The Magickian: A Study in Effective Magick - Practical Banishing

In this review of The Magickian: A Study in Effective Magick, the bottom line is simple: this is a hands-on, no-nonsense manual for anyone wanting to learn how the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram actually works. Phillip Cooper writes with a focus on practical training rather than mystique, and readers who struggle with ritual technique or confusion around ceremonial detail will find clear, graduated instruction that leads to usable results. The book is best read with a willingness to practice and reflect, since its emphasis is on building an Inner Temple through repeated exercises.

Key Features

• Practical instruction: Step-by-step exercises take a beginner from basic principles to a working understanding of the Pentagram ritual so you can perform it with confidence.
• Banishing Ritual focus: The text explains the history and purpose of the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram while removing superstition to clarify real technique.
• Temple setup guidance: Advice on setting up a temple and creating an Inner Temple helps readers create a consistent space for ritual practice.
• Ritual timing and colors: Clear discussion of timing, clothing, and colors assists readers in choosing practical correspondences that support ritual work.
• Graduated exercises: A series of progressive practices enables readers to build skill incrementally instead of attempting advanced techniques prematurely.

Who It's For

The Magickian is aimed at students of ceremonial magick who want a straightforward, workmanlike approach to ritual practice; it is particularly useful for those who have studied theory but struggled to translate that theory into reliable ritual results. It is also a good fit for readers who prefer exercises and practical training over speculative or heavily symbolic treatises.

Those looking for an academic history of occult traditions or a broad survey of many magical systems should look elsewhere; Cooper narrows his scope to the Pentagram ritual and practical methods for building an Inner Temple rather than encyclopedic coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, practice-oriented instruction that removes superstition and emphasizes usable technique.
• Progressive exercises that help readers build competence with the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.
• Helpful, concrete guidance on temple setup, clothing, colors, and timing to support ritual consistency.

Cons

• Focus is narrow; readers seeking broad comparative study of many systems may find the scope limited.

Specifications

Title	The Magickian: A Study in Effective Magick
Author	Phillip Cooper
Primary Subject	Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram
Focus	Practical ritual exercises and Inner Temple setup
Includes guidance on	Temple setup, clothing, colors, timing rituals

Our Verdict

The Magickian is a concise, practical guide for anyone committed to learning the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and building a reliable ritual practice. Its value is strongest for students who will do the exercises and follow the temple setup guidance; for those readers it offers clear, economical instruction and good value as a hands-on manual rather than a wide-ranging occult survey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
The book is written from first principles with graduated exercises, so beginners willing to practice will find it suitable.

Does it cover temple setup and clothing?
Yes, Cooper discusses how to set up a temple, what clothes to wear, and which colors to use to support ritual work.

Will this replace study of other magical systems?
No, the focus is narrow on the Pentagram ritual and practical technique; it complements broader study but does not replace it.