11 Comments
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Elanima's avatar

A symbolic system built to fit one particular soul doesn't generalize into a claim on anyone else's obedience, since it was never designed to. That's actually the same test worth applying to any framework someone builds, spiritual, political, therapeutic.

Does the power stay proportional to the self that generated it, or does it start requiring other people to submit to a private grammar they never agreed to speak? Mace's fire being stolen from heaven rather than handed down from it seems like the right posture either way. Nobody granted it. Nobody else gets to revoke it.

Chense's avatar

Thanks I have never heard of him. I now have a new source of knowledge!!

David Clifton's avatar

You're welcome. That's exactly what I was hoping to accomplish

Metal Wizard Dad's avatar

I wish Stealing would get a reprint. Had to sell off my copy some years ago when money was tight. I know it's readily available as a pdf but it's not the same.

David Clifton's avatar

I had no idea it was out of print. I feel kind of bad for suggesting a book that currently goes for 600 bucks on amazon (I checked) as required reading. Like you said though, it is readily available online. It's also been my experience that the really good one's do get reprinted.

Metal Wizard Dad's avatar

(checks Amazon order history)

I got it for $17 off of Amazon in 2010. I've not heard of it getting reprinted since then unfortunately. Not sure of any way to get in touch with Stephen (assuming he's still alive - we seem to be losing all the wizards recently) to ask about another reprint.

Taylor Ellwood's avatar

I find myself fortunate enough to have these books by him. I got them way back when and they formed a pivotal part of the theoretical and practical foundations of my magical practice. Thank you for writing about his contributions!

David Clifton's avatar

I think he goes tragically underappreciated. Stealing the fire from heaven at the very least is a must have for any modern magician in my opinion.

Taylor Ellwood's avatar

Unfortunately this is true for many writers/magicians. So I think its a good when someone highlights those works.

David Clifton's avatar

That's kinda my mindset lately. There's a lot out there that's different if people know where to look, but it seems like the same few names always come up. I've been guilty of it with Crowley, Carroll, and Kraig for sure. I'm just trying to share some lesser known authors for a while. I enjoy putting the essays together and people seem to enjoy them for the most part.

I also feel like showing my influences helps readers understand where I'm coming from, too.

Taylor Ellwood's avatar

It absolutely does. It’s one reason I write my books with citations. It’s a good way to honor the work of those who helped contribute.