By Names and Images: Bringing the Golden Dawn to Life

by Peregrin Wildoak

The Golden Dawn (GD) system of magic is the main source of the esoteric and magical wisdom and techniques practiced in the West today. While the rituals and bare teachings of the tradition have been published for sixty years, the inner workings and esoteric keys that empower those rituals have largely remained unpublished or unexplored in contemporary works. By Names and Images remedies this lack by providing detailed and clear instructions for the visualisations, spiritual connections and energetic practices required for every major GD practice and ritual, as well as several unpublished techniques. Focusing on the meanings and use of sacred names and practical techniques of visualisation, the book thoroughly explores meditation and divination, purification ritual, invocation and evocation, grades of initiation, and direct experience of the inner realms. Also covered is an explanation of the Qabalah and its use as a magical framework. While the book is sufficiently practical and clearly explained to be of huge benefit to a newcomer to magic, its primary aim is to allow people already practicing the Golden Dawn system to do so more effectively, and to be touched by the amazing spiritual blessings the rituals offer.

Genres: Magick

372 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2012

Reviews

[Danny Brzozowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, the best book on Golden Dawn work out there. Practical, insightful, concise, well written, and very clear. Wildoak freely shares his experience and insights in a practical way that will be valuable to readers of all levels. Many of the inner workings described in this book have already become a mainstay in my practice and I'm sure as I gain experience I will adopt many more. I cannot recommend it enough.

[Garry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must begin with a disclaimer: I am not even a neophyte magician, but a complete layman. Nevertheless, I found Peregrin Wildoak's book accessible and fascinating to read. In fact the author suggests that the book be read once for an overview of the Golden Dawn and its principles and practices, and then can be used as a guide for actual magical practice. In case anyone is expecting hocus-pocus and spells, what you have here is actually a highly sophisticated spiritual discipline, full of ritual and meditation, and sharing quite a lot with some strands of Buddhism, particularly Tantric Buddhism. The other reviewers are clearly far more knowledgeable than I on the subject, and you should read them if you are already well-versed in the subject. I knew little about the Golden Dawn before I read this book--I had read Aleister Crowley's autobiography many years ago, but Wildoak's book gives you a better idea of what it's all about. And this is well-written, intelligent, and above all, humane. I can't imagine a better introduction to the subject.

[Stefan Rhyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book to bring an old tradition into the modern times. Really recommendable.

[Nancy McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most clear, concise, and entertaining book on the Golden Dawn that I have ever read.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a transformational book not to be casually read. Rather, it is a manual packed full of practical, magical work. If you’re looking for a casual, easy read, this is not it. But the tedium is worth it for those who want practical work. I do not necessarily agree with every detail, but the book is solid and sound. I highly recommend it!

[Fulgur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book when u wanna start with the Golden Dawn