Cell concentrated magic refers to the concept of harnessing and manipulating magical energy within the confines of a cell. In the realm of fantasy and magic, cells are often depicted as containers or vessels that can store and channel magical power. This idea builds on the premise that magic exists as a tangible force that can be harnessed and utilized for various purposes. The concept of cell concentrated magic offers a unique perspective on the use and control of magical energy. It suggests that magic can be contained within a specific location or object, allowing individuals to tap into its power at will. This notion is often explored in fantasy literature, where characters may possess enchanted items or artifacts imbued with magical energy.
While it doesn’t seem particularly different from the sorcery of Doctor Strange (who might just be wielding Order Magic, in contrast), the distinction is that Chaos Magic can create life, and destroy, well, everything.
While Age of Ultron saw Wanda and her brother receive their powers through experimentation with the Mind Stone, WandaVision proposes that Wanda has always been a magical being, and that the Stone simply augmented what was already inside her. Hence, Chaos Magic is incredibly powerful, but deeply unstable, and has the potential to destroy the entire universe - and maybe even the multiverse.
This notion is often explored in fantasy literature, where characters may possess enchanted items or artifacts imbued with magical energy. In some fictional works, cells with concentrated magic are depicted as prisons or containment devices for powerful magical beings. These cells are designed to trap and restrict the magical abilities of these entities, preventing them from causing chaos and destruction.
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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“It may be suggested that there have so far been three leading theorists of modern Western magic. The first was Alphonse Louis Constant, alias Eliphas Levi, in the mid-19th century, who established that in order to work magic, it is necessary first to change oneself and ultimately to understand the universe. The second was Aleister Crowley, in the early 20th century, who drew on both Eastern and Western traditions to provide conceptual frameworks within which both aims might be achieved. The third has been Peter Carroll, in the late 20th century, who placed the same aims within an ultra-modern, or post-modern, context of cosmology and morality.”
— From the foreword by Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft and other works
The idea of imprisoning magic within a cell reflects the belief that magic, like any other powerful force, needs to be controlled and regulated to maintain order and balance. On the other hand, cell concentrated magic can also be seen as a means for individuals to enhance their own magical abilities. By harnessing the energy within a cell, a magic user can amplify their spells and perform feats that would otherwise be impossible. This concept suggests that magical power can be accumulated and stored, enabling individuals to draw upon it when needed. Overall, the notion of cell concentrated magic adds depth and complexity to the portrayal of magic in fantasy fiction. By imagining magic as a tangible and manipulable force that can be confined within a cell, authors and readers can explore the intricacies of its nature and the implications of its control. Whether as a means of restraint or empowerment, cell concentrated magic serves as a fascinating concept that enriches the fantasy genre..
Reviews for "The Importance of Cell Concentrated Magic in Magical Practices"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Cell concentrated magic". The concept sounded interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and the plot was predictable. I found myself bored and struggling to finish the book. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Andrew - 1 star - I couldn't get into "Cell concentrated magic" at all. The writing style was confusing and jumbled, making it hard to follow the story. The world-building was lackluster, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. It was a frustrating read, and I ultimately gave up on it halfway through. I wouldn't recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Cell concentrated magic" had so much potential, but it fell short for me. The plot was convoluted and disjointed, with too many unnecessary subplots that didn't add anything to the overall story. The pacing was off, with slow parts dragging on and action scenes feeling rushed. The writing was also mediocre, lacking descriptive details and evocative language. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped.