Description

By (author) Williams, Liz

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A beautifully presented directory of occult history and artefacts and an essential guide for anyone interested in the occult.

Explore the mysterious and fascinating world of the occult from ancient Egypt to London’s Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the 19th century with this visual cabinet of curiosities.

Compendium of the Occult is divided into seven main sections: Ancient Origins, Divination, Ritual and Rites, Charms and Talismans, Curses and Hexes, Secret Societies and Sites of Significance. Each is packed with original manuscripts, sacred symbols and ritual objects to explore. Expert commentary on eclectic topics, ranging from Ancient Egyptian curses to the history of demonology, is further illuminated by excerpts from historical texts and a wide range of beautiful archive imagery.

Unearth the meaning of the word ”occult” and the differences between occultism and magic; discover arcane rituals and the belief systems behind them; and unlock the mysteries of ancient customs, sacred sites and secret societies.

Table of contents:
Introduction • 1. Ancient Origins • 2. Divination • 3. Rituals and Rites •4. Charms and Talismans • 5. Curses and Hexes • 6. Secret Societies • 7. Sites of Significance

Review quote:
”Beginning with the origins of western occultism, and taking in divination, rituals, talismans, curses and secret societies – from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to Anglo-Saxon Britain and the Freemasons – it’s a richly illustrated and comprehensive anthology” – Observer

Review quote:
”Plenty to catch your eye … a beautiful book” – Facts & Fiction

Review quote:
”Williams strikes an effective balance between general overview and colourful examples. A rich and appealing book. Humankind’s inventiveness in conceptualising the workings of the world emerges with force” – The Conversation

Review quote:
”An enlightening look at a subject often shrouded in ignorance and lies, Williams restores its integrity and, in doing so, has created an important historical record” – The Lady

Review quote:
”Williams, a well-known figure in British Pagan circles [brings] an insider approach to her general overview. Reflecting something of the elasticity of “the occult” as a cultural category, the material covered in this Compendium is extremely diverse. Topics featured range from ancient Greek rituals to the Ohio Serpent Mound, and from runes to Voodoo” – Folklore

Biographical note:
Liz Williams is based in Glastonbury, England, where she is co-director of a witchcraft supply business. She has a PhD from Cambridge in the History and Philosophy of Science, and is the author of several books, including Miracles of Our Own Making and Modern Handfasting. She has written for the Guardian on Paganism and also on the Philosophy of Science. She is the UK correspondent for US Pagan news site The Wild Hunt.

Promotional headline:
A beautifully presented directory of occult history and artefacts and an essential guide for anyone interested in the occult