10 Esoteric Books For Beginners

[@Tanner0]

Time Stamps: 1. Valis - 0:22 2. Prometheus Rising - 01:08 3. Quantum Psychology - 01:25 4. The Doors of Perception - 02:05 5. Hands On Chaos Magic - 02:50 6. The Magickal Cashbook - 04:02 7. The Middle Pillar - 05:05 8. The Chicken Qabalah - 07:00 9. Son of Chicken Qabalah - 07:47 10. The Golden Dawn - 08:30

[@youalreadyknow5039]

Thank you lad

[@martinwilliams9866]

My recommendations General 1."Encyclopedia of the Unexplained" ed Richard Cavendish 2."The Black Arts" by Richard Cavendish 3."The Occult" by Colin Wilson 4."The Occult Sourcebook" by Nevill Drury & Gregory Tillet 5."Man, Myth & Magic" ed Richard Cavendish Magic/k 1."Magical Ritual Methods" by William G. Gray 2."The Encyclopedia of Magic & Alchemy" by Rosemary Ellen Guiley & Donald Michael Kraig Alchemy 1."The Alchemist's Handbook" by Frater Albertus Astrology 1."Parkers' Astrology" by Julie Parker & Derek Parker

[@gommine]

I know this is an old post but I have only just started to follow your channel and I'm very grateful that someone thought of posting a reading list for beginners AND *** with Amazon UK links*** . UK voices seem to be far and between In the KZbin esoteric world...(btw, have you ever considered becoming an audiobook reader?). Anyway, thanks again for this list and I will get reading :)

[@fabiomartingez8314]

I just started valis and it's my first book in this kind of field. I've never been an avid reader but at a point where I want to read more just for personal betterment really. I'm really enjoying it. I was slightly clued up on gnosticism before hand and it was a forum on that which actually pointed me to the book.

[@chinson525]

I think it’s also a good idea to read the Golden Bough. It’s a very dense read but well worth it for the wealth of information on folklore and mythology as well as the psychology behind the beliefs referred to in the book. I read it when I was very young, about 14 and it took me months to get through it. I’ve been meaning to read it again.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

I haven't read it yet, but it's on my wishlist ;) I believe the Folio Society had a nice edition at some point...

[@roxanneconner7185]

Yes, I agree with this. Although the book is dated, it is a foundational work on the details of magic from many cultures, rather than just western esotericism. I would also recommend reading some more recent and well-reputed anthropological texts. Although not all are sympathetic to magic as a practice (many, including Frazer, come at it from a position of scepticism), it's my opinion that to grasp the workings of magic it's a good idea to understand how it's been practiced in as many different times, places and cultures as possible. There are common threads throughout.

[@michaelkrull3331]

I've been reading a book lately called "On the Heavenly Spheres" by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro. It is a treatise on the reconstructed practice of medieval astrology. Just the beginning segments made me realize how intimately tied into astrology the Western occult tradition is, and I will be recommending all occultists read it as early in their path as possible. In fact if I could do it all over, I would have made this my first book. But fair warning: it's dense! This is a lot different than that "you'll be this personality if you were born in this month" stuff we today think of as astrology. It is a complex holistic art with many applications. Students of alchemy especially would benefit from it's study.

[@airplane_flaps]

+1 for this too, I am currently working my way through this and the accompanying workbook by them and it is dense but I feel like I am already learning so much and look forward to getting through it

[@kyrakrieger1862]

Yes - "On the Heavenly Spheres" is excellent!

[@petzzz5900]

I also recommend "initiation into hermetics" by franz bardon

[@bolocanalberto]

Not an easy book, in terms of practice for a newbie...

[@lettpj]

I know this is an older video but thank you so much for having this still available. I am new to all of this and this was very helpful and informative.

[@zacroberson3422]

I found a good companion that helped me immensely when I started was The Secrets of High Magic by Francis Melville. It's just a great little reference handbook full of basics for ritual magick.

[@kamihudson7269]

I was studying esoteric type studies for about 6 months before I found your channel but I love it to death keep going forever I know this isn't a new video or anything I've been binging a lot of your stuff

[@psychedianic]

I had the Valis Trilogy on a pile of 'to-be-read' books. Dug it out on the basis of this video, moved it to the top of the stack. Cheers!

[@user-gu5dv7vj8r]

I also gotta recommend a few things A lecture by Terence McKenna called "Alchemy and Hermeticism" goes into a lot of the ideas behind gnosticism, alchemy, hermeticism, and occult history. It's a great primer. And a history book which McKenna recommends "Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition" by Frances A Yates.

[@robgau2501]

I've listened to that countless times. It's great. About 4 hours.

[@michaelpena8845]

Secret teachings of all ages, and the kybalion are great starts

[@FoolishFishBooks]

The books on this list are primers for those.

[@otkogaming224]

Michael I agree with you

[@ellievoir]

You should also include the Corpus Hermeticum as a primer

[@henryleiva4143]

I just got these two exactly today. I hope I’m not biting more than I can chew

[@bluedasher74]

Not for a beginner. It would bore them.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

All my comments and answers to comments were deleted in the process of transferring all my videos to this new channel :( I'm usually quite good at keeping up with viewer questions, so that's quite a lot of info gone, I'm afraid. If you read a question below that you would like a direct response to, don't hesitate to ask it again, I'm actually quite likely to respond :)

[@Foolhead303]

Some great choices and compliments on a really great channel, thankyou. There isn't a right or wrong way to approach the subject of the occult as I have found. Most of us will already have experience of religious teachings such as the Christian Bible, Buddhist scripture, Hindu verse, Muslim Quran...etc, etc which are always a good starting point. When I was a young man in my late teens, I knew in my heart that there was something hidden amongst even the most popular spiritual literature which in order to try and get an answer to my inquiry of the hidden meanings saw me visiting bookshops and buying exotic occult literature. R.A Schwaller de Lubiz - A Study of Numbers, Alestair Crowley - Magic in Theory and Practice, Sir James George Frazer The Golden Bough, Robert Anton Wilson books were instantly illuminating to me and many more. I found some books very difficult to get meaning from and some books felt like a divine spark had been ignited within me. The adage that should be used in all these cases is "When the pupil is ready the teacher/master will appear". Books are so valuable and even if one feels out of depth with a particular book dont cast the book aside because you may visit the pages once again in a few years and the words will take on new meaning.

[@Damuworld]

Gallery of Magick has great books for begginers. It is easy to understand and effective. Although I don't personally take interest in them because all their books are based off of Abrahamic Magick, I do highly respect what they do.

[@lessonlearner9788]

See for me I first found out about Hermeticism, Neoplatonism and Gnosticism from the talks of Terence McKenna incidentally 😁 which led me to the texts, Pikatrix, 3 books of Occult Philosophy, but just as a mental exercise. Nothing really got me started until I found The Tao of Craft by Benebell Wen and picked up a Tarot practice at the same time. It would be unfair to lump eastern and western esotericism and metaphysics under the same banner however the core principles are certainly there and they really enliven and compliment each other. Wen is an amazing author and human being and the Tao of Craft is very accessible, easy to read and very practical.

[@johnnewton8017]

McKennas talks on Hermeticism are fascinating

[@vehicledestroyer]

The first book that really opened my mind was The Science of Being by Eugene Fersen. Never had I read something so powerful...legit cried after I finished it.

[@ileanamendez7583]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@cfynx6711]

First, study the basics such as theology, mythology, philosophy, anthropology and psychology. Second study symbology, semiotics, linguistics, and etymology. Thirdly, have a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology. Finally you can study: Esoteric philosophy (Gnosis) Metaphysics (nature of reality) Mysticism (energetic world) Occult science (astrology, alchemy, and natural magic)

[@lextalionis1878]

CFYNX thank you for this list, I’m a novice so this will come in handy

[@princesswilliams9876]

Yes I believe you are right i happen to live in a place an occult ring they are very well in their manipulation i think they're using chrystal to pull energy I'm up stairs and they have cameras to see where I go and can manipulate in different parts of your Anatomy that have I came to this page to find out what they might be doing. They're upset because I want join their groups ) Yes looking forward to moving but this is what's happening now..

[@Odd_Combo]

CFYNX I don’t think this is very good guidance, Mr. Smells his own farts

[@imlookingforthetoweroflear7871]

Bro J. Simpson lol, it does sound a bit ridiculous, doesn’t it?

[@Odd_Combo]

I'm looking for the tower of learning I know, he’s like, “ You gotta be a learned Doctor, have atleast a Bronze medal in the olympics and it helps if you breathe fire as well. And last, you need 25 hours of sleep a day. Otherwise, don’t waste your time.!” I’m sure all that helps but not at all necessary.

[@Falstaff0809]

Wow! I agree with every recommendation. Great video.

[@paulbayo2010]

Thank you very much for this video. I've been looking for something like this. I appreciate all your content.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

You're vewelcome, @Biological :D I'm so glad you found it useful :D

[@hek8ay]

nice, i'll definitely be picking up a few of these.

[@CrypticArchives]

Your intro point is why I didn’t begin actually practicing the occult until I was 25 even tho I’ve been into the occult from a very early age

[@buddyduddyful]

The books by Jason Kohne are life changing as well.

[@realjackbronco]

Great list and even better channel. On another of your videos you brought my attention to Jung's Psychology and Alchemy. Thank You

[@carlosdavila5955]

I just got a copy of Hands on Chaos Magic! Hope it doesn’t disappoint! 👍🏻😃

[@wreckitreezy]

Thank you for the recommendations

[@michaelsvientek8420]

Thank you for even bringing this info.from the cave of secret knowledge.

[@Taylor.h]

Thank you for this. Your videos are much appreciated!

[@FoolishFishBooks]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@AhlamAcademy]

Thank you. Very helpful indeed

[@Alraundelberin]

Thank you so much for this! This was what I was looking for and I was very eager to hear your recommendations. Do you have a copy of The Book of Oberon by Llwellyn? If you own it, it would be very nice to see a review of it by you. Thank you again!

[@teberer3246]

I have read, Dean Radin's Real Magic, found it fascinating, there are parallels to this video, the question is which of the above ten books should I read first ? having read Radins book.

[@jamiebrand4239]

Thank you verry much Dennis ,

[@JDG602]

Israel's "Tree of Life: An Illustrated Study of Magic" seems like a good choice.

[@grantinvestments3159]

R.L. Stein : It came from beneath the kitchen sink

[@jkb1603]

😂😂😂 this is so funny

[@faith2691]

Oh stop! You're giving me goosebumps!

[@spongebobexistentialpants2747]

Ikr, this is THE essential.

[@terryking8724]

Classic

[@rorilee9791]

THANK YOU!!

[@BridgetteBentley]

Excellent video, I’m going to check these out! Thank you😄🙏🏽💙✨

[@stephanierandall1170]

Hello Bridgette, Have you heard about the Sepher Raziel?

[@Sejdr]

I might not agree about the list, but it was a surprising start and something I had not read. Got intrigued so I will read it for sure! :)

[@theophrastusbombastus8362]

1. The Golden Chain of Homer 2. Transcendental Magic 3. Initiation into Hermetics 4. How to Know Higher Worlds

[@theophrastusbombastus8362]

5. In Search of the Miraculous 6. The Secret Teachings of All Ages 7. The Gnostic Bible

[@SeanEXtommy]

Excellent list!

[@luckyboots2528]

Hello Foolish, I’m new to your channel and I’ve got to say it’s absolutely fantastic! I was wondering if you’ve ever done a book review on numerology. I understand synchronicity in numbers but I wonder what it means to see the same random numbers every time. I’m mentioning this here because I noticed that the video is 9:48 minutes long and for some reason I always see that same number 948.

[@faith2691]

Thank you, Denis!

[@ARsuffix]

Currently reading Practical Alchemy: A Guid to the Great Work by Brian Cutnoir - which so far is a delightfully concise introductory for those curious about the alchemical arts.

[@alexxchavez9606]

Hi there...definitely interested in your list here. Thanks for sharing.

[@Daddighaxty8510]

Please I want to read the magickal Cashbook but on Amazon, it's saying the Kindle edition is not available. I could have go in for the hard copy but circumstances would not make it possible for me I'm in Ghana West Africa. I would be very grateful if you can help me get the soft copy of that book. Thank you

[@sjakals8936]

Could I ask you guys watching this video for future book recommendations on these kinds of subjects. I’m really interested in some of the deeper more hidden sides of spirituality. But finding the terms and places to located these subjects difficult. Any help would be greatly appreciated, hope you all have a wonderful day and gl in the future. 🙏🏼

[@BoyDiviner]

You're killing my wallet, sir. My birthday is coming up and I've a long list of books that you've recommended. Even though I'm a beginner, I'm jumping ahead to your newer reviews, then coming back to this haha.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

It's not a cheap hobby for sure! 😄 Very glad you're enjoying the content 😁

[@lilynyabeta7917]

Just use a pdf.....

[@FoolishFishBooks]

@@lilynyabeta7917 I'm sorry, Lily, I can't condone theft, especially in an industry where a couple of dollars really does make a difference to the authors. I for one am infinitely grateful that these books exist at all and would hate for them to stop being created 'because people just download the pdf anyway...' which would be a reasonable outcome.

[@spongebobexistentialpants2747]

@@lilynyabeta7917 don't thank a great author by taking bread from his table.

[@aculturacionsin9852]

Always use pdf whole point of this , learn in in ways that u can

[@chompachangas]

I will definitely pick up Chicken Qabalah. I'm currently working my way through Learning Ritual Magic by John Michael Greer.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Ah, Greer is one of the good ones, you're in good hands 😊

[@urzathehappy72]

Valis is my favourite book so looks like im off to a good start lol

[@briarsrabbits9470]

If anyone knows: are any of these books audio-format friendly, or do they all have symbols and figures baked in? Thanks in advance.

[@timothygeaughan7382]

Cosmic trigger? Raw?

[@youalreadyknow5039]

This was great. Thank you. Will you be doing one for movies?

[@sadikinjeryon9082]

can you make a review on Postmodern Magick by Patrick Dunn?

[@7_Hertz84]

Dope! Thanks!

[@PraiseTheLord-JesusChrist]

Thank you 👍

[@markcollins4654]

You forgot ''The Secret Doctrine''

[@teenytimwelch]

I love all your videos and your voice is marvellous. Thank you for all you do.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Heh! Thanks, @Tim Welch, that's very kind of you to say 😁

[@kevinmaillet4712]

I would include "Modern Magick" by Donald Michael Kraig

[@ravichandran6972]

What are the clothes to wear when performing magic or rituals

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Your regular clothes are fine. If you can set aside clothes that you can reserve only for magical work, then it's better. If you can get hold of robes, some people appreciate that too.

[@Puchowalkerturner]

Great video! 👍 😎💯

[@dominicmcgraw1892]

Could you do a review of the king in yellow?

[@dominicmcgraw1892]

@@FoolishFishBooks thanks

[@BrianWachter]

KiY is a top esoteric work. Lost Carcosa--so mysterious!

[@Geep1778]

Real Detective season 1

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

What are the benefits of doing the LBRP daily?

[@hArtyTruffle]

Thanks so much :)

[@LeahHa8]

How is using magic different than using law of attraction?

[@youalreadyknow5039]

I would say nothing. When you use the LOA you are summoning positive energies and with magic you are doing the same, but just being “specific” of your affirmations. Black magic vs White magic? Nothing. Just the strength of your affirmations and the manifestations. Of course, this is purely my opinion. Hopefully, you will get your answer. Have a great day.

[@LexGovers]

I was thinking about reading the kabylion and the golden dawn, this is not dangerous for a beginner?

[@sydnei5567]

Hello. I found out about your channel not long ago but I love to see the books you've got! Would you know what are the best books on Ancient Egypt with loads of information and illustrations? I love ancient civilisations and have been trying to get THE book on Ancient Egypt! 😊

[@ToniToussaint]

This is awesome! thats

[@veneficarius]

i was always interested in occult/magic/esoteric knowledge - i started with random books - and yt videos but i started to do GD style initiation - its cool for start - like elementary school for me persobaly - lot of reading plus exercises - and so on - for sure great body of knowledge and its step by step introduction of esoteric knowledge - all chaos magic and majority of western magic is based on GD - i know that its not "legit" GD - self initiation but still good starting point for solitary practitioner

[@oliverhardman3513]

By gd do you mean golden dawn?

[@ukeodah3291]

Is there an order for reading this book, I should just pick randomly?

[@EvolvingWisdom]

You fucking awesome 👏🏾...

[@GoldGoddess1]

Thank you

[@nathanielsandalphon2335]

Do you suggest the whole Valis trilogy? I like the book so far 😊

[@FoolishFishBooks]

No, just the first.

[@samanthaijntema1113]

which book do you advise me of the lbrp before I read the book of the middle pillar?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Just the Middle Pillar. It starts with the best introduction to the LBRP you'll ever read 😋

[@orogu]

Hello, are you saying all Gallery of Magick books DO NOT use spirits? Disregarding chaos magick sigils, how about demons of magick or servitors/archangels/72 angels of magick? Would that count as having contact with external beings?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm curious which of my words you might have interpreted that way...

[@FoolishFishBooks]

And yes. Angel and demon magick do indeed make contact with "external" (as far as that goes) beings.

[@orogu]

@@FoolishFishBooks Sorry, for some reason I misunderstood the word 'does' as 'doesn't' at the 4:19 mark (I'm not a native english speaker). Thanks for personally answering my question! May you live long and prosper.

[@paulforester6996]

I was wondering if I could ask, is there any way the uninitiated could protect themselves from bad energy. Just a basic. Any advise on this, would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@allenkleinermann9359]

Get magickal protection from damon brand or simply perform a Lesser Banishing Ritual

[@paulforester6996]

@@allenkleinermann9359 I'll look it up. Thanks.

[@georgesulea]

Great stuff:)

[@mmccrownus2406]

Follow in the footsteps of Crowley? What sane person would do so?

[@Bumps1427]

Which of these would you recommend for a complete beginner who knows nothing. I am looking into this stuff because I’ve heard my favorite comic writer, Grant Morrison, speak on these subjects. I don’t want to start with anything too wild. Thanks!

[@Bumps1427]

I know these are all beginner recommendations but I’m asking if you could recommend just 1 of these to start with

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Magickal Cashbook

[@Bumps1427]

Thanks! Can’t wait to dive into more of your videos

[@AZTigerMMA]

Did you do a video on Damien echoes ?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

I reviewed Angels and Archangels.

[@AZTigerMMA]

@@FoolishFishBooks thank you 🙏 just saw it ! Awesome . I would love to see more, and to get more of your take on his high magic book.. You are awesome 👏 love your work

[@Tailung5000]

Advanced Magick for Beginners by Alan Chapman and Brain Magick by Philip H. Farber

[@felpa9742]

can i start with Huxkey rather than Valis? Seems more of a fun read since I loved Don Juan by Castañeda

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Yes, of course! These aren't in any particular order

[@madmanelsd123]

You should start with huxley! He isn't a easy read though. I reccomend the perennial philosophy

[@nathanielsandalphon2335]

Got 6/10 on the way 😊 Do you recommend reading them in the order presented?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Not necessarily 😄 they all work as standalone books 😊👍

[@AtticusStount]

Isn't the LBRP devotion to the demiurge?

[@mjt1517]

no

[@andrewmosteller6115]

Do you recommend the whole Valis trilogy?

[@1amjapan]

There isn't really a trilogy as he didn't write a third, the sequel "divine invasion" is only connected to VALIS in themes. It's worth reading if you enjoyed VALIS but it's not his best book by a considerable margin.

[@andrewmosteller6115]

@@1amjapan This is where I got the notion that there's a trilogy: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valis_(novel_series)

[@1amjapan]

@@andrewmosteller6115 He had planned to write it as a tilogy with Owl in Daylight being the third novel, but this never happened. As he said it would be a trilogy, a lot of people have tried to push Timothy Archer as the third in that series, but it's a very different kind of book with very different themes. IMHO, it's actually his most literary novel and unusually for PKD it's written with a female protagonist. It may have lfted the Dante's Inferno obsession from that ill-fated project but little else.

[@artemisia2002us]

Showing the cover of a book you are reviewing is not a copyright violation.

[@artemisia2002us]

@@FoolishFishBooks You can easily get one from the publisher. Also, if you own a copy, you can photograph it. That's "fair use".

[@redvodka1933]

I just started reading VALIS and am freaking out by the synchronicities towards my life The friend who committed suicide, the breaking down and being intensely into theology and being considered crazy, the suicide attempt, the psych ward Even the doctor gave me the Tao Te Ching to read as well I am freaked out and don't know what this means and have no one to talk to about it

[@gizmobone5280]

I'm surprised you didn't add 'The Kybalion' to the list

[@BarryHawk]

R. Steiner - Outline of Occult Science ?

[@sibsibs83]

yes the greatest work of modern rosicrucianism

[@lindajohnsen5170]

Of the 10 books you’ve mentioned, is there any particular order of reading them? Or just the one reading of them without any progressive order? Thank you

[@FoolishFishBooks]

They are all accessible with no prior reading 😊👍

[@lindajohnsen5170]

@@FoolishFishBooks Thank you!

[@Freddy-Zamora-MX]

What do you think about Donald Michael Kraig's Modern Magick? I got it like 3 years ago and when I was reading it all along I was like: This should have ben extreamly usefull and helpfull many years ago...

[@waaagh3203]

I hate that book. It's really good in concept, but I don't trust Kraig one iota. He purposefully put so many blinds in that book. You'll create a ceremonial tool only to find out he purposefully gave you the wrong symbols or correspondences to put on it, just to act as a blind.

[@Freddy-Zamora-MX]

@@waaagh3203 A few brother, I 100% not know what he purposelly did. My knowledge does not go that far but set aside that I believe magick is ment to be grasped for our individual purpose. I do truthly belive Kraig's Book is a very good one, even if his LBRP is not the best one. Take care , don't get mad. Blessings.

[@Freddy-Zamora-MX]

I am Mexican BTW sorry much for the bad grammar.

[@Freddy-Zamora-MX]

@Neutral sorry brother, you have cought me on a process that I know my self and the Universe enough to even think there can be answers to the questions I have, out of my own self. Plus, you seriously sound like a cultist. If there is any knowlage that us occultist know by hard, very hard, study is that no one holds all the answers my dear, go back, study more and keep being a nice lad.

[@michaelnardini4934]

I would love to have a book about the history of different literal schools where people studied magic. Do you know of one?

[@stevenfowler411]

The secret history of the world.

[@michaelnardini4934]

@@stevenfowler411 thank you!

[@DokkanTHEGAMER]

Hey Denis, appreciate the list, I'll check some of these out. I came across your channel recently and having perused a few of your videos I had a couple of questions on matters I was hoping you could elucidate for me. 1.) You mentioned in a previous video that "it was a notorious member of the Golden Dawn who gave Winston Churchill the idea of flashing the "V" sign to counteract the swastika every time he was photographed". Might I ask who this member was, where you heard this and if there were any sources you could give that would explain the situation here? 2.) I see you've done a bit on the Lesser Key of Solomon; I was wondering if any, which of those texts you'd recommend to someone with a very cursory knowledge of esotericism? 3.) What are your thoughts on sigils and chaos magic? I've heard an interesting take from a friend that Pepe the frog could have been considered as a vehicle for chaos magic during the 2016 US presidential election. Got me curious to learn a bit more. Sorry for the wall of text but I'd love to know a bit more if you have the time. Thanks!

[@DokkanTHEGAMER]

@@FoolishFishBooks For some reason KZbin didn't alert me to your reply so I'm just seeing it now. I really appreciate those answers and I'll be sure to look into those recommendations as well as those on the list in this video. I've been interested in chaos magic, particularly sigils for a while but its not something I'd tackle haphazardly. I'm surprised Crowley was on speaking terms with Churchill, I would have imagined that as being somewhat taboo in those days but it seems like you're correct based on what I've googled since. I'll have to explore it further. Thanks for the help and all the best!

[@Bryan_Kay]

No chymical wedding?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Beginners. Beginners. Assuming no prior interest.

[@ComKid100]

Why did I get an advert for expanding my dogs anak glands on a video about occult books? (Thanks for the video btw)

[@damondarkwalker]

Six Ways by Aiden Wachter From my personal journey, this book was an easy, well-written book for beginners. Also, Visual Magick by Jan Fries. My esoteric knowledge is quite limited at this point. So I prefer easy, practical lessons as I gain more knowledge. I also love encyclopedias. Demonology, Occult Dictionary, etc. Easy reference material.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Both SIx Ways and Visual Magick are great for beginners (and old hands). This is an old video, I had neither at the time.

[@sosigking6358]

@@FoolishFishBooks Is there a newer video available?

[@PC-Gamer-000]

I personally disagree with this entire choice list of books. Years ago I knew nothing about occultism, esoteric mysteries, religious philosophies of Buddhism and Hinduism. I was at a bookstore in the mall and I randomly discovered a book titled "The Secret Teachings Of All Ages" by Manly Palmer Hall. I thought "why not?" purchased the book and went home. The moment I started reading that book, I was griped into it like a vice grip. I finished the entire book in less than a week. I learned a vast amount from that book. Manly Palmer Hall opened me up to other great authors on the mysteries of the Occult: Colin Wilson, Madame Blavatsky, Richard Smoley, Mary Anne Winkowski, Ruth Montgomery, etc.

[@richardmontenegro7766]

give me that book. thanks

[@rikaicentre1506]

Perhaps you will take an interest in this video, it is about life and death. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZXZiJlonrygjMk

[@robgau2501]

In a separate video, you said the LBRP was NOT for banishing spirits. In this video, you said it is. Did I misunderstand something?

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Some people use it for Banishing spirits, I'm afraid I can't help that. It doesn't detract from the fact that it's not its purpose :) You can use a slipper for swatting flies, but it's not the purpose of a slipper :) I hope that makes sense!

[@thewanderingwitch88]

I'm gonna read a few of these. Thank you for the list. Do you have any books you would recommend on Symbolism and synchronicity? :) 🙏🏻💗

[@thewanderingwitch88]

@@FoolishFishBooks thank you for your insight! I was looking at the Jung stuff and I was worried it might be super dull but I might have to tough it out. I wanted to go way back to the basics to learn tarot better. :)

[@SlowPursuit]

@@thewanderingwitch88 Sorry to interject, but are you sure you aren't using the tail to wag the dog? The symbology is there to talk to you subconscious (surely) bypassing your conscious brain. You are - by analysing the symbology - putting the conscious back in charge again - maybe? Have you tried the GD thing of meditating on a card a day to let it flood your subconscious & allow your intuition to flourish? Isnt intuition what you are after? None of my business- and I know nothing, but listening to "Mystery School lessons" is pretty good for this. ;-)

[@thewanderingwitch88]

@@SlowPursuit I see your point. Some of it can be intuitively led yes. But it really helps you piece multiple cards together by sight vs having to look things up when you get stuck. I've found in life if things are harder than they should be, relearn the bare basics. And the bare basics of tarot is symbols. And how do I know my subconscious brain understands symbols true meaning? 🤔 that was my thought train, forget everything you think you know and relearn. Edit to add I'm not just wanting to read for myself. I want to read professionally so I wont always have the luxury of "meditate and come back to it" people rather dislike that if they are paying you

[@SlowPursuit]

@@thewanderingwitch88 uhm, again I know nothing. I am the empty slate. But it's not "I have a card I need to meditate on it", it is your personal relationship with the deck. You need - maybe - to understand each card before you can interpret it. There is a massive depth to the tarot (surprise!), after 30 plus years of not tarroting I am just understanding. Do you get the link between the cards & the kabalist tree? That is perhaps the starting point (I don't know where u are & what drivers u have). The best book for a "ohhh yehhhh" I know of is Alfred Douglas "the tarot". Co 1972. My copy (2.50 off Amazon) opened my eyes- based on a reference from Thomas Sheridan as " the best book on gnosis that I have ever read". Don't read, do. (Said as a tragic reader & reluctant do-er).

[@thewanderingwitch88]

@@SlowPursuit thank you I will look into these :) I find most of the messages that are vital I do understand but I just feel like theres a piece missing. I do tend to overthink things though so it could be all in my head! Lol. 😄💗😂 I get you though, I'm a reader and not a do-er too. I'm learning about the law of attraction and how to reinvent your self identity etc so it's all a process.

[@dakinilover]

I started my journey with tibetan buddhism and found out that two books by Robert Anton Wilson that you mentioned were a great help in "deconstructing" reality to see its illusory nature, or rather illusory nature of the mind that perceives that reality. I would even say that Wilson's books are superior to the others you mentioned, because they are not bound by any particular system or tradition. Do you know any similar books which could be beneficial for someone who already engages in different kind of practices?

[@lavenderbee3611]

I hope somebody can help me understand what "selling your soul" is about, you hear it all the time but I really don't know what it means.

[@FoolishFishBooks]

You can't sell your soul. It's a meaningless phrase invented by pearl-clutching puritans to justify burning witches.

[@lavenderbee3611]

@@FoolishFishBooks It seems to be related to the music business where an artist such as Robert Johnson meets the devil at the crossroads and sells his soul for extraordinary musical gifts. It's like there's an evolutionary leap in their talent that takes places in a very short time period.