Tampa Bay Occulture Club Recommended Reading

The purpose of this document is to provide a list of resources that can serve as a reasonable basis of study for an introduction to the club’s subject matter. These books can be considered “Core” touchstones for general topics, but should not be considered exhaustive or restrictive. They have been chosen for their availability and quality.

The Basics

Reference

These are books that don’t need to be read cover to cover, but that provide research opportunities and good sources to clarify unfamiliar topics.

Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology Edited by Leslie Shepard

Almost impossible to get, but without a doubt one of the most complete encyclopedias ever compiled on the subject of Occultism. Included in this list because of its extreme usefulness, may be available in archived digital editions.

The New Encyclopedia of the Occult by John Michael Greer

An acceptable substitution for the Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, albet far less detailed.

Divination

The Book Of Ordinary Oracles by Lon Milo DuQuette

A light hearted introduction to divination using a variety of techniques. A solid, non intimidating survey through the most popular methods of divination that introduces fundamental concepts that can be applied to any intuitive reading.

History

History is essential to contextualize yourself and your practice. These books should comprise a solid foundation, but it is vital to keep learning the history of any tradition you engage with. An appreciation and understanding of the historical context of the cultures we engage with is vital to maintaining a non-exploitative relationship.

The Occult Book by John Michael Greer

A generalised history of the occult, focusing on western occultism.

Star.Ships: A Prehistory of the Spirits by Gordon White

An attempt to chart the historical propagation of the grimoire spirits through recent academic work in historical anthropology.

Mojo Workin’ by Katrina Hazzard-Donald.

A history for giving context to the use of traditional african religious practice within modern occultism. Recommended due to the prevalence within the local traditions.

Coursebooks

Generally magic coursebooks are all-in-one texts that try to get the reader boot-strapped into a specific tradition of magic. You really only need to read one, multiple are listed here as a convenience so that one that matches your learning style and personality can be selected.

Advanced Magick for Beginners by Alan Chapman

A modern coursebook of Chaos Magic. The goal is to work you through the theories of chaos magic, mixing in practical work in order to help you develop out the metaphysical tools in order to continue on your journey as a practitioner. Does not care if you swear or curse.

Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

A coursebook designed for use in conjunction with Oberon’s online school. Useful in its own right, it presents a lot of general knowledge and a path to self-initiation into a sort of neo-pagan flavored magical system. Generally veers away from the heavier magical impulses, would like you to use polite language and disapproves of cursing.

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft

The classic work on American Wicca. One of the widest scope single-book courses available, though somewhat out of date.

Modern Magick by Donald Michael Kraig

A modern introduction to hermetic, golden dawn influenced ritual magic.

Further Study

Once you have a solid understanding of the basics, these books can provide talking points for future meetings as well as inspiration for experimentation.

Historical Magical Systems

The Cunning Man’s Handbook: The Practice of English Folk Magic, 1550-1900

A historical evidence based reconstruction of the magical landscape of english folk magic from its most influential years.

Recomended Books