An Encyclopaedia of Occultism Spence, Lewis

Name: An Encyclopaedia of Occultism Spence, Lewis
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Spence, Lewis
ISBN: 9780486426136

✍️ Spence, Lewis

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel the arcane secrets of the ages, meticulously cataloged for the curious mind.

Originally published in 1920, Lewis Spence's monumental work stands as a pioneering and unparalleled compendium of esoteric knowledge. This extensive volume offers a meticulously organized exploration of the occult sciences, delving into diverse traditions, figures, and practices from across history. It covers everything from ancient magical arts and psychic phenomena to spiritualist movements and mystical philosophies, providing a foundational resource for both the seasoned practitioner and the nascent seeker. Spence's encyclopaedia remains a a crucial touchstone for understanding the vast landscape of hidden wisdom, offering definitions, historical context, and insights into the often-misunderstood realms of the esoteric.

Key themes

{'title': 'Comprehensive Occult Reference', 'body': 'This work provides an exhaustive, A-Z guide to countless terms, concepts, and figures within the occult world. It serves as an essential first stop for defining obscure mystical traditions, understanding foundational spiritual philosophies, and navigating the vast terminology of esoteric studies, making complex subjects accessible.'} {'title': 'Historical Esoteric Practices', 'body': 'Spence meticulously chronicles the evolution and expression of various magical and mystical traditions throughout history. From ancient Egyptian rituals to Renaissance alchemy and folk magic, the encyclopedia situates these practices within their cultural and temporal contexts, illuminating their enduring influence and transformations over time.'} {'title': 'Psychic Phenomena Explored', 'body': "The compendium dedicates significant attention to the study of psychic science and spiritualism, popular movements during Spence's era. It documents accounts of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship, and other paranormal abilities, offering historical perspectives on these phenomena and the individuals who claimed to manifest or study them."}

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🏛 Dover Publications 📅 2003 📖 451 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780486426136

Fun fact

Lewis Spence's "Encyclopaedia" is an indispensable cornerstone for any serious student of the esoteric. Its unparalleled scope and historical depth provide a truly foundational understanding of countless occult traditions and figures. While some contemporary scholars might find certain interpretations dated, its value as a primary historical record and comprehensive entry point is undeniable. It excels in offering a panoramic view but might disappoint those seeking in-depth practical instructions or purely modern perspectives on practices like Witchcraft. A must-have for historical context and foundational knowledge.

📝 Description: An Encyclopaedia of Occultism Spence, Lewis

The most famous compendium of information on the occult and the first comprehensive work of its kind, this volume originally appeared in 1920. Subtitled "A Compendium of Information on the Occult Sciences, Occult Personalities, Psychic Science, Magic, ...

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are drawn to the hidden currents of history, an aspiring scholar of the arcane, or a curious seeker eager to demystify complex esoteric concepts, this foundational volume is indispensable. It's perfect for anyone seeking a robust, historical grounding in the world of occult knowledge.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While comprehensive, its encyclopedic format makes it excellent for dipping into specific topics. It's a fantastic starting point for defining terms and getting a broad overview before diving deeper into specialized subjects.

Spence's work offers an invaluable historical perspective, reflecting the knowledge and popular understanding of occultism in the early 20th century. While some interpretations may be dated, its scope and foundational information remain highly relevant and unique.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Comprehensive Occult Reference

This work provides an exhaustive, A-Z guide to countless terms, concepts, and figures within the occult world. It serves as an essential first stop for defining obscure mystical traditions, understanding foundational spiritual philosophies, and navigating the vast terminology of esoteric studies, making complex subjects accessible.

Historical Esoteric Practices

Spence meticulously chronicles the evolution and expression of various magical and mystical traditions throughout history. From ancient Egyptian rituals to Renaissance alchemy and folk magic, the encyclopedia situates these practices within their cultural and temporal contexts, illuminating their enduring influence and transformations over time.

Psychic Phenomena Explored

The compendium dedicates significant attention to the study of psychic science and spiritualism, popular movements during Spence's era. It documents accounts of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship, and other paranormal abilities, offering historical perspectives on these phenomena and the individuals who claimed to manifest or study them.

💬 Quotes from the book

«Alchemy, often misunderstood as merely the pursuit of transmuting base metals into gold, was in its profoundest sense a spiritual discipline aimed at the purification and perfection of the soul itself.»

«The phenomenon of clairvoyance, or 'clear sight,' posits an extraordinary faculty wherein an individual perceives objects or events without the aid of normal sensory channels, often spanning vast distances or future moments.»

📜 Historical context

Published in 1920, Spence's "Encyclopaedia" emerged during a period of intense public fascination with spiritualism, psychic research, and the rediscovery of ancient esoteric traditions. It represents a pivotal early attempt to systematically categorize and present the sprawling field of occultism, laying groundwork for future scholarly and popular works in the field and serving as a crucial bridge between 19th-century esotericism and modern occult revival movements.

📚 Glossary

Occultism
Esoteric
Compendium

📔 Questions to reflect on

How has the popular understanding of "occultism" changed since 1920, and what might account for these shifts?
Which historical figure or esoteric tradition mentioned in the encyclopedia sparks your greatest curiosity, and why?
Reflect on the idea of "hidden knowledge." What are its implications, and how might it influence personal or societal development?