Rating: 
Summary: An interesting, yet vapid anthology of others works
Review: First of all, the actual content written by the author is very small compared to the amount of mostly relevant quotes from varied sources. It gets so bad that some chapters are merely an introductory paragraph to the quotes that follow.The 'system' presented is undeniably of a shamanistic/wiccan bent. The book contains several glaring contradictions and occasionally takes on almost a Judeo-Christian tone. For example, the author speaks out strongly against committing any of the "seven deadly sins" ...malice being one of them, then a few chapters later describes -in detail- the number of people he would like to shoot with a small caliber weapon. Most of these people, not surprisingly, have views that differ from the authors. While it seems the numerous quotes are present to lend an air of authenticity to the book, the author frequently passes judgement on an opposing viewpoint after having only exposed himself to a small glimpse of the viewpoint in question. This is most apparent in the chapter where he covers black magic(k) and Satanism which takes on an airy sort of pagan viewpoint and reveals his lack of understanding due to passing off his misguided perceptions as absolute truth. However, there are some interesting points made here. It's nothing really groundbreaking like it is purported to be, especially if you've read most of the source material he references. In fact, if you have the time and the patience, reading the source material rather than this book would be much better. Lastly, those looking for a well-outlined 'system' will be disappointed. It's never really coherently presented since the author is too busy quoting things and denigrating others.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as I had hoped
Review: I bought this book expecting something new but was disappointed. It does give some usefull info on psychic protection, etc but is rather disorganized. Not recommended for a beginning practioner as to much is left out. Most concerning was the large amount of focus on fighting imaginary opponents in other proposed realms of existence. I couldnt help but wonder if the author has been dabling a bit too much in unconscious fantasies.
Rating: 
Summary: Very cool book . . .
Review: I enjoyed this book a great deal. It amused me, and proved to be quite informative as well. The author quotes extensively from over 250 occult sources, as well as providing his own opinions. He also likes to poke fun at silly New Age dilletantes as well as rigid traditionalists. This book made me laugh, and I finished it in a single night.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as I had hoped
Review: I loved this book! Don't know why it's in the "occult fiction" rather than the "occult non-fiction" section, as it is NOT a novel . . . perhaps it was so the author could be provided with license to "stretch the truth" a bit for artistic purposes without thereby accumulating a "karmic debt." A couple of his personal anecdotes are a bit questionable, but the bulk of the text is flawless (excepting about three minor typos). A bit arrogant at times, but in a genuinely amusing way . . . the author does not seem to take himself (or anything else, for that matter) too seriously, which is a refreshing change from the usual fare for the "New Age" genre. By the way, this author seems to have a rather low opinion of most "New Age" gurus and dilletantes, and repeatedly pokes fun at them throughout the book. This book seems to be split up into three main sections: The first few chapters seem to be directed towards those new to the subject (and are available to read for free at the "Righteous Warrior Temple" website), the next few chapters seem to be directed towards those readers who have already done some research, and although the last few chapters are directed more towards the advanced practitioner the info is presented in a very easy to understand format. The chapter entitled "The Spirits" goes into great detail about several different levels of spirit communication; the chapter entitled "Common Sense Psychic Self-Defense" goes into far more detail than any THREE books pertaining to the subject; and the chapter entitled "Astral Exploration and Combat" is well worth the cost of the book in itself! Although a few of the Classical Ceremonial practitioners out there will not be amused by this heretical text, but I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT! I unreservedly recommend Arcane Lore to all students of the occult, no matter what their particular philosophy may be. Even if you have no intention of actually applying the concepts therein, it will definitely make you laugh!
Rating:
Summary: TWISTED AND TRUE, EVEN IF IT IS "FICTION"
Review: I loved this book! Don't know why it's in the "occult fiction" rather than the "occult non-fiction" section, as it is NOT a novel . . . perhaps it was so the author could be provided with license to "stretch the truth" a bit for artistic purposes without thereby accumulating a "karmic debt." A couple of his personal anecdotes are a bit questionable, but the bulk of the text is flawless (excepting about three minor typos). A bit arrogant at times, but in a genuinely amusing way . . . the author does not seem to take himself (or anything else, for that matter) too seriously, which is a refreshing change from the usual fare for the "New Age" genre. By the way, this author seems to have a rather low opinion of most "New Age" gurus and dilletantes, and repeatedly pokes fun at them throughout the book. This book seems to be split up into three main sections: The first few chapters seem to be directed towards those new to the subject (and are available to read for free at the "Righteous Warrior Temple" website), the next few chapters seem to be directed towards those readers who have already done some research, and although the last few chapters are directed more towards the advanced practitioner the info is presented in a very easy to understand format. The chapter entitled "The Spirits" goes into great detail about several different levels of spirit communication; the chapter entitled "Common Sense Psychic Self-Defense" goes into far more detail than any THREE books pertaining to the subject; and the chapter entitled "Astral Exploration and Combat" is well worth the cost of the book in itself! Although a few of the Classical Ceremonial practitioners out there will not be amused by this heretical text, but I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT! I unreservedly recommend Arcane Lore to all students of the occult, no matter what their particular philosophy may be. Even if you have no intention of actually applying the concepts therein, it will definitely make you laugh!
Rating: 
Summary: ?????
Review: I'm not quite sure how to phrase my review of this unusual book. I liked it, as it was well written, well researched, and an enjoyable read. However, I must say that it conflicts with the teachings of other systems, and some of the techniques could be dangerous if misapplied. The mysterious author is amusing as he antagonizes 'Classical Ceremonial Magicians', unscrupulous gurus, and ignorant New Age dabblers, and I'm sure that he has made a number of enemies as a result of these criticisms. He has made a few valid observations, though, and it is good to expose certain characters for what they truly are. I found the author's perspective of the spirit world very interesting, and I liked the way he compared and contrasted his perceptions of the dream state with the astral realm and OOBE/Remote Viewing. He also cautions the reader against idle experimentation, psychedellic drugs, and affiliating oneself with negative cult-like groups. On the other hand, he tends to ramble at times, makes several somewhat bizarre statements, and quotes from dubious sources like 'The Book of the SubGenius,' 'Principia Discordia,' and even the 'Necronomicon!' Although he rightfully acknowledges that certain of his sources (including the aforementioned) are fictional, and even presents his own non-fiction book as 'fiction' as well, it seems as though he really believes what he's saying. Perhaps (like the three aforementioned sources) it is a joke of some sort? Or maybe certain revolutionary truths can only be presented as fiction, because the author would be ridiculed and denounced if he claimed otherwise? Perhaps this is why he has chosen to keep his identity a secret? The author is an 'anti-guru' who pokes fun at those who would presume to master others, a renegade who dares to reveal forbidden knowledge, a comedian who makes us laugh, and apparently a guide who truly walks the path of the warrior. Recommended, but with reservations. If you are on an eclectic or shamanistic path, it may open your eyes to a great many profound truths. If you are on a wrongful or negative path, it may show you the error of your ways and steer you in the right direction. But if you are a New Ager who thinks the spiritual world is all 'goodness & light', or a rigid traditionalist lacking a healthy sense of humor, then this book is definitely not for you. I give it Four Stars.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, wow . . . this was strange!
Review: I, SCRIBE 27, am the author of this book, and it has recently been brought to my attention that I have been misquoted here by an anonymous reviewer (27SEP03). I shall now use this opportunity to set things straight. First, even though you are on a dark path, and your review reflects an obvious negative bias, I appreciate the fact that you read my book and saw fit to give it three stars. Now for the corrections! You state that the "actual content written by the author is very small compared to the number of quotes" and claim that "some chapters are merely an introductory paragraph to the quotes that follow." You know that this is untrue. Arcane Lore is 344 pages long, and while yes, there are many quotes, the majority of these pages are filled with my own words. The shortest chapter, "The Invisible," is only two pages of text followed by four pages of quotes. Most of the other chapters are much longer. For examples, the two most important chapters in the book (Ch. 11 & 12) are 40 and 34 pages in length, respectively, each followed by several pages of relevant quotes, as it is beneficial to be able to see things from multiple perspectives in order to properly grasp certain difficult concepts. You further state that I "occasionally take an almost Judeo-Christian tone" and allege that I speak out strongly against the "seven deadly sins." This you know to be a lie. Not ONCE in this book are the "seven deadly sins" mentioned! You did blatently lie about this. You then state that I listed a number of persons "whose views differ from mine" whom I would like to have shot. Before I respond to this grossly misleading allegation, I must ask if you, or those you associate with, engage in the predatory criminal behaviors which I condemned? Yes, I suspected as much. Just so there is no more confusion about what I said, let me transcribe it for you here:
"As I said before, there is no such entity as 'Satan,' and I am by no means a Christian, yet no other term seems appropriate for certain highly negative individuals. I half-jokingly refer to these individuals as 'Satanic' due to the fact that words have power, and no other word adequately conveys the repugnance I feel when I have the misfortune to gaze upon one of these odious creatures breathing my air. They . . . ought to be dispatched with a small caliber hollowpoint to the brain stem whenever they're recognized -- but, unfortunately, such activity is strictly prohibited, and the world is a far worse place for allowing these creatures of darkness to propagate like a malignant growth within our society. . . . If an individual is chock full of venomous hatred and always chooses to behave in an unethical and self-indulgent manner, then they qualify as 'Satanic' in my opinion. Of course, as with everything else, there are varying degrees of this pathology."
I made it VERY CLEAR in this chapter that a practicing Satanist is NOT a "Satanic" (more accurately, "demonic") individual if they do not engage in predatory criminal behaviors! Finally, you state that "Those looking for a well-outlined 'system' will be disappointed" -- and I agree! Ritualization promotes stagnation -- reject the dogma and find your own path! This book is presented simply as a magickal PHILOSOPHY rather than a stale and meaningless list of "step-by-step instructions." Open your eyes, absorb what is useful, and do what feels right for YOU. Mastery is something you need to achieve on your own through years of experience -- no-one can teach it to you, and you sure won't find it in this, or any other book.
Rating:
Summary: "Don't much care for being misquoted. . ."
Review: I, SCRIBE 27, am the author of this book, and it has recently been brought to my attention that I have been misquoted here by an anonymous reviewer (27SEP03). I shall now use this opportunity to set things straight. First, even though you are on a dark path, and your review reflects an obvious negative bias, I appreciate the fact that you read my book and saw fit to give it three stars. Now for the corrections! You state that the "actual content written by the author is very small compared to the number of quotes" and claim that "some chapters are merely an introductory paragraph to the quotes that follow." You know that this is untrue. Arcane Lore is 344 pages long, and while yes, there are many quotes, the majority of these pages are filled with my own words. The shortest chapter, "The Invisible," is only two pages of text followed by four pages of quotes. Most of the other chapters are much longer. For examples, the two most important chapters in the book (Ch. 11 & 12) are 40 and 34 pages in length, respectively, each followed by several pages of relevant quotes, as it is beneficial to be able to see things from multiple perspectives in order to properly grasp certain difficult concepts. You further state that I "occasionally take an almost Judeo-Christian tone" and allege that I speak out strongly against the "seven deadly sins." This you know to be a lie. Not ONCE in this book are the "seven deadly sins" mentioned! You did blatently lie about this. You then state that I listed a number of persons "whose views differ from mine" whom I would like to have shot. Before I respond to this grossly misleading allegation, I must ask if you, or those you associate with, engage in the predatory criminal behaviors which I condemned? Yes, I suspected as much. Just so there is no more confusion about what I said, let me transcribe it for you here:
"As I said before, there is no such entity as 'Satan,' and I am by no means a Christian, yet no other term seems appropriate for certain highly negative individuals. I half-jokingly refer to these individuals as 'Satanic' due to the fact that words have power, and no other word adequately conveys the repugnance I feel when I have the misfortune to gaze upon one of these odious creatures breathing my air. They . . . ought to be dispatched with a small caliber hollowpoint to the brain stem whenever they're recognized -- but, unfortunately, such activity is strictly prohibited, and the world is a far worse place for allowing these creatures of darkness to propagate like a malignant growth within our society. . . . If an individual is chock full of venomous hatred and always chooses to behave in an unethical and self-indulgent manner, then they qualify as 'Satanic' in my opinion. Of course, as with everything else, there are varying degrees of this pathology."
I made it VERY CLEAR in this chapter that a practicing Satanist is NOT a "Satanic" (more accurately, "demonic") individual if they do not engage in predatory criminal behaviors! Finally, you state that "Those looking for a well-outlined 'system' will be disappointed" -- and I agree! Ritualization promotes stagnation -- reject the dogma and find your own path! This book is presented simply as a magickal PHILOSOPHY rather than a stale and meaningless list of "step-by-step instructions." Open your eyes, absorb what is useful, and do what feels right for YOU. Mastery is something you need to achieve on your own through years of experience -- no-one can teach it to you, and you sure won't find it in this, or any other book.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, wow . . . this was strange!
Review: If Jack Nicholson, Sonny Barger, and the Dali Lama decided to stay up all night eating funny mushrooms and typing their ideas about the Black Arts into a laptop computer, you might wind up with something that rivals the rare tone of this weird book. The author intersperses his colorful digressions with a large numbers of selected quotes from a surprising number of sources. I found it all quite amusing, and am now reading it for the second time. He certainly has a *unique* perspective! While several extraordinary ideas are eludidated in detail -- and which are well worth reading -- I remain skeptical of certain statements made herein, and was put off a bit by the wildly fluctuating tone, which seemed to vary between manic and condescending. It was funny though, and that appeared to be the author's intent. Depending on your particular mindset, you'll either laugh out loud or else be up all night cowering under the covers with all the lights on. It was a good book -- just don't take it too seriously.
Rating:
Summary: Very interesting. . .
Review: Lotsa excellent commentary on astral combatives and psychic self defense -- by far the best book I've read on the subject! There are no "similar" texts to compare it to, but I must say that I found it far more informative than any of the "psychic self defense" manuals by Denning & Phillips, Dion Fortune, or even Robert Bruce. Humorous as well!
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