Chalice of Ecstasy: Being A Mystical, Magical and Qabalistic Interpretation of the Drama of Parsifal

This new edition has a lengthy preface by J. Edward Cornelius, also Magister Templi in the A.'.A.'., explaining the Wagnerian Grail mythos and why Achad's book is so important. The composer Richard Wagner wrote the most influential 'magickal' version of the quest for the Holy Grail which he titled Parsifal. Frater Achad (Charles Stansfeld Jones 1886-1950), a Magister Templi 8=3 in Aleister Crowley's A.'.A.'., published his unique understanding of this play in a book titled The Chalice of Ecstasy (1923). He interpreted Wagner's Parsifal from a Thelemic point-of-view, showing the original story akin to an A.'.A.'.Adept's journey from a beginner or Probationer 0=0 to crossing the Abyss and becoming a Magister Templi 8=3 using as examples the writings of Aleister Crowley and others. Unfortunately Achad gives no sources to the dozens upon dozens of quotes throughout his book, nor does he explain many of his obscure terms, but Cornelius identifies all and adds almost ninety footnotes which help illuminate the spiritual journey portrayed in this classic Thelemic text. For Adepts desiring to climb the Qabalistic Tree of Life, this book is a must for your library. This is a 6x9 hardback book, red cloth, gold foil, 88 total pages. Limited to 200 copies signed by J. Edward Cornelius.