The Nine

Here's a description of "The Nine" that includes a justification for its inclusion on a "Best of Peter Levenda" list: "The Nine" (as Simon) is a highly controversial book that purportedly details a series of rituals and a system of magic derived from ancient Sumerian texts. Presented as a guide for occult practice, it delves into complex mythological frameworks, invocations of powerful entities, and exploration of the "Gateways" – portals to other dimensions. It’s a dense and challenging read, blending history, linguistics, and spiritual instruction with an unrelenting atmosphere of mystery. The work encourages a hands-on approach, advocating for the dedicated practitioner to follow its prescribed steps for self-transformation and communion with the forces it describes. Peter Levenda's inclusion on a "Best of" list is nearly cemented by his work related to "The Nine," which many consider his most famous. While Levenda did not write the book himself, he served as the editor and was instrumental in bringing "The Nine" to a wide audience. Moreover, his writings and lectures on the occult and esoteric traditions often intertwine with themes and concepts found in the book. His scholarship helps readers contextualize the history behind "The Nine," and his work illuminates the symbolic structures and the potential pitfalls, as well as the historical context of the original manuscript. Ultimately, "The Nine," whether viewed as a legitimate grimoire or a complex piece of fiction, is a central pillar in Levenda's body of work as a translator, researcher, and interpreter.