Three Books on Occult Philosophy Occult philosophy, also known as esoteric or hidden knowledge, has captured the interest and curiosity of many individuals throughout history. It explores the mystical and metaphysical aspects of human existence, aiming to understand the universe and our place within it. Here are three books that delve into the realm of occult philosophy, offering insights and guidance to those seeking a deeper understanding of the hidden truths. 1. "The Secret Doctrine" by Helena Blavatsky: Considered a foundational text in esoteric literature, "The Secret Doctrine" was written by Helena Blavatsky, a prominent figure in the late 19th-century spiritualist movement. Blavatsky explores the fundamental principles of occult philosophy, providing an extensive and detailed account of cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, and the evolution of human consciousness.
Which leads me to another point: Stop Getting the Magus Wrong! There seems to have been a long tradition of confusion between the 1801 first edition and the so called facsimile or second edition of c.1875 because they are identical (well almost, as we’ll see…) right down to the same publisher and date of 1801. So, after spending years grumbling in the shadows like a Gollum obsessed with issue points instead of a ring, I will present you with ‘the keys of the kingdom’ (the sort of thing some book dealers would say when other book dealers are threatening to give their customers useful information…) and explain how to tell them apart and dispel a couple of myths:
So, after spending years grumbling in the shadows like a Gollum obsessed with issue points instead of a ring, I will present you with the keys of the kingdom the sort of thing some book dealers would say when other book dealers are threatening to give their customers useful information and explain how to tell them apart and dispel a couple of myths. Most firsts do just have the four Demon plates coloured, but some have Cassiel coloured too and this particular copy has another plate altogether coloured; something I haven t seen before.
Blavatsky explores the fundamental principles of occult philosophy, providing an extensive and detailed account of cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, and the evolution of human consciousness. She delves into ancient mythologies, symbolism, and the esoteric teachings of various cultures to present a comprehensive worldview. 2.
Three books on sccult philosophy
In 1651 someone finally got round to translating Agrippa’a masterpiece of Renaissance magic: Three Books of Occult Philosophy into English . It was originally published in 1533, so no points for haste there. However the wait was even longer for the next compilation of esoteric knowledge and the star of this particular show: The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer; Being a Complete System of Occult Philosophy… London: Printed for Lackington, Allen and Co., 1801.
A little worse for wear, but I’m all original like…
The title goes on and on (and on…)
The author, Francis Barrett, a much maligned hero of mine, has been wonderfully described by my ex-colleague (he’s not dead, I just don’t work with him anymore) Jonathan of Bibliodeviant fame, so I’m going to talk about the book itself and in this case, a truly wonderful example. It’s in a contemporary, possibly even publisher’s binding with gorgeous ‘come hither’ untrimmed edges and is clean as a whistle (though why something you spit drool through is clean I haven’t got a clue)
Will you take a look at those page edges…
Go on go on, have a closer look – lovely lovely lovely
I confess this make me go weak at the knees. This is easily the best copy I’ve seen of one of my all time favourite books of magic. It’s got the lot: size, breadth of content (including alchemy, kabbalah, planetary magic, ritual magic, crystal gazing, magical alphabets, biographies of famous Magi and lots more), plates, diagrams, tables and of course the famous hand-coloured portraits of demons:
Vessels of Wrath
Ophis and The Spirit Antichrist
Heads of Evil Daemons Powers of Evil
Which leads me to another point: Stop Getting the Magus Wrong! There seems to have been a long tradition of confusion between the 1801 first edition and the so called facsimile or second edition of c.1875 because they are identical (well almost, as we’ll see…) right down to the same publisher and date of 1801. So, after spending years grumbling in the shadows like a Gollum obsessed with issue points instead of a ring, I will present you with ‘the keys of the kingdom’ (the sort of thing some book dealers would say when other book dealers are threatening to give their customers useful information…) and explain how to tell them apart and dispel a couple of myths:
1. Well for starters the first edition comes in all sorts of bindings, often in not brilliant condition, while the vast majority of the second come in a publisher’s binding of half or quarter leather with this chap in gilt to the spine:
Cassiel, The Angel of Saturday. Bet Gabriel is jealous of the tail.
I’ve seen copies with various coloured cloth sides, red, green, black and there may be others. If the book you are holding has been rebound and you’re not sure if it’s a first or second fear not, you can check the paper.
2. As you can see from the pictures, the first is printed on glorious regency paper stock, which feels almost powdery to the touch. It is also watermarked. The second is a thinner and more shiny paper, without watermark.
This copy is just so clean…
3. Going back to our friend the Angel of Saturday, in the second edition he’s hand-coloured along with the four plates of Demons, making five hand coloured plates. This is often mentioned as a point between the two editions, but it’s wrong. Most firsts do just have the four Demon plates coloured, but some have Cassiel coloured too and this particular copy has another plate altogether coloured; something I haven’t seen before:
Mystic semaphore anyone?
4. Finally, the reason the second is not a straightforward ‘facsimile’ is the long ‘s’, the one that looks a bit like a tall ‘f’. This was already old-fashioned by 1801, which is probably why Barrett decided to use it. The second edition has the normal ‘s’ throughout, so somebody made a change at some point. I don’t know why exactly – the rest of the book is pretty much identical so why bother?
Folding table – even this big book was not big enough!
Like an advert for secret agent writing on the back of a comic
I’ve gotta sigil and I’m gonna use it…
There, the secret’s out. Probably not that secret anyway, but I feel much better for it. For some reason, some bibliographers have been a bit sniffy about The Magus – ‘it’s just a compilation of previous works’ ‘Barrett added little himself’ ‘inconsistencies and mistakes’ ‘blah blah blah’. They all miss the point. The Magus is exactly what most people imagine a magic book to look like, from the bookshelf of Faust or in the laboratary of Frankenstein to Anthony Head leafing through a tome in Buffy, this is the real deal. It also played a role in the Gothic Revival and without doubt set us on the twisting path to the formation of the Golden Dawn and the synthesis of myriad philosophies and systems of belief. And what the hell? Let’s look at those page edges once more:
Feels good, doesn’t it?
Ophis and The Spirit Antichrist
"The Kybalion" by The Three Initiates: "The Kybalion" is a vital work within the Hermetic tradition, presenting the profound teachings of Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary Egyptian sage. Written by The Three Initiates, who remain anonymous, this book explains the seven Hermetic principles, such as the principle of mentalism, vibration, and correspondence. It offers practical guidance on using these principles to navigate life and understand the workings of the universe, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. 3. "The Celestial Hierarchy" by Dionysius the Areopagite: An influential work within Christian mysticism, "The Celestial Hierarchy" is attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite, a philosopher and theologian. This text explores the hierarchy of angelic beings, their roles, and their relationship with the divine. Dionysius discusses the nature of God, the mystical ascent of the soul, and the contemplation of divine beauty. It offers insights into the mystical teachings prevalent in Western esotericism and their integration with Christian theology. These three books represent diverse perspectives within occult philosophy, transcending time and cultural barriers. They provide profound insights into metaphysical principles, symbolism, and spiritual practices, guiding readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and understanding. While occult philosophy may remain enigmatic to many, these books offer valuable knowledge and wisdom to those who venture into the mystical realms of esoteric thought..
Reviews for "Beyond the Veil: Three Books on Occult Philosophy That Illuminate the Mysteries"
1. Julia - 2 stars - I found "Three Books on Occult Philosophy" to be overly complex and convoluted. The writing style was difficult to follow, and the author didn't provide clear explanations or examples to help me understand the concepts. I felt like I needed a degree in philosophy just to decipher some of the passages. Overall, it was a frustrating read that left me more confused than enlightened about the subject.
2. Mark - 1 star - I really wanted to enjoy "Three Books on Occult Philosophy," but unfortunately, I couldn't even get through the first few chapters. The language used was archaic and outdated, making it nearly impossible to comprehend the content. It felt like reading a foreign language. The lack of modern context or practical applications left me disinterested and unable to connect with the material. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a straightforward introduction to the occult.
3. Kate - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Three Books on Occult Philosophy," but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge and vocabulary rather than making the material accessible to a wider audience. The concepts presented were obscure and poorly explained, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the text. The writing felt dense and heavy, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would only recommend this book to those with a deep background in philosophy and a high tolerance for complex language.