Voudon Gnostic Workbook: Expanded Edition

I have been a practitioner of various forms of magic(k) and spirituality for over twenty years, and a teacher of the same for some years, and I think I can safely say that Bertiaux's Voudon Gnostic Workbook (VGW for short) is one of the most astonishing, challenging, and frustrating works of magick one is likely to ever encounter. The challenge of this book, and the controversy surrounding it, compare to similar points often raised about the works of Crowley and Kenneth Grant -- i.e., that it is a difficult work that reflects its author's unique perspective but, despite its flaws, there is no substitute for it that comes close to its style, and you either love it or hate it.To begin with, as some critics have rightly noticed about this work, do NOT expect a traditional or even historically credible account of actual Voodoo within the VGW. Bertiaux basically accedes to this point by using idiosyncratic spellings such as "Voudon" and the clever "Vudu" and slightly humorous variations like "Vudutronics" to distinguish his unique treatment from others. If you seek a historical or traditional depiction of Voodoo culture, you should look elsewhere. That said, Bertiaux is clearly a natural born mystic (not unlike Crowley) who brings his creativity and endless, exhausting inventiveness to a subject too often bogged down in orthodoxy for its own sake. By placing creativity and innovation in the forefront of his work, Bertiaux demonstrates, again like Crowley and Grant, that a creative mind IS the ultimate source of real magick, no matter what label you give it.The VGW is, honestly, more "gnostic" than "voodoo." That can be seen as a feature or a bug depending on what you're looking for. Bertiaux's prose style if often twisted and confusing, and this is a book that demands multiple readings and note taking. Do not expect an easy read, and do not expect to understand much of what the author is trying to say without a solid background in Jungian psychology, Heideggerian ontology, and even chaos magick. This is a book that one has to live with over a long period of time to really absorb. In one sense, it reminds me of another difficult and long tome, Gurdjieff's "Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson." Gurdjieff refers to such books as "legominisms," or word-objects that cast a spell upon the reader by the very way they are written and presented. Be prepared to open yourself up to this sort of quasi-hypnotic effect when you dive into this thing. Such books are magical tokens in themselves, capable of having an initiatory effect upon the reader as a result of deep reading and consideration.But don't be put off by all this difficulty either. The VGW is an eminently practical tome, full of short exercises, meditations and rituals that anyone can easily perform with a minimum of preparation. The "Dedication to the Hoodoo Spirits" that is found in the beginning of the book is a good ritual to perform as you set out on the task of reading the VGW. The book's five sections can easily be dealt with one at a time. Indeed, the book was originally written as a series of separate lectures and later compiled into its present form, so going through piece by piece is a recommended practice. There is still a sense with this book that you are missing something that can only be provided by in-person initiation and one-on-one mentorship, but realistically speaking that is unlikely to happen for most of us, so we have to make the most of the material we have. And that material is impressive, covering a dizzying array of "vudu," gnostic Christianity, diabolism, Thelema, chaos magick, theology ... an eclectic smorgasboard that never really seems to synthesize as a coherent whole, but the individual parts are no less interesting or valuable for that flaw.The recent Weiser reprint is just that -- a reprint, not really a new edition; it seems to be simply a photo-reproduction of the original book's headache-inducing typography (except for an added preface and conclusion by Courtney Willis). This is a major fault, but given the inaccessibility and high cost of the original out-of-print edition, it is better than nothing for now.In sum: A challenging, idiosyncratic, creative, frustrating, but irreplaceable work of modern magick.

Sublime libro!.

This edition DOES definitely contain all of the lessons & diagrams that were said to have been "left out".They are all in their own section at the back of the book. When I received my copy I was pleasantly surprised to find them included,to the contrary of the claims I read here. This rare text is now presented flawlessly & worth it's weight in gold.This book itself is a work of art-The perspectives of Bertiaux are truly a masterpiece.Too many seem to think that an author's view must coincide with all that society has ever programmed them to believe possible.If you're a student of occult sciences,this is a must have book... to learn from,gain insight from & know that YOU must "create" throughout your lives,without always having someone to hold your hand......

All you could ever wish to know, upon the subject of truly living spirituality. If your heart leans toward the reality of the Voudu faith and practice, then this seminal and comprehensive text is a must. One can become daunted by the sheer depth and span of study aspects contain within this volume, however I feel it is helpful to remember that this book is the result of over four years of daily study, therefore akin to a masters degree work book, hence the only stand alone volume you'll need.

Came yestrday,it lacked diagrams and pics mentioned in text and are not available,most are irrelevant since avid descriptions are given as well as offers to jin their research project on such things as mentioned within,spent most of day and night reading and am amazed to see someone finally saying things straight about a path(as its called). In his sction of languages I see many external influence working on his id for the formations of deities or beings etc,the method tho is quite likable( I have similar things that work).His space travel is interesting as is his time travel,( unnessacary but giving a sense of control). Reminiscant of my youth ( I preffer the youth as a safety factor,you know what or who your dealing with),without the allowance of possession by any entity that has a hankering.From the text I see why at one time witches and they did not get along,( a large vampire streak there),where some groups choose to deify forms of energies they merely refer to them as spirits.Dealing primarily with the Loa of the Afro-Atlantean sect there is no mention of the Gods/Godess' of some such as Oduada (father earth) he does give instruct on contacting other family of spirits to work with for given purpose.I am pleased, I wanted to know more about what they call Loa etc and its evident simplicity as compared to other more elaborate systems or schools.It definitely filled a void opening doors to the lazier magi and making workings more pleasurable in our earthly sense.It is not the only way to do things and he doesnot say it is the only way for Vou or the doo or hoo,merely his sect from the the ealy days of Haiti (1770 to 1957),it does embrace many ancients.Well done.Today I received the missing diagrams,charts and some very interesting pages of history surrounding the afore mentioned system from the publisher ( a very nice bunch to deal with).

This book is a fine work by Mr. Bertiaux. It unfolds step-by-step, with the teachings & exercises arranged clearly and in-depth. Serious study of this work can bring well balanced & clear instructions and results. A masterwork by an old master (not too old)!

I got this today and I cannot get my face out of the book. This is the best investment I’ve made. Glad I bought this book it’s just what I needed. Thank you so much!