The Foundation of High Magick (Magical Philosophy Series, Vol. 1) by Melita Denning & Osborne Phillips

This is the definitive work on the Western Mystery Tradition--both setting forth the way mainstream Western occultism has developed and providing a completely modern and psychologically valid restatement of the Magickal Art. The aspiration towards perfection is essential to all who follow the path of Magick. Here is no place for scruples about spiritual narcissism or pride, or anything of that sort. To reject this aspiration would be to will a disharmony in the universal fabric, and would be at least as great as a catastrophe as the defects which it might seem to avoid. It is this aspiration, and this reverent sense of purpose which are the most sure marks of the true student of the Qabalah.