Does anyone have an interest in the Occult?

I was just curious. I had to ask. I would like to read more about it, and yet I'm starving for books to read.

I read the entire occult section of the library by age 10. I was the creepy kid.

I've also seen Ghostbuster way too many times.

I started thinking that almost every occult book I'd read was pretty flaky a few years ago, so I really can't reccomend anything without feeling dirty. That said, I do have to admit that the books gave me a good starting point. I think damn near every town of any size has an occult bookstore. I grew up in the super dull semi-city of Raleigh and we had at least five. I reccomend setting aside some time for browsing. It takes time and effort to find good books, but should be rewarding and even enjoyable. Once you do find an interesting book, take everything written in it with about fifteen grains of salt. Do some experiments and make modifications. Try to act like a junior scientist. This method should help you learn a great deal very quickly but be aware that there are risks, most notably to your mind.

Also, there are various groups on this site which can help with book lists. I'm still in the process of finding them myself, but they do exist.

oh man, check out my "do you believe in magic" thread a few pages back. good discussion there.

but yeah, I'm very intested in the Occult, and I'm not even one of those dark gothy kids.

its all about aromatherapy.

What aspect of the occult? I know rather a lot about tarot, medium about other forms of divination, and a teensy bit about Wicca, but what were you particularly looking for?

Robert Anton Wilson, anybody? Yes, please.
Can't believe I didn't think of him the first time I posted.

The Egyptian Book of the Dead is nice, too, though very tough if you're even a little bit green.

Speaking of the occult, how many times are you going to come back from the dead, for fuck's sake?

I was the same way as a young kid.
Except instead of ghostbusters, i loved Fantasia. Especially the night on bald mountain part. Animated ghosts and demons made me happy as a kid

Occultists probably do but who knows what those crazy cats get up to in the privacy of their own homes.


.... oh, and Hitler.

I really like Anton LaVey as well. I should really read more of his books. I've only read one so far.

Chi-chi-chi-ah-ah-ah

Perdurabo

check out aleister crowley. he was an occultist at the turn of the last century and renamed himself "the great satan".

mad as a box of frogs

and Crowley died broke as hell too. He also apparently did not like L. Ron Hubbard.

I'm open to coordinated activity in secret places.

Being interested in the "occult" is like being interested in "science". It's vague almost to the point of meaninglessness.

I mean, I suppose you could say I'm interested in the occult, as I study the Tao and Zen Buddhism.

It all depends on what kind of definition you're using for "occult". It's about as vague as "gnosticism" or "spirituality".

This one's a real eye-opener.

Amusingly, about a year ago I actually took my copy of that book outside, shredded it, and then burned the remains. I don't remember what had gotten me so riled up, probably just being very cynical as I am sometimes. I do like some of his methods and ideas. I honestly can't remember why I was so mad...

Man, all those books look interesting. It looks like I've got to go book hunting pretty soon. Any other suggestions?

Yeah, I was the weird kid, too. Now I'm mmainly involved with Spiritual Drum Circles. If so inclined, do a search - and first, I recommend


and also, for other Magyck/Music intermingling, check out Spirit Into Sound.

^^^^^^That is one hell of a book list to digest^^^^^^

Thank you all for that! Now we're getting somewhere.