Got ahold of a few books and was woundering how dangerous they could become?

Question

Arbatel of Magick

Ars Notoria: The Notary Art of Solomon

The Sacred Book of Abramelin The Mage, Books 1-3

Just curious how much precaution I should take with these books, thanks.

Answer 1

Wait, so now we think *reading* is dangerous?

Good Gods.  Reading about magic is not dangerous - practicing it before you understand it could be.  But no book itself is dangerous.

Just use some common sense (and hopefully your good sense of ethics) when putting to use anything you learn from such books.

Answer 2

The works you mention have quite laborious designs.  Usually these translations are disputed, so how usable they are depends.  I think most of these tomes are a way to justify a mystical nature to sought knowledge.  Do you think saying the lord's prayer nine times after line 26 and then 4 times after line 27, plus several other prayers repetitively all culminates in illumination?  Maybe disorientation.   Divination can be a lot easier, but that's up to your beliefs.  I think it would be interesting to witness or participate in a enactment with willing people of these works..

Answer 3

Only  as much as you think it warrants.

Answer 4

Learning is never dangerouse.

But before you act on what your read, make sure you have a good grasp of the teachings

Answer 5

Books are not dangerous.  

It is the actions taken based on information presented in books that could be dangerous.  

The precaution should be on how you use the information.

If you are grounded in your own belief system enough to be exposed to the information contained in the books then read them if not steer clear of them.

Answer 6

Anytime you read a book you must evaluate it. Take what is good and pertains to you and throw away anything that goes against your judgment.

Not all books are good and not all books are true.

They are only as good or truthful as the person writing them.

Answer 7

Magik in any form is dangerous.

It does not call upon powers that you think it is calling on and ultimately you pay out your Soul for the 'favours' done for you.