The Occult Book Review

                                         “One mind there is, but under it two principles contend.”                               Philip K. Dick Tractates Cryptica Scriptura     The process of deciding what constitutes Christian doctrine and what are the remnants of previous traditions was summed up well by Elaine Pagels when she writes in Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, “ What survived as orthodox Christianity did so by suppressing and forcibly eliminating a lot of other material .” This can often be revelatory for those who believe that Christianity today exists in the same form as in its first centuries.   This position is also expounded upon by Earl Doherty in his book The Jesus Puzzle and in...

Reading Spirits from the Edge of the World by J. Van. Ysslestyne is an eye-opening anthropological revealing of authentic shamanism. Unlike many examinations from western writers, this book is mostly compiled by the Ulchi people themselves. As one of the few remaining cultures with living links back to their ancient lineages we should listen carefully to what they have to tell us. Their animism (Itself a western term) is primal, of course, but also holistic and connective in a way we often overlook. Indeed, sometimes we are under pressure to label or not label, categorise and separate, define and ritualise, all of which, while well meaning, only result in order, dogma and an unnatural barrier to what 'shamanism' really is. Shamanism in the Ulchi context, and for those of us in the west to a more crude degree, is an overview and umbrella term for what might be a multitude of paths, methods of contact and connection to what I call the 'whatever '. The arch...

This overview of the grimoire tradition is an essential addition to any collection. Davies is both thorough and entertaining in his opinions and histories. This is probably the perfect approach to take when trying to cover such a broad spectrum of traditions and cultures. To purchase Grimoires: A History of Magic Books go  here. Video review here:

In The Sacred History author Jonathan Black (AKA Mark Booth) sets out the case for idealism over materialism. Following on from his previous book The Secret History of the World the author this time uses an approach to mysticism that is possibly easier for the layperson to understand. The reason for this is the focus upon myth and the explanation of various religious and spiritual traditions and texts as opposed to the possibly more studious scope of his previous work. When we look back upon the history of sacred writings and wisdom supposedly gained through higher states of consciousness we must place a huge amount of faith in the notion of intuition and the idea that there is a common path applicable to us all. Idealism, as Black sees it, is the belief that thought came before matter and all of existence is somehow the expression of this original mind. In the book we are taken on a journey that begins with our earliest intimations of this higher aspect through creation myths ...

Trying to navigate both the intricacies and pitfalls of Gnostic history is no small task. In the past year alone even more new texts have been both discovered and released, resulting in various interpretations of their context and ultimate meaning. In his book, The Secret History of the Gnostics, Andrew Phillip Smith gives the reader a broad and thorough overview of Gnostic history. Smith reveals little known facts as well as explaining the main beliefs and practices of various Gnostic ideologies. Interspersed with dry wit and bringing us up to date with analysis of contemporary Gnostic books, films and themes, this is the perfect introduction to Gnosticism as well as being a valuable addition for the knowledgeable reader. Video Review: Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Gnostics-Scriptures-Traditions/dp/1780288212