Chaos Monkey
Jaq Hawkins

This is an excellent introductory book on chaos magick. It clearly outlines the history, terminology, philosophies and commonalities.

This is a book of magic, but also a guidebook on how to survive the natural chaos that plagues those who are chosen by a magical path. With a pinch of humour and irony, the author offers an alternative perspective of the perversities of magic, personified as Monkey, the trickster image that represents the convoluted landscape of life that the magical path leads us through. With practical advice and basic spells, this book is a simple yet unequalled sourcebook for dealing with the unpredictability of magic.

Chaos Monkey is an original and intriguing look at magic, not as a tool or a science, but as a living creature characterised as - you got it - a monkey. Magic is at times uncontrollable and unpredictable - the spell works but how much turmoil do you get in the bargain?! The book talks about the unsettling experiences those touched by the monkey will have, and the attitudes necessary to deal with these - I think most magicians will read this with a feeling of recognition. At the same time, the book challenges, in a down to earth way, pointing out some of the pitfalls for both the individual and the scene as a whole. The book contains some practices and rituals that can be adapted to a given goal.