Howlings from the Pit: A Practical Handbook of Medieval Magic, Goetia & Theurgy Paperback – June 5, 2017

Dr. Joseph (Joltin' Joe) Lisiewski has done it again. I can imagine the New Agers getting their panties in a wad once again, as they will, when they read his new contribution to Magical and Mysticism literature. At the outset, I will say here and now that I am not hired person to write this commentary nor am I J.C. Lisiewski Ph.D posing as a reviewer. I have no contact with Dr. Lisiewski other than through his writings both fiction and non-fiction. This clarification is due to all the silly rumors alluding to paid reviewers that are still being posted on various websites and blogs regarding the high praise for Dr. Lisiewski's books.I will be brief. Howlings from the Pit is an easy to follow outline of the application of Old System magical principles to what end would be the direct experimental knowledge of Magic. IF AND ONLY IF, THE INDIVIDUAL DOES THE WORK! Dr. Lisiewski's format is not a lose mish-mash of unassociated ideas and rehashing of other peoples work. Here we have essential guidance through the dimly lit world of Old System magic. I would have liked to have this information, so freely given 25 years ago.Regarding Mysticism; Dr. Lisiewski offers sign posts to not only brighten this often murky subject, he delineates the oft confused magic/mysticism sequence within one's unfoldment.In closing it must be said that this book is worth far more, in my opinion, than the cheap price it currently goes for. Heck, I'd pay at least 10 times the amount of money for this information. Over the 25+ years I've spent thousands on books, traveling to talk to so-called `adepts', `magi' and the like. None of them and I truly mean none of them could offer anything comparable to the vital information within this book. If you seriously want REAL WORLD RESULTS from your magic and you will DO THE WORK, then this book is definitely what you have been looking for.

Lisiewski has been on my radar for a while, but this book plus Kabbalistic Cycles and Ceremonial Magick put together a really concise and interesting modern perspective on the romantic medieval/renaissance methods of evocation. it seems that he is writing from solid experience and research, with no time for nonsense. Love this guy.

In this series of essays the author makes some cantankerous arguments as to why grimoire magic works and why other systems of magic don’t work when it comes to spirit work. He shares some interesting perspectives, but I’m not convinced that his system of spirit work is superior to others, especially because it can be possible to get similar results without taking coercive methods for spirit work. The author’s own limitations also show in the theories he espouses, and demonstrate how subjective some of his arguments are, but the book is thought provoking and will challenge you to be more rigorous.

The knowledge and experiences of the author for the effective practice of the evocative magic continues. Personally, I believe that the two works of evocative magic of Mr. Lisiewski must be acquired, since the round knowledge expands more in this second piece of the author.

I was very happy to see a published copy of Dr Lisiewski's Howlings. It organized the subjects in a manner that made much more sense than switching between Vol 1 #1, #2, #3 etc.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Old System Magic, whether it be Evocation to Physical Manifestation or just a different path to your own spiritual unfoldment. He gives great guidence and additional resources throughout and some of the added notes by Mark Stavish really help clarify the material.I would get this in addition to the original papers, if you can find them, for they contain even more bits of information not carried through into the book such as considerations for the oil in the Aspersion ritual and guidance in designing your charge.

I bought this book eagerly as it came highly recommended. It does have some good information, but does not speak of theories of the Old System Magic that perhaps is needed. (Who wants to do a ritual or a rite without the reason being clearly stated as to the how and why?)Also, the first 70 pages is a tangent about how nothing you know is correct, this book is correct, and you should buy all of his other books. Also, the book seems to push Christianity as the 'true religion' and assumes everyone interested in the Occult is a failed Catholic or Protestant. Interesting read if you can borrow it, but I don't recommend spending your money on it.

This book summarizes the author's writings and provides the serious student with the impedimenta for serious, and therefore effective, work. I recommend studying pp. 129-133: "The terror of apparent reality" because in the above mentioned pages the serious student will find exactly what he/she needs to understand the way life works.Dr. Lisiewski seems harsh in his aproach but he really knows what he is talking about. All that is required from the reader is work.