Book review: Things my Hierophant should have told me

Pagan magician and occult book writer extraordinaire, Mr. Farrell, has dropped another title, this one being a much thicker version of a book he's written and published ages ago.

Things my Hierophant should have told me is a series of aphorism-like statements surrounding different topics beginners and even advanced occultists should be aware whenever encountering certain issues. The good thing is the author covers a wide variety of issues occultists may face, ranging from simpler to more complex.

One such important subject is occult groups and orders. Having a broad experience in working with various established groups over the eons covering his practice, Mr. Farrell details on how to recognize serious ones that focus on helping the individual, as well as the many red flags one must recognize in order to avoid toxic ones who's leaders merely seek wealth (and sex). Moreover, the book also covers the unofficial groups, cliques of people who outright scam others using outrageous claims.

I very much like the fact the author speaks of personal gnosis and its importance in actual practice. I love the part where he basically says there are people today who consider everything the old grimoires says gospel while dismissing what people nowadays say, as if the grimoires' authors were ultimate authorities in the field while occultists today are morons. There are indeed such wannabe experts out there who make such statements.

Among the many important things the author tackles is the current misconception over pentacles and talismans. Mr. Farrell does an excellent job explaining both, as well as providing practical guidance for working with them. Additionally, he stresses the importance of astrological elections whenever the situation calls for it, especially when making magical items.

Another important subject is that of failure. The reader is carefully lead to believe he or she is not to worry whenever their rituals fail, for this is normal for even the most knowledgeable and experienced practitioners (even though many would not admit it and despite some wannabes claiming the opposite about their whatnot). More than a few carefully laid out and explained reasons are presented for when such duds occur.

I could go on addressing each subject in particular, but that would make this article too long. Instead, I think potential readers should know that whatever fear or misconception they may have or may have had as a beginner is tackled within the book's pages. From attire to paraphernalia, spirit contact to possible received visions, performing the LRP and MP, very many things are brought forth and explained.

What makes this book stand out from others of Mr. Farrell's I've read so far is him using a much more lax writing style here. You'll find nothing of the jerkish journalistic style of writing he's used so far, when the fierce Gestapo-like word police from his mind was mercilessly culling entire phrases and even paragraphs and pages.

Instead, he allowed his sense of humor to rise to the surface more, the end result being an easier and more delightful read. My first reaction to reading (through) it was that it's the perfect book to read on a long airplane ride in between drinking yourself to sleep and staring at hot flight attendants. The author agreed. Seriously, it's not something you'd have to read as a whole and use in ritual, but something you'd get back to just to find answers for an issue you're facing whenever that time comes. The book's humor is also enhanced by suggestive cartoons, many of which would at least produce a giggle.

Note the text appears as such because the layout hadn't been edited at that point.

When it comes to criticism, know I've told the author this as well. I would've liked to see some subjects being fleshed out even more. One example being the general difference between SRP and GRP because they can really confuse a noob, as it was my case back in the day. Although, if Mr. Farrell did add a particular footnote then this example becomes superfluous. Even so, there's others I could give although I will refrain from doing so because I don't think some readers would find reasons to criticize them and instead possibly come up with different criticism.

All in all I'd say that instead of buying all sorts of regurgitated junk some heavily inept wannabes have come up with recently, despite whatever or whoever promotes it, you'd be better off to invest in something that would help you shed more light on your occult path.