Transcendental Magic, also known as "Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie" (Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic), is a book written by the French occultist Eliphas Levi. Published in 1854 and later revised and reissued in 1861, Transcendental Magic explores the nature of magic, occultism, and spiritual development. Eliphas Levi, whose real name was Alphonse Louis Constant, was a prominent figure in the 19th-century occult revival. He believed in the existence of a hidden spiritual reality behind the physical world and sought to understand and harness its powers through ritual and symbolic mechanisms. In Transcendental Magic, Levi delves into a wide array of esoteric topics, including the Kabbalah, Hermeticism, astrology, divination, and alchemy. He discusses the principles of magic and the magician's role in connecting with higher realms of existence.
He discusses the principles of magic and the magician's role in connecting with higher realms of existence. The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to both the theory and practice of magic. According to Levi, true magic is the science and art of causing change in conformity with the will.
Schnitzer Cinema: Harry Smith’s "Heaven and Earth Magic"
The 2014-15 season of the Schnitzer Cinema, curated by Cinema Pacific director Richard Herskowitz, is devoted to American experimental media, with a special emphasis on the history of American avant-garde film. The second screening of the season is Harry Smith's Heaven and Earth Magic: Expanded Cinema Version (62 minutes).
In 1957, Portland-born Harry Smith (legendary producer of the Anthology of American Folk Music) began work on a feature length cut-out animated film he shot entirely alone, in a tiny East Side apartment in New York. Using his own bed as an animation stand, he appropriated images from 19th century sources to tell an eerie, visually austere, surrealistic story about a woman, a watermelon, and a toothache. Film historian Dennis Nyback researched the expanded cinema techniques Harry Smith used in presenting his film in 1961, and will recreate them in real time, moving between multiple film and slide projectors to create a layered image onscreen. The Oregon Cartoon Institute's recreation of Harry Smith’s Heaven And Earth Magic received rave reviews from audiences in Portland, Bellingham, and Seattle over the past year, and we are pleased to bring it to Eugene.
Schnitzer Cinema screenings are free and include free popcorn and soda and are brought to you in partnership with Cinema Pacific and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Join us the next programs in the series, The Video Art of Julia Oldham on November 19 at 7 pm.
September 24, 2017
He believed that magic operates through the manipulation of universal symbolic correspondences, which he referred to as the Great Magical Agent. By understanding and utilizing these correspondences, a magician could influence the physical and spiritual world. Levi emphasizes the importance of morality and spiritual purification as prerequisites for successful magical practice. He describes the magician's path as one of self-discipline, meditation, and the awakening of the inner self. By aligning oneself with divine principles and gaining mastery over one's desires and emotions, the magician can become a channel for higher spiritual forces. Transcendental Magic explores various magical rituals and practices, including the evocation and invocation of spirits, the creation of talismans, and the use of symbolic gestures and words of power. Levi provides detailed instructions on how to perform these rituals and offers explanations for their underlying philosophical and cosmological significance. Despite its title, Transcendental Magic is not limited to the realm of the supernatural. Levi argues that true magic is not opposed to science but rather extends its principles into the spiritual realm. He suggests that a comprehensive understanding of the laws of nature, psychology, and metaphysics is essential for the mastery of magic. Eliphas Levi's Transcendental Magic remains a significant contribution to the study and practice of occultism. It has influenced generations of occultists, including influential figures such as Aleister Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Levi's work continues to inspire seekers of esoteric knowledge, offering insights into the nature of reality and the potential of the human spirit..
Reviews for "Exploring the Astral Plane in Transcendental Magic with Eliphas Levi"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Transcendental Magic Eliphas Levi". While it promises to be a comprehensive guide to magic and occultism, I found the content to be convoluted and difficult to understand. It seemed like the author was more interested in showcasing his own knowledge and intelligence rather than actually educating the readers. The book is filled with complex metaphysical concepts and references that can be overwhelming for someone new to the subject. Overall, I found it to be a frustrating and inaccessible read.
2. Sarah - 1/5
"Transcendental Magic Eliphas Levi" was a complete waste of my time and money. The author seemed to jump from one idea to another without providing any clear explanations or practical examples. I expected a practical guide to magic, but instead, I got a dense and confusing text that left me more confused than ever. It felt like the author was trying to prove how knowledgeable he was, rather than provide useful information to the readers. Save your money and look for better books on magic and occultism.
3. Robert - 2/5
I have to say, I was really looking forward to reading "Transcendental Magic Eliphas Levi", but it ended up being a disappointment. The book is filled with esoteric jargon and obscure references that made it nearly impossible for me to follow along. The author assumes a certain level of prior knowledge, which I didn't have, and failed to provide any explanations or definitions for the terms he used. It felt like reading a foreign language. Unless you are already well-versed in magic and occultism, I would not recommend this book as a starting point.