The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram: a 21st Century Grimoire

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is, of all Ceremonial Magic practices, the most borrowed, co-opted, and revised. Sometimes, because of this revision, it is also done…wrong. Michael Benjamin makes the necessary distinctions between basics of correct practice and interpretation, setting the serious ceremonialist to rights with this in-depth analysis of all things LBPR, from the ways it parallels eastern traditions to less-discussed psychological and psychic side effects of the practice.

People enthused by the esoteric history of magic can delight in the images of the 19th century Cypher manuscripts, pages of obscure magical codes to delight and mystify determined Qabalist code crackers. Those more concerned with modern practice find their reward in a Qabalic analysis of the LBPR, along with in-depth discussions and explorations about incorporating it into practice.

Any treatise about ceremonial magic tends to present an at-best challenging read. Benjamin’s writing is no exception. This book is not light-hearted fare that a person can page through in a few hours. While it is legitimately an introductory text – a good one- it is not easy reading.

This book best suits someone looking to enter into Ceremonial Practice, followed by people who want to understand in-depth every aspect of any ritual performed. 

Recommended.

~ review by Diana Rajchel

Author: Michael Benjamin
Megalithica Books/Immanion Press,2014
pp. 214, $21.99