First coined in the sixteenth century, the occult originally encompassed the fields of astrology, alchemy, and magic, but the practice of occultism as the specific attempt to capture these mystical powers and was expanded to include the supernatural. By the end of the nineteenth century, occultism had spread through Europe and America, and was firmly cemented with large followings of various sects
And the practice can still be found around the world today. If you’re curious about the occult and aren’t sure where to start, we gathered fifteen books on occultism to help you begin your mystical journey.
Dictionary of the Occult
A comprehensive reference guide, this book covers everything regarding the history of the occult with detailed descriptions of various practices. It also features instrumental figures like Aleister Crowley, Helena Blavatsky, and more, along with entries on other texts like the Book of the Dead. Designed to appeal to both beginners and experts, Dictionary of the Occult is a perfect resource for anyone interested in all things occult.
Esoteric Orders and Their Work
Instead of focusing one aspect of the esoteric, Fortune covers these institutions and organizations in broader strokes. Why are they so secretive? Why do they restrict admission? And why are their practices so steeped in mystery? Fortune peels back the curtain and offers the reader an inside glimpse into the inner workings of esoteric societies.
Grimoire of Aleister Crowley
Occultist and ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley founded the occult religious movement Thelema, and was head of his magical order Ordo Templi Orientis. This grimoire captures the rituals Crowley created and engaged in throughout his lifetime, stemming from ancient texts all the way through his more modern creations.
Raising Hell
The history of black magic and the occult have long been entwined with the idea that it’s possible to take unseen powers and bend them to your will. And in their quest to discover these ultimate truths, these pioneers stumbled on discoveries that moved humanity forward. It’s a fascinating history, dating back to ancient Babylon, that Masello captures in this single volume.
Real Magic
It’s easy to dismiss the stuff of magic as coincidence, flukes, or outright manipulations. But what if they’re real? Bonewits dissects the strange occurrences attributed to magic, covering everything from poltergeists to tarot, and examining them with a careful eye for detail. It’s a journey that will fascinate both believers and possibly convince non-believers that not everything can be neatly explained.
The Book of Black Magic
Divided into two sections, The Book of Black Magic covers the history and details of everything related to the Dark Arts. In the first section, Waite dives into the history of ceremonial magic including the rites, rituals, and practices of these ancient occults. Section two is a Complete Grimoire, with actual texts, documents, and illustrations.
The Occult
Taking the occult into the twenthieth century, Wilson presents the experiences and discoveries made in recent times. Though he covers the history, it’s to educate and illustrate how to look at the occult through the lens of reason and rationality, striving to offer insight into our journey not just to enlightenment, but to unlock our own latent powers.
The Practice of Enochian Magick
Based on the sixteenth century writings of two men who claimed they were given this knowledge by angels, Enochian magick is considered a powerful system for ceremonial practice. Named for the biblical prophet Enoch, this system has formed the basis for multiple other magical systems and inspired magicians for generations. This text is taken from the journals of one of its early advocates and users, Aleister Crowley.
The Tree of Life
Magic, according to Regardie, is not being a medium or a psychic. It’s the practice and spiritual study that allows the user to transcend this astral plane. In what’s largely considered his magnum opus, The Tree of Life details the ideas and techniques that connect the two branches of the tree of mysticism.
Transcendental Magic
Covering subjects like Qabalism, Hermetism, and Christianity, the first half of this book goes over the principles and theories of magical work. The second half shifts into practical instructions covering the art of necromancy, spells, and divination along with how to apply them to ceremonial use.
The Magician's Workbook
Designed to be used with the grimoire known as the Goetia, the first book of The Lesser Key of Solomon, Geotic Evocation is a working manual to help any aspiring magician who wants to learn the ancient art outlined in the grimoire. This edition is complete with detailed instructions, dissections of each section, a complete explanation on the hierarchy of Goetic spirits, and the author’s own detailed transcripts of his own experiments.
The Art of the Occult
No matter what the particular belief or sect, imagery has always played a vital role in the occult. Featuring a wide range of artists from the unknown to the famous and divided into thematic chapters, The Art of the Occult is a visual journey through the artistic interpretations of the mystical.
Toil and Trouble: A Women’s History of the Occult
Women and nonbinary people have been causing trouble for centuries. Many of them found strength in the supernatural, and are still on the frontlines of progress and reform. From the witches of Salem to celebrity mediums all the way to WitchTok, where defiant women hex the patriarchy, these are the stories and celebrations of these magical and mystical people.
The Beginner’s Guide to the Occult
The occult was conceived of as a way to explore and explain the mysteries of the universe. In The Beginner’s Guide to the Occult, Lipp collected numerous mysteries and practices, presenting them in and easy to understand order, this guide helps you learn more about human nature, natural phenomena, and the supernatural, along with the many philosophies that tie them all together.
The Secret Doctrine
One of the only books on esoteric tradition to be continuously in print for over 100 years, The Secret Doctrine cover the fundamental tenets of the Secret Doctrine of the Archaic Ages. Taken from the Stanzas of Dzyan and corroborating testimony from over 1,200 sources, this book is considered the most comprehensive text on esotericism.
