Book of Black Magic and of Pacts

The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts is Arthur Edward Waite's complete guide to ceremonial magic, exploring arcane folklore, occult rituals, and the history of esoteric practice.Far more than a simple collection of spells, this volume offers a scholarly examination of the philosophies, symbols, and ceremonial systems that shaped the Western magical tradition. Drawing from a wide range of rare manuscripts and texts, Waite, the renowned mystic and co-creator of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, examines subjects such as the antiquity of magical rituals, the literature of ceremonial magic, and the methods and mysteries of transcendental magic.Regarded as one of the most comprehensive overviews of the occult ever written, The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts remains an essential resource for students of magic and mysticism.