Greetings my friends, family and those just passing through,
This month, I am graced with the privilege of bringing you the April Book Review. I took the time to scope out a few of the more mystical writings. These books are by the author Konstantinos, who is known for such books as "Vampires; the Occult Truth", "Summoning Spirits", and "Contact the Other Side" all by Llewellyn Publications.
For those who do not know, Konstantinos has been involved in magickal studies and practices for more than 10 years now. He tours lecturing on occult topics and the books which he has written. He is also quite educated holding a Bachelor's degree in English and technical writing, which he puts to great use in his lectures (this I know from personal experiences, having been to a book signing at a local bookstore near me).
OK, The first book I want to discuss with you is 'Nocturnal Witchcraft', a book of describing how to set up a nocturnal circle, using a 'darker' style. Indeed, Konstantinos even goes so far as to describe four archetypes of souls. Good Light, Good Dark, Evil Light and Evil Dark.
A brief synapses of these archetypes goes something like this. Visualize a square; now imagine two lines cross cutting this square into 4 sections. The top line of the square is Good, the bottom is Evil, the left side is Light and the right side is Dark. Somewhere along this grid souls line up.
Extreme examples of the four archetypes:
Good Light. Those "goodie goodie" types that are always happy bouncing bundles of energetic hope, life and light. These tend to be honestly good people intent on making the world a better place. Much too often they are too naive to figure out the finer points of life. And Goddess forbid they walk into one of the gray areas.
Good Dark. Many of us in the vampire community will probably identify with this. These are people more at home in the night. These people are more in tune with a nocturnal cycle of things and working towards hope, life and love.
Evil Light. We may have all bumped into this type of person. The surface is light, life and love and yet, there is and underlying nature that is abhorrent and seeks only to destroy or control that which is around it.
Evil Dark. These are the obvious psychotic beings of destruction we have all come to fear. Even those of us who are completely at home in the shadows.
Among the things that are contained within this books pages, aside from a slightly askew view that the Gods and Goddesses/Creative Sources actually care about what color our altar is (YES, this is just a personal view. For me, the Divine does not care whether you are skyclad, clothed, wearing black, purple, green or any other color you can possibly think of. Nor do they care what your altar is. Sometimes necessity dictates that all you have is a shoebox, 2 candles and some incense. It is your faith in the Divine that will bring about the changes you seek… They simply expect to be acknowledged for their gifts they bring us), are:
How to cast a nocturnal circle
Scrying through the night
How to cast spells through the "dark ether"
A list of Dark Gods and Goddesses to call upon and their perspective spheres of authority.
How to "Descend into the Underworld" (a ritualistic view for those who might think otherwise)
The second book I would like to talk to you about is the companion book to 'Nocturnal Witchcraft', the 'Gothic Grimoire'.
Konstantinos goes a little farther into his descriptions of nightly activities, giving a list of spells for possible use (which I found entertaining though sometimes wordy and a little on the impractical side).
Spells and Rites include:
How to initiate yourself to a dark circle
Creating a Nocturnal coven
A more in depth version of "Descending into the Underworld"
My overall analysis of these books: They will make, and indeed, do make for, not only great reading, but damned good reference material as well. Even Konstantinos states that his books are only guidelines and can be used as is or adapted to another's already held beliefs. For this fact alone, I give Konstantinos much respect. Also give him great respect for his abilities to not only articulate, but expand on his ideas as he himself readily admits he is still learning.
Would I buy the books? Already have. Will I keep them? Most assuredly. Will I continue to read and purchase Konstantinos books? If he keeps them coming, and I find them as interesting as these two, yes I will.
I hope you have enjoyed this review, and do sincerely hope you check out the books (with an open mind).
Vitae Dominae
Zaar.