From:	Cysgod ac melys dwr <MHILLIARD@******.BITNET>
Subject:	Re: Historical Magic
Date:	Mon, 3 May 1993 17:06:00 EDT

Actually, in most "real" magickal traditions spells are used, but they are
basically rituals. They use material components (usually), and take at least
a minute or so. Some Ceremonial magicks can take several months to complete.
I think FASA's explanation of "instant" magick was that the Awakening made
magick so much more powerful that rituals which once took hordes of components
and days to complete could now be done by a few simple gestures and an exercise
of will. Personally, I think that's @#$%&@.
Research: Stay away from Crowley, for research or in general. Donald Michael
Kraig has written some excellent books on Western Sorcery (Hermetics to you),
which are easy reading. For European shamanism (Witchcraft and Druidry), Laurie
Cabot's "Power of the Witch", and the novels of Mercedes Lackey are good
sources, the latter having some accounts of magickal combat. All of the above,
except Lackey, are available from Llewyllen Smith Publishing, which does a
lot of mail-order. I have the address somewhere, if anyone wants it. They
also carry a lot on Amerindian shamanism, but I haven't read any of it so I
can't make any reccomendations. You might try the local library as well.

:)
Phelan