The book of black magic by Arthur Edward Waite is a compelling read for those interested in the occult and the dark arts. Waite, a prominent figure in esoteric circles, delves into the history, philosophy, and practice of black magic in this comprehensive tome. While many may shy away from the subject matter due to its taboo nature, Waite approaches it with scholarly rigor and objectivity. One of the main ideas that Waite emphasizes throughout the book is the distinction between black magic and white magic, or the left-hand and right-hand paths. He argues that black magic is not inherently evil or malevolent but rather a misunderstood and misused form of esoteric knowledge. Waite believes that practitioners of black magic should be guided by certain moral principles to avoid harmful or unethical practices.
When you cast Magic Mouth you are embedding a message in a usually mundane object to be spoken at another time. It is physically the object that speaks the words. Since you are not providing the spell's components, you are unable to cast the spell.
Commands can be as general or as detailed as desired, although only visual and audible triggers can be used, such as the following Speak only when a venerable female human carrying a sack of groat clusters sits crosslegged within 1 foot. As you allow the energy to flow through you, your esoteric intonations, your practiced gestures, and your carefully prepared bits of fluff and pinches of dusts all serve to focus the spell to its purpose, guiding its energies.
Waite believes that practitioners of black magic should be guided by certain moral principles to avoid harmful or unethical practices. In the book, Waite delves into various topics related to black magic, including ritual practices, spellcasting, and the invocation of demons and spirits. He provides detailed instructions and explanations, oftentimes drawing from ancient and medieval grimoires and occult texts.
Magic Mouth (Wizard Spell)
When this spell is cast, the wizard imbues the chosen object with an enchanted mouth that suddenly appears and speaks its message when a specified event occurs. The message, which must be of 25 words or less, can be in any language known by the spellcaster, and can be delivered over a period of one turn. The mouth cannot speak magical spells or use command words. It does, however, move to the words articulated—if it is placed upon a statue, the mouth of the statue would actually move and appear to speak. Of course, the magic mouth can be placed upon a tree, rock, door, or any other object, excluding intelligent members of the animal or vegetable kingdoms.
The spell functions when specific conditions are fulfilled, according to the command of the spellcaster. Some examples are to speak “to the first creature that touches you,” or “to the first creature that passes within 30 feet.” Commands can be as general or as detailed as desired, although only visual and audible triggers can be used, such as the following: “Speak only when a venerable female human carrying a sack of groat clusters sits crosslegged within 1 foot.” Such visual triggers can react to a character using the disguise ability. Command range is 5 yards per level of the wizard, so a 6th-level wizard can command the magic mouth to speak at a maximum encounter range of 30 yards ("Speak when a winged creature comes within 30 yards."). The spell lasts until the speak command can be fulfilled; thus, the spell duration is variable. A magic mouth cannot distinguish invisible creatures, alignments, level, Hit Dice, or class, except by external garb. If desired, the effect can be keyed to a specific noise or spoken word.
The material component of this spell is a small bit of honeycomb.
\$\begingroup\$ Are you speaking the words? If yes, they satisfy the requirement. If no, they do not. In the case of the spell, though it may be in your voice at your volume, it is specifically the object that speaks the words. As an aside, past editions of D&D have explicitly ruled out using Magic Mouth to fulfill verbal spell components so this is in line with established expectations of what the spell is capable of doing. \$\endgroup\$
Waite also explores the psychological and spiritual implications of black magic, discussing its potential benefits and pitfalls. One of the most intriguing aspects of The book of black magic is Waite's exploration of the historical figures and cults associated with black magic. He delves into the lives and beliefs of prominent black magicians, such as Aleister Crowley and Eliphas Levi, shedding light on their contributions to the occult landscape. Waite also examines the influence of secret societies, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, on the development of black magic. Overall, The book of black magic offers a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of black magic that will appeal to both the curious reader and the serious occult practitioner. While it is important to approach the subject matter with caution and respect, Waite's work provides valuable insights into a realm of knowledge that is often dismissed or shrouded in fear. By shedding light on the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of black magic, Waite encourages readers to approach this topic with an open mind and critical thinking..
Reviews for "The Feminine Mystique in "The Book of Black Magic": A Feminist Perspective"
1. Jane - 2/5
I found "The Book of Black Magic" by Arthur Edward Waite to be quite disappointing. While I was expecting an in-depth exploration of black magic and its practices, the book fell short in providing any meaningful information. The author seemed more interested in promoting his own theories and beliefs, rather than providing practical knowledge or historical context. Additionally, the writing style was overly convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a struggle to get through the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those looking for a comprehensive resource on black magic.
2. Mark - 1/5
"The Book of Black Magic" was a complete waste of time for me. I was hoping for a well-researched and objective exploration of black magic, but instead, I found the book to be filled with unsubstantiated claims and pseudo-scientific jargon. The author seemed more interested in showcasing his personal beliefs and prejudices than in providing any valuable information. Furthermore, the book lacked any practical guidance or relevant examples, leaving me without any real understanding or insights into the subject matter. I would strongly advise against wasting your time on this book.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I was intrigued by the title "The Book of Black Magic," but unfortunately, the content did not live up to my expectations. The author, Arthur Edward Waite, seemed more concerned with promoting his own esoteric theories than providing a comprehensive understanding of black magic. The book lacked clear structure and often delved into tangents that were difficult to follow. I also found the writing style to be overly complex and verbose, making it a tedious read. Overall, I was left feeling dissatisfied and would not recommend this book to those seeking a genuine exploration of black magic.
4. David - 2/5
If you're looking for a practical guide on black magic, look elsewhere. "The Book of Black Magic" by Arthur Edward Waite was a confusing and meandering read. The author appeared to be more interested in discussing his own beliefs and theories, rather than providing any practical knowledge or historical information. The lack of clear structure and organization made it difficult to follow the book's main arguments, and the writing style was unnecessarily verbose and convoluted. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of black magic.