I wanted to get into studying occult etc, but the only book that caught my eye was Secret Teachings of all Ages by Manly P. Hall, but when it arrived it was an misprint, so, after sending it back I decided to give it a second thought: Is Secret Teachings of all Ages by Manly P. Hall a good book to get into esotericism and alike? If not, what books would you guys recommend to a person who wants to get into studying occult/esotericism? Thanks in advance.
>>42706323The Secret Doctrine of the Rosicrucians
Depends on your goals, anon. Tell us more.
Start with "Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge"
>>42706565OP here!My goals for reading about occult are purely academic rather than practical. I want to understand the history, ideas, and different traditions rather than practice them. While I would like to read about esotericism and maybe a bit more on freemasonry, I am open to reading about all the other branches of occult. And if you wonder "why would you want to learn about occult out of all things?" Well that's because I got into conspiracy theories a good while ago and it just clicked lol. And it's really hyper-interesting imo
>purely academic rather than practicalsad many such casesmy lips are sealed
>>42706323You know, you should read prosaic books on what people do, not on theory behind it.
>>42709533Or books on shits that are fucked because of doers if the thing
>>42709537However, manuals on practice arent of particular interest for you, as they merely detail occult training and technique.
>>42709537Thanks a lot, anon, i'll surely check them out!ヾ(•ω•`)o
>>42709180Read Jung first.
>>42709794People generally don't know whats out there. Peter Levenda has a book on the typhonian tradition, should keep you drenched in precum
>>42709180So you want to become an armchair occultist? Good riddance, OP.
>>42709180I've read about half of it and there is too much about freemasonry in my opinion so I dropped it. Also tries to moralize a bit too much for my liking.
>>42710156And as a recommendation I would give The Tree of Life by Israel Regardie. It says some similar things to Secret Teachings but it's not obsessed with freemasonry due to Regardie being a Thelemite and a secretary to Aleister Crowley. The book gives more in depth instructions on invoking, ceremonial ritual preparation and execution, and is overall just more concise to a beginner.https://archive.org/details/TheTreeOfLifeAStudyInMagic
There's no point in learning unless you put at least a portion of it into practice. It's just mental masturbation and book collecting.
>>42710214> no point in learning unless you put at least a portion of it into practice.> It's just mental masturbation and book collecting.I disagree. I learn things all the time I never use and your attitude is why do many people are dumb nowadays
>>42709180>My goals for reading about occult are purely academic rather than practical.Owen DaviesRonald HuttonStephen SkinnerDavid RankineDaniel HarmsJoseph H. PetersonAlexander CumminsConsider their works. Which will often include old grimoires, which will often include commentary on the texts.Would also recommend the Greek Magical Papyri and Agrippa's Three Books to see some influential aspects to later texts, and The Discoverie of Witchcraft as a compendium of early modern magical practice which, though written in criticism both of magicians and witch hunters, is incredibly informative and was used for a long time by cunning folk, etc. as a grimoire. Which I can't help but imagine annoying the hell out of the author.>>42710133There's nothing wrong with someone having a purely academic interest in occult practice. That said, it'll be weird if the curiosity won't get to OP eventually.
>>42706323The Cunning Farmer: Agrarian Magical Practices, Mythology, and FolkloreVery nice book more focused on farming and agricultural, but I'd recommend it to anyone interested in getting into magic. Also borrows from Agrippa and the picatrix.
Books are good but in the end of the day it all comes down at being aware all the time, journaling and meditating a lot.
>>42711903Yeah being a fat fuck with a surface level knowledge of many things is hecking based! Have fun at your faggot trivia night at the barcade gaylord!
>>42711903I gotta agree with you here. It's not like you gotta do everything that you learn about. I never was too eager to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, even after learning about it. LOL
>>42710133OP has a genuine question and you alchemically turn yourself into a faggot instantly. Wasted digits and also you’re a double nigger
>>42709340But that’s how many people start down the road. Keep your lips sealed because you’re a fag
>>42706323I'd suggest starting with the Kybalion. No matter if you take a left or right hand path, the Kybalion is normally relevant to a degree. Bardon's Initiation to Hermetics is a good second book after the Kybalion, imo.
