📖 Overview
Jake Stratton-Kent is a contemporary British occult author and practicing necromancer known for his scholarly work on grimoire traditions and Goetic magic. His expertise spans both historical research and practical magical techniques, with a particular focus on ancient Greek magical traditions and their connection to later European practices.
His most significant contributions include the Encyclopedia Goetica series, particularly "Geosophia: The Argo of Magic," which traces the development of Western magic through its Greco-Roman roots. Through his writings, Stratton-Kent has worked to bridge the divide between ceremonial magic and folk magical practices, arguing for a more unified understanding of magical traditions.
Stratton-Kent has been practicing magic since the 1970s and has become an influential voice in contemporary occult circles, particularly through his work with Scarlet Imprint publishing house. His research and practice emphasize the importance of understanding historical context while maintaining practical application in modern magical work.
The author is recognized for challenging common assumptions about the nature and origins of grimoire traditions, particularly through his examination of the Greek Magical Papyri and their influence on later European magical practices. His work has helped reshape contemporary understanding of the relationship between ancient Mediterranean magic and later Western esoteric traditions.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Stratton-Kent's deep research and historical context in grimoire traditions, particularly in his Encyclopedia Goetica series. Multiple reviewers note his clear explanations of complex magical practices and emphasis on practical applications.
Readers cite his ability to connect classical, Mediterranean, and goetic traditions in ways that reveal overlooked relationships. Several mention his work helped them understand the origins of modern occult practices.
Common criticisms include dense academic language that can be difficult to follow, high prices for his books, and assumptions about readers' background knowledge. Some find his writing style overly verbose.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: True Grimoire - 4.45/5 (89 ratings)
Geosophia - 4.48/5 (64 ratings)
Amazon: True Grimoire - 4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Geosophia - 4.7/5 (31 reviews)
A recurring theme in reviews is that while the material requires careful study, readers find the depth of information worth the effort.
📚 Books by Jake Stratton-Kent
True Grimoire (2009)
A detailed analysis and interpretation of the Grimorium Verum, examining its historical context and magical practices.
Geosophia: The Argo of Magic (2010) A two-volume study tracing the development of goetic traditions through Greek magical practices and chthonic mysteries.
Encyclopedia Goetica (2010-2011) A three-volume series exploring the development of grimoire traditions and their connections to ancient Mediterranean magic.
The Testament of Cyprian the Mage (2014) A two-volume work examining the influence of Saint Cyprian traditions on Western magic and grimoire literature.
Serpent Songs (2013) An anthology edited by Stratton-Kent featuring various essays on traditional and historical magical practices.
Goetic Liturgy (2016) A practical manual detailing ceremonial procedures and invocations derived from historical goetic sources.
The Children of Hermes (2020) An exploration of the connections between Hellenistic magic and later European grimoire traditions.
Geosophia: The Argo of Magic (2010) A two-volume study tracing the development of goetic traditions through Greek magical practices and chthonic mysteries.
Encyclopedia Goetica (2010-2011) A three-volume series exploring the development of grimoire traditions and their connections to ancient Mediterranean magic.
The Testament of Cyprian the Mage (2014) A two-volume work examining the influence of Saint Cyprian traditions on Western magic and grimoire literature.
Serpent Songs (2013) An anthology edited by Stratton-Kent featuring various essays on traditional and historical magical practices.
Goetic Liturgy (2016) A practical manual detailing ceremonial procedures and invocations derived from historical goetic sources.
The Children of Hermes (2020) An exploration of the connections between Hellenistic magic and later European grimoire traditions.