Magic and occult science have been subjects of intrigue and fascination for centuries. These elusive and enigmatic practices bring to mind images of mysterious rituals, spellcasting, and the pursuit of supernatural powers. While often dismissed by skeptics and seen as mere fantasy, there are those who believe that magic and occult science hold profound truths and untapped potential. Magic, in its essence, is the manipulation of natural and supernatural forces to produce desired effects. It is rooted in ancient traditions and belief systems that sought to understand and harness the unseen energies that surround us. Practitioners of magic aim to tap into these energies through rituals, ceremonies, and incantations to influence the world in ways that defy conventional understanding.
There is a multitude of small journals and newsletters dealing with the occult. Consult a librarian at the Information Desk in Room 315 for reference volumes which will provide lists of current titles. NYPL has not attempted to collect these titles due to their ephemeral nature. However, journals considered to be of research value have been acquired. In the Dictionary Catalog, look under the subject heading Occult sciences--Per. & Soc. Publications for older publications. In CATNYP, the subject Occultism will retrieve both journals and monographs.
org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. A scientific skeptical approach to the study of the anormal provided by members of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal.
Practitioners of magic aim to tap into these energies through rituals, ceremonies, and incantations to influence the world in ways that defy conventional understanding. Occult science, on the other hand, delves into the hidden aspects of nature and consciousness. It seeks to explore the mysteries of existence and unlock the secrets of the universe.
Occult Sciences and Parapsychology
There are many requests for assistance in researching "the occult," as it is popularly called. One person asking this question might be interested in such topics as alchemy, ghosts, magic, palmistry, witchcraft, UFOs, Bigfoot or yoga. Another person might be interested in para-psychology, which is concerned with the scientific investigation of clairvoyance, reincarnation and other paranormal phenomena. The range of interests covered by either category is incredibly wide. Therefore, this guide will not attempt to provide titles dealing with unique subjects within the Occult Sciences or Parapsychology but will direct the reader to general sources and bibliographies. Emphasis is on the most current and comprehensive sources.
The New York Public Library has an extensive collection of materials on the occult. The General Research Division collects a wide range of topics including esoteric magic (as opposed to stage magic, which is collected by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts), spiritualism and witchcraft. There are particularly strong collections on divination and Theosophy. The Science, Industry and Business Library collects materials on alchemy and flying saucers. Books on oriental mysticism and yoga are collected by the Asian and Middle Eastern Division. The Slavic and Baltic Division collects, in the original language, the works of Russian mystics, such as H.P. Blavatsky, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture collects titles on voodoo, santeria and related topics.
Parapsychology, the branch of psychology which deals with the scientific investigation of paranormal or psychic phenomena, is collected by the General Research Division.
Access to certain material requires identification and must be read under supervision.
If you need further assistance, visit our reference desk, or e-mail us at [email protected].
Through the study of astrology, numerology, divination, alchemy, and other esoteric practices, occult scientists endeavor to gain insights into the workings of reality that are beyond ordinary perception. While magic and occult science often overlap and intertwine, they can also be approached as distinct disciplines. Magic focuses more on the practical application of supernatural powers and the manipulation of energies, whereas occult science emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and the understanding of hidden truths through various means. Critics argue that magic and occult science are mere superstitions or delusions, devoid of any factual basis. They view these practices as forms of wishful thinking or irrational beliefs that have no place in the modern world. Skeptics often point to the lack of scientific evidence and the prevalence of fraud and charlatanism in the realm of magic and occult science. However, proponents of magic and occult science argue that dismissing these practices based solely on scientific criteria is limited and narrow-minded. They contend that the unknown realms of existence and the potential of human consciousness cannot be fully grasped through empirical methods alone. They believe that there are forces and dimensions that science has yet to discover, and that magic and occult science offer valuable insights into these hidden aspects of reality. In conclusion, magic and occult science continue to captivate the human imagination and spark a sense of wonder and curiosity. Whether regarded as ancient wisdom or irrational beliefs, these practices have persisted throughout history and continue to shape the lives of those who engage with them. While their validity remains a subject of debate, their appeal lies in the mysteries they promise to uncover and the possibilities they offer for expanding our understanding of the world around us..
Reviews for "Alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone: The Quest for Transmutation and Spiritual Enlightenment"
1. John - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with "Magic and Occult Science". The book promised to delve into the mysteries of magic and occult practices, but instead, it was filled with vague and general information that anyone could easily find on the internet. The author seemed to lack true knowledge and depth in the subject matter, which made the book feel like a shallow attempt at cashing in on the popularity of occult topics. Overall, a complete waste of time.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Magic and Occult Science" fell short of my expectations. The book claimed to provide a comprehensive overview of magic and provide practical advice for beginners, but it failed to deliver on both fronts. The information provided was scattered and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow along. Additionally, the author seemed more focused on promoting their own beliefs and practices rather than providing an objective exploration of the subject. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a serious study of magic and occult science.
3. David - 2 stars - I was intrigued by the title of "Magic and Occult Science", but unfortunately, the book failed to live up to its promise. The content felt repetitive, and the author seemed to rely heavily on outdated and dubious sources. The lack of in-depth analysis and critical thinking made the book feel superficial and unconvincing. If you're looking for a serious exploration of magic and occult science, I suggest looking elsewhere.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Magic and Occult Science" was a huge disappointment for me. The book lacked scholarly rigor and relied heavily on personal anecdotes and unsubstantiated claims. The writing style was sloppy and filled with grammatical errors, which made it difficult to take the author seriously. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-researched and thoughtful exploration of magic and occult science.