Magic, Power, Language, Symbol: A Magician's Exploration of Linguistics

This is not really a text for beginners. However, if one is beyond the intermediate stage in their esoteric studies, I highly recommend this book. Language and symbol make up essentially all of our human thoughts, and this book tells how (from a standpoint of semiotics and psychology) those processes can be harnessed to aid in altering our thoughts-become-reality. Or if one is a scholar of linguistics, this could be an interesting step outside the typical academic box.

Along with Stephen Flower's Alu, this book opens up the magical and philosophical impact of Austin's speech theories. I am so impressed with it I am including it in the "Suggested Reading" of the next magical book I write. Very well done!

This book has me thinking about the spoken word alot differently. Recommended.

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 8/31/08.Anyone who spends anytime at all reading about or discussing magic with those who actually work magic will hear that magic is meant to be practiced. That study and theories mean nothing without practice. This is generally why books about magic read more like how-to guides than scholarly essays. Obviously I'm not saying that those how-to guides aren't carefully researched and developed after years of experience, what I am saying is that I want scholarly essays! And like an answer to my geeky prayers, Patrick Dunn wrote the book "Magic Power Language Symbol".This book is dense and rich like some sort of triple dark fudge cake. Not a single word is wasted. I made my way carefully and deliberately through the text and can honestly say that I will benefit greatly from reading it again, and probably again. Dunn packs in so many interesting thoughts and theories, along with copious research, that I challenge you to feel like you absorbed all the information in one reading! That said, the book is not a dry read. Dunn, in my opinion, is a gifted writer. He presents complex ideas in a conversational and easy to understand manner. The book is littered with amusing examples and footnotes.What does the book cover? Just about anything you can think of that falls under the headings of magic, power, language, or symbol! Speaking in tongues, magical alphabets, mantras, the Qabalah, Enochian, glyphs and sigils, incantations, and more!As far as I'm concerned, just about anyone would find this book a fascinating read. Regardless of what kind of magic you practice, this book is an essential.

A welcome addition to the growing body of metaphysical literature, "Magic Power Language Symbol" details a linguistic theory of magical and occult practice. Written by Patrick Dunn, a scholar of linguistics and known for his previous work "Postmodern Magic" (not a prerequisite for this book), it deals with aspects of magic that are mysteriously absent in virtually all other treatments. Being someone without any prior knowledge of linguistics, the book opened up a world of ideas that, had I not been interested in theories on magic, would have probably been ignored; and to great detriment, since I now see how pervasive language is in all aspects of life.One must wonder after reading this book: why do most books on magic ignore the importance of words? True, there exists explanations on why specific words are present in rituals-- various God-names or angelic powers; even techniques like Hebrew gematria or notariqon (words made from acronyms) are dealt with extensively in other treatments. But all fail to explain the power of words on the subconscious mind. Patrick Dunn imparts clear explainations on why words and language are so powerful in magic, and you will also understand the magical power of words.The mystery of words in magic should be obvious to anyone who takes but a moment to consider the magical jargon. After all, a ritual designed to cause some effect in the world is called a "spell". Spelling we know from, well, spelling words. Moreover, a book of magical rituals is called a "grimoire", which is a French term meaning "book of grammar". On top of that, the patron deity of magic is Thoth-Hermes, the God of writing and language."Magic Power Language Symbol" explains this mystery. It is highly recommended for all interested in the power of words, the use of words in ritual, as well as those interested in theories of how magic actually works. In addition, it is recommended for a general audience, for the very important reason that word-magic can be used against you without you knowing it. Just turn on the news-- you'll see what I mean!After two introductory chapters dealing with theories of symbols and language (linguistics) as they relate to magic, the chapters move on to specific topics, and can be read independently. The middle chapters treat incantations, sigils, Enochian, speaking in tongues, Qabalah (that is, literal Qabalah-- gematria, notariqon, temurah, etc.), and mantras. The final two chapters are the best and are probably some of the author's finest ideas. Chapter nine deals with myth and metaphor, detailing how they inform the magical consciousness. Chapter ten explains the power, positive or negative, of self-talk-- that is, how the internal dialogue we use actually programs our subconscious mind, which can give us disturbed feelings if used negatively, or else empowered feelings if used positively. This final chapter would be very beneficial to anyone who may be going through therapy or taking medication and wants to find a more empowering way of coping. These techniques are non-ritualistic, so could be profited from by those who do not consider themselves magicians.The only drawback is that the practical exercises are relegated to an appendix at the back of the book. I didn't really notice them until I finished the book, and was disappointed by this, since I would have liked to have seen them at the end of the chapters instead. However, there are discussions that hint at practical techniques spread throughout the text. It must be given praise, since it could have been written in a very abstruse style, coming from a linguist, but it is actually very readable. Overall, a fantastic book, recommended to all, and may even become a classic.

Professor Dunn returns with his second book, and it's well worth reading. This one delves into some places that his Postmodern Magic touched upon. Prof. Dunn here gives technical pointers on the use of language to facilitate magical practice. People might look at this and think, "duhh...," however, most people actually have not given this subject the attention it really deserves. This book is full of "I never thought of that!" moments, and any practitioner is bound to come away from it with new practical ideas.

i got a note from amazon regarding this book. sounds like something i'd be very interested in, and will be ordering it tonight.for me, language and magic go hand in hand. in fact, take a look at one of my most recent magical endeavors, Unbearable Fruit, on the Eldritch-Infernal site.i also really enjoyed his previous book, Postmodern Magic. Mr. Dunn, email me sometime. would love to discuss things with you.Ia Ia,Venger As'Nas SatanisCult of Cthulhu High Priest

Thank you Patrick you change lives.

Language and magic have a long history together; but few authors have ever tackled their relationship. Now, it has been done; and I think, masterfully. This book gives a lot of useful information of how language shapes our worldview and how we can do magic through it, A must for practitioners.