Compendiums on chaos magic abound in the esoteric literature, offering a comprehensive exploration of this eclectic and controversial magical tradition. One of the main ideas behind chaos magic is the belief that belief itself is a tool for altering reality. In other words, chaos magicians do not adhere to any specific dogma or system, but rather prefer a pragmatic approach that draws from various sources and traditions. This pragmatic approach is reflected in the compendiums on chaos magic, which often provide a collection of different techniques and practices for the aspiring magician to experiment with. These compendiums cover a wide range of topics including sigil magic, elemental magic, ceremonial magic, and beyond. **The main idea behind these compendiums is to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in exploring and practicing chaos magic, allowing them to choose and adapt techniques that resonate with their own personal beliefs and goals.
Thus our magic is informed by both currents, Chaos Magic and Heathen alike, as we attempt to create a new synthesis. We are setting sail on our dragon ships and, like Óðinn, we dare anything and everything in our quest for wisdom and knowledge.
As an undergraduate philosophy student I was introduced to Martin Heidegger s question of the meaning of Being, and how this initially led to his inquiry into the Being of human beings. While Chaos Magic embraces the postmodern signs of disintegration in a magical gnosis of sex and death and focuses on the future, Heathenry tries to resist the symptoms of cultural disintegration with a return to spiritual roots and a focus on the past.
**The main idea behind these compendiums is to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in exploring and practicing chaos magic, allowing them to choose and adapt techniques that resonate with their own personal beliefs and goals.** While some compendiums focus more on theory and philosophy, others are more practical in nature, offering step-by-step instructions and exercises for magic practitioners. Some of the most renowned compendiums include "Liber Null & Psychonaut" by Peter J.
Top 5 chaos magick books
There are some books that are required reading for the dedicated student, and this list represents my top five books dedicated to chaos magick – books that defined chaos magick as a distinct field of study and practice.1
Liber Null, first published in the late 1970s by Ray Sherwin, is the handbook for the Illuminates of Thanteros, the first group dedicated to chaos magick. The IOT was conceived of as a new kind of order based on meritocracy, and Liber Null serves as an introductory text to what was then a new approach to magickal practice.
New Falcon published Liber Null and Psychonaut together in 1987. Psychonaut expands upon themes raised in Liber Null, and contains the much maligned pseudo-scientific approach to catastrophe theory, but it does have its moments, defining and reframing magickal theories for a new generation of occultists.
The material draws heavily from Aleister Crowley, and sections of Magick are frequently paraphrased – even example for example in some cases. Even so, it remains a cornerstone of chaos magick, and its relevance has not dimmed.
Sherwin co-founded the Illuminates of Thanateros with Peter Carroll, and The Book of Results is another early text which helped define the movement. In it, Sherwin gives a lucid introduction to sigil magick via Austin Osman Spare, and introduces chaote philosophy.
The introduction to incense creation and aromatherapy have been criticized as being out of place in a book dedicated to chaos magick, but in many ways I think that rather misses the point.
Nox is an anthology of twenty-two essays and articles previously published in Sennitt’s magazine of the same name written by various chaos and black magickians. It primarily consists of the rites and theories of the Order of Nine Angels, and draws heavily on the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, the OTO, and Lovecraft for inspiration.
Writers often “correct” the views of earlier authors, Lovecraft in particular (apparently forgetting that he wrote fiction), and Liber Koth focuses entirely on working with the Cthulhu Mythos.
These texts provide an enchanting snapshot of chaos magick’s earlier and darker influences circa the 1980s. The edge seems to have dulled somewhat in subsequent generations, and this book provides a great reminder of what once was. (Dead but dreaming…?)
Hine covers a wide variety of introductory topics in an easy, conversational style in this New Falcon title published in 1995. Hine employs a number of mnemonic devices intended to be “cute,” (Such as S.P.L.I.F.F.: Statement of intent, Pathways available, Link, Intense gnosis/indifferent Vacuity, Fire, Forget. See? It’s adorbs.), but the book is light and fun.
If there was one book you were going to use to introduce chaos magick to your non-chaote friends who had a dim view of the subject: this book would provide an excellent start and step towards rectifying that view.
5. Now That’s What I Call Chaos Magick, by Greg Humphries and Julian Vayne
Published in 2004 by Mandrake of Oxford, NTWICCM, after a brief introduction to chaos magick, the authors launch into descriptions of their work. Numerous rituals are presented, often written in the first-person, describing the rite performed and reflections from participants.
Formulaic rites aren’t given for the reader to perform, and theories aren’t expounded upon in great detail; NTWICCM shows you what chaos magick is like in action. It’s an odd approach, but, in many ways, it works.
It continues to surprise me how often I am asked for recommendations of chaos magick books. Whenever it seems like a dead or dying movement, but new people hit upon it, and a new wave of practitioners follows, each brining their own ideas into the practice.
What would your top five be?
First published on Plutonica.net 02 April 2008.
- See also, “Psyche’s list of chaos magick primers.” [↩]
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Everything Fornicates All the Time: An Ancient Pattern that Journeys Far
Carroll, "Condensed Chaos" by Phil Hine, and "Advanced Magick for Beginners" by Alan Chapman. These compendiums not only dive into the theory and practice of chaos magic, but also discuss the underlying principles and concepts that shape this magical tradition. Overall, compendiums on chaos magic serve as valuable resources for those interested in exploring the realm of chaos magic, providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for those who dare to venture into the realms of the unknown..
Reviews for "The Chaos Coven: A Compendium of Chaos Magic Group Work"
- John - 1 star
I found "Compendiums on Chaos Magic" to be completely useless and a waste of money. The book is poorly organized and lacks any real depth or substance. The author seems to jump from one topic to another without any clear structure or direction. The information provided is vague and confusing, making it difficult to understand and apply to actual practice. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in chaos magic.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Compendiums on Chaos Magic" but ultimately found it to be underwhelming. While the book does provide some interesting concepts and ideas, it falls short in its execution. The writing style is dry and lacks any real enthusiasm or passion for the subject matter. Additionally, I found the explanations to be convoluted and hard to grasp. It felt like the author was trying to impress rather than inform, which made it difficult for me to connect with the material. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this book to others.
- Mark - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Compendiums on Chaos Magic". The book promised to be a comprehensive guide to chaos magic, but it merely scratched the surface of the topic. The author fails to provide any real depth or practical advice, leaving the reader with more questions than answers. The writing style is also quite dense and difficult to follow, making it hard to stay engaged with the material. I felt like I wasted my money on this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking to learn about chaos magic.
- Emily - 2 stars
"Compendiums on Chaos Magic" was not what I expected. The book lacks clarity and coherence, making it challenging to comprehend the concepts being discussed. It also lacks real-world examples or practical exercises to help the reader apply the information. While I applaud the author's attempt to cover a wide range of topics within chaos magic, it comes across as overwhelming and disjointed. I found myself struggling to make sense of the content and ended up feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. Overall, I cannot recommend this book for those seeking a comprehensive and easily understandable guide to chaos magic.