The Work of the Hierophant Paperback – September 1, 2010

It is a rare and precious thing for someone to have both magickal ability and wisdom born of experience, and rarer still to have the ability to communicate about it in a way that enhances other's ability to Work. Through this book, McCarthy demonstrates her ability to do both.The scope of the work is broad enough to expose the reader to a variety of topics with regards to the boundary between temple and magickal lodge, yet pithy enough to give very practical advice in topics such as selecting which inner contacts to work with, how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries between co-Workers, and how to create and maintain the egregore of the group in such a way that it can find a balance between practicality and virtue.Reading this book (amongst McCarthy's others) has shown me what true mastery of the western Mystery tradition looks like. She demonstrates a mastery of divination, astral projection, sorcery, mysticism, but more importantly, she balances it with compassion and common sense.I thought highly enough of this book that I bought several copies as gifts for several co-Workers. If you are interested in understanding and working with the boundary between magick and spirituality, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and grapple with the mysteries, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Just like all the other books by Josephine.I love how all the books complement each other. Definitely read The Magical Knowledge Trilogy and The Exorcist's Handbook so that you get a clear picture of certain thing mentioned. Unless you are a true adept, of course.

This is great for those seeking how to create a serious magical group. it is true dedication, from no meat,drink,drugs-medicine for over 6 weeks and being able to be shut away for over 48 hours. It will not be a book for many, unless your willing to put in the time and effort. To be honest I am glad I read it, it's made me question where I am on my path, where I want to be, who I am working with. It's definitely a Book I don't regret buying. It is based on Western (occult), as she mentions angelic forces, I'm only half way through the book.

Mccarthy's works are truly delightful to read, and "The Work of the Hierophant" is no different. She knows what she's doing and is amazing for sharing it with the rest of humanity. If you're looking to establish a line of power (consecrated lodge) then this book is for you. However one must initially have access to inner contacts and knowledge of the inner planes for anything to get off the ground.

Fun reading

Amazing, after studying Kabbala for 30 years this linked a lot in

Good book

`The Work of the Hierophant' Josephine McCarthyGolem MediaI firmly believe that with `The Work of the Hierophant' Josephine McCarthy has once again written something that should go in the `classic' section of all occultists' and spiritual practitioners' book-case.`The Work of the Hierophant' examines how to create a modern occult group and approaches this creation in depth, and from all angles .This includes exploration of reasons for forming a magickal order, and the means of doing it alongside addressing both contemporary and traditional methods and pitfalls.This information is presented by looking at development of a working magical structure in contemporary and experiential terms, rather than as an instruction manual for the novice.Josephine has an innate ability to use words with striking visual effect which creates a strong sense of understanding in the reader. She is also courageous enough to take on all the elephants that thunder through the world of the occult community such as ego, money, sexuality and gender. She addresses what happens when these pachyderms, which always exist in some form or other, are not acknowledged and dealt with.Although this book is adamant that its practical exercises are aimed only at those who work in a group context, I believe it would also have relevance to solo practitioners. I am not aligned to a specific order or lodge but benefited from reading `The Work of the Hierophant', and found it to be relevant to aspects of my practice. This was not simply as a point of reference or to provide insight into past group work but because even outside the overt structure of a working order there is a dynamic within many spiritual networks, which although more social in nature, still has potential to become an egregore the nature of which aspects of this book has insight into.I cannot recommend this enough.