Buy These Books - Essential Library for Studying Western Esotericism & the Occult

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Consider Supporting Esoterica! Patreon - www.patreon.com/esotericachannel Paypal Donation - www.paypal.me/esotericachannel Merch - kzbin.info/door/oydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQstore

[@metalannihilator]

It would be phenomenal to have Esoterica Publishing someday to reclaim, proofread, and re-print all these super expensive and out of print works, either as physical books and/or PDFs

[@diverguy3556]

A few nights ago, I went to a metal gig to see a band called Spite - brutal, awesome metal! Anyway, there was an advert for a rock group called Esoterica playing later in the month and as I moshed the night away dodging stage divers I occasionally broke into a smile thinking of Doctor Sledge up on the stage delivering an extremely informative and witty lecture in front of a rowdy and drunken crowd, having to shove stage divers out of his way and occasionally demanding the audience forms a brutal pit in which the occupants fear for their lives!

[@rogeliodominguez5651]

Spite is sick.

[@diverguy3556]

​@@rogeliodominguez5651yup, seen them twice now, the second time was at a tiny venue where I was middle of the front. Close enough to smell the singer!

[@pinkcupcake4717]

Dr. Sledge: "And John Dee and Edward Kelly asked how to find buried treasure." The Mosh Pit: WOOOO YEAHH BURIED TREASURE *crashes into each other*

[@antimonos]

I have had Esoterica promoted on my Instagram feed. I always get them mixed up with the excellent funeral doom metal band Esoteric. Both are English as well.

[@EbonySaints]

​@@pinkcupcake4717"Erotic Binding Magic" and "Immortality Technology" are always crowd pleasers. Demiurge got actual airplay though, so I just groan when I hear it.

[@hayrogarciga924]

my bookbinding hobby may just become very useful now. print pdf, turn into hardcover leather book, put on book shelf.

[@meidson12]

I was wondered if that was possible! Good to know

[@Ema_Not_Emma]

Don't let Brill read this

[@luckynumber2633]

That's cool

[@EgorKorman]

germans in 1440 be like

[@JasonObsidian]

Please Sir explain more!😮

[@smillstill]

In the words of Dr. Irving Finkel: "For those of you who never thought you might spend your life reading cuneiform, what a foolish decision that was...and perhaps we're in time to rescue you so you can immediately drop everything and take up cuneiform studies."

[@pinkcupcake4717]

THIS is the video I've been wanting. Filtering through countless modern ~spiritualism~ books is exhausting (especially as someone who wants to focus into astrology and astrological magic), thank you for the shortcut to the good stuff!

[@mvjonsson]

I would add the following titles: Faraone, Tovar - Greek and Egyptian formularies:Text and translation. (As an addition to Betz Greek magical papyri) F. L. Griffith - The Leyden Papyrus. Erik Hornung - The One and the Many: conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt. Frances Yates - The art of memory. Marsilio Ficino - Dionysius the Aeropagite. Parts 1, 2, 3. Steven Botterrill - Dante and the mystical tradition: Bernard Clairvaux in the Commedia.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

View the Bibliography here - docs.google.com/document/d/1caKNlW7sogEF7lAeYNbOQF9pt5O5b70yAXa-icUJO3o/edit?usp=sharing

[@sageinit]

You should pin this comment

[@genghisgalahad8465]

On my part, my kinda foolish pondering of putting it out there: Would one gain a virtual practically accredited standing and almost audited/graded near equivalent to a masters/bachelor's degree from the school of Esoterica? Or a fun yet rigorous and scholarly (if not officially academic or scholastic) MOOC type (EdX style) certificate of completion from Esoterica? ...although that would require an actual informal yet progressive and trackable curriculum, much like the awe-inspiring Kabbalah lecture playlist! 📖 📚 🌌 🪽💡 💼📝 📜 🎬 🌟⛰️ ☁️

[@genghisgalahad8465]

​@@sageinitit's in the Description, which makes sense.

[@Vocatus2222]

Uneven is a considerable understatement. It’s been largely through your channel and Dr. Angela that I’ve distilled my library down to the good stuff

[@maddiemeows]

two legends!

[@hugosaurus]

Great list, will be picking up a few of these. Prof. Hanegraaff is excellent!

[@jonelmquist]

This video exemplifies why I think you're one of the best channels on KZbin (in this field, at least)! Thank you Dr. Sledge, for your commitment to transparency and empowering others to learn seriously.

[@AvanaVana]

Justin, You are truly doing wonderful, important work. I’m consistently in awe of the quality and generosity of your contributions. I do not think it is an understatement to say that Esoterica is a great gift to humanity, and I truly admire your commitment to the earnest pursuit and sharing of knowledge of these subjects. There simply is no other single source of this caliber, that covers such a broad array of subjects so deeply, in such a delightful presentation, and I do not think there will every be another. _You_ are the secret sauce-thanks to your generosity, integrity, creativity, sweat equity, mentality, and intellect. Thank you! 🙏

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Such a kind comment! Thanks so much it really warms my heart and I appreciate it deeply.

[@nkafity]

Thank you doctor for your insightful resources and wonderful channel, which I’ve become addicted to.

[@wanderingsoulenterprises5564]

I just ordered the Guide for the Perplexed! 🤘

[@rev_lunar]

something i'd recommend is setting the titles to each section as headers to populate the outline and make it easier to go through. if you switch it to pageless mode (under Format) it'll also be cleaner to read on a computer. i'm excited to have a list like this

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Great recommendation - done!

[@ancientwisdom108]

I think I missed how to access the list. 🙏🌍🕊🕊

[@rev_lunar]

​@@ancientwisdom108 View > Show outline

[@jackalbackcrafts]

The profound giving heart of the true academic is on display here, thank you for this resource Dr Sledge! I hope this little beginners list fuels not only a passion for further study amongst viewers, but a greater drive to make accessible and preserve the harder to find, and more expensive volumes. It sucks that texts go out of print.

[@heartonfire583]

Still can’t believe I’m learning about all this stuff for free. Much appreciated and keep up the fantastic work

[@JustinieMarinie]

Justin you are simply a treasure.

[@redbeard3498]

"From the ether"... .Love the delivery.

[@darkclownKellen]

"Yes Guillermo, I know how the Ether works"

[@robc-a6810]

Thanks for such an invaluable resource!

[@foxhoundms9051]

My brother became very curious about all of these topics and I'm happy to say I highly recommended this channel and this video was perfectly timed. Thanks Doc!

[@theeccentrictripper3863]

I don't have words to express how thankful I am for this Doc, your experience is indispensable beyond description.

[@eraneranera]

the timing!!! ❤❤❤ i was literally just looking to make the jump to also reading books on esotericism!! legit so perfect. your timing and scholarship is impeccable, dr. sledge! thank you!! ❤❤❤

[@fernandoherrerotorres3564]

Thank you Justin, i always struggled to fins channels that i trust or at least am interested in, your videos go above and beyond, they are the measuring stick i use every time i have a collage paper, thank you

[@pilgrimm23]

Well done sir. your vid strikes me as a modern version of the bibliography of Dr John Dee's library, But... with modern scholarship as we understand it. A very well direct discussion of the subject, from a academic perspective, not that of a practitioner. For that I applaud. Well done. I have also been studying this field for a long time. I also am a collector of such bits of subjects of forgotten lore. You sir I respect. Well Done.

[@jammyjak9]

Surely one of the most hype videos of all time

[@jessecatrainham6957]

10:12 This is such a welcome little pep talk. I'm a practitioner, but I've still felt called to dive deeper: our local college library had a copy of James P. Allen's "Middle Egyptian: an Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs." I'm about 3 chapters in, and while it is slow going, the more I learn, the more "do-able" this feels, which is astonishing to me. Taking notes, making flash-cards, quizzing myself, and just really *thinking* about language is giving my mind such a healthy ongoing challenge! Taking myself "back to school," purely for the challenge, enjoyment, and empowerment of it, is a choice I am not regretting. I'm already compiling a little "wish list" from the Esoterica library to help supplement this pursuit. Thank You, Dr. Sledge, for putting this "next level" within reach for practitioners.

[@meinbherpieg4723]

Thanks for the syllabus professor

[@suzannemiller5289]

Of course I skipped by the entire bibliography and instead located Volume 1 of A History of Magic and Experimental Science. Opening a page at random, I found Pliny, who is referenced often in another book I’m reading. Truly there are no coincidences. Thank you for your deep scholarship. I will now go back and acquire Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed. I’m an old woman, so these two books may last me the rest of my life.

[@mistyhelena]

Thank you Dr Justin! This is an incredible resource! Just, wow :)

[@thequeenofswords7230]

8:58 Being a practitioner, I have found the most relevance in studying the solidly known historical foundations and engaging with others, historians, practitioners and the general public on topics in esotericism on those grounds by far more productive. To my mind, the mythological elements are for me and me alone to find myself in; by sticking to what can be known and internalizing that the importance of mythology as the importance of imagination, I can not only maintain the purity of my practice and avoid corrupting the practice of others (except nazis, corrupting their practices is called praxis) but it's very helpful in never suddenly realizing I fell into a narcissistic personality cult. I also would love to hear you talk about Mesmerism.

[@oldboarbrain]

In a way I think the list is too big, but I understand why you did it that way. I'll read the Haanegraf and go from there. Thanks.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

It's less than half of what it was originally

[@Kurgan0822]

As a fellow bibliophile I appreciate this list. I read a lot of myth, biblical mysticism, epic poetry etc. in college (many years ago unfortunately). Recently I started reading about theosophy because of the KZbinr Styxhexenhammer666 and I discovered your channel and have been binge watching your videos. I look forward to learning more!

[@Kytheus2106]

I think one of the most spiritual exercises is reading old books on ancient history with a problem in mind, because once that connection is made, wow what a mindgasm. It's like slowly putting a mental puzzle together and fitting one of those pieces, that historical picture becoming clearer, nothin better. It's actually one of the reasons I believe in the transmigration of souls, I believe the most accurate way of explaining it is that it's a feeling of retrieving lost data, recollecting lost memories.

[@dailymiltonian]

I'm deciding between the Norton KJB and the Oxford Annotated - would love to know what led you to choose Oxford!

[@thewizardofawes8194]

Dear Dr. Sledge (dear Justin), this time you have outdone yourself! Again, I would say. There are not enough words to thank you for such generosity: such a curated and accurate list is a gift to all your supporters and followers: thank you very, very much, my good “doc”!❤❤❤

[@alieneater3328]

Dr. Justin i just wanna say you are a legend and we will sing hymns in your honor for generations. thank you so much!

[@knowdudegamingshow2962]

I think that upbringings in religious fundamentalist households can produce three different kinds of relationships with scripture. People who hate it and are uninterested, people who buy into the fundamentalism, and people who genuinely love the texts for what they are and are massive fucking nerds for that. Through some bazaar alchemy I ended up in the third camp.

[@tiffanymillerbis369]

Oh wow! How timely! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[@thothpdf]

After every video I've seen, after every book I've read, I'm only left in more wonder and awe. humbled by how little I know and driven to deepen my understanding on such an equally fascinating and misunderstood field of study.

[@whatmagicisthis]

Some damn fine recommendations here, folks! Many of these are absolutely essential! Great work as usual, Dr. Sledge!

[@sfrog4683]

Gosh, I can’t wait to use the channels partnership with Brill to secure some of these texts!

[@thestevepbrady]

This dropped at the perfect time for me. I've got a creative project around HP Lovecraft. I've taken the recrurring character of Randolph Carter and imagined a modern day Miskatonic student finding his lost journals. The student is then sharing Carter's notes on Lovecraft's own stories as well as on some essoteric texts that I am imagining Carter researched. Now I have a great list of texts to pull from. Thank You!

[@waltera13]

Thank You SO MUCH for this! Had I the money I would throw it at you for compiling such an invaluable resource! I remember a few years ago you had some obscure texts that you mentioned you wanted to sell but were considering options. By the time I saw the video there were too many comments to be seen, but at that time I was going to suggest scanning/ digitizing & creating your own saleable digital copies. A "Dr. Sledge Library of the Obscure and Esoteric" would be a great way to support yourself/ the channel or other such philosophical endeavors. I love that these texts have endured some academic rigor as well as an academically rigorous filter of your scholarship as well. Hurray! You even gave an entry level survey!! Thank you again.

[@carlhannah1884]

The broad strokes of the first 2/3rds of the video can apply to so many disciplines. Just great advice in general.

[@Tinkering4Time]

I feel like I am witnessing something seminal. I feel like this library document may be a turning point for the study of “Western” esotericism.

[@gregcampwriter]

The language section is particularly valuable, since most language courses are designed to make the learner a bad tourist, not someone who can read texts in the language.

[@andrewdunton6304]

Love this! You are the man as usual, my dude!

[@gmccaughry]

What a fantastic idea, thank you Justin!

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Hope the list helps the community and hope you are well, friend!

[@meidson12]

The timing is rather odd. I started getting addicted on reading academic and historical books about magic last week and was looking for a good reading list this Tuesday. I especially wanted a good recommendation on the Bible, since it's hard to find non-christian recommendations, even in the scholar field. In fact, I even looked in your channel for it. A few days later you posted it. I'm so happy!

[@cuervojones4889]

Timing is PERFECT, as it was meant to be. A little magick happened right there!

[@jessecatrainham6957]

The timing is uncanny for me as well: I'm three weeks into teaching myself Middle Egyptian, and this serendipitous pep talk from Dr. Sledge is giving me some extra fuel!

[@lewismillar-nelson4953]

Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall, I'd start there

[@meidson12]

@@cuervojones4889 I love to think that.

[@meidson12]

@@lewismillar-nelson4953 Thank you for the recommendation. I looked it up and apparently it is not considered accurate anymore, with people pointing out his giant bias of Freemasonry. I don't know if that affects the whole book, tho. As I learn more, I will definitely check it out for myself at some point.

[@andystewart9701]

Thank you for putting together this list! I purchased the first book after seeing an early video we’re you advised getting it and I am reading it now. It is an awesome book. I can’t wait to get some of the others and boost my library. I love your channel.

[@thymeparzival]

Looking forward to your exploration into Freemasonry. I have learned more from literature on the subject than I have from speaking to any Freemason directly , but I suppose that’s intentional.

[@nickwilliams3513]

The time you put into compiling this excellent list is appreciated.

[@jenniferhosford250]

Lynn Thorndike History of Magic and Experimental Science is on sale right now in Kindle for $2

[@Signum7]

Your care for the field is a blessing to us all. Thank you again, for the furtherance of a beautiful science.

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

I really appreciate this list, sir. Figuring out where to start has been difficult, despite my own habit of reading modern scholarly articles on a range of topics over the past decade. This field in particular has proven dense and nigh-impenetrable for someone without a degree in philosophy or the classics (maybe for them, too, I wouldn't know). My pocketbook, however, has some choice words for you, as seven minutes with your bibliography is set to cost me over a hundred dollars. Well worth it, and far cheaper than what a solo meandering would cost, but still.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Only $100? Just wait.....and worry.

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

@@TheEsotericaChannel - Thank you for the warning, sir. Lol. That price is just for the specific list of primers that I've been missing.

[@BasiliusRavencroft]

I recently acquired my copy of the book of qab'itz.

[@nolanhanna]

This is exactly what I needed! Turns out my uni library has the entire Lynn Thorndike collection (in the bowels of compact storage but available nonetheless) Thank you Dr. Sledge!

[@DaNL-ly8zn]

hello! I am just a common person with a recent interest in the occult and magic, I am glad I discovered this channel, thank you very much for sharing this content!

[@artkoenig9434]

Your eloquence remains inspirational! Thank you!

[@ItsPennyLanee]

Thank you for your tireless work on bringing topics like this to the general public, and people who might be interested in learning more about what you cover on your channel. Your list is truly an invaluable tool to those who wish to study these amazing topics further. Thank you again, sir.

[@cristianosdoujinshicorner9109]

Just ordered Hanegraaff, can't wait to dig into it and take it from there.

[@clockworkgnome]

I’m glad I’ve been on the right track building out this large portion of my library. Many of your recommendations are already on my shelves or on my wishlist. Some of these have definitely been recommended by other scholars I follow as well. Thank you for making this video and list!

[@Rebis-z4u]

It's a pity that academic literature is so hard to find and acquire, somehow both priced as a luxury and dismissed as unimportant. Thanks for making it more accessible and identifiable.

[@bjhale]

Thank you for this amazing list. I think I lost about three pounds since reading it, all around the pocket area!

[@Dill06gaming]

this is one of the best videos you've made

[@meidson12]

Highly appreciate your work. I can only imagine how difficult it must be. Yet, you transmit knowledge with passion and a sharp sense of humor. Treasure of modern times.

[@sizzaxe]

Awesome gift this bibliography! Thank you!

[@populuxe1]

Thorndike at the Internet Archive for the win

[@ScriptGurus1]

They have Only a few volumes I have a full set of 8 if anyone is interested

[@randybobandy4801]

Thank you for your videos, your book recommendations and most of all your empowering words. I’m deeply interested in this subject but am easily intimidated in many paths of learning. I am frequently and easily discouraged when I go to learn a new thing, especially if the teacher is haughty or mean about it, which is often enough the case in academic or professional matters. It’s very encouraging and refreshing to hear someone, even a stranger, say, “You can do this.” You are appreciated, Doc. Be well.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

You definitely can.

[@MM3OG]

I'm so glad you're giving good recommendations of books to read I'm tired of luke warm esoteric authors just selling books to profit. I want the real genuine information and you never fail to provide Mr. Sledge 🙏

[@NullStaticVoid]

I like what you said about language. I've recently started studying Pali to better understand Buddhist texts. After spending years reading English translations I've come to realize a lot of them are translated by Western Orientalists with an incomplete knowledge or in some cases uncharitable opinion of the subject. For example, I've yet to find ANY translation of the Pali Canon that doesn't admit it's abridged and edited for length. Thats nice. I wonder how Christians would feel about a Bible edited and abridged for length. Apparently Sanskrit is a walk in the park once you have Pali under you belt so I'll be doing that too.

[@lukeuid-mindfulnessmarried673]

Thank you Justin! I made it through most of Hanegraaff's New Age Religion and bought Western Esotericism to dive into this year. I also read The Myth of Disenchantment earlier this year and I absolutely devoured it and rereading it slowly. Juggling that with Mesiter Eckhart: Philosopher of Christianity translated from Kurt Flasch. Don't know if you're familiar and, if yes, what you think? Anyways, thank you again! Have a lot to read 😅

[@janusroland]

This has to be the best channel on youtube. Just wow. I already have too many books. Thanks for feeding my thirst for esoteric knowledge 😭❤

[@jimranallo686]

Very nice of you to share the must read books...I recently found your channel and enjoy your clear presentations....I was gifted my 1st book on "magic" to read at about 15 yrs old... and I was sucked in immediately....living near the Wheaton IL theosophical campus..I was invited in and shown their extensive library...the kind folks there allowed me access to that extensive library...after moving to Austin TX in 1971...they were more than kind as they mailed me books...read them and remailed them.. some staff of the UT at Austin were also kind and awarded me the 1st non student library card... allowing me access to their 19 libraries... sharing your library with your listeners is quite kind and reminded me of the kind folks that shared with me... cheers from Mexico!

[@JohnnyPaulTutaki]

Awesome list. Heavy Metal - bringing balance to the force since Elvis left the building.

[@artawhirler]

Thanks, Dr Sledge, for doing this list! I saw on your Community page that you were going to do this episode today and I actually wrote myself a note so I wouldn't miss it! 😊

[@LordRoku-]

conjuring up books from the ether is the only magic i know ;)

[@cuervojones4889]

It's an excellent magical skill to have!

[@heavensmith8903]

Thanks for keeping me educated so I can encourage others to do proper media analysis on media and where to find the source of info

[@gypsy2]

Perplexed, to say the least. Thank You for this Generous gift of knowledge. Such a tremendous kindness is very much appreciated. 💜

[@JesseMoynihan]

Thanks for posting this. Super, super helpful!

[@sc-b-dl5pi]

Thank you, thank you.....just thank you ❤️

[@CatholicDragoon]

My personal collection already consisting of translations for the Nag Hamadi Library, the Books of Enoch and a book call 'Trials, Tribulations and Triumph' which concerns topics of Catholic Mysticism such as the Apocalypse and the Great Catholic Monarch. Now my collection is going to balloon greatly, thank you Dr. Sledge!

[@ScriptGurus1]

20 30 years ago my friends & I would have committed crimes to get our hand on this bibliography.. just gd amazing !!! Thank You Professor Spooky!

[@rebeccaminnich5670]

Thank you Dr. Sledge! You are a godsend. I've been waiting for this. I'll try not to go broke buying all these books.

[@bmfan]

My wife's father was a kabbalist with a massive library of books on the subject, many in Hebrew only, which we obtained after his death. I noticed several of these within his collection so I'm interested to investigate those. Interestingly he has Scholem's Origins of Kabbalah, but not simply Kabbalah. Would Origins still be worth a read?

[@OlliHurme]

For anybody working through this outside of formal university training or just starting this journey, I FEEL YOU! It is extremely daunting. I started my own journey before making it into a bachelors religious studies program and oh boy was it confusing, started with Hanegraaff’s guide for the perplexed. Understood a little, but now on my second reading with a bit of other foundational knowledge in the wider field it opens so much more. And I’m guessing it will on the third and the fourth aswell😅. I used to feel so discouraged by the learning curve of all of this, but it really is a marathon and not a sprint. Greatest lessons I’ve learned are from studying something completely different to esotericism. That is to say, this field rather ironically does open itself to you in time, leaving some of it’s secrets(rabbit hole’s) for a later point in time when one can comprehend them a bit better, but I guess that’s just learning in a nutshell. Good luck to everybody and don’t forget to pace yourself, enjoy the process and focus on what interests you!

[@billfarr795]

Thanks! I have been thinking about asking you for a reading list. I do get recs from bibliographies and, um, am approaching the final third my life, god willing and the creek don't rise, so I know I will get to a fraction of this and of my other interests, but am grateful that you have put this out there and for all your other work. Blessings to you.

[@Sven-v8s3b]

Doctors have told me I have dyslexia & I can barely read English. I don't want no books, Winnie the Pooh is hard. I understand every word but not every sentience, unless I read it like 20 times. But I want these books to be preserved & other people without my issues to study them. I've been trying to lean Spanish & Swedish via Duolingo, & my Swedish family in the USA, but still don't get a thing (I get good scores on Duolingo!). I also don't get a thing in English with like more then 4 people in the conversation. But, if you can, learn Latin! I'll finish Beowulf on of these year.

[@Auticusx]

Wow this is quite the list. Thank you.

[@catoelder4696]

Thank you.

[@angela_merkeI]

Pro tip: If you find a pdf but want to have a physical book you can let one print for you. Where I live this is even possible with books who still have a copyright, as long as you only do it for personal use. I am currently editing a pdf I found for a lightnovel I would like to read and it will cost just 10€ to make it a book.

[@jmaaybraak]

U have no idea, Dr. Sledge, how helpful the topic of this presentation is to me! I was discussing with my wife only the other day how i would love to have a magic wand and turn myself into Corso from The Ninth Gate lol. Thank u so much for the list. Fascinating subject, and I'm a lifelong devotee to esoteric literature myself.

[@Venefica82]

My demented ravenous need for more books should be on a tshirt.

[@estona_spinoza64]

Love the content 🪄📖🫶🏽

[@alicemilton8756]

I only have the dungeon master’s guide and a third party campaign setting

[@alexandriaorcld6365]

thank you for providing so much wonderful insight and incredible resources, dr. sledge! i will be taking note of what books to invest in looking for in the future.

[@_spirit_study]

God bro I wanna give you a HUG!!!! You’re amazing

[@Parasfarmer]

I just recently got some new bookshelves... had intended to make them into an occult library, but they were looking a bit bare. Now I know what to fill them with!

[@cuervojones4889]

BOOKS! A list of books! A list of awesome books! Perfect BD gift! Thank you for this list!