The Winged Bull (Aziloth Books)

Dion Fortune's occult novel tells the tale of ex-soldier Ted Murchison's reluctant and perilous introduction to Magic, aiding Colonel Brangwen in the rescue of his sister Ursula from the malign clutches of Hugo Astley and Frank Fouldes, two Black Magicians who plan to use her in an obscene, blasphemous ritual which will destroy both her mind and body. The colonel - an exponent of White Magic - persuades Murchison to engage in occult rites with Ursula as a way of forming a spiritual shield from any evil psychic influence. But not all goes according to plan, and the black ritual commences - with the willing participation of Colonel Brangwyn's sister and seemingly fatal results for her would-be rescuer. As in all Dion Fortune novels, 'The Winged Bull' is more than just an exciting, compelling read. Scattered through its pages are keys, clues and instructions on the practice of ceremonial magic. Read in parallel with the theoretical aspects contained in the author's 'The Mystical Qabalah', interested students may find, in Fortune's own words "the keys of the Temple put into their hands."