An Encyclopaedia of Occultism

Name: An Encyclopaedia of Occultism
Price: 25.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Spence, Lewis
ISBN: 9781596052376

✍️ Spence, Lewis

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth centuries of hidden knowledge, from ancient rites to arcane personalities, in this foundational compendium.

Lewis Spence's monumental 1920 work remains an unparalleled guide to the vast and varied landscape of the occult. This meticulously compiled reference offers over 2,500 entries, delving into everything from ancient magical months to African indigenous spiritual practices. It explores historical figures like Leonora Galigai alongside esoteric concepts such as palingenesy, blending scholarly rigor with a fascination for the mysterious. For both casual enthusiasts and serious researchers, it provides an invaluable gateway into the history of arcane traditions, psychic phenomena, and mystical philosophies.

Key themes

{'title': 'Comprehensive Occult Survey', 'body': "Spence's work meticulously categorizes and details an astonishing array of occult subjects. From the intricate practices of ceremonial magick to the nuanced beliefs of spiritism and mysticism, this volume serves as a singular repository of information. It thoughtfully covers psychic science, demonology, and various esoteric philosophies, making it a foundational text for understanding the breadth of hidden traditions."} {'title': 'Historical Figures & Concepts', 'body': 'The encyclopedia illuminates countless personalities and ideas that shaped occult history. Readers will encounter notorious figures like Leonora Galigai, alongside explanations of complex concepts such as palingenesy, exploring the idea of rebirth or resurrection in different contexts. It offers a unique window into the lives and beliefs of those who embraced or were accused of engaging with the arcane.'} {'title': 'Cross-Cultural Esotericism', 'body': 'This volume transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, documenting occult practices from diverse cultures. From the ancient Semitic magical calendar "Ab" to the spiritual roles of "Zulu witch-finders," Spence demonstrates the universal human engagement with the unseen. It highlights how mystical and magical traditions manifest across the globe, offering a comparative perspective on esoteric thought.'}

🏛 Cosimo Classics 📅 2006 📖 456 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781596052376

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Fun fact

Spence’s Encyclopaedia is an enduring masterpiece, delivering unparalleled breadth and historical detail. Its dictionary format makes it incredibly user-friendly for quick reference and deep dives. Those seeking deep philosophical analysis or practical ritual instruction will find its encyclopedic nature a limitation, as it prioritizes breadth over exhaustive depth. However, as a foundational reference for the history of occult thought, it remains a monumental and indispensable work.

📝 Description: An Encyclopaedia of Occultism

This "compendium of information on the occult sciences, occult personalities, psychic science, demonology, spiritism, and mysticism" was one of a kind when it was first published in 1920 and is still considered the best in its field today. Spence organizes a world's worth of magic -- from "Ab" (a magical month in the ancient Semitic calendar) to "Zulu witch-finders" -- into 2,500 dictionary-style entries that explore concepts and personalities both familiar (Freemasonry, Morgan le Fay) and obscure: palingenesy (a process by which plants or vegetables are destroyed and then "resurrected"), Leonora Galigai (a 17th-century Italian aristocrat who was burned as a witch). A delight for devotees of the weird and the strange, and a valuable resource for students of mythology and the evolution of scientific thought, this important volume is at home in the libraries of all book lovers. Scottish journalist and folklorist LEWIS SPENCE (1874 -1955) was a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, and Vice-President of the Scottish Anthropological and Folklore Society. He published more than 40 works on mythology and the occult, including History of Atlantis, An Introduction to Mythology, and Myth and Ritual in Dance, Game and Rhyme.

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.3/5

★★★★★

If you're a curious seeker, a dedicated student of esoteric traditions, or captivated by the strange and unexplained, this compendium is for you. An essential acquisition for anyone building a serious library, providing immediate access to a world of hidden knowledge.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. Its dictionary-style format allows for easy navigation and provides concise, clear explanations, making complex topics accessible without prior specialized knowledge.

No, it embraces a vast spectrum. From Western esotericism and ancient mysticism to psychic phenomena and global folklore, it offers a truly panoramic view.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Comprehensive Occult Survey

Spence's work meticulously categorizes and details an astonishing array of occult subjects. From the intricate practices of ceremonial magick to the nuanced beliefs of spiritism and mysticism, this volume serves as a singular repository of information. It thoughtfully covers psychic science, demonology, and various esoteric philosophies, making it a foundational text for understanding the breadth of hidden traditions.

Historical Figures & Concepts

The encyclopedia illuminates countless personalities and ideas that shaped occult history. Readers will encounter notorious figures like Leonora Galigai, alongside explanations of complex concepts such as palingenesy, exploring the idea of rebirth or resurrection in different contexts. It offers a unique window into the lives and beliefs of those who embraced or were accused of engaging with the arcane.

Cross-Cultural Esotericism

This volume transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, documenting occult practices from diverse cultures. From the ancient Semitic magical calendar "Ab" to the spiritual roles of "Zulu witch-finders," Spence demonstrates the universal human engagement with the unseen. It highlights how mystical and magical traditions manifest across the globe, offering a comparative perspective on esoteric thought.

💬 Quotes from the book

«Under the entry for 'Ab,' one finds not merely a calendar month but a potent period within ancient Semitic magical practice, linked intrinsically to lunar phases and specific ritual observances.»

«From the intricate workings of medieval alchemy to modern inquiries into psychic phenomena, the threads of the unseen world are meticulously gathered, cataloged, and presented for the discerning student.»

📜 Historical context

Published in 1920, Spence’s Encyclopaedia emerged during a period of burgeoning interest in spiritualism and comparative religion. It filled a critical void for a comprehensive, accessible reference work on diverse esoteric subjects. This pioneering effort established a benchmark for subsequent occult scholarship, solidifying its place as a cornerstone text in the Western esoteric tradition.

📚 Glossary

Occultism
Demonology
Palingenesy

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might understanding the historical context of various occult beliefs change your perception of their modern manifestations?
Choose an obscure entry from the book (e.g., palingenesy) and research its contemporary interpretations or relevance.
Reflect on the persistent human fascination with the "hidden" or "unseen" as evidenced by the sheer breadth of topics covered in this encyclopedia.