Dion Fortune is a woman, psychic and Freemason. Born Violet Mary Firth she was born 1890 and died 1946. Most of her books were not published until after 1946, including, "Psychic Self-Defense" published 1971. This is an odd book. After reading "Psychic Self-Defense" I believe in real magic less than ever before, though the topic is about supernatural events.
The concepts are intriguing, yet science explains most of the unexplained phenomena, such as: fatigue and feeling out-of-place. There is some actual knowledge related to the supernatural and covens making it half right. More importantly, it assists scientists in evaluating if there are factual means to deal with various problems.
The book is interesting to read. Fortune comes from a Christian background, yet meanders amongst the occult. The information related to covens is not expansive. It only informs without relaying specifics of practicing magic; only how to identify if they have been hexed and practical defense steps. Tips include: avoiding the person or consulting a psychic.
While comprehensive it lets an average reader read about the supernatural without religious defiance, which condemns the practice of magic of any kind. Soothing the mind, during a proliferation of stereotypical bigotry, it is a good idea to question content. Fortune wants to say an ordinary person can make someone go insane. However, Insanity is said to be a curse instigated by God to weaken someone who is a danger to themselves or others.
Now we know fatigue is related to stress. Is a child suffering from vampirism? One story claims the mother was a psychic vampire. A child suffered an unexplainable illness until removed from the home. Regardless of vampirism, the child needs assistance if an adult is unable to care for them. In the worst case situation, the parent is a poisoner who keeps the child ill to gain attention.
The most offensive part of the book involves "non-humans." A group of non-humans are called, "elementals." Her theory states a human spirit is forced out of their body during birth and replaced by a soul intended for another Pillar of the Qabalah. The main focus is elves, though implying a broader spectrum.
Theoretically this happens when parents are under duress or alcoholics, yet elementals are identified with astrology. Someone with a significantly higher strength in fire, earth, air or water is an elemental. No one controls when or where a person is born; therefore, birth of an elemental could not be found with astrology.
She may want people to sympathize with elementals, though the child's soul is not their true descendant. Water elementals are nice people. They are drawn to the water where they will most likely drown. Air elementals have strong desire to fly and want to jump from high places. They seem odd to humans and need protection from themselves.
Anyone interested in a basic outline of magic should read the book. It makes life less scary. Read it with suspicion. She may have been a ghost hunter and exorcist; however, it is all interpreted through common misconceptions. It is most interesting in relating to the old ways of thinking. Creating an intellectual bridge through time, the greater belief is to have faith in God. Acknowledge everything happens for a reason.
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