Recommended Texts

I’m often asked for lists of esoteric books from people seeking authentic, accessible, and useful texts. Finding those books isn’t always easy. One must be discerning in order to separate the wheat from the chaff. I know from my own experience that there are many mediocre books, but there are also more than a few gems that I have no reservations recommending. This list is an offer to share my own current favorites in hopes of saving you a bit of time, money, and effort. I’ve read all the books listed here cover to cover and loved each one.

As a work in progress, this list is by no means comprehensive.  It reflects my own personal preferences and prejudices. I believe that one who has read and digested the contents of the books listed here will have a solid intellectual understanding of Western esotericism. In order to make the list a bit more cohesive, I’ve segmented it by subject and kept my commentary short and sweet.

Western Mystery Tradition

The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall –The classic, most comprehensive book on various aspects of the Western Mystery Tradition. This is a must-have for your collection if you don’t already own it. It’s useful as a reference that you’ll return to over and over. Please note that the large hardcover edition available from the Philosophical Research Society is wonderful, but many appreciate having a smaller paperback version.

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order by Paul Foster Case – In this tome, Case breaks down the Qabalistic meanings in the foundational documents of Rosicrucianism and the Western Mystery Tradition, the Fama Fraternitatis and the Confessio Fraternitatis. The second part of the book contains masterful descriptions of each grade of the Rosicrucian system. This book provides a depth of insight into the meaning of Rosicrucianism like no other.

Understanding Your Choice by Etta Jackson – Although relatively new, this book (as well as the companion volumes – Unveiling the Secrets of the Feminine Principle and The Role of Consciousness in Governance) are unusually forthright, readable, and overflowing with ageless wisdom. Jackson’s use of Astrology, Qabalah, and Tarot is quite impressive and her skill at communicating the principles and philosophies are probably unmatched. I highly recommend all three of Etta Jackson’s books.

The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art by James Wasserman – A wonderful collection of esoteric art, this book is a feast for the eyes. Wasserman has done a wonderful job putting these images together along with the commentary.

Hermetics

The Kybalion by Three Initiates – An excellent exposition on the Hermetic laws and reading it has the potential to alter perception.

The Hermes Paradigm, Book One: First Principles by Rubaphilos Safluere – A modern and thoroughly inquisitive exposition on Hermetism that challenges assumptions. This is another book that has a powerful potential to alter the reader.

The Hermetica: Lost Wisdom of the Pharoahs by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy – I realize purists and academics may cringe in shocked horror and dismay at this selection, but I found these selected quasi-translations from the Corpus Hermeticum to be pleasurable and inspiring in a way that reading an authentic, academically certified translation was not. Freke and Gandy deserve credit for making this material more accessible to the modern reader.

Qabalah

Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune – Although an admittedly dry read, this single volume contains a fairly comprehensive description of Hermetic Qabalah as we understand it today.

Tree of Sapphires: The Enlightened Qabalah by David Goddard – Goddard has a gift for conveying the Western Mystery Tradition and this book is an excellent primer, like Fortune’s book, but a much better read with a more modern tone. The meditative exercises contained in the book are required knowledge for anyone practicing and studying this tradition.

The Chicken Qabalah of Rabbi Lamed ben Clifford by Lon Milo DuQuette – Written in an un-serious tone, the material is presented in the most accessible way I’ve ever encountered. Lon’s gift for making Qabalah fun is unmatched in my opinion.

A Garden of Pomegranates: Skrying on the Tree of Life by Israel Regardie – The path workings (guided meditations for each path on the Tree) makes this a worthwhile addition to your collection.

The Mysteries of the Qabalah: Occult Agreement of the Two Texts by Eliphas Levi – In analyzing The Book of Ezekiel and The Apocalypse of St. John, Levi shows the Qabalistic symbolism in both parts of the Bible. This text is very useful in learning that the Bible is an encoded guide for initiates.

The Work of the Kabbalist by Z’ev ben Shimon Halevi – An extremely valuable book that provides a wealth of insights into practical aspects of the tradition.

The Cube of Space: Container of Creation by Kevin Townley – An amazingly in-depth analysis of the concept and symbolism of the Cube of Space. Townley masterfully describes his revelations about the Qabalistic, astrological, and Tarot correspondences, bringing the cube to life in a way that no other writer has to date.

Tarot Symbolism

The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages by Paul Foster Case – Hands down the absolute best book on the symbolism of the Major Arcana that I’ve ever read and maybe ever will. A classic and must-have for those who are serious about studying Tarot for conscious unfoldment.

The Book of Tokens by Paul Foster Case – A book of devotional poetry that is simply sublime. I consider it a holy book. It is available directly from Case’s organization, Builders of the Adytum.

The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination by Robert M. Place – The incomparable Robert Place is both an artist and scholar of the Tarot. His work displays a depth of historical scholarship and symbolic knowledge that is very impressive. Also be sure to check out his new book, The Fool’s Journey: The History, Art, & Symbolism of the Tarot.

The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley – Crowley’s wonderful book on the amazing Thoth Tarot Deck. Although some may dispute or quibble with some of the particulars of the explanations or attributions, don’t listen to them, this is a very worthwhile tome to accompany the most visually stunning Tarot deck ever created.

Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot by Lon Milo DuQuette – DuQuette does a fabulous job of explaining the Thoth deck and many find his book essential for working with it.

Alchemy

Esoteric Keys of Alchemy by Paul Foster Case – A fantastic foundational explanation of spiritual Alchemy drawing upon old texts and even Hinduism to explain the basic philosophies and symbolism.

Secret Fire: The Relationship Between Kundalini, Kabbalah, and Alchemy by Mark Stavish – An excellent exposition containing both theory and practice. Highly recommended and it’s online!

The Tower of Alchemy: An Advanced Guide to the Great Work by David Goddard – Contains both theory and practice of spiritual Alchemy and, although not explicitly, the Art of Memory. Notable as well is Goddard’s inclusion of corresponding Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and symbolism enhances the explanations, making it clear that Alchemy, in some form, is part of many traditions. Diligently reading and practicing Tower of Alchemy has the potential to produce dramatic results.

Alchemy and Mysticism (Hermetic Cabinet) by Alexander Roob – I’m passionate about symbolic artwork and if I were only picking one book of Alchemical and mystical art, this would be it.

The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century by Stanislas Klossowski de Rola – … And if I were picking two…

The Emerald Tablet: Alchemy for Personal Transformation by Dennis William Hauck – The combination of historical analysis, practical advice, and personal anecdotes make Hauck’s book a worthy addition to your collection. I found this to be one of the most entertaining books on the subject.

The Path of Alchemy: Energetic Healing and the World of Natural Magic by Mark Stavish – Stavish is always solid and this book is no exception. Although I personally have limited experience with laboratory alchemy, this book has proven quite valuable.

Freemasonry

The Lost Keys of Freemasonry / Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians / Masonic Orders of Fraternity by Manly P. Hall – Although written before Hall was made a Mason, these three books (now published in a single edition) betray his knowledge of the symbolism and philosophy of the Craft. Admittedly, like many other books about Freemasonry, the speculative history portrayed in these volumes cannot necessarily be proven. However, this speculation is not unusual, nor unfounded.

The Masonic Letter G by Paul Foster Case – Another classic work by Case. Despite its slim size, this volume contains far more insight and revelation into Masonry than most books I’ve read on the subject. Of course, that’s par for the course with anything Case published.

The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual by Timothy Hogan – Hogan effectively describes the concepts, philosophies and symbolism of laboratory Alchemy in relation to Masonic ritual in a convincing and thorough manner. This book is an eye-opening exposition for Masons and non-Masons alike.

The 32 Secret Paths of Solomon: A New Examination of the Qabalah in Freemasonry by Timothy Hogan – As good as The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual is, I think this book is even better. Hogan’s analysis and explanation of Qabalistic correspondences with Masonic ritual and symbolism is revelatory and caused me to examine my own preconceptions of Masonry and Qabalah. If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend that you do.

Freemasonry: A History by Angel Millar – Millar’s book is a bit of a hidden treasure. It provides a scholarly and serious approach to Masonic history without the speculation or exaggeration that is often prevalent in histories of this sort. In addition, the quality of the publication and included photographs make this a worthy addition to your collection.

More to come…