where should a beginner occultist begin?

[jonathan]

hi
well ive always been interested in the occult, but it was only last week that i actually started researching it, and then i realized that there was much much more to the occult arts than i could even begin to imagine. so in these past few days i've been gathering a collection of pdf files all of which pertain to different types of occult magick. my questions are: where exactly should i begin? is there one type of magick to read that would be better for a beginner than others? would it be better for me to begin by researching a broad spectrum of occult magicks? and finally what are some books/websites/other resources you recommend for a beginner to study that reflect your answers above.

thanks for your answers

[Etar]

It depends on why you want to know and work with magick. But I'd say, check out Crowley's Libri.

[Frumens]

I recommend that you absorb anything and everything that catches your attention. Some things will speak to you more than others. You'll eventually find a philosophy that fits you. Occultism is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Once you've found that, search for people who have more experience in that philosophy than you have.

I don't think that you should view all magick systems the same way, as some forms of magick are not beginner-friendly (Enochian, for example).

I recommend that you begin with texts any texts that you've found that are specifically aimed at beginners or introductory texts. There's a quarry of introductory books on amazon for plenty of different occult systems. Find the system(s) that you like, learn the basics, and find a teacher. I technically started off studying Wicca, but I really enjoyed the basic, pre-Wiccan Hermetic philosophy of The Kybalion. I've experimented and passed through some systems, and was immediately repelled by others. I feel more strongly about my path the more that I understand other paths, but maybe that's just me.

[Clockwork Ghost]

Just like everyone is suggesting, read everything you can until you come across a paradigm that suits you. Yes, you probably have thousands of different documents by now that all point in different directions, but just try to put them in their respective places and learn from them what you believe and what comes across as complete bollocks to you.

I know its hard work getting in to a study of the occult, but selectively eliminating pdfs really is the way to go. Much like with any reading material, youre going to find books and essays that dont resonate and those which do - the only secret is to try to ditch the ones that dont resonate over the ones which catch you eye and your imagination.

[ApocPT]

When I began this book was suggested to me, now I suggest it to you ''complete book of witchcraft'' by Raymond Buckland It helped me a lot, you should give it a try.
Good luck partner!

[ddionysius]

It's probably not that there are certain "types" of magic that will suit beginners.. but rather certain aesthetics that will suit some and not others. There are many great introductory books and courses now available in many systems. Where you start doesn't matter all that much when you look back a decade from now, but rather that you DO start somewhere