There are countless occult books available, each offering unique perspectives and teachings on various esoteric subjects. The choice of which occult book to engage with depends on one's individual interests, goals, and level of experience. One popular occult book is "The Kybalion," which explores the seven principles of Hermetic philosophy. It delves into topics such as the nature of reality, the law of attraction, and the power of the mind. This book offers valuable insights into the principles underlying many occult practices and teachings. Another renowned occult book is "The Book of the Law" by Aleister Crowley.
What reviewers have said:
In the final selection, Yolen reiterates the importance of folklore to both children and adults, reflecting on the way we use its metaphors to connect us to our past and our future. In the final selection, Yolen reiterates the importance of folklore to both children and adults, reflecting on the way we use its metaphors to connect us to our past and our future.
Another renowned occult book is "The Book of the Law" by Aleister Crowley. It is a foundational text of Thelema, a spiritual and philosophical system emphasizing individual will and the pursuit of personal destiny. This book contains cryptic verses that require deep contemplation and interpretation to grasp its intended meaning.
Touch Magic
Subtitled “Fantasy, Faerie, and Folklore in the Literature of Childhood,” this small book of essays was first my position papers for the EdD I never quite got. Originally published in hardcover by Philomel and then brought out a few years later in a trade paperback, this book of essays has become well identified with me. And the phrase, “Touch magic, pass it on” shows up in the oddest places. After five years out of print, the book in an expanded and revised edition has been reissued by the folklore publisher, August House. The new section is called “Touchstones” and has six new essays: “Fabling to the Near Night,” “Killing the Other,” “Throwing Shadows,” “Literature As a Social Disease,” the eponymous “Touchstones,” “An Experiential Act,” and an updated and revised Preface.
What reviewers have said:
- “This revision of a classic collection of historical and analytical essays explores the use of fantasy and fairytales in children’s literature. … Authorative, eloquent, and fetching, her observations focus on traditional tales that have passed down through generations and been altered in the process. … This book will be prized by teachers, authors, students, and all readers who value the use of folklore, mythology, and the familiar stories of youth. A pleasure to read; highly recommended.” — Library Journal
- “… thought-provoking perspectives on reading and appreciating fantasy … The new selections complement the older pieces nicely, and, of course, they are filled with personal anecdote and informed by Yolen’s strong voice, extensive knowledge, and obvious love of her subject. Where the original pieces provided a raison d’etre for passing along traditional stories to children and lent insight into the genre, the new ones are rich with opinion on thorny contemporary issues–among them, the cultural stereotypes and “hidden messages” that are passed on in traditional tales. In the final selection, Yolen reiterates the importance of folklore to both children and adults, reflecting on the way we use its metaphors to connect us to our past and our future.” — Booklist.
- “The original edition, out of print for five years, was a standard resource for the educators, storytellers, and librarians who are certain to welcome the book’s return in this refurbished form”. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
- “Yolen’s writing is lucid and compelling as she makes a strong and undeniable case for continuing to perpetuate folk tales, fairy tales and preserve our sense of story — thus keeping magic alive in the world. Thanks to August House, even more people will be touching magic and passing it on.” — Rambles
- “As always, the wordplay, quotations, and language are remarkable … And Yolen’s ending–her definition of what story is … is a breathtaking image in itself.” — Journal of Children’s Literature
Subtitled “Fantasy, Faerie, and Folklore in the Literature of Childhood,” this small book of essays was first my position papers for the EdD I never quite got. Originally published in hardcover by Philomel and then brought out a few years later in a trade paperback, this book of essays has become well identified with me. And the phrase, “Touch magic, pass it on” shows up in the oddest places. After five years out of print, the book in an expanded and revised edition has been reissued by the folklore publisher, August House. The new section is called “Touchstones” and has six new essays: “Fabling to the Near Night,” “Killing the Other,” “Throwing Shadows,” “Literature As a Social Disease,” the eponymous “Touchstones,” “An Experiential Act,” and an updated and revised Preface.
"The Secret Teachings of All Ages" by Manly P. Hall is a comprehensive overview of ancient wisdom, mythology, and esoteric symbolism. It covers a wide range of topics, including alchemy, tarot, astrology, and secret societies. The book acts as a valuable reference for those interested in exploring various occult disciplines and their interconnectedness. For those interested in ceremonial magick, "The Lesser Key of Solomon" is a notable occult book. It provides instructions and rituals for summoning and working with various spirits and demons. While caution must be exercised when engaging with this book and its practices, it offers a glimpse into the ceremonial aspects of magickal traditions. Other notable occult books that deserve mention include "Prometheus Rising" by Robert Anton Wilson, which explores consciousness expansion and self-transformation, and "The Magus" by Francis Barrett, a compendium of occult knowledge and practical exercises. Ultimately, the choice of which occult book to engage with is subjective and personal. It is crucial to approach these texts with an open mind and discerning critical thinking. Each book offers a unique perspective and contributes to the collective body of occult knowledge, enabling practitioners to deepen their understanding of esoteric subjects and expand their spiritual horizons..
Reviews for "From Ancient Grimoires to Modern Guides: Finding the Best Occult Book for Your Journey"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to dive into "Which Occult Book" as I've always been interested in the subject. However, I found the book to be quite disappointing. The writing style was dry and lacked any personal or engaging tone. Additionally, the information provided felt surface-level and didn't really go into depth on any particular topic. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unfulfilled by this book.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - I gave "Which Occult Book" a try after hearing positive reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The organization of the book was confusing and made it difficult for me to follow along. It felt like the author jumped from topic to topic without any clear structure. Additionally, I found some of the explanations to be a bit vague and lacking in detail. While there were a few chapters that caught my interest, overall, I didn't feel like I gained much knowledge or insight from this book.
3. Michael - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish reading "Which Occult Book" because it was just too boring and dull. The writing was incredibly dry and lacked any sort of enthusiasm or passion. I felt like I was reading a textbook rather than an occult book. The author also didn't provide any personal anecdotes or experiences to make the material more relatable or interesting. I would not recommend wasting your time on this book if you're looking for an engaging and insightful read on the occult.