Cultures around the world have long known of the spiritual importance of animals. Familiars, helper animal entities either of the physical or astral plane, are part of
most magickal systems, and only as such systems were discredited were familiars turned into demonic beasts. This book outlines the important religious and symbolic aspects
of many animals, including some mythical creatures who never existed in the physical world (but seem quite real in the astral realms), and hints on how to use their
energies in one's own spiritual and/or magickal pursuits.
Review
Similar to her other books, Conway provides interesting information that even readers not inclined to magic (such as myself) can enjoy on their own level. Some creatures
were lumped together that perhaps shouldn't have been, and several animals received less attention than they could have, but in a book like this it would be impossible to
include everything. Since I do not now and most likely never will attempt to summon animal guides, I cannot speak for the effectiveness of the suggested rituals and
invocations. I read these things primarily for inspiration for as-yet-unwritten stories.
D. J. Conway Llewellyn Books Nonfiction, Folklore/Magic Themes: Bestiary, Dragons, Familiars ****
Description
Dragons are more than just a creation of human imagination; they are real creatures, existing on an astral plane, and can be very potent allies to the modern
magick-worker. This book outlines the characteristics of various dragon subspecies and certain methods of invoking their ageless power and wisdom, all gleaned from
the author's own many-year relationship with the dragons.
Review
I admit I picked this one up mainly for my collection of dragon-related things. That said, I cannot judge how accurate the magickal portions of this book are. I
have always considered such things as dragons and faeries - even angels and demons - to be one's subconscious interpreting the energies/entities one is encountering
or processing. Believe in dragons and you will see a dragon; likewise for faeries, angels... maybe even extraterrestrials! That said, I found this to be a decent book,
giving some basic tips for identifying dragons and calling on them for aid, if one is so inclined. It offers a fairly thorough explanation of the subject, even if I
don't know that I'll ever attempt dragon magick myself. If nothing else, I found it interesting reading, and it certainly provided ample food for the imagination.
Since the beginning of time, innumerable creatures have crawled, flown, swam, or slithered from the depths of the human subconscious.From the well-known dragons and
unicorns to the obscure chimeras and winged serpents, this book describes how many of these beings existed in days of yore, as real in their own way as more mundane
creatures. The author also describes how tapping into the symbolic energies embodied by these beings can aid those seeking greater knowledge and power in the astral
levels.
Review
The majority of beings covered in this book are new to me, at best being only touched on in other bestiary-type volumes I own, making it a treasure trove for lovers of
fantasy and magical beasts. Conway touches on all sorts of obscure creatures, good and bad, though she also mentions the more well-known beings. (She actively warns against
attempting to "contact" some of them. Traditionally, many fantastical entities were not known to play nice with humans, even friendly humans.) This is a very interesting
book, even if I was only reading it for my love of fantastic creatures and not as one seeking to summon their energies.
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