Apprenticed to Magic and Magic and the Qabalah

Whether you have an academic interest or are just amused by the occult, this is worthy of a good read. However, If you are an aspiring occultist with the need to understand what is expected of you to reach the "Doors of the Mysteries," then this classic is a must read for you.Written in the first person singular, Walter Ernest Butler (an English occultist[1898-1978]and founder of Servants of the Light [SOL]) provides a compelling and simple tailored account of a craftsman (The Author), revealing to his apprentice (You), the path towards magical attainment. Butler's method of writing, using correspondence letters written to the reader, allows for an enjoyable, personalized experience--especially since he tries to premeditate what types of questions the reader might be thinking about or asking! (Being self absorbed and fascinated with Butler's creativity, I had a difficult time putting the book down. In fact, I read it several times already, and haven't found anything that compares with it.)Since it was written to supplement the author's previous published books (i.e., "Magic, its Ritual, Power and Purpose", and "The Magician: His Training and Work", you will not find a lot of details on ritual magic per se; however, plenty of profound elements of magic are craftily employed and iterated upon to provide a clear picture of what's expected for a neophyte to know and understand.For details on ritual magic and training I suggest reading the aforementioned books--good reads as well--or other books on this topic (e.g., "Modern Magic", by Donald Michael Kraig; "An Introduction to Ritual Magic", by Dion Fortune & Gareth Knight; "First Steps in Ritual", by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki; "The Middle Pillar", by Israel Regardie; "Magic: In Theory and Practice", by Aleister Crowley; "Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition, by Chic and Sandra Cicero.)For the serious student who plans to read all three Butler titles, although there is no set order in which to read these books, I suggest reading "Apprenticed to Magic" first, and then last. First, because it challenges the reader to examine their intentions for wanting to study and practice ritual magic. Last, because it will help clarify information that is presented in the other books.As a note, to my understanding, Butler created this book like a correspondence course in magic at a time when correspondent courses were not so easily accessible, and hardly existent. Many aspirants who wanted to learn on their own were buying some of Butler's other published works and had questions that needed to be answered regarding the theory and practice of the rituals outlined in those books. So, they wrote him frequently. Well, imagine what it was like answering all of those letters! Therefore, "Apprenticed to Magic" became his answer to those many sort after answers that the "untrained" (i.e., those not belonging to an occult school, or the solo magician) needed.Be aware though,