Bending the Binary: Polarity Magic in a Nonbinary World

Polarity is an important concept in occult and magical practices, but how do we use it without capitulating to restrictive binaries around gender and sexuality? Examining the concept of polarity itself and its role in occult philosophy and practices, Deborah Lipp provides historical and cultural background as well as reflections on its conceptual value in esoteric spaces—without the outmoded baggage of strict gender and sex roles. This book brings nuance and curiosity to magic’s polarity tropes (male/female, night/day, self/other), pairing Lipp’s probing and open-minded analysis with suggested rituals, journal prompts, and opportunities to incorporate new approaches to polarity in one’s own magical system.