Circles of Power: Ritual Magic in the Western Tradition Paperback – 1 May 1997

This is an absolutely first rate book. Greer discusses modern ritual magic from the golden dawn tradition in what is probably the most succinct and informatory book on the subject ever. He covers the major rituals and does what practically no other author does in explaining the why things are done as they are.He explains the system as it was before Regardie book in a much more informative way. This is not to decry Regardie, whose books are very informative and useful, but when Regardie published "The Golden Dawn" he was not aware of much of the inner teachings and so his work was missing the all important inner details which turn dry ritual into living magical experience. Greer adds to the corpus of knowledge by restoring the original middle pillar exercise and discussing the greater middle pillar which does not appear elsewhere in print to my knowledge and so far has only been circululated in restricted documents.Greer also goes into the magical philosophy and how it evolved from the earlier hermetic and renessance traditions. I cannot rate this book highly enough or recommend a better book for an aspiring seeker.

With many books I've read, I'm left with a sense of "what have I gained from this." But, John Michael Greer is a name I will never forget. I can seriously and honestly say: "I am now a different person!" A changed person to whom I was before indulging into this superb, quality written book!The book is written in a simple manor, packed with quality content compressed adequately.The first chapters explain the inner working of existence - known to man - and magic.As you progress, he simplifies the use of magic via the GD system.The only 'slight,' and I reiterate 'slight' downer is, the tendency of being a little less informative at times, mostly within the rituals outlined.While Modern Magick is a more refined - easier to understand - step by step instructional book - which is a plus - this book is a more condensed version. The gaps Modern Magick leave, Circles of Power fills! (I advise to read MM first then COP after, but you must read COP.)We need a 'Circles of Power 2.'The best book I've read in ages.

Clear and lucid description of the golden dawn system with a few rarer gems, I would definitely recommend this to any beginner because from this someone would have a foundation to look back upon, particularly if read in conjunction with paths of wisdom - which I would strongly recommend as the theoretical background to this practical text. It is a shame this book is getting harder to get a hold of.