Is wizardry real? When you start searching for real information on wizardry there is not much to go on. Cornelius's book can be as close to the real thing as it can get for his target audience. Cornelius targets the juvenile with poise and lovely humor.
The book is an excellent introduction into the world of occult and mystery. The 20 wizardry lessons are easy to follow and a great pleasure of anticipation, but demands patience and active participation. The lessons start with the secret wizard's name, which is probably the most powerful psychological edifying concept in the book.
The practical instructions will lead to some insight, if combined with the given simple and practical advice: "Wizardry works from the inside out". The gems in between might just be missed if not looked at carefully. The lessons are an introduction into real occult ideas and concepts. The lessons introduce the five elements introducing the pentagram and ventures through methods of divination, numerology and astrology. He explains briefly how the cycles of the moon and talisman can be used to strengthen magic. Interwoven between all the artifacts of wizardry are occult disciplines like relaxation, breathing, visioning, memory enhancement and spirit guides. The book might not immediately create a lot of powerful Merlin's but it is designed to entice and intrigue. I have no doubt that it will accomplish that.
The Wizard's adventure is more than a story...it allows the young wizard to make decisions and apply the knowledge gained in the 20 lessons. The Wizard's adventure provides a simulated practice ground to apply wizardry. The story begins with an introduction into the use of a pendulum as a means of guidance and then builds a story line of survival through a labyrinth of decisions. Not knowing the wizard's secrets leads ultimately to death in the game. The odds are against the young wizard in the battles with all types of creatures. If played by the rules the wizard has a slim change of coming out of the adventure alive. Playing with dice the wizard has to focus on bringing the magic from the inside to truly reach the wizard's guild.
Cornelius provides a masterful blend between fiction and non-fiction. There is certainly enough realness to entice further exploration and there is enough mystery to keep the Wizard elusive in his mythical, enigmatic and magical character.