Book Recommendations
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93,
As we begin shaping the Book Club, this thread will be our space to gather recommendations for future reads. The goal is to keep a balance between primary Thelemic texts, related esoteric writings, and thoughtful secondary sources that give us new perspectives.
How It WorksDrop your book recommendations in the replies — title + author, and maybe a line or two about why you think it would be a good choice.
Once we’ve gathered a solid list, we’ll vote on which book to read next.
We’ll rotate between Crowley’s works and other texts so there’s variety.
Ideas to Get Us StartedHere are a few possibilities — but please add your own!
Primary / Thelemic Works
Eight Lectures on Yoga – Aleister Crowley
Konx Om Pax – Aleister Crowley
The Book of Lies – Aleister CrowleyRelated Esoterica
The Sword & the Serpent – Denning & Phillips
Pearls of Wisdom – James Eshelman
The True & Invisible Rosicrucian Order – Paul Foster CaseSecondary Sources / Commentary
Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley – Richard Kaczynski
Women of the Golden Dawn: Rebels and Priestesses – Mary K. Greer
Your Turn
What books would you like to see us tackle? Big or small, primary or commentary, serious or playful — all suggestions are welcome.93 93/93
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H Hannah pinned this topic
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So this question makes me think... what is our goal? Are we sticking to learning more theory, learn how to bring Thelema from theory into our lives, learn other traditions, just reading for fun...? Do we have a specific topic, ish? Or really, all suggestions are welcome?
For example the Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk is a GREAT READ, but it's another tradition, and it's realistic fantasy. But it's GOOD, and it really shows an amazing example of what the Reclaiming tradition would look like, if it were to take over a city. I dream of living in that sort of community (although I don't think I'll be moving to San Francisco any time soon), and I would love to co-create it. Should I suggest something like that? Or not, because it's not theory/psychology/etc.?
Also, Michelle Obama's book, Becoming, was fantastic--it's a memoir. She is not magical AT ALL, but it was a good read, and I liked learning the history of her and her family. Are we doing ALL books?
How are we defining this book club?
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Personally, I am open to all suggestions as Thelema can be found in every tradition and all aspects of life. I think it would be interesting to explore non-occult texts within an occult framework! Not that Starhawk isn't occult, I was mainly referencing the memoir. The basic framework for the book club is that a group of Thelemites will read together and share their reflections. So, the definition of this book club is that it is Thelemic but also will take shape based on the people participating.
So all suggestions truly are welcome! Our next book will be whichever one wins the majority vote.