Student Reading List... where to start?!?
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I've collected the texts on the Student reading list. I'm slightly overwhelmed.
Does anyone have any advice on what to start with, or what worked for you during your 3 months of fervid study?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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How about starting with The Equinox?
After it the rest won't be so cryptic.
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"I've collected the texts on the Student reading list. I'm slightly overwhelmed.
Does anyone have any advice on what to start with, or what worked for you during your 3 months of fervid study?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
"93,
I agree with what Patrick said above, but if I may be so bold, if you can either buy gems from the equinox or only stick to the texts which are in there. The equinox is a bigread, and worth it if you've got the time, but in three months along with the other texts it's just not practical. Plus I think most of the plays and stories etc. are of little use.
The only exception to this is the soldier and the hunchback (which is an interesting read) and the temple of solomon the king, these are not in gems but can be found online (and in the full equinox also).
I found Transcendental magic to be the hardest to read, I found it very boring to read and very clunky to do so all in one go....Waite's footnotes sometimes struck me as unnecessary also. I'd read this along side the equinox; say a chapter a day, it just makes the information and the old style language easier to process.
I also wasn't keen on the spiritual guide, but this was probably due to the translation and copy of the book I obtained....
The rest are fairly easy reads. I think Crowley is a wonderful author and despite what people say he does try to be clear in what he says. The books on indian mysticism are fairly easy to understand and are quite interesting, some of their information is covered in the equinox so you can tie them all together if you wished.
Good Luck.
93,93/93.
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Just to make it easier, I want to be sure that you are using the right Student list. For the purpose of passing examination, there are less than a dozen items on the list (in addition to The Equinox). The larger list, with many dozen items, is mistaken by many people as "the Student list," and is only a list of suggested reading.
Here is the actual A.'.A.'. Student syllabus:
ordoaa.org/studlist.htm -
Patrick - the obvious answer for the obvious question, alright
Mark's suggestion to focus on Gems reiterates your answer and reassures (relieves?) me that I may not have to - initially - read every word of every volume.Mark, thank you so much for your input - I've flirted heavily with Crowley's writings in the past, and The Soldier and the Hunchback is one of his essays I've read a few times. I glanced through Levi's book, and I can predict it will be a laborious read.
Jim - thanks, yes - using that syllabus. It's daunting enough! I can only image what the *suggested *reading list is.
Thank you all for your replies. I remain intimidated but commited.
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93,
I would actually recommend to look at the list and see what draws your interest & attention and start there. Eventually work up to the ones that sound horrible and read them anyways. No reason to fight against your inner momentum.
93 93/93
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Thank you, IAO131, I was undecided as to whether I should start with what attracts me, or the polar opposite, you know?
I'm taking a middle approach
and am trying to digest Levi and The Pradapika simutaneously, to start.