Practice of the Magical Diary explores what should be contained in a magician's diary, but does not do so through lessons, theory, and reasoning, instead it includes Crowley's diary from John St. John and Achad's A Master of the Temple. It was interesting to see the journal of two different people, John St. John is considered by Crowley to be "a perfect model of what a magical record should be" where as A Master of the Temple shows Achad's journal, with Crowley's commentary upon the journal.

This book was definitely not what I expected, having hoped for more of a "Here is what you journal needs, and why", but I actually think I got more from this format. I realized that my efficiency in recording was hampering the effectiveness of my records. I also learnt more than just about journaling, in reading their diaries, I came across two phenomena I've been experiencing, "cross-telephones" as Crowley called it, and the loss of memory in/of ritual, so it was helpful for me to see that it happens, and at least according to Crowley, is a good thing.

Since reading this book I've been expanding my journal, trying to find a balance between my stark efficiency, and the effectiveness of fuller records. I got more from the book than I was expecting, and think this is a great book for anyone who is seriously exploring their magickal world. ( )