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Occultism Books
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The lesser Key of Solomon, Goetia, the book of evil spirits : $b contains two hundred diagrams and seals for invocation and convocation of spirits, necromancy, witchcraft and black art
"The Lesser Key of Solomon, Goetia, the book of evil spirits: contains two…" is an anonymously authored grimoire compiled in the mid-17th century from older materials. This sorcery manual divides into five books, with the Ars Goetia cataloging seventy-two demons summoned through ritual magic. Drawing from Renaissance occult sources, the text details spirits, seals, and invocations for controlling supernatural entities. The work bridges medieval demonology and ceremonial magic, offering practitioners detailed instructions for summoning and commanding evil spirits through elaborate rituals and protective measures.
Three Initiates
The Kybalion A Study of The Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece
"The Kybalion" by Three Initiates is a book published in 1908 that claims to transmit the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. Presenting seven Hermetic principles—including mentalism, correspondence, and polarity—it blends ancient philosophical concepts with New Thought movement ideas. While sharing traits with classical Hermetic texts, scholars note its deeper roots in early twentieth-century occultism. This modern mystical work has profoundly influenced New Age thinking, though its connection to authentic ancient Hermeticism remains contested.
James (Archaeologist) Grant
The Mysteries of All Nations Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws Against and Trials of Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions Together with Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales
"The Mysteries of All Nations" by James Grant is a comprehensive examination of superstition, its origins, and developments through history, written in the late 19th century. The work delves into various aspects of superstition, such as witch trials, magical beliefs, and ancient myths across different cultures, revealing how these beliefs have persisted through the ages and impacted society. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of superstition by tracing its roots back to early humanity, discussing the generational transmission of these beliefs. He highlights significant events and characters from religious texts, such as the serpent in the Garden of Eden, and elaborates on ancient customs surrounding divination, magic, and the worship of celestial bodies, providing a context for understanding how these ideas influenced societies worldwide. The opening portion sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how superstition is interwoven with various cultural and historical narratives, promising a rich discussion on the complexities of human belief systems.
Manly P. (Manly Palmer) Hall
The Initiates of the Flame
"The Initiates of the Flame" by Manly P. Hall is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the mystical and esoteric teachings surrounding the spiritual "Flame" within humanity, exploring concepts of initiation, self-discovery, and the ancient wisdom of various cultures. It serves as a guide for individuals seeking to understand the deeper truths of existence and their own inner light. In this work, Hall takes readers on a profound journey through various allegorical narratives and historical references, connecting ancient practices and symbols, such as the alchemical transformation, the legends of the Grail, and the mysteries of the Egyptian Initiates. The text suggests that these teachings reveal the universal struggle of the human spirit against ignorance and materialism. Hall emphasizes the journey of self-mastery and the importance of nurturing the inner Flame that represents divine consciousness. He articulates a vision of spiritual evolution, where each person plays a crucial role in the preservation of sacred truths, ultimately encouraging readers to awaken their own hidden potential and contribute to a greater spiritual awakening in the world.
Antipope Hippolytus
Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume I
"Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume I" by Antipope Hippolytus is a Christian polemical work written in the early third century. This compendious text catalogs pagan beliefs and thirty-three gnostic Christian systems the author deemed heretical, making it a major source on early Christian opponents. The work surveys Greek philosophy, magical practices, and various heresies including those of Simon Magus, Valentinus, and Basilides, linking their teachings to ancient philosophical traditions and challenging their departures from Christian orthodoxy.
M. (Maximilian) Schele de Vere
Modern Magic
"Modern Magic" by M. Schele de Vere is a philosophical exploration of mystical phenomena and beliefs, likely written in the late 19th century. The work examines the notion of magic as a potential manifestation of human powers that transcend ordinary natural laws, positioning itself within the context of both scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding. The subject matter delves into various aspects of what is commonly perceived as magic, such as witchcraft, necromancy, and the metaphysical abilities attributed to human beings. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration into the nature of magic, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from superstition. Schele de Vere argues for the validity of extraordinary human abilities, suggesting that these powers can lie dormant or be mischaracterized as mere delusions. The preface lays a solid philosophical foundation, inviting readers to reconsider established perceptions of magic and encouraging thoughtful examination of spiritual phenomena. It addresses the intersection of spirituality and the material world, ultimately suggesting a deeper relationship between mankind and the mysteries of nature, hinting at a journey from skepticism toward enlightenment.
Frank Hamel
Human Animals
"Human Animals" by Frank Hamel is a scholarly exploration of the beliefs surrounding the transformation of humans into animals, written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on folklore and occultism, delving into various traditions and myths from different cultures that illustrate this phenomenon. It discusses the implications of lycanthropy, the mystical connections between humans and animals, and the cultural significance of such transformations. The beginning of the book sets a comprehensive framework for this extensive exploration. It introduces the idea that throughout history, many cultures have believed in the capacity for humans to metamorphose into animals, often attributing this power to sorcery or magical practices. The text elaborates on the mechanisms of transformation, including rituals and supernatural influences, and conveys how deeply ingrained these beliefs are across civilizations. Through various examples from folklore, Hamel reveals the common threads that unite human experiences with the animal realm, laying the groundwork for the chapters that follow.
Rudolf Steiner
An Outline of Occult Science
"An Outline of Occult Science" by Rudolf Steiner is a philosophical treatise on spiritual research written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the nature of the human being, the potential for accessing higher realms of knowledge, and the interplay between the physical and spiritual dimensions of life. The author argues for the validity of occult sciences and explores concepts such as the etheric body, astral body, and the evolution of humanity in relation to spiritual awakening. The opening of this work establishes a framework for exploring the spiritual dimensions of existence, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and developing human faculties that transcend ordinary sensory experience. Steiner begins by acknowledging the skepticism surrounding occult science, asserting that a deeper understanding of life’s significance necessitates an exploration of the unseen realms. He introduces the idea that behind the visible world lies a hidden realm accessible through inner development and spiritual practices, underscoring the importance of direct personal experience in comprehending this wisdom. The text sets the stage for an examination of the nature of man and the processes of sleep and death, key themes that will guide readers through the exploration of spiritual development in the chapters that follow.
Joseph Jastrow
Fact and Fable in Psychology
"Fact and Fable in Psychology" by Joseph Jastrow is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The work explores various psychological phenomena and the misconceptions that surround them, particularly those related to the occult and pseudoscience. Jastrow aims to highlight the importance of critical thinking and scientific rigor in understanding human mental processes, emphasizing the need to distinguish between fact and belief. The opening of the book sets the stage for Jastrow's examination of the public's fascination with unusual and often erroneous concepts in psychology, including occult beliefs and spiritualism. He discusses the challenges faced by psychologists in combating widespread misconceptions fueled by sensationalism and superstition. Jastrow argues for a grounded view of psychology that prioritizes normal mental functions over more obscure psychic phenomena, proposing that a deeper understanding of common psychological processes can illuminate the irregularities that captivate popular interest.
Antipope Hippolytus
Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume II
"Philosophumena; or, The refutation of all heresies, Volume II" by Hippolytus is a Christian polemical work written in the early third century. This comprehensive catalog systematically examines and refutes 33 Gnostic Christian systems and pagan beliefs the author considered heretical. Drawing connections between ancient Greek philosophy, magical practices, and various early Christian movements, the work exposes controversial disputes within early Christianity—including accusations against canonized popes. Partially lost for centuries, it remains an invaluable source for understanding Pre-Socratic philosophy, Gnostic beliefs, and the boundaries of early Christian orthodoxy.
Sepharial
Cosmic symbolism : $b Being a discussion and exposition of some recondite and obscure points in the art of the Kabalists, the mysteries of sound, form and number, and the basic principles of cosmic symbolism
"Cosmic Symbolism" by Sepharial is a comprehensive discussion and exposition of occult philosophy, particularly the principles of Kabalism and the mysteries of sound, form, and number, written in the early 20th century. This work aims to illuminate various obscure concepts related to occultism, examining the interactions between cosmic laws, human consciousness, and spiritual evolution. The author approaches the subject with a mixture of historical context and philosophical depth, suggesting that understanding these occult principles may benefit personal spiritual development. At the start of the volume, the introduction lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of occultism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cosmos and its relation to human existence. Sepharial highlights the misconceptions surrounding occultism and presents it as a legitimate system that integrates ethical, philosophical, and scientific perspectives. He argues that a coherent understanding of the spiritual and psychic powers within man is essential for self-realization and explores the interconnectedness of various celestial phenomena with earthly experiences. The initial chapters set the tone for a journey through ancient wisdom and its relevance to modern beliefs, merging esoteric concepts with practical implications for readers seeking insight into the universe's underlying truths.
Franz Hartmann
Occult science in medicine
"Occult Science in Medicine" by Franz Hartmann is a book published in 1893 that challenges contemporary medical practice by reviving ancient healing wisdom. Hartmann argues that modern medicine, focused solely on the physical body, ignores the spiritual dimensions of human health understood by physicians like Paracelsus. The work compares materialistic medical approaches with occult traditions, exploring the sevenfold constitution of man, spiritual causes of disease, and higher orders of healing that transcend physical remedies alone.
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