Preface
I was amazed, and highly flattered, when asked to write this preface. I
knew Jan only slightly, though my wife (Nema) had been corresponding with him for some years. But, in the three days since I had met him
in the flesh I had seen sides of him at work and at play that I have seen
in few others. I would like to think that he had seen the same in me.
He is my brother.
I was unsure what to say at first. I wanted to share with the readers
the wild, unfettered spirit that leaped and danced on our English tour.
But I decided that that was impossible.
1 can say that Jan represents, to me, a model of a modern magician,
one that would capture the fancy of Aleister Crowley, were he alive
today. For Jan is doing original research, exploring new pathways, not
content to repeat the work of generations gone by. More important,
he is communicating the results of his work in a highly readable and
entertaining form.
This book is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it is
Pan-Aeonic. That is, it draws on a variety of sources using a variety of
Aeonic formulae (See Cincinnatijournal number seven for more on PanAeonic Magick). Jan's main emphasis draws on the most ancient
shamanic techniques of paleolithic Europe. The difference between
this book and other shamanic texts is thatJan does not hold himself just
to traditional teachings. He includes techniques from Crowley and
even more modern writers. He also analyses Magick in terms of the
most recent psychological models.
Second, nothing is (overly) sacred to Jan. He has maintained an
ability to laugh that has been ground out of many Magicians by the time
they have reached his level of awareness. The attitude of playfulness
that Jan projects, even in writing, makes reading this book a true
delight.
Third, Jan has an attitude of skepticism. He does not consider
himself the final authority on anything. He dares the reader to find new
and better methods that he has never considered. If you prefer to
practise rote exercises as taught by a perfect master, find another book.
Last, and possibly most important, Jan urges you to explore (and
explore with) your body. Too many magicians are of the armchair sort,
reading and analyzing, or sitting in meditation or scrying. Jan's Magick
is of the arm-swinging, twirling, climb-the-tree active form of magick.
Ifyou don't like to feel out of breath, you are advised to find other texts.
Now the reader has been told about the book and must judge for
themselves whether it is worth the time and money. I can only hope
so.
Darklady's Occult