Donald Tyson gives us a powerful instruction manual for enhancing one’s magical skills. Where some books are more like a recipe website where the cook waxes philosophical on the finer points of feeding a werewolf cub before giving up the recipe, Tyson gets straight to the point.
In twelve chapters, the seeker will find instructions on topics such as sympathetic magic, concentration, and realization. Each chapter contains a brief but clear discussion on its topic. Afterwards, there are various exercises the seeker uses to enhance their skills. The exercises are highly effective, fun, and interesting to do.
For example, the chapter entitled Dramatization contains excellent information on energy work. The Pillar of Light exercise is deceptively simple, yet challenging. This method draws celestial energy through the nervous system and releases it back into space. For Jedi Realists, this is an amazing way to connect with the Force.
The exercises are deceptively easy. I learned this when I worked with the Pillar of Light exercise. It reminded me of drawing down the moon, which is a familiar practice, but this exercise connects you directly to the cosmos. Drawing that energy down into my nervous system wasn’t the hard part; that came when I tried to expel it back into the heavens. I overloaded my nervous system. It took a lot of grounding to expel it all. Was it dangerous? No. Did I get a hangover from it? Yes.
Before you do Magic is perfect for the beginner, as the instructions are clear and concise. It's also valuable to those would like to touch up on their technique. It would make an excellent primary source text to use in creating a personal curriculum, which I may do later this summer.
This is one of those books that I wish I had by my side when I first started practicing paganism. It’s clear, concise, and highly effective. Regardless if you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner who desires a deeper connection with magical energy, this is a book that deserves a place on your bookshelf.
~review by Patricia Snodgrass
Author: Donald Tyson
Llewellyn Publications, 2025
p $ 18.99, pp. 243
