispensable to study the two others carefully. The triadic division of our undertaking has been imposed by the science itself, because our discovery of its great mysteries rests entirely upon the significance which the old hierophants attached to numbers. THREE was for them the generating number, and in the exposition of every doctrine they had regard to (a) the theory on which it was based, (b) its realization and (c) its application to all possible uses. Whether philosophical or religious, thus were dogmas formed; and thus the dogmatic synthesis of that Christianity which was heir of the magi imposes on our faith the recognition of Three Persons in one God and three mysteries in universal religion.

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

If you are a serious student of esoteric history, a seeker of foundational magical principles, or someone eager to understand the comprehensive system of Eliphas Levi, this book is essential. Prepare for an intellectual journey into the historical currents of transcendental magic.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While it can be read independently, its depth and historical focus are best appreciated by those with some familiarity with esoteric concepts or a strong interest in the historical foundations of magic.

It is the second part of a three-volume series, following "Doctrine and Ritual of Transcendental Magic" and preceding "The Key to the Great Mysteries." Each provides a complete instruction, but they are designed to be studied together for a full understanding of Levi's system.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Triadic Wisdom

Levi structures his monumental work around the mystical significance of the number three, mirroring the ancient hierophants' belief in it as the generative principle. This book, as the second part, exemplifies how a profound understanding of any doctrine involves its theoretical basis, practical realization, and ultimate application, reflecting a fundamental esoteric truth.

Magical Tradition's Tapestry

This volume meticulously charts the historical development of magical practices, rites, and beliefs across various cultures and epochs. It serves as a scholarly journey into the roots of the esoteric arts, presenting a detailed account of how the 'science of the ancient Magi' has manifested throughout human history and influenced subsequent spiritual traditions.

Interconnected Knowledge

While "The History of Magic" offers a complete narrative on its own, Levi emphasizes that its full depth is only revealed when studied in conjunction with its companion volumes. This highlights the integrated nature of his magical philosophy, where history, doctrine, and practical application form an inseparable whole for genuine comprehension.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The works of Eliphas Levi on the science of the ancient Magi are intended to form a complete course, divided into three parts.»

«THREE was for them the generating number, and in the exposition of every doctrine they had regard to (a) the theory on which it was based, (b) its realization and (c) its application.»

📜 Historical context

Eliphas Levi's work stands as a cornerstone in 19th-century occult revivalism, systematizing disparate esoteric traditions into a cohesive philosophical framework. "The History of Magic" specifically places his theories within a historical continuum, linking modern occult thought back to ancient magical practices and hierophantic wisdom, thereby legitimizing and contextualizing his broader "science of the ancient Magi."

📚 Glossary

Ancient Magi
Hierophants
Triadic Division

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on how the "triadic division" of theory, realization, and application might apply to your own studies or magical practice. Where are you strongest, and what areas need development?
Consider the idea that a full understanding of a subject requires engaging with its history. How does knowing the lineage of magical practices deepen your appreciation or inform your approach?
Levi suggests that numbers hold profound significance in esoteric doctrine. Explore how the concept of 'three as the generating number' resonates with or challenges your current understanding of creation or structure.