The term “occult” is often used as a catch-all for all things supernatural, mystical, or anything that isn’t supported by mainstream science or popular religion. It comes from the Latin word for “secret,” as occult knowledge often includes hidden knowledge and ancient practices.
People have been obsessed with the occult for centuries. Some of that interest manifests in harmless ways, such as discussions in popular media, but sometimes it can become dangerous, as demonstrated by its association with Nazism.
Top Occult Books
Most of the books that tackle occultism are called grimoires. In its most basic meaning, a grimoire is a textbook of magic, containing information on how to create magical objects, cast spells, and summon magical beings. In some cases, these books are considered to be magical themselves.
I’ve curated a list of occult books you can check out if you’re interested in learning more about occultism. Some of them contain information about alleged spells and practices, while others tackle the subject from a more academic angle.
1. Magick by Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley was perhaps the most well-known occultist of the 20th century. Called “the wickedest man on Earth,” he taught and engaged in many controversial topics and activities. Most of his teachings are collected in this tome.
2. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult by DK
This book is a massive collection of all things occult, from its history to its many variants all over the world. It has a good balance of western and eastern occult philosophies and practices to give you a rounded view of occultism.
3. The Magus by Francis Barrett
This book is meant to be a comprehensive handbook of the philosophies and practical applications of occultism. It is one of the most consulted (and debated) resources on occultism, and has inspired a few notable figures in history, including famous occultist Eliphas Levi and novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
4. The Secret Doctrine by Helena Blavatsky
Helena Blavatsky co-founded Theosophy, a philosophical movement that believed there was an “ancient wisdom religion” from which all other faiths developed from. Her teachings and writings are credited with strongly influencing and reviving modern occultism.
5. The Golden Dawn by Israel Regardie
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a 19th-century occult organization whose teachings drew upon many esoteric sources. These teachings influenced many aspects of contemporary occultism, including Wicca and Thelema. This book contains most of their philosophies and practices.
6. Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
This is a comprehensive text of the history, lore and instructions of Wicca. Its workbook format, complete with test questions and illustrations, make it a popular reading choice for many new initiates to the religion.
7. Haitian Vodou by Mambo Chita Tann
Mambo Chita Tann is a priestess of the highest initiated rank in Haitian Voodou called a mambo asogwe. Featuring common misconceptions to specific beliefs and practices, this book of hers is a thorough study of her chosen religion.
8. Modern Tarot by Michelle Tea
Tarot is one of the best-known methods of divination that uses a special deck of cards. This book is an instruction manual on how to use the cards for occult purposes, translating the centuries-old practice into a more modern context.
9. Parapsychology by Caroline Watt
Parapsychology is a pseudoscience that seeks to explain psychic and paranormal phenomena. In this book, Watt attempts to demystify the reasons behind things such as spoon-bending, mind-reading, apparitions through scientific methods.
10.The Complete Prophecies of Nostradamus by Nostradamus
Nostradamus is reputedly the most accurate seer of all time. Believers claim that he predicted the Great Fire of London, the French Revolution, both world wars, and many other significant events in history. This book contains hundreds of quatrains that are believed to predict the future.
Reading Occult Books
Our fascination with the unknown and the unexplained draws us to consume books about ancient knowledge and practices. Then there’s the thrill of mystery that naturally pervades subjects that only a few can truly appreciate and understand.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a believer, a skeptic, or a simple academic of the occult. The information contained inside of these books will still prove interesting because we tend to be curious about everything.
The books I listed here are perfect introductions to the occult world. But if none of them catch your eye, or if you’re looking for something more specific, there are still tons of occult books out there, ready for your perusal.
Have you read any occult books? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
