LIBER NOCTIS
A Handbook of the Sorcerous Arte
By Gary St. M. Nottingham
Liber Noctis is a practical and experiential handbook of the sorcerous arte by English alchemist and sorceror Gary Nottingham. It explores the attitudes, training and preparation required for success in ritual, and as the title suggests, does not shy away from the 'darker' aspects of magic.
Essential components of successful ritual such as the construction and empowering of magical tools, the hallowing of the compass points, protection, ritual timing and use of divination are all covered in depth, along with the use of plants through elemental condensers and the creation of magical servants. The benefits of planetary energies, and their use in sigils, together with the fixed stars and Psalms, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Middle Pillar, as well as an introduction to the use of Geomancy all add to the wide spectrum of material integrated into this manual of practice.
The use of curses, binding, summoning the dead and spirits of the deep are often perceived as being negative, but are elucidated by the author without judgement to demonstrate the arsenal of practices available to the modern sorceror and magical practitioner. Both necromancy and the evocation of Goetic spirits are considered, with examples of the author's own experiences of these artes. This comprehensive book provides an excellent introduction to the essentials of ritual magic.
This book is Volume I of the Foundations of Practical Sorcery, a 7-volume series by Gary St. Michael Nottingham.
2015, 182 pages. Paperback & Kindle editions available.
ISBN 978-1-905297-74-0
B&W 6.14 x 9.21 in or 234 x 156 mm (Royal 8vo) Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam
Liber Noctis by Gary St. M. Nottingham
Introduction
‘Art thou willing to suffer, in order to learn’
‘Properly prepared, I must be…’
‘Armed at all points’
‘The Allies of the Green and the Growing’
‘Bending the bendable’
Finding things out
‘If I turn the other cheek will you hit that too?’
‘I can call spirits from the vasty deep’
‘Myself made perfect whom no man hath seen’
‘The road goes forever on’
Essential Reading
Bibliography
Gary St. M. Nottingham’s commitment to the study and practice of the alchemical arte, ritual magic, grimoires and spirit conjuration means that he can often be found peering at bubbling flasks or a shewstone – or otherwise engaged in deepening his knowledge and understanding of such matters. His practices also draw on the work of the 17th-century astrologer William Lilly and the arte of horary astrology.
He organised the legendary Ludlow Esoteric Conference (2004-2008), helped produce Verdelet occult magazine, has taught many free day workshops on basic occult skills and is a popular speaker at esoteric conferences.
The seven volumes of Foundations of Practical Sorcery are an unabridged collection of Gary’s much sought-after previously published work, updated and made available to a wider readership at last. Ars Alchemica and Ars Angelorum may be seen as companion volumes to this central work.
Gary was raised in south Shropshire, where, during his mid-teens, he became involved with a small Coven, thereby gaining an excellent grounding in a wide selection of magical practices. Following the conjuration of a spirit, and asking it for help that manifested when least expected, he subsequently became involved with a group of practising alchemists.
He has a background in horticulture, enjoys spending time in the garden and playing chess.