Occult Book Reviews

First published in 1929 under the title of Sane Occultisum, What is Occultism, however is a new edition with an introduction written by Gareth Knight. Dion Fortune sets out to give readers a basic understanding of the elements in Occultism and the connections to spiritual enlightenment, Dion presents this all in a clear discussion whilst sweeping aside cultural assumptions she places occultism as a philosophy with religious overtones and gets to the root of occult ethics and ideals that people seek on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Subjects covered in this book are : karma, psychism, astrology, numerology, occult societies, fraternities, and also reincarnation (the study of past lives).

Diana L. Paxson (born 1943) is a novelist known to readers of fantasy and historical novels. In Taking up the Runes, she gives an entertaining and factual approach to using runes, and in fact, this is the best workbook of its type currently available. It is a fascinating reference and you will definitely come to intimately understand the great possibilities found in the ancient Norse alphabet.

Here is a complete guidebook for use of the runes in spells, rituals, divination, and magic. In a series of chapters dealing with rune pairs, readers will learn the historical meaning of each individual rune and their use and meaning now, in contemporary culture. At the end of each chapter there are rituals and spells for all levels of ability which help internalize the attributions, meanings, symbolism, and use of the runes.

For those interested in the rituals and spells found with the use of runes, this is added incentive to purchase the book. As a reference, it is top notch in its discussion of runes.

Aleister Crowley is well renowned for his unique writing style that can be both humorous and whimsical and can be very misleading on the face of it unless you read between the lines. This is not the case with The Book of Thoth, some say this is quite possibly his best work as he takes a deep reverent look at the Tarot in particular his version of the Tarot cards.

The Book of Thoth is not intended for divinitory purposes, Instead Crowley takes a look at the individual cards as meditative devices to alter ones consciousness and peer into the unknown world. Crowley’s meanings are an adaptation biased on the Tarot of the Golden Dawn, It is certainly a book worth reading for those of you who are searching for enlightenment.

ALEISTER CROWLEY THOTH TAROT DECK (small 80-card deck)

Parapsychologist W. E. Butler in this classic book had for the first time demystified energy techniques and how to see and read Aura’s this book is ideal for a person of limited esoteric knowledge. W E Butler clearly shows you the ways in which to develop your full spiritual potential and opens a path towards a lifetime of psychic exploration and discovery.

You will learn how to read the Aura understand the glowing of the Aura the field of vital energy that surrounds all living beings. Gain an understanding of Psychometry. Gain the ability to read the emanations of all objects and learn of their historical and emotional significance. Awaken Your minds Telepathic Powers to transmit and receive thoughts. Learn how to protect yourself from psychic vampirism, be able to diagnose and treat illnesses. Understanding weaknesses in the Aura and repairing them is crucial to health and well being.

Moon Magic being the squeal to Dion’s “Sea Priestess” although Dion did not finish the book before her death the last chapter was allegedly channeled by a psychic and then written word for word and published. Some say that parts of it are more or less duplicate scenario, It all really depends upon your knowledge and from what perspective you are reading the book from, There is much Spiritual knowledge and arcane secrets and practices to learn from this book if you read between the lines. But as in all cases apply what you learn with care ! As Dion reminds us, Nature can destroy as well as create.

Moon Magic tells the story of a Doctor and medicine professor with an uncanny ablity to diagnose illness, but yet his mannorisums make him not at all popular with his patients and colleges alike, He teams up with Lilith Le Fay and the pair of them embark upon a journy towards spiritual enlightenment. Lilith’s task though the use of ancient rituals is to free the Doctor from his jail created by his own Karma, whilst in the process of doing so Lilith manages to achieve transcendence herself.

Fortune’s Cosmic Doctrine is among the most important works of modern spiritual literature. Over seventy-two years ago, beginning at the Vernal Equinox in Glastonbury, Fortune started receiving communications from the Inner Planes concerning the creation of the universe, the evolution of humanity, natural law, the evolution of consciousness, and the nature of mind. The Cosmic Doctrine remained a closely guarded secret until 1949 when a closely edited version was privately printed since Dion Fortune’s successor considered the original a most dangerous book.

Sea Priestess is the highly acclaimed novel in which Dion Fortune introduces her most powerful fictional character, Vivien Le Fay Morgan – a practicing initiate of the Hermetic Path. Vivien has the ability to transform herself into magical images, and here she becomes Morgan Le Fay, sea priestess of Atlantis and foster daughter to Merlin! Inextricably drawn to an ancient cult, she learns the esoteric significance of the magnetic ebb and flow of the moon-tides.

The Sea Priestess tells the story of a seemingly privileged man, trapped in one-dimensional life of illness, duty and servitude, who embarks on a perilous journey toward spiritual enlightenment. He is guided in his quest by a woman. A powerful woman who represents the very spiritual principle he hopes to find and, with whose help, he can be set free. But at a deeper level, THE SEA PRIESTESS represents a primer for the seeker looking to reclaim ancient spiritual knowledge – a “How To” guide that quite eloquently reveals some of the esoteric secrets and practices long held sacred by Western secret societies and mystical orders.

After finding herself the subject of a powerful psychic attack, Dion Fortune wrote this detailed instruction manual for safeguarding yourself against paranormal malevolence. Fortune explores the elusive psychic element in mental illness and, more importantly, details the methods, motives, and physical aspects of psychic attack, and how to overcome this energy.

Psychic Self Defense provides clear step by step exercises on how to protect yourself. It gives enough background information to give a layperson knowledge about the occult. Dion Fortune does a good job of describing the damage that may be done to suggestible individuals – affirming that an interest in the occult may leave one open to negative influences. This is a great book that outlines all the methods of a spiritual or psychic assault and the causes for it.