Dion Fortune is a very neglected occult author where I hail from in the states. In fact Fortune may be the "red headed step child" of the occult. This has always saddened me, while I do not agree with all thing that she has to say, her works cover material that other occult authors tend to avoid, out of ignorance of the subject or otherwise. That said I shall proceed with my review.



"Applied Magic" is a collection of articles relating to various occult beliefs and practices. I find it to be a superb work, when taking the time period that the articles were written in into context. First and foremost I give the utmost praise for Fortune's fantastic article on the group mind. The idea of the group mind, and indeed working with it, is a very important part of any occult grouping of people. The understanding of this entity should be at the top of any magically working group's priorities. That alone is worth picking up this work for, as it is a much neglected subject in the occult world. I can also see the value of her article on the three "kinds of reality," when looking at the article through the lens of my own practice. One issue that I have is her definition of "black magic" though others will have less problem with this as their own definitions of the same will be undoubtedly similar. All in all I recommend that students of the occult pick up a copy of this book. It does well to read the articles in it over and over during the course of one's magical practice, as they tend to shed light on subjects that one may get involved in.