Christopher S. Hyatt (1943–2008)

This is a fascinating book, but I suspect that to truly appreciate it you need to have a background in hermetic magic and an understanding of the concept of the Holy Guardian Angel as understood in Thelema (the latter of which I can not claim to have). In order to carry out the central ritual -- an elaborate working involving sex magic (either as part of a heterosexual couple, homosexual couple, or solo) -- you need to be committed enough to do some serious prep work and allow at least a year for the full effects to radiate out into your life. It's a book for advanced magicians -- or those who aspire to become so.

This book will not provide readers with "magical" tips for enhancing lovemaking, teach how to cast spells using sexual ritual, or other popular topics.

I have no idea why the word "Tantra" in the title. This book does not teach Tantra, nor does it seem to draw on it in a meaningful way, so unless I missed something significant. I'm surprised that respected authors like these seem to have used it as a buzz word to garner attention. (I can't think of any other reason to put it in the title unless to show up in search engine listings.)

The final chapter, "Sexual Magic: A Chaos Perspective" provided some intriguing food for thought about the importance of escaping from the psychological traps which can plague and undermine our personal development, especially in the area of relationships.



… (más)

This isn't so much a discussion of 'The Magic of Israel Regardie' as 'the half-assed opinions of Christopher Hyatt, who lived and worked with Israel Regardie, with a brief discussion of what he thinks Regardie thought about magic and the occasional name-drop of Regardie thrown in for good measure.' I say that with love.

The recording comes across like a long-ranging discussion between Christopher Hyatt and some dumb stoner kid about magic, aliens and the Golden Dawn. That said, any Regardie is better than no Regardie and you do get some sense of Hyatt's working relationship with him.

It's an interesting discussion in its own right and covers many topics including Crowley, Thelema, Rosicrucianism and the various uses of magick with a k as a tool of self-improvement, empowerment and psychotherapy. There's a wonderfully nutty discussion of the extraterrestrial origins of mankind, according to the work of Zecharia Sitchin, and how we were created by aliens as a slave race.

I enjoyed listening to this a lot more than I'm letting on. It's an obscure recording and an interesting discussion. Scholars of Israel Regardie would be better served by going to Regardie's work directly — if you want to know about a tree, go to the tree. But there's much of value here if you accept it for what it is.

It doesn't matter if you believe in magick or not. We're all just space-monkeys, really.
… (más)

To Lie is Human
Not Getting Caught is Divine
by Christopher S. Hyatt., Ph.D.

I just love reviewing Dr. Hyatt's works and this greatly profound 224 page book had me laughing, crying, and deeply puzzled from one amazing point to the next. The thing I have always found most predictable about this author is that nothing is predictable and everything is fair game. I also fell right in love with the clever illustrations smattered throughout, they made it not only meaningful, but just plain fun.

One of my favorite words of all time is "ized", it means to be programmed and put in a box and I have enjoyed this frolicsome read because once again we are given food for though concerning life, love and the pursuit of happiness, and find ourselves pondering is this how it is or how I think it should be. I would recommend this exceptional teacher to anyone who finds themselves in a box of their own making and desperately yearns to get out. Thanks again for the way home.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann… (más)

Tantra Without Tears
Christopher S. Hyatt, Ph.D. & S. Jason Black
Edited by Nicholas Tharcher

I absolutely love reviewing material by Dr. Hyatt and his associates because of their honest and direct approach to everything, including tantra. I found this 160 page book quite amazing, and I especially liked the Q & A bullet style format because it got right to the point and didn't mince words. The subject matter was quite radical as usual and very thought provoking. I feel that many could benefit from this intense read, but would tack on the reminder that it is not for the faint of heart. Thanks again, for helping me to have a clear perspective.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann… (más)