Phil Hine

Table of Contents:

Condesned Chaos - Reviewed by Psyche
Prime Chaos - Reviewed by Psyche
The Pseudonomicon - Reviewed by Psyche

Title:	Condensed Chaos
Sub-title:	An Introduction to Chaos Magic
Author:	Phil Hine
Publisher:	New Falcon
ISBN:	156184117X
Pages:	191 pp.
Copyright:	1995, 2003
Reviewer:	Psyche
Contact Information:	psyche[at]spiralnature[dot]com
Category:	Chaos Magick
Review:	Condensed Chaos opens by describing magic as being about change, not merely the "Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will" Crowley spoke of, but a more refined version, describing it more in terms of liberation, saying "Through magic we may come to explore the possibilities of freedom" (pg. 11). Then moves into a brief history of chaos magick, from A. O. Spare to Crowley to Carroll to Eris and Discordianism, laying the groundwork for chaos magick as we've come to know it and how it got that way. Six "Core Principles of Chaos Magic" are outlined, the first being "Avoidance of Dogmatism'" while somewhat ironic in a list of "core principles" is a common ideal, and indeed few chaotes would contest these points. The fourth principle especially, "Diverse Approaches", is another reoccurring theme in chaos magick. As Hine sagely notes: "If you use only one magical model, sooner or later the Universe will present you with something that won't fit your parameters." (pg. 25) Though he also recognizes that "Chaos Magick not about discarding all rules and restraints, but the process of discovering the most effective guidelines and disciplines which enable you to effect change in the world." (pg. 26) While liberation and freedom are possible, it does not come without possible consequence, as described in the section on dangers and pitfalls. Hine covers many of the possible hazards of magickal practice, detailing what to look out for and what to avoid, adequately preparing the would-be practitioner as much as possible, or at the very least, letting hir know what might be expected, and how to recognize signs of idiocy. Sensibly, he does this before getting into discussion of techniques, and even advises taking breaks as needed. Hine uses numerous cute acronyms, such as 'C.H.A.O.S.', 'D.R.A.T.', 'S.P.L.I.F.F.', 'A. P.I.E.', etc. to abbreviate formulae and concepts, effectively making them easy to remember. Instructions are given for servitor creation, programming, launching via various methods as well as practical examples for servitors successfully launched in various workshops and lectures. It contains relatively few straight rituals, mostly suggestions and comments, taking information approach rather than an instruction manual which force feeds information. Hine stresses flexibility without seeming wishy-washy, or being overly ridged, effectively maintaining that fine balance between the two extremes. One thing that did annoy me was the over-emphasis given on how one appears to others. Adapting yourself to suit others to give in to what they want to see in the hopes that they will perceive greatness in you, while the method may work, why anyone would want to do such a thing in the first place? Pleasing the outside world to please yourself doesn't sit well with me, perhaps it's the years of reading Objectivist literature or hanging out with Satanists, but it did made something in me twinge. Fortunately, it's not a dominating feature in the book, and does stress self-evaluation and trying to maintain an honest view of oneself. This is definitely a 'should-have' introductory text covering a wide variety of topics from the practical aspects of magick: dream recall, sigil, servitors, etc., to the more esoteric theories and suggestions as to why things work the way they do - and why not. An excellent introduction to chaos magick, and magick in general.
Review submitted:	Review submitted: 26 July 2003

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Title:	Prime Chaos
Sub-title:	Adventures in Chaos Magick
Author:	Phil Hine
Publisher:	New Falcon
ISBN:	1561841374
Pages:	240 pp. (Incl. recommended reading)
Copyright:	1993
Edition/Revision:	Second Edition, Revised
Reviewer:	Psyche
Contact Information:	psyche[at]spiralnature[dot]com
Category:	Chaos Magick
Review:	Herein contained the reader will find much excellent advice for beginners and those more experienced regarding preset beliefs approaches to magick which can often limit one's abilities to perceive and participate in the world. Hine notes the need for constantly moving forward, to continue that sense of magickal progress that is so important to magickal work, for the magickian to "mutate and survive" (pg. 66). As is common with most books on magick, a brief history of magico-spiritual and social thought is outlined, but he also stresses the importance of personal experience over merely following what others believe, writing that "magical learning is not just about taking in 'facts' which someone else provides, in the form of a book, for example. One needs to actively experiment and work with magical information, in order for it to become personally meaningful." (pg. 33) He notes that ritual can be more than the psycho-drama, a la Anton LeVay: "For me, the crux of the matter is that ritual magic is fun. Moreover, ritual magic is a skill. A magical ritual is more than the sum of its parts. Ritual has elements of performance, and its own psychology...Ritual can be broken down into the arrangement of sensory cues, voice techniques, gesture, visualization, movement, symbolism, role-shifting, and trance induction, yet it is more than any of this. Unaccountably, rituals, when performed, create an atmosphere - a space - in which something mysterious and wonderful may happen. If nothing else, ritual demonstrates how little we know of our potential, of ourselves, and the world through which we move" (pg. 81). Several examples of ritual invokation are to be found, with a detailed explanation of the three parts of invokation (pg. 132). Hine discusses Crowley's approach to devotional magick (pg 141) and what it can entail. There is a large section devoted to group magick, and explains why it is an essential part of experience and progression. Also talks about the role of the teacher and how to go about teaching and instructing those who desire it. Prime Chaos is significantly more Crowley influenced, with numerous references to his works and ideas. Hine also details four models of magick which are reminiscent of S.S.O.T.M.B.E. Indeed, his suggested list for further reading seems more branched out than Condensed Chaos. In Prime Chaos is more advanced and Phil Hine comes across as more mature in his writing, voice and style. Whereas Condensed Chaos was a 'should read', Prime Chaos is a 'must read' for the novice and experienced.
Review submitted:	7 August 2003

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Title:	The Pseudonomicon
Author:	Phil Hine
Publisher:	New Falcon Publications
ISBN:	1561841951
Pages:	64 pp. (Incl. bibliography)
Copyright:	1996, 2004
Reviewer:	Psyche
Contact Information:	psyche[at]spiralnature[dot]com
Category:	Cthulhu Mythos, Chaos Magick, General Magick
Review:	This slim tome offers a living example of an approach to Lovecraftian magick and working with and within the Cthulhu Mythos. Though it has its basis in fiction, the Cthulhu Mythos remains appealing not despite unfilled gaps, but because of them, as Hine notes. There remains some sense of otherness, mystery and even danger to the Mythos which is alluring and indeed devilishly attractive to those put off by the softer side of worship and magick A true chaote, Hine states that he "cannot really see the point of magical approach which does not, at some point, risk derangement" (pg 48). Invoking Cthulhu surely invites madness, and therein lies great power, a concept many shamans would be familiar with. Yet insanity remains the last taboo. In discussing banishing, Hine points out that "the issue is not so much that Cthulhuoid entities cannot be banished, but whether the concept of banishing itself is useful when approaching the magical landscape that Lovecraft has bequeathed us " (p 23). His alternatives are certainly workable. The text includes descriptions of the Gods, lightly referencing other texts, a rite for ego death by ghouls which is deliciously garish, and a Cthulhu path-working. Further, it provides a great starting place for anyone interested in working with such entities; more than a few ideas could be gleaned from this short, but fascinating text. Cthulhu lives.
Review submitted:	04 November 2006

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