This is an excellent, down-to-earth explanation of the purpose and 'ways' of occult practice on the side of Light. Those unfamiliar with the tradition may be surprised to read how often Fortune invokes Jesus, and how little there is about casting spells.

I gave the book four stars because, as fine a work as it is, it is dated, especially in Fortune's attitudes about homosexuality and the "nature of the races." Her warning to stay away from any magical group which "promotes" homosexuality and warning against the predatory nature of homosexuals who seek to "convert" others, has become the attitude to avoid. Likewise, what she writes about the different natures of Asians, Western Europeans, and "negroids" is no longer accepted as self-evident.

Fortunately, these limitations of her era take up very few pages in an otherwise still worthy book. ( )

One of the first books I ever read on magic and the occult back in the day when I was first reading Crowley. This is a good introduction though I prefer Bonewit's _Real Magic_ (1971). ( )

Good beginner book for anyone wanting to pursue occultism ( )