Rating: 
Summary: Response to jsillis
Review: Chaos Magick is not negated because of the assertion that all truths are relative but is rather stregnthed for if all truths are relative then one may choose to believe this truth it's better stated in the classic chaotic quote "nothing is true everything is permitted" if nothing is true then everything is equally true because there is no control with which to compare anything with and thusly everything , absolutly everything is permitted so really it's just pick and choose if u think it's true then it is true even if only u think it is if u apply this to "Perception defines reality" something i thought up through countless hours of boredom then if u percieve something to be there it is there whether or not someone else percieves it is most people define reality by things they are fed from the majority and so we come to a "Defined Reality" a commonplace of conciousness and since it is defined it has boarders to be defined by think of it this way and one could say "everything is true if one wholly believes it is true"
Rating: 
Summary: A 'should-have' introductory text
Review: Condensed Chaos opens by describing magic as being about change, not merely the "Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will" Crowley spoke of, but a more refined version, describing it more in terms of liberation, saying "Through magic we may come to explore the possibilities of freedom" (pg. 11). Then moves into a brief history of chaos magick, from A. O. Spare to Crowley to Carroll to Eris and Discordianism, laying the groundwork for chaos magick as we've come to know it and how it got that way.Six "Core Principles of Chaos Magic" are outlined, the first being "Avoidance of Dogmatism'" while somewhat ironic in a list of "core principles" is a common ideal, and indeed few chaotes would contest these points. The fourth principle especially, "Diverse Approaches", is another reoccurring theme in chaos magick. As Hine sagely notes: "If you use only one magical model, sooner or later the Universe will present you with something that won't fit your parameters." (pg. 25) Though he also recognizes that "Chaos Magick not about discarding all rules and restraints, but the process of discovering the most effective guidelines and disciplines which enable you to effect change in the world." (pg. 26) While liberation and freedom are possible, it does not come without possible consequence, as described in the section on dangers and pitfalls. Hine covers many of the possible hazards of magickal practice, detailing what to look out for and what to avoid, adequately preparing the would-be practitioner as much as possible, or at the very least, letting hir know what might be expected, and how to recognize signs of idiocy. Sensibly, he does this before getting into discussion of techniques, and even advises taking breaks as needed. Hine uses numerous cute acronyms, such as 'C.H.A.O.S.', 'D.R.A.T.', 'S.P.L.I.F.F.', 'A. P.I.E.', etc. to abbreviate formulae and concepts, effectively making them easy to remember. Instructions are given for servitor creation, programming, launching via various methods as well as practical examples for servitors successfully launched in various workshops and lectures. It contains relatively few straight rituals, mostly suggestions and comments, taking information approach rather than an instruction manual which force feeds information. Hine stresses flexibility without seeming wishy-washy, or being overly ridged, effectively maintaining that fine balance between the two extremes. One thing that did annoy me was the over-emphasis given on how one appears to others. Adapting yourself to suit others to give in to what they want to see in the hopes that they will perceive greatness in you, while the method may work, why anyone would want to do such a thing in the first place? Pleasing the outside world to please yourself doesn't sit well with me, perhaps it's the years of reading Objectivist literature or hanging out with Satanists, but it did made something in me twinge. Fortunately, it's not a dominating feature in the book, and does stress self-evaluation and trying to maintain an honest view of oneself. This is definitely a 'should-have' introductory text covering a wide variety of topics from the practical aspects of magick: dream recall, sigil, servitors, etc., to the more esoteric theories and suggestions as to why things work the way they do - and why not. An excellent introduction to chaos magick, and magick in general.
Rating:
Summary: A 'should-have' introductory text
Review: Condensed Chaos opens by describing magic as being about change, not merely the "Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will" Crowley spoke of, but a more refined version, describing it more in terms of liberation, saying "Through magic we may come to explore the possibilities of freedom" (pg. 11). Then moves into a brief history of chaos magick, from A. O. Spare to Crowley to Carroll to Eris and Discordianism, laying the groundwork for chaos magick as we've come to know it and how it got that way. Six "Core Principles of Chaos Magic" are outlined, the first being "Avoidance of Dogmatism'" while somewhat ironic in a list of "core principles" is a common ideal, and indeed few chaotes would contest these points. The fourth principle especially, "Diverse Approaches", is another reoccurring theme in chaos magick. As Hine sagely notes: "If you use only one magical model, sooner or later the Universe will present you with something that won't fit your parameters." (pg. 25) Though he also recognizes that "Chaos Magick not about discarding all rules and restraints, but the process of discovering the most effective guidelines and disciplines which enable you to effect change in the world." (pg. 26) While liberation and freedom are possible, it does not come without possible consequence, as described in the section on dangers and pitfalls. Hine covers many of the possible hazards of magickal practice, detailing what to look out for and what to avoid, adequately preparing the would-be practitioner as much as possible, or at the very least, letting hir know what might be expected, and how to recognize signs of idiocy. Sensibly, he does this before getting into discussion of techniques, and even advises taking breaks as needed. Hine uses numerous cute acronyms, such as 'C.H.A.O.S.', 'D.R.A.T.', 'S.P.L.I.F.F.', 'A. P.I.E.', etc. to abbreviate formulae and concepts, effectively making them easy to remember. Instructions are given for servitor creation, programming, launching via various methods as well as practical examples for servitors successfully launched in various workshops and lectures. It contains relatively few straight rituals, mostly suggestions and comments, taking information approach rather than an instruction manual which force feeds information. Hine stresses flexibility without seeming wishy-washy, or being overly ridged, effectively maintaining that fine balance between the two extremes. One thing that did annoy me was the over-emphasis given on how one appears to others. Adapting yourself to suit others to give in to what they want to see in the hopes that they will perceive greatness in you, while the method may work, why anyone would want to do such a thing in the first place? Pleasing the outside world to please yourself doesn't sit well with me, perhaps it's the years of reading Objectivist literature or hanging out with Satanists, but it did made something in me twinge. Fortunately, it's not a dominating feature in the book, and does stress self-evaluation and trying to maintain an honest view of oneself. This is definitely a 'should-have' introductory text covering a wide variety of topics from the practical aspects of magick: dream recall, sigil, servitors, etc., to the more esoteric theories and suggestions as to why things work the way they do - and why not. An excellent introduction to chaos magick, and magick in general.
Rating:
Summary: Neat detailed how to
Review: Fascinating little work. Very little background, mostly how to. I've tried the techniques, and they worked for me.
Rating: 
Summary: FALCON PRESS ALERT!! BEWARE...
Review: From what I have been able to read on the net, this book is an expanded version of an earlier book by the author. Most people seem to think the "shorter" version was better. Definitely find a copy of this book and look through it before buying.
Rating:
Summary: A must have. Great ideas.
Review: Good text, good ideas. Very useful book. Put with your Franz Bardon, as basic texts.
Rating:
Summary: Ordo Ab Chao ?
Review: I am very impressed with this book. For many years, I had a negative view of "Chaos Magick" and "Chaos Magickians," due to the socially inept freaks I had met that promoted it. However, various stable-minded, rational, intelligent people (who can keep a job and function in society) recently recommended that I look-into "Chaos Magick"--esp., this book by Phil Hine--so, I conceded.
Now that I have finally investigated this branch of Magickal studies, I am wondering if it should be called "Common Sense Magick." This is great material, very studiously researched, with references to Psychology, Anthropology and over-all Mental Stability, Self Growth, and Accomplishment in LIFE as well as within Initiatory Circles. Personally, this magickal system fits-in with my perspective of, "Oh, yeah? You are a Great Magickian or Initiatory Mucky-Muck.... Kudos. Can you keep a job and pay your bills ?"
I expect this book to scare-away a lot of Freeloaders and pretentious folks. However, for those individuals interested in taking responsibility for their actions and developing as a person, Magickian AND establishing themselves in the Working World, as well as in the Metaphysical world, this book is a great choice.
Especially interesting is the fact that this book describes using Computer Programming techniques in Magickal pursuits. This is a very Current work, applicable to the Cyber Age, with new concepts, theories, and exciting possibilities.
This book contains an explination of and directions for working with a very interesting Entity, called "Goflowolfog"--a cool cat on a skateboard, who helps with traffic issues. When I first learned of this Entity, I had to purchase the book! this is Magick that uses Common Sense, Humor and techniques I have not encountered in other works. Often, Old School magickal texts can be quite boring, but this is up-to-date information that will intrigue and inspire the reader.
Rating: 
Summary: YES WELL, NO FINE!
Review: I found some parts of this book far more interesting than others, like the core principles of chaos magic, its history and the chapter on servitors with its practical exercises. Chaos magick's non-dogmatic eclectic approach is quite appealing. The section on Ganesh is also helpful, but unfortunately the author sometimes displays some arrogance in "dissing" other paths and movements. Which brings me to a modern metaphysical author like Stuart Wilde, who while not claiming to be a magician, covers the same ground plus much more. And when I had finished the book, I came to the conclusion that one can achieve all you want by studying and applying the guidance of the old metaphysicians like Dr Joseph Murphy and Catherine Ponder, without having to bother with rituals and stuff. But "Condensed Chaos" is still an interesting read and I enjoyed the references to Robert Anton Wilson and Discordianism.
Rating:
Summary: Very Practical, Incredibly useful!
Review: I found this book to be one of the best overal introductions to Chaos Magick that I have yet to find. It is even a great book for the seasoned magician as well. Phil Hine presents us with intelligent and thoughtful introduction to the cutting edge of post-modern esoterica. His manner is friendly and conversational. In spite of the friendly nature of this book, reading it completely revolutionized my approach to Magick. It is absolutely incredible. This is a must-have for the serious ceremonial magician!
Rating:
Summary: condenced chaos
Review: I have read countless texts on magick, from countless traditions, and none, NONE have ben as practical and useful for actualy learning to DO magick than this one. Condenced Chaos wil forever be in my list of best books of all time and I will own a copy until the day I die. I recomend it to every human being on the face of the earth.
|
