The Practical Art of Divine Magic: Contemporary & Ancient Techniques of Theurgy Paperback – Illustrated, August 8, 2015

In this book Dunn turns his sharp mind to one of the most well-documented systems of ancient magic – divine theurgy. ‘Theurgy’ roughly means ‘divine work’, and it grew from the late-Pagan need to take the worship of the gods out of the temples and into private chapels, living-rooms and gardens. This makes it well-suited for those same spaces in our Pagan revival. Dunn breaks a complex, multi-century tradition into usable bites and explains each sufficiently for a beginner audience.he begins with Neoplatonism, giving a good simple summary of both Plato himself (and his cave of shadows) and the Neoplatonist mages such as Iamblicus. His explanation of how this philosophy informs the classic ritual forms of things done, things said and things thought is both simple and elegant. Dunn is able to explain several classic ‘occult’ ideas in their directly theistic Pagan origins. The discussion of the nature of the gods, and of their manifestations and extensions into manifestation, and of sub-deific spirits, runs as a thread through several chapters. The explanations of ‘correspondence’ take a fresh and inspiring direction that reminds me of things I have heard from non-European polytheisms.The book is complete with a set of exercises that lead from basic trance to full simple rites of offering and blessing. Tools, framing ritual forms, purification are explained and lightly-scripted. The work of the invocation of deity is dealt with in detail, from an intellectual familiarity with a god through formal ritual invitation and reception of power, to the consecration of talismanic idols for longer-term personal cult. Methods of divination are discussed; the method he most thoroughly teaches is the seeking of omens in the natural (and/or urban) world. In a culture of cards and dice it is good to see the basics of intuition emphasized.His chapter on Daimonology – the lore of the sub-deity spirits that serve both the gods and magicians – concludes with a full rite for meeting one’s ‘personal daimon’ or ‘supernatural assistant’. It is the most fully-developed rite of ‘ritual magic’ (as vaguely distinct from Pagan religious rites) in the book, the culmination of the several small rites and forms that have been previously taught.I heartily recommend this book for Pagans and polytheists interested in adding depth and occult power to rites of worship.

Very philosophical but with plenty of humor so it's not dry. The humor doesn't take away from the lessons. The writer emphasizes that animal and human sacrifice have no place in modern society and offers alternatives. The author emphasizes that this book is NOT purely reconstruction, but a blend of historical works and stuff the author himself has created. Lots of helpful exercises that build on each other.

I have read three books on theurgy and this one is the best one so far by making it simple to understand with practical examples. All the chapters are great except the last one which is a bit long winded. The author cares about the readers understanding by providing concrete step by step instructions for these ancient rituals. The easy to follow rituals provide me with great results. I applaud the author for his effort in making things simple as I believe learning by doing is the best way to approach this subject. Many other authors simply want to make a quick buck by telling the readers stories after stories without a system of organization and clarity. I hope more magic books are written like this author and I truly thank him for his effort.

So far a very interesting read for the magically adventurous

How could the practice of divine magick not be anything but total awesomeness. I wish I could be a GOD at least for a day.....

I didn't even finish the first chapter but let me say this writer is straight to the point an it's just me feeling how he's not trying to repeat himself on the same subject to make page filler. And I know after finishing this book I will have another insight of how to work with the divine.

If you are at all interested in magic or neo-platonism this is essential reading. It is clearly written and does not require the reader to be totally credulous as some books on similar subjects do.

Just started reading but I love a book that makes you feel like it was written just for you. It doesn't beat around the bush. If you are interested in Theurgy then get this book.

Great for the new magician

As a gift