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The Beginner's Guide to the Occult: Understanding the History, Key Concepts, and Practices of the Supernatural
Discover the secret world of the occult
The occult is an ancient field of supernatural study that was formed to help unravel the mysteries of the universe. The Beginner's Guide to the Occult helps you explore some of these mysteries for yourself, with simple explanations of different occult practices and their fascinating history. This guide is designed for any beginner who seeks to learn more about the occult and answer big questions about human nature as well as natural phenomena like the sky, the stars, and the Earth.
Step into the supernatural with this beginner's guide to the power of the occult.
The occult is an ancient field of supernatural study that was formed to help unravel the mysteries of the universe. The Beginner's Guide to the Occult helps you explore some of these mysteries for yourself, with simple explanations of different occult practices and their fascinating history. This guide is designed for any beginner who seeks to learn more about the occult and answer big questions about human nature as well as natural phenomena like the sky, the stars, and the Earth.
Step into the supernatural with this beginner's guide to the power of the occult.
- GenresWitchcraftOccultMagic
198 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
73 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 19, 2021
Beginners’ and introductory books are a dime a dozen in the pagan and occult worlds, and for someone new to the scene, knowing how to separate the wheat from the chaff can be an intimidating or downright impossible task. So allow me to be clear: Deborah Lipp is the real deal — an exemplary, clear writer whose books are well-researched and reliable. Her latest is no different.
A primer (and truly a surface-level one at that, but the book doesn’t pretend to be a deep-dive!) on a wide array of occult topics, this book will be a boon to any new witch, pagan, or occultist looking to get their bearings on the history and interplay of various practices. An opportunity to appreciate the “big picture” of how occult practices have influenced one another over the centuries/millennia is something I see missing from a lot of witchy and pagan spaces, and so I am thrilled that this book now exists.
A reader can get digestible snapshots of 8 different practices (and how they may relate) which will arm them with the clarity and ability (and specific recommendations of additional resources!) to learn more.
I will add that this is a beautifully-designed book. It’s downright trendy looking, which if I didn’t know the author might make me concerned that it’s focused on aesthetic appeal over content. If you’re at risk of being a judgy b like me, don’t fret; this text is as valuable as it is pretty.
A primer (and truly a surface-level one at that, but the book doesn’t pretend to be a deep-dive!) on a wide array of occult topics, this book will be a boon to any new witch, pagan, or occultist looking to get their bearings on the history and interplay of various practices. An opportunity to appreciate the “big picture” of how occult practices have influenced one another over the centuries/millennia is something I see missing from a lot of witchy and pagan spaces, and so I am thrilled that this book now exists.
A reader can get digestible snapshots of 8 different practices (and how they may relate) which will arm them with the clarity and ability (and specific recommendations of additional resources!) to learn more.
I will add that this is a beautifully-designed book. It’s downright trendy looking, which if I didn’t know the author might make me concerned that it’s focused on aesthetic appeal over content. If you’re at risk of being a judgy b like me, don’t fret; this text is as valuable as it is pretty.
September 15, 2022
Симпатична, неангажираща и достъпна книжчица, макар че аз си оставам все така тъпа по някои теми... Какво да се прави, не мога да се просветля в някои изкуства, може би трябва да се науча да "вибрирам"...
July 4, 2022
An excellent book. It’s great for those of us who are more on the folk magick side who want to explore more ceremonial magick. Magick nowadays is usually a blend of the two. One may gravitate to one side over the other but both would not be where they are today without one another. It’s great for a beginning occultist. While it doesn’t dive too deep into history like I was hoping. It provides a great reference section towards the end. I highly recommend for sprouting ceremonial magicians and even folk practitioners that just want to learn more about the other side. Bonus: the author being Jewish and addressing the issue of cultural appropriation from Kabbalah is a plus. It’s also educational on just how much western occultism is built off of Jewish mysticism and puts certain sects of the community, including prominent historical occultists, in their place
October 27, 2021
Highly readable, well researched. This is exactly what you are looking for when dipping your toes in the mystical waters.
You should get this book if you're just starting out on an esoteric journey and don't fully know what resonates with you.
You should get this book to help you put your interests into words when you get a billion questions about your experiences with tarot or astrology.
You should get this book if you are an author and need some magic based on actual history in your world building.
Lipp's writing knowledgeable and approachable. Its a fun read and you won't realize how much you're learning along the way.
You should get this book if you're just starting out on an esoteric journey and don't fully know what resonates with you.
You should get this book to help you put your interests into words when you get a billion questions about your experiences with tarot or astrology.
You should get this book if you are an author and need some magic based on actual history in your world building.
Lipp's writing knowledgeable and approachable. Its a fun read and you won't realize how much you're learning along the way.
July 17, 2022
A light, enjoyable read that covers the basics of the occult.
Deborah is truly an expert on the subject, and I appreciate her not sugar-coating some of the more unacceptable aspects of occultists (Crowley's racism, misogyny, etc), while still painting an inclusive picture of the subject.
This reads as a rather point-form selection of notes that is rather easy to skip parts that are not personally relevant. Doesn't go too in-depth, though it does provide recommendations for doing so.
Deborah is truly an expert on the subject, and I appreciate her not sugar-coating some of the more unacceptable aspects of occultists (Crowley's racism, misogyny, etc), while still painting an inclusive picture of the subject.
This reads as a rather point-form selection of notes that is rather easy to skip parts that are not personally relevant. Doesn't go too in-depth, though it does provide recommendations for doing so.
January 14, 2026
What an excellent little book! This is a well-written and informative introduction to many occult subjects. Lots of these types of books include a lot of outdated or just false information, or freely share (often incorrectly) tutorials on indigenous or African diasporic practices that are considered sacred to their own communities. This book focuses on Western esotericism and is very respectful and honest about its history of cross-pollination and appropriation of other religions/practices, with a modern openminded perspective.
I especially recommend this book to witches or Wiccan practitioners who want a bit more information on where much of their modern craft comes from, but aren’t sure where to start looking.
I especially recommend this book to witches or Wiccan practitioners who want a bit more information on where much of their modern craft comes from, but aren’t sure where to start looking.
March 15, 2023
Great intro!
Deborah Lipp does an amazing job of introducing a wide range of information on the foundations of the occult, without getting sucked down into getting too wordy, or bogging the text down in too many details. The balance is just right, and she provides further reading and her references so that those wishing to learn more know where to go next. This book is exactly what I wanted it to be.
Deborah Lipp does an amazing job of introducing a wide range of information on the foundations of the occult, without getting sucked down into getting too wordy, or bogging the text down in too many details. The balance is just right, and she provides further reading and her references so that those wishing to learn more know where to go next. This book is exactly what I wanted it to be.
October 13, 2021
Deborah Lipp is a skilled writer and a long time practitioner of occult arts. This book gives a strong and interesting background in the underpinnings of the modern day occult and how those arts are used by various spiritual groups. Engaging and interesting, this gives a fantastic introduction to the occult.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
Мисля, че тази книга е страхотна за начинаещи, които тепърва навлизат в окултното и не са запознати с материята. Хареса ми, че чрез нея най-накрая придобих по-добра представа за кабала. Искаше ми се обаче някои от другите теми, като астрология и алйхимия например да бяха разгледани по-подробо, защото бяха прекалено повърхностни. Това, което ми допадна, от друга страна, беше, че беше разгледана историята и по-важните личности от всяка тема. Това дава мн добра перспектива на читателя.
September 12, 2025
Interesting read to learn the basics of various areas of the occult and philosophies, religions and more. A great place for beginners to start and learn areas that interest you so you can obtain more information on those areas using the further reading section in the back.
March 11, 2022
This is a really good, well researched book. It is one of the better beginner books I have read by far.
March 13, 2022
Basics concepts like Astrology, numerology, tarot, etc and their historical context.
January 31, 2023
Good read.
Covers a lot topics, took a vast amount of notes.
Have some much to research and now I'm quite interested in alchemy
Covers a lot topics, took a vast amount of notes.
Have some much to research and now I'm quite interested in alchemy
June 7, 2024
Read this book for research for a book club & found it very interesting!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews