Author Discussion on Baron and Baronessa Araignee's occult material

[coffee221]

I want to discuss their works and also them as authors. For as much as i complain about them i also find their work extremely interesting... and frustrating. For example:
I like the recent planetary talisman work as a simple spellbook i can always draw from. However much of the sigil art and even some text seems AI generated. Why not put in the effort of drawing it yourself?

Their LHP focused books have a lot of obnoxious edge to them. "This book will kill you if you misuse it, not for dabblers" feels like overkill.

Some content simply isn't explained in the book it's in (the mention of using Graves oil in the book of Azarak, that you would only know what it is if you have also read the Gospel of the Ghouls) or is incredibly impractical.

I will however say there is good stuff in the less edgy books. The book of Azarak was very enjoyable, even if a bit basic. I'm currently starting Magus vol 2 and like their explanations on astrology. Little Gods has some of its proceeds donated to animal shelters and they have a free occult library.

What are your opinions?

 

[josehumbertomj]

I've learned a lot from these authors through their forum posts, old blog and books over the past few years. Their booklets have provided valuable practical insights that I've incorporated into my practice. While not entirely groundbreaking, I appreciate their concise approach to topics, which has saved me time and money on other books.

Their complete magical systems are more controversial. I also recently purchased Magus. Having practiced angelic magic for some years now (almost daily), I disagree with many statements in Volume I, particularly regarding the enochian angels. Volume II, however, is an excellent astrological reference that goes beyond talismanic applications (has already become my main source of research).

Regarding their works on the LHP, I considered purchasing "The Book of Dead Names," but reconsidered after reflection. While they emphasize the big dangers of the system, I question its advantages. Why risk so much if the results seem comparable to those of any other magical system?

I greatly respect their experience and work, and highly recommend their subject-specific books. However, implementing their complete magical systems is a personal decision that each practitioner must evaluate individually.

 

[coffee221]

I've learned a lot from these authors through their forum posts, old blog and books over the past few years. Their booklets have provided valuable practical insights that I've incorporated into my practice. While not entirely groundbreaking, I appreciate their concise approach to topics, which has saved me time and money on other books.

Their complete magical systems are more controversial. I also recently purchased Magus. Having practiced angelic magic for some years now (almost daily), I disagree with many statements in Volume I, particularly regarding the enochian angels. Volume II, however, is an excellent astrological reference that goes beyond talismanic applications (has already become my main source of research).

Regarding their works on the LHP, I considered purchasing "The Book of Dead Names," but reconsidered after reflection. While they emphasize the big dangers of the system, I question its advantages. Why risk so much if the results seem comparable to those of any other magical system?

I greatly respect their experience and work, and highly recommend their subject-specific books. However, implementing their complete magical systems is a personal decision that each practitioner must evaluate individually.

Thank you for all this! Would you be willing to elaborate on the disagreements you have with Magus Volume I?

 

[josehumbertomj]

Thank you for all this! Would you be willing to elaborate on the disagreements you have with Magus Volume I?

My disagreements are grounded in personal gnosis, therefore I will not elaborate extensively on this. Regarding enochian angels, there is considerable controversy regarding their nature, with practitioners questioning whether they should even be classified as angels. In my experience with Stenwick's methodology, they seem to respond exclusively to the power of divine names, demonstrating complete indifference to righteousness or justice. They often seem to simply want to finish the task as quickly as possible and, yes, they can commit "unjust" and "evil" acts without complaint (and without turning against the magician for it).

 

[Lurker]

A couple of years ago a guy in a FB group that I'm in started raving about The Black Book of Bel-El-Hul, and someone else chimed in about poltergeist activity the first time he tried a ritual from The Book of Dead Names. That was the first time I had heard of them, and since I think obscure occult authors merit investigation, I started looking into them.

I bought The Book of Dead Names, but:

Regarding their works on the LHP, I considered purchasing "The Book of Dead Names," but reconsidered after reflection. While they emphasize the big dangers of the system, I question its advantages. Why risk so much if the results seem comparable to those of any other magical system?

I came to the same conclusion as Jose. The risk/reward ratio seems to be skewed towards risk, so what's the point?

I've read all of the books in their Hexagrammaton series, and I used their Master Seal technique to good effect to help purchasing a big ticket item. I like that technique a lot because it appeals to my sorcerous archetype.

I thought about working the whole system in the book Hexagrammaton. Someone talked me down from that ledge, but not before I had performed the first two guided meditations. The first one really did make me vibrate, although not quite the way the described.

I've read the other book in the series, including The Magus books, but haven't worked them.

Someone on another forum was making fun of them a while back, so I've heard most of the criticisms and can add a couple. The systematic errors in their English irk me while I'm reading their books. Some of the graphics on their website don't pass the 'laugh test', too.

Despite the flaws and theatrics, I do think they are the real deal and their magic is workable.

Post automatically merged: Oct 2, 2025

I've read the other book in the series . . .

Little typo there, I meant "books".