Israel Regardie ClassicAugust 13, 2008 Positively great work from Regardie, packed full of knowlege and enlightening information. Regardie has explained the deep meanings within the Tree of Life, Kabbala and occult subjects in a more easy to swallow format than most of the traditional cryptic titles. I got a lot out of this book and did not want to put it down for long, suited to people with limited knowlege and backgrounds on this subject. if you enjoy this you will find many more referenced titles to direct you further along the study! Serious magickal stuff, with Regardies twist of psychiatry theories thrown in, it all makes sence when you contemplate a little on what is written. The new editors don't distract to much from the original text, and as they state in the intro the added images and info is a good complimentary addition to the novel
wonderful reviewFebruary 23, 2008 if somebody is looking for a complete introduction to the study of magic, or if somebody has an older copy and would like a clearer, more usable version, he or she will find a better choice to this edition the tree of life.because this book has provided spiritual seekers with the most comprehensive study of the common threads of magical theory and practice.
Excessively wordyDecember 22, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Please review portions of this book before buying it. While I'm sure the writers are able to write, the style of writing is excessively wordy filled with needlessly multisylabic adjectives. As a consequence, it is difficult to read not to mention understand. The writers have forgotten that meaning and information are lost when they are diluted with excessive words.
Brilliant, but this edition is corruptedOctober 14, 2007 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book is an absolutely brilliant introduction to the study of white magic or theurgy but the Cicero's have unfortunately corrupted it with their editing and with illustrations not even found in the original edition. If you want a real edition, get a second revised edition published by Weiser books, from 1971 or the same thing, just paperback, published by Weiser in 1991, tenth printing. Many books published after Regardie's death are corrupted, virtually all the editions put out by Lllewyn are corrupted (but not the one's published before his death in 1984).
It is wrong to associate Regardie with Crowley, he was an apprentice of the man at one time but he eventually broke off his relationship from him when he took a turn for the worse (at one point Regardie calls some of Crowley's new writing "deplorable"). He praises Crowley's early work, such as the original Equinox (notes on the Kabbalah)and Magick (I've never seen it in print). If you want to know why Regardie left the Golden Dawn read his "What You should know about the Golden Dawn" and also read the uncorrupted version of the Tree of Life.
Best book for beginners in magical studyOctober 9, 2007 this book is my favorite so far since i been spending money on occult books for the past month and a half. Im interested in eventually doing the rituals but first i need to study the meanings behind every aspect of the rituals. I agree this is a book to contemplate on. Very beautifully written with beautiful illustrations. If your a beginner and want to eventually make your life magic this is the book for you. It is easy to read and is great for an intuitive soul. I read an interesting chapter on astral projection, the whole book is interesting. Anyways this is turning into a rant so ill stop!
