Best wicca books according to redditors
We found 218 Reddit comments discussing the best wicca books. We ranked the 76 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 218 Reddit comments discussing the best wicca books. We ranked the 76 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Happy to expand here. We typically will use Sigils of Jupiter via (edit: skip this link and go to next one)ceremonial magick (this book used to be available free online via PDF but now it's gone so this is the only link I can find) to get there.
Edit: Here's a free version, but I am not sure it contains all the original sigils, and it appears to be some "2003" interpretation of this book. YMMV.
Double edit: I am searching on G to find a better version of Goetia for those interested. I shared it previously and I guess hugged it to death.
Triple edit: Use the previous PDF link. It's fair enough but is missing some sigils. Save it as these PDFs are often wiped clean from the Web.
777 isn't something one sits down and "reads", IMHO. Parts of it, sure, like the Gematria bit, but IIRC it's all just correspondences, and I don't even think it's meant to be read left to right like a normal book. It's quite the synthesis of magickal thinking; I would hardly call it opium fueled rambling.
The Book of Lies is one of the books I treasure dearly. I think either the Masonic lodge or the OTO he was in conferred one of their highest degrees on him for something he wrote in that book; someone confronted him about having published "the secret" as it were and he wasn't sure what they meant until they showed him the specific passage. What I'm getting at is he figured out whatever their little secret was all on his own, through his own studies, research, and experience. Again, not opiate fueled rambling.
I don't meant to sound offensive, and I'm not trying to ride Crowley's dick or anything but I don't want other people to get the wrong impression either. Crowley might have been a narcissistic asshole but he was probably the greatest occultist I've ever come across.
Like you said, you can go back and give his works another read and have "OH MY GOD!?!" moments again where it all falls into place. It's so deep, rich, and varied on so many levels that it's impossible to take in all at once.
When I first read Crowley I thought he was a deluded wanker. I read some more years later, thought "this guy is smart, but evil". Again, years later I come back and "Oh, now that all makes sense..." Like /u/LurkForever said I get the same feelings and revelations with Crowley as I do with Illuminatus! trilogy.
I guess my point is(to OP, but anyone reading as well) you're not going to get "the message" from Crowley, not now, not ever. At best you'll only get bits and pieces of it. Magickal understanding, IMHO comes via revelation. Revelation comes from anywhere; things magickal and mundane; reading, ritual, zazen, all viable means for revelation. It's where you look. Where's your head at?
OP, everyone has different mental states but take it from me: one of the most powerful things you can do right now is learn to change your mental state. It is easily said, harder to do. Start doing rituals. Start practicing magick. Practice a banishing ritual every day. Invoke often. Make a sigil to change your mental state and charge it. Fuck your old mental state. Get a new one. If you think people that practice this occult stuff have a different mental state than you then I'd say you are correct; this material, this lifestyle, will completely and totally change your mental state.
That's the whole point.
If you want Crowley-lite, and I don't mean that negatively, check out Lon Milo Duquette's work. He makes Crowley easier to understand.
http://www.amazon.com/Magick-Aleister-Crowley-Handbook-Rituals-ebook/dp/B007P3T0XI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422575900&sr=8-1&keywords=duquette+magick+of+aleister+crowley
That's a good start.
Check out /r/thelema too if you like what you've read about Crowley so far.
I kind of rambled here but I've been up 24 hours trying to reset my biological clock and took some sleep meds to pass out, so that's what I'm going to do now. See you in the dreamscape.
You have to remember that there is no single form of Hermeticism - it's not an organized religion. Historically speaking, it is a syncretic tradition. Each person ultimately creates his own internal religion/practice based on personal experience and the teachings of many authors from many time periods. Bardon's material consists of HIS version of Hermeticism, and his terminology is somewhat non-standard. Even so, his first book contains a wealth of exercises for the Hermetic student to develop his mind and energetic capabilities. The Kybalion is actually a modern text (most likely written by William Walker Atkinson) with links to the New Thought movement of the 19th c. It presents a few rather useful building blocks of philosophy in layman's terms to help the beginning student in constructing a new magickal worldview. The reinterpretation of one's self and the reframing of events around you in light of Hermetic principles is a requirement for walking this path. It's not easy to reinterpret every negative event in such a way so as to extract the lessons learned from it or to find the useful challenge/opportunity it presents.
To get an idea of how a more ancient form of Hermetic magick might look, here's Stephen Flowers' take on it based on the Greek Magical Papyri. That book provides interesting food for thought if you've never encountered the ancient texts before. There are plenty of books that discuss magickal practices from 2,000+ years ago. I highly recommend reading, cross-referencing, and looking for the common threads. You'll see many 'Hermetic' themes that keep popping up in every incarnation of Hermeticism.
Here's a book list I made some time ago that will help you make sense of the material and get started. There's a lot of ground to cover, and not everything is specifically 'Hermetic', but the practices/methods those books teach will definitely prove useful in Hermetic magickal work.
If you find yourself getting too confused, just pick up a copy of The Golden Dawn and study the knowledge lectures. Their practices will give you a good foundation for whatever you want to learn later, whether it be the works of Aleister Crowley, Renaissance Grimoires, Qabalah, or Enochian magick. They covered it all in some manner, though other authors (such as John Michael Greer) may be more helpful in providing practical examples.
Edit: Don't forget to read the earliest texts of the Corpus Hermeticum. Modern books are easier to digest, but the ancient texts are where it all started.
I started with Lon Milo DuQuette's books on Crowley:
[The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema] (http://www.amazon.com/Magick-Aleister-Crowley-Handbook-Rituals-ebook/dp/B007P3T0XI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413728016&sr=1-1&keywords=lon+milo+duquette+crowley)
And then read them again in tandem with Crowley's works.
Note for those that aren't aware/lurkers: Peter Carroll's Liber Null and Psychonaut are works in the realm of Chaos Magic, an occult area that has been emerging since the 1970s. Liber Null is a primer, of sorts. Like an introductory textbook for people joining/studying Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT).
My suggestion is to take LaVeyan Satanism(and the Satanic Bible) with a grain of salt, at least when you are starting out. I'm not saying there isn't something deeper to any of it, but a surface reading is going to get you mired in what is largely a satire on Christianity aimed at duping the credulous into giving the Church of Satan money.
As you read any subject you should not be doing so with the express purpose of looking for something to believe in. Discover what you believe in as you go based on your experiences and through finding out what will produce results, because ultimately if it doesn't change your life and help you manifest your will/desire, then it's not worth anything more than make believe.
Develop critical thinking skills
I normally recommend these works for beginners:
The Disinformation Guide to Magick and the Occult
Liber Null
Condensed Chaos
I'm not sure about essential to every occult library (and I realize some of these aren't necessarily considered primarily 'occult' texts), but here are a few I've found useful:
The confusion is understandable, and complicated by the (interesting) history of 'Book 4', ...which necessarily, was composed of 4 separate sections, composed over several years . Subsequently, 'Book 4' has been printed (and re-printed) both in parts and in whole - the copy you link here appears to be limited to the first two sections (indicated by "Reprint of 1913 Edition").
a 'complete' Book 4 will contain;
1: liber ABA part 1: mysticism (1912)
2: liber ABA part 2 : magick (elementary theory) (1913)
3: Magick in Theory & Practice (1929/30)
4: ΘΕΛΗΜΑ - The Law (Equinox of the Gods) (1936/37)
For books on the Qabalah, the two best books to have been written on the subject are The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune and The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford by Lon Milo Duquette. I'd also pick up a copy of 777 And Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley, which is a book of qabalistic correspondences.
The best book on the Golden Dawn would be The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magick, which covers (almost) everything someone would wish to know about the original Golden Dawn and was written by one of the most famous initiates of the Golden Dawn.
There is not many books on Rosicruciaism, and many books that are out there on it are fraudulent and are not an accurate representation of the Rosicrucians. The only book that I would say is worth a read is Zanoni, which is a fictional story written by a Rosicrucian. It is based on Rosicrucian philosophies and symbolism.
As for Tarot, I myself prefer the Crowley/Thelemic system of tarot over that of the Golden Dawn, so I can only really recommend books on that system, which are The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley and Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot by Lon Milo Duquette.
For the goetic demons, the best text would simply be The Goetia
Also, some beginner books I usually recommend are:
Circles of Power: An Introduction to Hermetic Magic by John Michael Greer, which is a beginners guide to ceremonial magick.
Book 4 by Aleister Crowley, which is the most comprehensive treatise on the practice of magick to ever be written, in my own personal opinion.
Enochian Magic in Theory by Frater Yechidah with Enochian Magic in Practice by Frater Yechidah, which are guides to the Enochian system of magick, a very popular and powerful system of magick, developed by the famous magician and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I John Dee, and used and improved upon by many occult orders, most notably the Golden Dawn.
And finally, The Corpus hermeticum by Hermes Trismegistus, which is the foundational text of all hermetic and occult philosophy.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law!
I will answer some of your questions in random order. I am a Thelemite but in no way do I speak for all Thelemites, or for Aleister Crowley.
First off, I would start by contacting Seven Spirits Camp in Tucson. They will no doubt be able to answer many of the questions you have. I would also consider purchasing a copy of "Liber ABA: Book 4" which is arguably one of the most important books any magickian could own. It contains, among others, "The Book of the Law" and "Magick in Theory and Practice"; the latter being a book that will answer many of the questions you asked in your post (and many other questions as well). MTP is, in my opinion, the best book on the subject of magickal practice ever written. Liber ABA is an expensive book but believe me when I tell you it is worth every penny and a whole lot more!
As for other occult groups, you will find people from all of them associated with Thelema. Thelema is not a doctrine that pushes out other beliefs and all of us began somewhere else before coming here. I myself came to the OTO as an ordained Gnostic Luciferian priest. Thelema fit well with my existing beliefs and complimented them nicely. I've met Wiccans (which, by the way, Crowley had a hand in helping to found), Satanists, and even ex-Jehovah's Witnesses if you can believe that! We all share one thing. We are each looking to understand the truth within ourselves. You must do the same for "Thou hast no right but to do thy will. Do that and no other shall say nay."
Good luck in your journey!
Love is the law, love under will.
These are all must-read books:
I have not read this particular book yet, but I believe Ann Moura is considered to be the best author of books about green witchcraft. I can attest that her Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft is excellent.
Only magic I need.
There is a good new book released this past July which is all about your question. Traditional Wicca: A Seeker's Guide by Thorn Mooney. She tells all about Gardnerian covens, how to find them, what to expect, how to politely ask the Priestess for admittance, etc.
My favorite two books on the subject are The Witches' God and The Witches' Goddess by Janet and Stewart Farrar. It not only gives you a lot of good information on how our vision of the Lord and Lady came to be what they are today, but also a lot of thought experiments about thinking about deity in your own practice and working with those energies. They're very eye opening, IMO
The Witches' Goddess
The Witches' God
I can't imagine why she would publish false information, but I guess maybe-possibly-potentially she did this to further an agenda of some sort? I haven't read much of her work as I'm not Wiccan, but it's enough to know she and people like Koetting (A grim-dark edgy emo occult author who charges like 800$ for his books) are to be avoided like the plague.
Any other books I could suggest?
I have other suggestions as well, but they're much more specified to trad craft, like Liber Nox, The Visions of Isobel Gowdie, Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits, or New World Witchery's Blog, but I think you've got a good handle so far!
Good luck on your path. :)
There are two main categories of practice that identify as Wicca and are sufficiently different that resources and advice that might work well for one doesn't always apply to the other.
Traditional Wicca is an initiatory pagan priesthood. It's orthopraxic, meaning there are specific ways that are maintained and passed from one initiate to the next (unlike an orthodoxy which requires maintaining a specific belief). Trad Wicca requires training and initiation via a recognized coven (or, at the very least, an elder). One example of practice within a Trad is "A Witches Bible" by Stewart & Janet Farrar ( it's actually two books in one). More of their books that are relevant to any variant of Wicca include "The Witches God", "The Witches Goddess", and "Spells and How They Work". Of course, there are also the books of Gerald Gardner who founded modern Wicca plus other classic authors up to modern day like Thorn Mooney's recent "Traditional Wicca: A Seekers Guide".
Eclectic (or Solitary) Wicca is not the above priesthood but a practice that was started externally and perpetuated by the book industry. It's the form you'll most frequently encounter as a person can declare himself one whenever they choose to. Basically, it borrows concepts from Trad Wicca (which ones and to what extent is entirely up to the individual) and blends them with influences from other sources (again, per the person's choosing) with any other personal innovation. Obviously, this creates a great deal of diversity. Subsequently, most eclectic-oriented books tend to fall into the "101" group as there isn't much authors can offer beyond basic Wiccan concepts other than their own innovations. Generally, you'll need to expand your knowledge and your practice by delving into specific subjects like herbalism, various types of magical techniques, divination types and so on.
This subreddit has a wiki that you might find helpful.
I was at Borders the other day, and found a book titled "Gay Witchcraft", catering to the specific needs of homosexuals practicing magic. I lol'd and took a picture, then deleted it in case someone decided to flip through my phone....
I hear from bookstore employees that an unusually high number of gay books are sold.
TLDR: A hodgepodge of other magic(k)/occult traditions.
This is hands down one of the best books, in my and many other's opinions, as far as an introduction https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089XD7C8/
Magick: Liber ABA
I started with these:
Pop Magic! (Largely sigil work)
Postmodern Magic (Has lots of potential exercises to try)
Liber Null & Psychonaut
And somewhat related, Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming
Are you a person that's into crafting, painting, woodworking, etc.? If so, studying a little about Thelemic symbols or magickal tools could give some ideas on how to create a unique item for using in a magickal ritual.
If not, Etsy is a fun place to find occult gifts like magickal tools (wands, pantacles, cups, swords, robes, tarot cards, talismans, crystals, art) from craftspeople that specialize in this kind of thing. Almost all aspiring magicians need some or all of these things for ritual in the Thelemic system.
You could also get 'blank canvas' type tools for the magician to create their own talismanic work: a nicely crafted blank notebook as a grimoire/magickal journal or large format blank art paper (and paint/markers/pens) to create sigils, seals, and pantacles.
The books of Thelema are nice for collecting as well, if she doesn't already have these:
http://www.amazon.com/Magick-Liber-ABA-Book-4/dp/0877289190
http://www.amazon.com/Lesser-Key-Solomon-Joseph-Peterson/dp/157863220X
and basically anything listed in the 'also bought'
Lon Duquette is always a good place to start. His book "The Magic of Aleister Crowley" brings together the basic Thelemic rituals, with his own annotations in a more contemporary voice. It's practically the Coles Notes version of Liber ABA. Lon is the oldest living member of the OTO, so his teaching is highly respected.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1578632994/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1458230055&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=magic+of+aleister+crowley&dpPl=1&dpID=51rzENsy-SL&ref=plSrch
Nah, it's totally on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0877289190/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501562410&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65
I would recommend the same book that u/modern_quill recommended to me, [Liber Null by Peter J. Carol](Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic https://www.amazon.com/dp/0877286396/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nvWfAbD787VQK)
Magick is for all, I would recommend working on the kabbalah for a start, or reading the liber 4, not necessarily in that order, maybe try liber 4 and then A Garden of Pomegranates by Israel Rgardie and Mystical Kabbalah by Dion Fortune. The Hardcover edition of Liber 4 is a great edition. I have it and it is amazing, and not as complex as most of his writings. This book has a lot of appendixes too, that helps. Having the Thoth Tarot deck and the Book of Thoth and studying its correspondencies with the tree of life is very helpful too.
Fascinating readings anyway.
About what he is in relation to mankind, better judge yourself from his writings.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Thoth-Egyptians-Equinox/dp/0877282684/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z
http://www.amazon.com/Thoth-Tarot-Deck-Aleister-Crowley/dp/1572815108/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422560601&sr=1-1&keywords=thoth+tarot+deck
http://www.amazon.com/Magick-Liber-ABA-Book-4/dp/0877289190/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422560336&sr=1-2&keywords=magick
http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Pomegranates-Skrying-Tree-Life/dp/1567181414
http://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Qabalah-Dion-Fortune/dp/1578631505/ref=pd_sim_b_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TNF7RPG3Y67DX4G00QH
Joseph H. Peterson is THE man when it comes to grimoire translations. His annotations are scholarly and top notch. I can't recommend him enough.
https://www.amazon.com/Lesser-Key-Solomon-Joseph-Peterson/dp/157863220X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Hi. First of all, welcome! Secondly, Wicca is not exactly what you think it is; it's that and a lot more. You will bring as much to it in time as it will bring to you, and it will bring you quite a lot. It's a lifelong pursuit, so don't be impatient.
Third, I think there's a new to Wicca bot that chimes in here, and also likely a recommended reading list on the sidebar. Check those out. In the meantime, the first, most major, and never-ending rule is: READ. Read everything. Read the good. read the bad. Read the mediocre. Read until everything you read starts to become repetitive. Once you realize you already knew everything in a book, start looking for the things that contradict what you've read elsewhere. Write those things down. Then, ask another practitioner about those questions. Learn from their answers. Ask 100 practitioners. Learn from their answers. Never stop asking questions and learning.
Once you've begun to find reading material repetitive, you should start doing ritual. Slowly acquire the required tools (you'll learn what they are in your reading), and circle by yourself. Don't be nervous about it. Just do it. Ask any practical questions you have to other practitioners (online or IRL). Learn from them.
Attend public circles. Learn from them. (You'll learn good and bad, I promise). read Thorn Mooney's book Traditional Wicca: A Seeker's Guide. Hit her up on Twitter and ask her questions and tell her Seamus said to ask her ;) hehehehe.
Just keep reading and learning and experiencing and learning from others and basically practicing and honing your craft until it's so badass that you rarely even need to practice it consciously because it's become a part of your subconscious process. Then pay back all the knowledge you were given by teaching <3
Good luck! You're not alone!
You could try summoning Orobas, and asking him. He's supposed to be relatively friendly and doesn't usually lie to the mage and doesn't try to fuck you over. He is #55 in the Lesser Key (The Crowley, Mathers, Conybear one). His shit says "The Fifty-fifth Spirit is Orobas. He is a great and Mighty Prince, appearing at first like a horse; but after the command of the Exorcist he putteth on the Image of a Man. His Office is to discover all things Past, Present, and to Come; also to give Dignities, and Prelacies, and the Favor of Friends and of Foes. He giveth True Answers of Divinity, and of the Creation of the World. He is very faithful unto the Exorcist, and will not suffer him to be tempted of any Spirit..."
I think he is usually one of the first entities people summon for this reason. I know, like, Lon Milo DuQuette summoned him for help and he helped him get out of some dire financial straights. So if you're up for working with demons again I suggest giving him a shot.
I think this is supposed to be the better version of the Lesser Key https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157863220X/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
That's all I can think of at this moment, hope it is helpful.
When I started I was closeted too, but I didn't even have the courage to post anything so you're awesome!
I used this book alot when I got started. Its smaller so easier to hide, and I really liked how it taught me things that were inconspicuous.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiccapedia-Modern-Day-White-Witchs-Guide/dp/1454913746/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=wiccapedia&amp;qid=1566538597&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1
If you can manage a bigger book this one is amazing!!! It walks you through exercises and educates about holidays and traditions. It gave me alot to go off of when creating my own spells.
https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Year-Spiritual-Practice-Craft/dp/0738706213
Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and forge your own path. Blessed be!
This is the most reliable list I can think of.
Welcome to the community! There's really no right or wrong way to start, but as far as a "newbie"/beginner goes, there are a couple beginner's guides that I'd recommend any interested novice pick up. Wicca For Beginners is a great place to start for a general overview of the practice. A more extensive guide would be A Witch's Bible, and if you're looking for more Druidic/"Green Witch" type material, the Grimoire for the Green Witch is pretty extensive.
That should about cover basic/introductory stuff. I've been practicing Wicca my entire life, so feel free to PM me if you've got any questions. I'd be more than happy to introduce you to Paganism.
Christopher Penczak wrote a book on gay witchcraft, I haven’t read it yet but I enjoyed his beginner witchcraft book https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Witchcraft-Empowering-Christopher-Penczak/dp/1578632811/
I recently fell into the Occult world as well. A was given a deck of tarot cards. It was the Rider-Waite deck. I started reading about it and a spark lit. Now I am consuming everything I can get my hands on.
I like MindandMagick as well. Also, I found this video on the Hermetic Principles very helpful and well explained.
As for reading, I have started reading the Liber Null by Peter Carroll and Condensed Chaos by Phil Hine. Recommend both if you're interested in Chaos Magick.
Some of the seminal works on Wicca are Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. by Scott Cunningham and Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland.
Good luck on your journey. Personally, I am starting small by working on my meditation, mindfulness and single-pointed thought. Also, studying the tarot a few cards at a time.
> Liber MMM
Its also a part of Liber null if your interested in more information on the topic.
Hi! I was sent over from the regular sub. I might be able to help!
One of my favourite and most referenced books is actually The Complete Idiot's Guide to Witchcraft & Wicca. It has a lot of great general information in it. Another one I really liked was Green Witchcraft, which is the first book in a set of three. I haven't read the second two, but this one has really great history. The author goes into some of her own history, her grandmother was Catholic and also a practicing pagan, which I think is relevant to to the ex-mo community.
These are both very basic books, and most intro/beginner books will be similar to this. An important thing to understand if you're going to read about paganism, is that witchcraft is a practice, wicca is a religion, and paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses many different religions and traditions. To be a witch one does not need to be wiccan, and nor do they need to believe in a deity (though most do, I am an atheist, however).
Another book that I have been lusting after is Energy Essentials for Witches and Spellcasters. I have perused a friends copy and I absolutely love everything I have read from this book. A huge part of rituals, in both pagan faiths and Christianity, is energy. If you are interested in that aspect, I highly suggest this one.
I hope this helps. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Lesser-Key-Solomon-Joseph-Peterson/dp/157863220X <- buy this, you will be equipped to read the other books on the goetia once you have read it.
Amazon is the easy way.
Here is a link to arguably the best introduction to wicca that there is.
https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Solitary-Practitioner-Scott-Cunningham/dp/0875421180/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519634712&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=wicca+guide&amp;dpID=51j%252BwKpACML&amp;preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&amp;dpSrc=srch
This was the first "occult" book i have ever purchsed/read. I am not a wiccan but that book "opened the doors" for me so to speak. Once I realized that i was interested in much more than just wicca the following book by peter j carrol steered me in the right direction based on the practical exercises in an almost textbook like format.
https://www.amazon.com/Liber-Null-Psychonaut-Introduction-Chaos/dp/0877286396/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1519634960&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=liber+null&amp;dpID=516TsWggnKL&amp;preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&amp;dpSrc=srch
It sounds like you have the vibration thing figured out, but if you struggle with it, you could practice out loud when you have privacy to get a feel for it.
Yes, those are the tools I was talking about. If you can store that stuff discretely, then you should be good to go for continuing with the book.
For book recommendations, I will first give the disclaimer that I’m not an expert/adept/whatever, there are many books to choose from, and different people would recommend different books. Also, it is a common mistake (that I’ve made myself many times) to jump from one book/system to another without working any of them long enough to make meaningful progress. The key to progress is putting in the work and sticking with it—not finding the best book. If you like Modern Magick, you should continue to work with it until you've gotten everything from it that you can.
With that in mind, I will say that I am fond of John Michael Greer as an author. While I’m more interested in his work on Druidry, he does have a trio of books, which I've seen recommended, that relate to the kind of magick in Krieg's book:
Learning Ritual Magic
Circles of Power
Paths of Wisdom
Israel Regardie's The Golden Dawn is probably also worth reading for the original GD teachings that JMG and DMK learned from.
It is very difficult to establish any kind of reading order for occult studies. Occultism itself is an infinitely tangled strand of truths, half-truths, and lies. It is difficult (perhaps in possible) to identify a starting point and (getting lost is part of the fun).
Nonetheless, I will do my best to identify some possible entry points.
Wow, I didn't think this particular facet of my knowledge base would be used here, but here we go. Please keep in mind that I am not an expert or a professional occultist but I have been involved in personal study for several years.
First of all, identify what you are most interested in and stick to it. There are so many different facets to the occult that it is easy to get overwhelmed and spread too far along the many subjects. Luckily, you can easily learn a lot about one subject by learning a lot about another.
For instance, you can learn about numerology, cabala, astrology, elemental magic and much more by learning all you can about the tarot. If you become an expert on one field, you can easily comprehend new information in different field.
That said, I highly recommend that you get a tarot deck. Even if you are not extremely interested in tarot, it's a good idea to have one around for reference. For beginners I recommend getting a basic Rider-Waite deck, which most contemporary decks are based on. If you are highly interested in ritual magic, Thelema or Aleister Crowley, you will want to get a Thoth deck, but definitely get a book on the deck and master it as soon as you can. Otherwise, fight the urge to get an theme deck as very few of them are consistent with symbolism and will be confusing for a beginner.
Get a good basic book. There are a lot of good basic books out there and you should be able to find something at is relevant to your interests.
I am a chaos magician with a fondness for Hermetic philosophy, so my suggestions will lean towards that realm.
New Hermetics by Jason Augustus Newcomb: A very good primer on the elements of magic. Basic on Hermetic magic with plenty of other traditions and schools of thought mixed in. Good for learning meditation and filled with exercises you can perform mentally.
Postmodern Magic by Patrick Dunn: A good primer for people interested in "new" magic. Not officially chaos magic but definitely in the same vein.
There are a lot of basic magic books out there. Don't get stuck reading books for beginners. Once you have the basics, you should move onto something more advanced.
Meditate regularly. Even if you don't want to do astral travel or deep buddhist meditation, make time as much as possible to do at least 15 minutes of some sort of meditation. Almost every tradition uses mediation for a reason.
Keep a journal. Record anything occult or magical that you do or learn. You may also want to journal your dreams, which will be beneficial to mediation and lucid dreaming.
Although very few occult teachers and books will suggest it, it is very, very important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism. You are going to be reading and learning about a lot a pretty crazy stuff and you should be able to discern the good stuff from the bullshit. As a good rule of thumb, bullshit is expensive.
Also, use your skepticism to integrate science and magic. A healthy understanding of the body, psychology, chemistry and physics will enrich your understanding of the occult.
If you have any other questions about learning about the occult, don't hesitate to ask.
Oh yeah, and check out /r/occult.
On the root familiar;
http://sarahannelawless.com/resources/alraun-crafting-how-to-make-a-herbal-root-talisman/
http://spiritslip.blogspot.com/2012/11/alraun-spirit-root.html
http://www.witchcraftmag.us/witches-warlocks/the-mandragore-and-the-alraun.html
On Wortcunning; might I recommend looking for pdfs of the last to titles.
Walking the Hedge; Herbs
Making Plant Medicine
The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature
Liber Nox: A Traditional Witch's Gramarye
Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch: Mastering the Five Arts of Old World Witchery
Viridarium Umbris; The pleasure garden of shadow
Veneficium. Magic, Witchcraft and the Poison Path
Nah....more like, a body of rituals and lore around the summoning of supernatural beings, such as demons. For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Goetia-Solomon-Lemegeton-Clavicula-Salomonis/dp/087728847X
You can find the Equinox online here.
The print edition of Book 4 is much better than any of the online copies I've found. However, I find that Daniel Ingram's guidance on breathing and meditation is more direct and easier to follow.
You may want to look into a few Crowley biographies before you dive too deep into purchasing all of his books. Context may help you decide whether you want some guidance here and there or are ready to commit to the entire path.
Reading Crowley in original can be hard, especially for a non-native speaker. I usually recommend Lon Milo DuQuette: The Magick of Aleister Crowley as a starter. It offers very good and easy to understand instructions and explanations for the main important rituals, including pentagram and hexagram rituals.
FACE PALM
This hurts so much to read it makes me want to cry.
You're so cringe worthy.
"It only ever brought me more of what I wasn't interested in"
"I will even go so far to say that known rituals such as these attract more negativity"
Cause you fail to understand it.
Now holds hands up* please don't be like the other guy who said im full of shit because you don't agree with everything I say, no PLEASE, point out the flaws..correct me if you can, but I can promise you if you put any real effort into researching this ritual you will see how flawed your view is.
LBRP can and will destroy anything that is not that stable in the magicians life not always but it does happen. It's not bad...those things need to be sorted out anyways.
The LBRP helps you reach a state of balance, if knocking shit over and breaking it helps you find balance it may do so, it may of actually already been in the process of playing out that way but the lbrp may of some how made it happen faster.
Im basically trying to get at this...
The LBRP is powerful and must be understood.
It's really about what you think and your perspective you carry into it. If you go into hating angels, not knowing what may come out of it, and not understanding the purpose or operating system or mechanics of it, and why you do what you do...and how its going to effect your mind and your life then yeah dude... you may have shit experiences with it.
But just because your thoughts are bad, and you have had troubles with the LBRP to tell another being that beings feed off you during it is laughable. You really think over a thousands magicians who does this ritual would of reported being a personal buffet... but that's not the case is it...
It's always people who pick up this ritual and then they don't stick with it...they just do it, have bad experiences and bail.
ITS YOUR MIND SET, I promise you. It's your perception.
I've done this ritual on shrooms & dmt, nothing ate me. If that was the case I should of got fucking eaten alive.
Things have fallen in my life like a tower but they were going to fall anyways, the LBRP has brought me closer to the divine and my inner knowing. The lbrp teaches me about magick, it has a lot of knowledge instilled inside it from doing it and wisdom that comes from doing it... this is why Crowley label'd it the stone of the wise.
IF crowley never said beings eat off you, and he did the star ruby... a ritual like the LBRP then you guys are full of crap, I know you're full of crap, but Im shocked into how and why you believe such crap.
LBRP is as safe as drinking water. Ill leave it at that.
if you think drinking water is going to give you cancer then you may associate everything that comes with it and everything in it with cancer...but that doesnt make it cancer. perhaps to you... but thats your perspective not everyones, don't force it upon others and spread your perspective like a cancer.
Check this out , may help you understand paradigms & beliefs.
Think of it like this...
If we're in a car together and I love jamming reggae music but you love jamming rap?
and the whole time in the car you're blasting that rap music hardcore having the time of your life.
by the time we reach the destination of our road trip or what ever who is going to be drained more? or "fed" off of more... you or me? who is going to be drained... Me. because I like reggae and you're blasting rap music.
Your rap music is fuel for you, cancer to me.
what you radiate with, others might not.
so if something as simple as listening to music can cause irritation, drainage, energy malfunctions etc..
You best believe when it comes to magick you need to find a system that resonates with you and that you understand more... If you don't the ritual may indeed harm you more then designed because your perspective isnt alighn'd with it therfor you get burned when others get fueled.
Hope this helped.
I think this book gives the best theory and practice on what you are talking about.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Hermetics-Century-Magick-Illumination/dp/1578633052
I love esoteric stuff!
The 19th century occultist Joséphin Sar Peladan wrote in his work Comment on devient mage:
"Do not look for another measure of magical power than that the power within you, nor for another way to judge a being than by the light that he sheds To perfect yourself by becoming luminous, and like the sun, to excite the ideal life latent around you—there you behold all the mysteries of the highest initiation." There's merit in that.
Mind you many esoteric subjects as well as occultism are riddled with a lot of bullshit and many critics take advantage of that to discredit it altogether - but there are gems to be found.
I'm reading a book at the moment called Learning Ritual Magic: Fundamental Theory and Practice for the Solitary Apprentice - it's quite interesting.
Any reading recommendations and resources will be appreciated if linked in this thread. Things like mentalist and good magic tricks (not cheap gimmicks), showing people cool stuff and having them ask "how did you do that?!" is really enjoyable and people remember it.
Also apparently there's an actual Wiccapedia book, haha!
I would recommend Hermetic Magic:
http://www.amazon.com/Hermetic-Magic-Postmodern-Papyrus-Abaris/dp/0877288283
Full of Graeco-Egyptian stuff plus translations and commentaries of the actual Papyri.
777's great to have on standby as a handy reference, especially when you're constructing rituals & operations, at the most basic level it helps to get things just so 😃
I'd say 'Living Thelema' is an excellent intro to the subject and always good to get different perspectives on things-even if some it is the similar info. It's packed with really good explanations of and guides to basic and some more advanced ritual & practice & lots of advice concerning self-motivation & personal daily practice etc. No better or worse, but for me slightly more approachable is Lon Milo Duquette's 'The Magick of Aleister Crowley; A Handbook of The Rituals of Thelema'
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578632994/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_5SuTzbDZ5ZDM6
They actually work well in tandem & compliment each other nicely. There's a 'Speech in the Silence' collection of lectures & podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/speechinthesilence
Lots of groovy stuff on there covering a wide range of Thelemic subjects. David Shoemaker does a lot of podcasts on the channel lecturing on much of the ground that's covered in 'Living Thelema' It's not exactly an audiobook but great to listen to whilst you're doing the washing up! Lon Milo Duquette does a few on there too along with IAO131 & others. Well worth a listen to get a handle on contemporary Thelemic thinking.
Enjoy & good luck! 👍
That, I have done.
https://www.amazon.com/Liber-Null-Psychonaut-Introduction-Chaos/dp/0877286396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501867525&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=liber+null+and+psychonaut
A quick google or YouTube search will help with this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mtzU9mVlk0
Grant Morrison cause he's punk rock.
https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Witchcraft-Empowering-Christopher-Penczak/dp/1578632811
For someone in your situation I strongly recommend a good recent book written by a friend of mine. Traditional Wicca: A Seeker's Guide by Thorn Mooney; Llewellyn Publications, (July 2018) It is a good book about traditional Wicca, why its important for beginners, and how to find a coven.
The Following list is taken from the Witches & Warlocks FB page. (This is Christian Day's group)
Witches and Warlocks Recommended Reading List
This is a collection of books recommended by our admins and participants in the group. Books must be approved by the admins so if you'd like to see one added to the last, please post it in the comments at the bottom of this list and, if it's something we think is appropriate, we'll add it! We provide links to Amazon so folks can read more about the book but we encourage you to shop at your local occult shop whenever possible! :)
BEGINNER'S WITCHCRAFT BOOKS
Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft
by Raymond Buckland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875420508
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
by Margot Adler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0143038192
Grimoire of the Thorn-Blooded Witch: Mastering the Five Arts of Old World Witchery
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635500
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738702765
The Kybalion: The Definitive Edition
by William Walker Atkinson (Three Initiates)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1585428744
Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook
by Patricia Crowther
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861630328
Mastering Witchcraft
by Paul Huson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0595420060
Natural Magic
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0919345808
Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal & Practical Magick
by Ellen Dugan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738709220
Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways for Modern Days
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635055
The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705314
Power of the Witch: The Earth, the Moon, and the Magical Path to Enlightenment
by Laurie Cabot
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385301898
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation
by Silver RavenWolf
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703192
Spirit of the Witch: Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Witchcraft
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703389
Witch: A Magickal Journey
by Fiona Horne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007121326
Witchcraft for Tomorrow
by Doreen Valiente
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0709052448
Witchcraft Today
by Gerald Gardner
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525932
The Witches' Craft: The Roots of Witchcraft & Magical Transformation
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/073870265X
The Witching Way of the Hollow Hill
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982031882
WITCHCRAFT HISTORY AND RESOURCE BOOKS
Aradia or The Gospel of the Witches
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982432356
Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages: A Guide to Asking for Protection, Wealth, Happiness, and Everything Else!
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062009575
The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca
by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0816071047
Etruscan Roman Remains
by Charles Godfrey Leland
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1494302519
The God of the Witches
by Margaret Murray
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0195012704
The Weiser Field Guide to Witches, The: From Hexes to Hermione Granger, From Salem to the Land of Oz
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634792
ADVANCED BOOKS ON WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC
Blood Sorcery Bible Volume 1: Rituals in Necromancy
by Sorceress Cagliastro
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935150812
The Deep Heart of Witchcraft: Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1780999208
Teen Spirit Wicca
by David Salisbury
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1782790594
Enchantment: The Witch's Art of Manipulation by Gesture, Gaze and Glamour
by Peter Paddon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1936922517
Initiation into Hermetics
by Franz Bardon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1885928122
Letters from the Devil's Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism
by Robin Artisson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500796360
Magical Use of Thought Forms: A Proven System of Mental & Spiritual Empowerment
by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowick and J.H. Brennan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567180841
Magick in Theory and Practice
by Aleister Crowley
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500380679
The Plant Spirit Familiar
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774311
Protection and Reversal Magick
by Jason Miller
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1564148793
Psychic Self-Defense
by Dion Fortune
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635098
The Ritual Magic Workbook: A Practical Course of Self-Initiation
by Dolores Ashcroft-Norwicki
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578630452
The Roebuck in the Thicket: An Anthology of the Robert Cochrane Witchcraft Tradition
by Evan John Jones, Robert Cochrane and Michael Howard
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1861631553
The Satanic Witch
by Anton Szandor LaVey
http://www.amazon.com/Satanic-Witch-Anton-Szandor-LaVey/dp/0922915849
Shadow Magick Compendium: Exploring Darker Aspects of Magickal Spirituality
by Raven Digitalis
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VS0N5K
The Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition
by Orion Foxwood
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578634075
The Underworld Initiation: A journey towards psychic transformation
by R.J. Stewart
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1892137038
HERBALISM, CANDLES, INCENSE, OILS, FORMULARIES, AND STONES
A Compendium of Herbal Magic
by Paul Beyerl
http://www.amazon.com/dp/091934545X
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0875421229
The Enchanted Candle: Crafting and Casting Magickal Light
by Lady Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806525789
The Enchanted Formulary: Blending Magickal Oils for Love, Prosperity, and Healing
by Lady Maeve Rhea
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0806527048
Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents
by Carl F. Neal
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738703362
Magickal Formulary Spellbook Book 1
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708000
Magickal Formulary Spellbook: Book II
by Herman Slater
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939708108
SPELLCASTING AND SPELLBOOKS
Crone's Book of Charms & Spells
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188117
Crone's Book of Magical Words
by Valerie Worth
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567188257
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061711233
Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1567184693
Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting
by Judika Illes
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578633915
Utterly Wicked: Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
by Dorothy Morrison
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979453313
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635136
The Voodoo Doll Spellbook: A Compendium of Ancient and Contemporary Spells and Rituals
by Denise Alvarado
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578635543
THE ANCESTORS AND WORKING WITH THE DEAD
The Cauldron of Memory: Retrieving Ancestral Knowledge & Wisdom
by Raven Grimassi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738715751
The Mighty Dead
by Christopher Penczak
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982774370
Speak with the Dead: Seven Methods for Spirit Communication
by Konstantinos
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738705225
The Witches' Book of the Dead
by Christian Day
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1578635063
_____
TAROT
78 Degrees of Wisdom
by Rachel Pollack
http://www.amazon.com/dp/157863408
Ma a lui chi l'ha insegnato il Voodoo? Ah, no, c'è WikiHow "usare una bambola voodoo in 6 passi".
Pensa se avesse scoperto questo
Going by OP's description The Book of Oberon sunds like it has some similar content - or at least similar aims.
Grimorim Verum is a pretty famous 'black magic' book.
The Lesser Key of Solomon is probably the most well known.
I'd expect there would be some parallels to thing in Agrippa as well.
Thanks! I just wanted to get some outside thoughts on the books since I'm kind of learning by myself at the moment.
Also, for reference, here's the other book. In it's essence it's a BOS but it also has a lot of commentary and explanation throughout making it a kind of hybrid book.
You want this version of the Lesser Key. Actual grimoires are usually an interesting mess of bad writing and poorly copied latin or greek. While interesting, they're usually a source of adventure in reading let alone use.
I haven't seen the movie, but Valak is a demon mentioned in Crowley's book [The Goetia] (https://www.amazon.com/Goetia-Solomon-Lemegeton-Clavicula-Salomonis/dp/087728847X). Valak was basically the general of hell, commanding 30 legions.
Then try meditating for just five minutes at any given time, maybe in the morning and in the evening or when it is oppurtune for you to do so. Maybe you should if you live where it is possible go to a public ritual and see how it goes. I can only encourage you to read and to do research, maybe trough the Inet . Find something that fits you, your life and will to commit. Here are a few book recommendations for you:https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Discover-Unlock-Natural/dp/1785350765/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501097009&amp;sr=8-15&amp;keywords=pagan+portals
https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Magick-Twelve-Lessons-Magickal-ebook/dp/B004I8UYEW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501097079&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=ceremonial+magick
https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Ritual-Magic-Fundamental-Apprentice/dp/1578633184/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501097153&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=fundamentals+of+magick
https://www.amazon.com/Wicca-Beginners-Fundamentals-Philosophy-Practice-ebook/dp/B001JEPR5E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1501097153&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=fundamentals+of+magick
Sorry if they are a bit basic but it is a good start. I have excluded Chaos magic and satanism as i dont have much knowledge in these fields and dont want to give you wrong infos.
Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic
Oooooh, I'm actually not all that familiar with Early Modern Germany, but I think I've found a few books that may help you with the religious, political and military aspects. Some of these books are pretty expensive, so I'd recommend finding a good library or seeing if your local library does inter-library loans with larger libraries. Usually you have to read the books pretty quick, but it saves paying $150 for a book if you're not in a position to do that. Just be sure to take plenty of notes!
I'd also be willing to look at what you've got but, like I said, I may not be as useful as I first thought.
The Reformation: A History
The Thirty Years War: Europe's Tragedy
The Rise of Modern Warfare: 1618-1815
The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe
The Witchcraft Sourcebook
Germany and the Holy Roman Empire: Volume I
Society and Economy in Germany, 1300-1600
Flesh and Spirit: Private Life in Early Modern Germany
Panaceia's Daughters: Noblewomen as Healers in Early Modern Germany
Ecology, Economy and State Formation in Early Modern Germany
Crime and Culture in Early Modern Germany
The Martial Ethic in Early Modern Germany: Civic Duty and the Right of Arms
He Is the Sun, She Is the Moon: Women in Early Modern Germany
The Realities of Witchcraft and Popular Magic in Early Modern Europe: Culture, Cognition and Everyday Life
The Lesser Key of Solomon
The Art of Combat: A German Martial Arts Treatise of 1570
It depends on which hermeticism you mean. There are numerous iterations and branches.
I really enjoyed studying
Hermetic Magic by Flowers. Additionally, the Betz translation of The Greek Magical Papyri is indispensable.
New Hermetics book has some really cool novice materials to get you started on magickal thinking, ritual creation and practical application.. if you are sort of getting started and that is what you are asking. The chaotes are usually a wellspring of practical stuff as well so you can explore that online and find good materiel, especially from the first gen authors. I jizzed in my pants when I discovered Phil Hine way back when, helped a lot in making sense of what I was doing and experiencing, as opposed to a lot of other authors in the field I just had trouble resonating with. While doing that and practicing you can read up on some classical magelit.
I am brand new to the theory of Thelema. I was overwhelmed by the amount of material, all of which seemed to be absolutely mystically esoteric. From a bit of study and opinion I found that Book 4 is the magnum opus for Aleister Crowley's work, and was written as a straight forward guide; understandable to beginners and full enough to continue improving the adept.
Last week I purchased the second revised edition and could not be more pleased with my introduction to Thelema.
This is where I recommend to begin. I have not set it down since it arrived and have gone from a minor curiosity to a full study of each text it references; many of which are included within it's appendix.
Magick: Liber ABA, Book 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0877289190/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XL0OAbWWKM3BR
It is a sizeable book with a price to match, but it is the corner stone; beautiful and durable I will add.
Every book recommended for students can be found here as well.
http://www.astrumargenteum.org/en/library/
Some of the books are not linked in the A.'.A.'. website, but can be found in a quick copy paste the title Google search.
Donald Michael Kraigs Modern Magick
Donald Tysons Magicians Workbook
Jason Newcombs The New Hermetics
You can find copies at libgen.io
Have you read The Necronomicon Files by Harms and Gonce? Their text might include some real-life titles for you to look up.
I got you.
Wiccapedia: A Modern-Day White... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1454913746?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share