Rating: 
Summary: A Great Reference
Review: "The Magician's Companion" was written by Bill Whitcomb & contains 608 pages. This is a must have reference guide for any occultist. The first part contains only basic information however it is very helpful to the beginner. This section gives an excellent study plan with amazing references to other books that a mage should read. Included in this part is evocation, divination, pranayama (breath control), astral travel, scrying, & much more (*note* I only listed about half the subjects covered in the first part). Part two refers to many different models with sundry correspondence including chakras, Qabalistic spheres, Hindu Tattwas, runes, enochian aethyrs, watchtowers, hierarchies, & so much more (*note* again I listed about half the material in this chapter). Part three entitled "Other Systems" consists of magical alphabets, telesmatic images, talismans, magical squares & more. What I really enjoyed in this section is the magical alphabets. There is about 20 alphabets including Enochian, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Runes, Daggers & many more. Overall this book will not teach you how to be a great magician. This book is a reference guide for the novice or advanced wizard/sorceress. This is a must have on any occultist bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference
Review: "The Magician's Companion" was written by Bill Whitcomb & contains 608 pages. This is a must have reference guide for any occultist. The first part contains only basic information however it is very helpful to the beginner. This section gives an excellent study plan with amazing references to other books that a mage should read. Included in this part is evocation, divination, pranayama (breath control), astral travel, scrying, & much more (*note* I only listed about half the subjects covered in the first part). Part two refers to many different models with sundry correspondence including chakras, Qabalistic spheres, Hindu Tattwas, runes, enochian aethyrs, watchtowers, hierarchies, & so much more (*note* again I listed about half the material in this chapter). Part three entitled "Other Systems" consists of magical alphabets, telesmatic images, talismans, magical squares & more. What I really enjoyed in this section is the magical alphabets. There is about 20 alphabets including Enochian, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Runes, Daggers & many more. Overall this book will not teach you how to be a great magician. This book is a reference guide for the novice or advanced wizard/sorceress. This is a must have on any occultist bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference work & bibliography
Review: A quote on the back refers to this book as the "Magician's Desk Reference", but it's more than earned that title in our coven. Not particularly aimed at the beginner, but still the most useful metaphysical book I've ever encountered.
Rating:
Summary: If you can't find it, it's probably in here
Review: An essential reference book for the occultist. In it contains magickal systems, laws of the universe, list of deities, an exhaustive glossary, suggesting outline to begin following a magickal path, and it even gives you an outline on how to devise your own magickal system. It has very few errors in it, but you should have no problem identifying them if you know the system in which you are working in (I've found 2 thus far). Overall, it is a must-have reference book for the practicing occultist.
Rating:
Summary: Get this book!
Review: I am rarely one to throw this much praise onto a book, but this is great! A good overview of many magical systems that gives either new magical students or the eclectic pagan some refreshing materials. Great as a reference, but I read mine straight through. His style is easy and enjoyable to read, but still maintains respectability. If you are looking for a TRUE magician's companion...this is it! It's been to more group meetings than I can count.
Rating:
Summary: The Multi-task Book!
Review: I don't know what others might think, but this is a multi-task book! It can be a reference, oracle, grimoire, text book...
The information is nicely organized, with accurate information! A must for anyone (even non-practitioners)
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, invaluable resource!
Review: I have been studying religions, philosophies and spiritual paths for years, forming my own beliefs into something cohesive. Having finally gotten to the point where my spiritual beliefs are somewhat established, I decided to investigate the various magickal systems in order to aid me in working ritual and magick into my spiritual practices. I wasn't sure where to start until I came across this book.It encompasses information that one would usually have to purchase several books to acquire. The explanations are detailed enough to get a good feel for the system being described and the charts, diagrams and symbols are thorough and well-drawn (though one will come across a few typoes here and there, but even as a relative novice, I found them rather obvious and easy to circumvent). If you're looking for a good reference guide of magickal systems or are just curious about them, this is the book to buy.
Rating:
Summary: This is the best magical reference book available
Review: I have studied the occult and magick both practically and academically for over 5 years and this is the best reference I have ever come across. Whenever I read any occult book, I have my copy of The Companion nearby. If you buy only one reference book, make it this one.
Rating:
Summary: Great reference book
Review: I've found this book to be a really good reference book. Whitcomb includes ethics without preaching and he covers many traditions without appearing scattered. However, this book is not for the fluffy pretend witch or the teenager who thinks this stuff is cool. There are many books for those folks. Instead, this is for those who are serious practitioners. Whitcomb does not tackle this subject tentatively. For example, he includes a bibliography on the ritual use of hallucinogens (albeit with the proper disclaimers). On the down side, I have also found typos and errors. A revised edition is a great idea. But, all in all....a must have reference!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent source book!
Review: If you have any questions about magickal symbols of almost any religion you can feel free to open up this book and it will answer your questions.
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