Top Ten Books For Beginner Occultists

Summary

In this video, Georgina Rose, an esoteric content creator, offers 10 beginner book recommendations for those interested in the occult. She emphasizes selecting diverse, lesser-known titles that avoid the typical 'fluffy' books and provide substance and depth. The list includes books on ceremonial magic, Kabbalah, pagan prayer, chaos magic, and more. Each book covers different traditions and practices, making it easier for beginners to explore various paths. Georgina also shares personal insights and stresses the importance of choosing books that challenge and deepen one's spiritual practice.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker, Georgina Rose, is a part-time esoteric content creator and part-time Scarlet Woman, recommending beginner books for occult practices.
• 📖 These books cover a wide variety of traditions, and Georgina intentionally avoids recommending mainstream titles, focusing instead on unique, in-print, and affordable books.
• 💡 The first book recommendation is *The Black Arts* by Richard Cavendish, which provides a general survey of occult traditions and helps beginners explore different paths.
• 🧙‍♂️ The second book is *Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magic*, which offers essays on various forms of ceremonial magic, making it accessible for beginners.
• 🌟 *Mystical Kabbalah* by Dion Fortune is recommended as a more in-depth introduction to Kabbalah, although *Chicken Kabbalah* is also mentioned as an easier alternative.
• 🙏 A more unconventional recommendation is *Pagan Prayer* by C. Swir Sarath, which explores prayer in a pagan context, emphasizing its importance in occult practice.
• 🌒 For those interested in Thelema, Georgina recommends *Fresh Fever From the Skies* by IAO131 as the most beginner-friendly introduction to Thelema, covering both philosophy and rituals.
• 📘 The seventh recommendation is *Liber ABA* by Aleister Crowley, a foundational book for learning Thelemic ritualism and practices.
• 🌀 For Chaos Magic enthusiasts, *Liber Null* by Peter Carroll is highlighted as a classic beginner's guide, especially useful for understanding sigils and modern magic concepts.
• 🌿 The final recommendation is *Backwoods Witchcraft* by Jake Richards, which covers Appalachian folk magic and traditional practices with a focus on accessible witchcraft.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to provide 10 beginner book recommendations for those interested in esoteric and occult topics. The creator, Georgina Rose, specifically selects books that cover a wide variety of traditions and are affordable, accessible, and not often recommended.

Why did Georgina Rose choose these specific books?

Georgina Rose selected these books because they cover various traditions, offer substance and depth, and are not commonly recommended by others. She wanted to avoid 'fluffy' beginner books and instead pick ones that would challenge readers and help them grow as practitioners.

Which book did Georgina mention as being influential in her own occult journey?

Georgina mentions 'The Black Arts' by Richard Cavendish as the book that got her into the occult. She describes it as a survey of various occult traditions and useful for beginners to explore different paths.

What is the recommended book for those interested in ceremonial magic?

For ceremonial magic, Georgina recommends 'Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magic.' She notes that it covers various traditions and rituals, providing an approachable introduction to ceremonial magic, which can often be complex for beginners.

Why does Georgina prefer 'Mystical Kabbalah' by Dion Fortune over 'Chicken Kabbalah'?

Georgina prefers 'Mystical Kabbalah' because it goes deeper into Kabbalah, offering more depth and substance than 'Chicken Kabbalah,' which is more fun and accessible but lacks the same level of detail. She finds 'Mystical Kabbalah' to be a classic that’s frequently referenced in Kabbalah classes.

What does Georgina say about the importance of prayer in occult and pagan practices?

Georgina emphasizes the importance of prayer in occult and pagan practices, stating that many practitioners overlook its significance, especially after leaving Christianity. She recommends 'Pagan Prayer' by C. Swir Sarath as a guide to integrating prayer into one's practice in a way that is compatible with paganism.

Which book does Georgina recommend for beginners interested in Thelema?

Georgina recommends 'Fresh Fever From the Skies' by IAO131 for beginners interested in Thelema. She finds it to be the most accessible and comprehensive introduction to Thelema, covering philosophy, rituals, and the lifestyle associated with the tradition.

What does Georgina say about Aleister Crowley’s influence on modern occultism?

Georgina states that Aleister Crowley is one of the most influential modern occultists, with his work impacting many traditions beyond Thelema, including Hermeticism and Wicca. She recommends starting with 'Liber ABA' for those looking to explore Crowley's ritual practices.

What is chaos magic, and which book does Georgina recommend for it?

Chaos magic is a modern form of magic that emphasizes flexibility, paradigm shifting, and belief as a tool. Georgina recommends 'Liber Null' by Peter Carroll as the best beginner text for chaos magic, highlighting its influence on modern occult practices, particularly in sigil work and servitor creation.

What unique perspective does 'Backwoods Witchcraft' by Jake Richards offer?

'Backwoods Witchcraft' offers a unique perspective on Appalachian folk magic, a tradition rooted in the customs and superstitions of the Appalachian region. Georgina appreciates it for its focus on folk remedies, traditional witchcraft, and regional practices, making it a valuable resource for those interested in American folk magic.

Why does Georgina recommend 'Meditation and Kabbalah' by Aryeh Kaplan?

Georgina recommends 'Meditation and Kabbalah' by Aryeh Kaplan because it provides a comprehensive look at Kabbalah’s relationship to meditation, offering practical exercises and insight into different forms of Kabbalah, both Jewish and occult. She finds it especially useful for Western esoteric practitioners.