Books you can recomend

[Huxley]

Since I've only started to get into ocultism, I'm interested in buying books of the sort. The quickest bookshop I have near home is a Borders bookstore, so if any of you wish to recomend something, I'd wish it'd be something easy to get.

A book I'm thinking of buying is called The Golden Dawn which sparks interest since it also seems to be a valid source of information... I'm not actually very interested in spell books or any of sort, but actually something I can start with confterably. I'm just a beginer after all, and I'm only just starting to peek at these books.

A few months ago I tried to look at the autobiography of Aleister Crowley but I succeeded in nothing. I also wanted to look for his novels, 'Moonchild', and 'Diary of a Drug Fiend' but I also found nothing. I found 'The book of lies', although sadly I couldn't buy it since I didn't knew I would be interested in it.

[Huxley]

I already checked on the Borders website whether they carried the first book you mentioned, and it seems to be a yes. It also seems to be a classic, and I did like what I read on what the book is about. So when I get some money, I'll see if I can pick it up.

As for the Golden Dawn book, I guess I could actually consider buying the one you mention instead of the one by Regardie (Because in all honesty, sometimes I can get a little bit confused on what some occult writers can mention sometimes).

[Odin]

The books by the Cicero's anyone of them are all good and they work of the the works of Regardi

The Cicero's worked closely with Regardi up till the time of his death in bring the works of the Golden Dawn to the modern ages sort of way.

Any books by Dione Fortune are good also easy read and very good

hope this helps

[arkham]

Psychic Self-Defense
By Dion Fortune


looking around the internet at various books and I see that many claim that the re-printed 2001 edition of this book (what is being sold as the latest version) is full of editorial errors and erroneous changes from the mid-80's version.

Just an FYI. Thought I would share this information.

This type of thing is what makes books of this nature even more confusing.

[Bokeh]

I found Fortune's Mystical Qabalah to be one of the most important books I've ever read - period. The prose is dense, but very well written. Pearls of wisdom in every paragraph. Worth reading even if you don't use Kabbalah.

If you're looking for someone to hold your hand through the Golden Dawn system, Thomas' Magick, Kabbalah and the Great Work of Self Transformation is very clear. If Regardie's Golden Dawn is the text book, Thomas is the tutor. Reads as though he's giving lectures with the aid of set texts, so it ends up being a lot of books to source. Might not be suitable for your budget, but if you're looking for something to pull it all together clearly, it's the goods.

Kraig's Modern Magick covers a lot of ground, but not deeply enough for my liking. It was one of the first I read, and I liked it until I got fed up with how shallow his treatment of concepts was and stopped after a few chapters (as it was getting too advanced without a solid foundation). He tried to cram everything into a few hundred pages.

Carroll's Liber Null also covers a lot of ground, but with the premise that you can work out the details yourself. He doesn't go into full descriptions of rituals, just says "There are these kinds of methods, for example x, y and z. Do whichever you like." His work on Kaos is the most seminal since Crowley's Thelema.

As far as a all rounders go (or what it means to be a magician) I'd go Regardie's Tree of Life (he's a clumsy writer sometimes, but it's a good overview), Crowley's Book IV or Carroll's Liber Null.

All of the above (aside from Liber Null) are Kabbalah, high magick based. Haven't looked into wicca.

Keep in mind your path unfolds in the exact way that is most suitable to you. That's how it works.

[ArrowheadEX]

the golden dawn stuff is great but I think starting out with something alittle less specific.

Dion Fortunes Psychic Self Defense isn't really agreeable with the current mind set, it gets alot of flak because the basis for alot of her ideas grounded in more belief can be dangerous for the beginner attracting unnecessary trouble and for the more advanced the techniques are obsolete because the practitioner has at this point forged their own techniques which are more naturally to his/her own subjective language.

although her Mystical Kabbalah is an awesome book and an easy find i wouldnt recommend it "right out of the gate".

instead I would recommend Practical Solitary Magic by Nancy B. Watson who herself is from the Dion Fortune school and is geared toward the beginner (ISBN 0877288747)

Lon Milo is another good one who hasnt been mentioned, his Chicken Qabalah is an excellent precursor to Fourtunes Mystical Kabbalah (ISBN 1578632153)

Isreal Regardies Golden Dawn is a must have, so is Liber 777 and Agrippa's 4 books of Occult Philosopy, but at this point it would only collect dust in your room so better to hold off.

hope that was helpful. :D

[redhand]

Though The Golden Dawn by Regardie is a good one to have in your library I wouldn't recommend it for starting out as Lady D said you will probably pull you hair out!LOL

If you are after learning the Golden Dawn system but, want to get a feel for it before joining one of the organisations or just want to practice as a solitary. Get Modern Magick by Kraig with Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn by the Ceceros these are pretty much initiations up to the Portal between Grades 4=7 and 5=6, and Middle Pillar by Regardie will help break down the basics rituals like the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Middle Pillar itself for a greater understanding.

Arrowhead and Boken gives some really good suggestions also for GD type instruction. Though I would wait with the Liber Null till you have a solid base built.

Quantum Sorcery explains in detail the quantum physics behind Chaos Magick and answers the question of "How does Magick actually work?" I would say get a little bit of study before tackling that one!LOL Like Vir Sapiens says it's not for everyone and can give you a good base but, Quantum Sorcery incorporates elements from earlier magical systems, as well as physics, mathematics, psychology and biology and some well,.. you may just want to look at it first and see if it's for you.LOL I do like the ideas in this one but, then again I liked Tao of Physics!LOL

[darkmage]

Books are amazing sources of information, but are easy to become dependent on.... Remember that all occultists from Crowley to Konstantinos put their pants on one leg at a time.... Its best to get some instruction and then interpret it on your own.... write your own book....

That being said....

My favorites are

Condensed Chaos - Phil Hine

Urban Primitive- Raven Kaldera

Mastering Witchcraft- Paul Huson

Book of Lies Misinformation - Richard Metzger (specifically the article by Grant Morrison)

Other Sources of Inspiration...

A Perfect Circle, Harry Potter, Porn, Absinthe, Hookah, and Red Bull

[Harlock]

scott cunningham has some good book for beginners, his work isnt something id work with religiously but alot of his spells and ideas is a good place to start building your foundation in your learning

and i havent read anything of the golden dawn....yet

[mallock]

Don’t forget liber null, the best books on chaos magic and dion fortunes novels sea priestess and the follow up moon magic, the Mystical Kabbalah is the theory and the novels put it in to practice

[PRAXIS]

Good Day, I hope this list of material helps. Most of which may be found online in .pdf format.

Many of the books listed above are very very good. Reading and study is important. However Practice , practice, practice. And keep a record. toddlers crawl before they start running marathons. keep this in mind.

Ladder of Lights by William G. Gray

LIST OF BOOKS WRITTEN OR EDITED BY GARETH KNIGHT
in date order of first publication

A Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism [1965]
This is the first book I ever wrote. It analyses the Tree of Life in full detail, including the Paths that interconnect the Sephiroth with particular attention to their Tarot attributions. Originally published in two volumes it is now available in a single big paperback edition from Red Wheel Weiser – complete with an important new introduction which makes due apology for any errors or differences of perception that may have occurred over the forty years since it first appeared. As it stands it provides a snapshot of the Qabalistic teachings of the Society of the Inner Light as they were in 1962 which in effect are largely the work of Margaret Lumley Brown and other mediums who took over from the late Dion Fortune. My own contribution is largely on the symbolism of the Tarot. It was intended as a kind of supplement rather than a replacement for Dion Fortune's The Mystical Qabalah of the early thirties. It has given sterling service however, over the years, as a textbook for students of the Servants of the Light esoteric school, amongst others.

too many to list here by that author...here is a link.
Gareth Knight books (http://www.angelfire.com/az/garethknight/books.html)

Books by Dion Fortune

A Garden of Pomagranites by Dr. Israel Regardie
Tree of Life by same

Initiation into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (advanced work)

Yoga for Yahoos and Yellow Bellies by A. Crowley
Book 4 by same
Liber ABA by same

Essential Reiki by Diane Stein

Incense, Oils, and Brews by Scott Cunningham

Real Magick Issac Bonowitz

Liber 777 by A. Crowley

One year Manual by Dr. Regardie

I do not advise working with the Lesser Key of Solomon or even the Greater Key of Solomon...works of Evocation should by avoided until a very good practical grounding in occult science is achieved and a level head on your shoulders. As well as a healthy dose of PRACTICAL work performed and recorded in journals. Also...Enochian work I do not even work with as I do not concider myself either drawn to it or capable of dealing with a serious problem should one arrise. This bold admission says what... Do not work out of your depth! Trust me on this one.... you can burn your fingers just so many times touching the fire before you figure it out...Damn that stuff is HOT! Ouch!

The Heroes Journey by Joseph Cambell

Liber 0 This should be studied thoroughly.

here are a couple sites where you may find some .pdfs
Welcome to Ra-Hoor-Khuit Network (http://www.rahoorkhuit.net)
The Hermetic Library - Hermetic.com (http://www.hermetic.com)

I wish you the best of fortune and a safe journey without too many reefs and or sea monsters... some are nessary! :D

Respectful Regards,
Praxis
Frater Sapere Noblis Astrum

[PRAXIS]

Liber Files from various Thelemic authors. The publications of the A:..A:. divide themselves into four classes.

Class [A] consists of books of which may be changed not so much as the style of a letter: that is, they represent the utterance of an Adept entirely beyond the criticism of even the Visible Head of the Organization.

Class [B] consists of books or essays which are the result of ordinary scholarship, enlightened and earnest.

Class [C] consists of matter which is to be regarded rather as suggestive than anything else.

Class [D] consists of the Official Rituals and Instructions.

Class [E] consists of manifestos, broadsides, epistles and other public statements.

Some publications are composite, and pertain to more than one class.

Click here to see a listing by Class

LIBR000.txt Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and Notes
LIBR001.txt Liber B Vel Magi [A] (pdf version) (notated)
LIBR002.txt The Message of the Master Therion [E] (pdf version)
LIBR003.txt Liber Jugorum [D] (pdf version)
LIBR004.txt Liber ABA
LIBR005.txt Liber V Vel Reguli [D] (pdf version)
LIBR006.txt Liber O Vel Manus et Sagittae [B] (pdf version)
LIBR007.txt Liber Liberi Vel Lapis Lazuli, Adumbratio Kabbalae AEgyptorium [A] (pdf version)
LIBR008.txt Liber VIII [D] (pdf version)
LIBR009.txt Liber E Vel Excercitiorum [B] (pdf version)
LIBR010.txt Liber Porta Lucis [A] (pdf version)
LIBR011.txt Liber NU [D] (pdf version)
LIBR013.txt Graduum Montis Abiegni [D] (pdf version)
LIBR015.txt Ecclesiae Gnosticae Catholicae Canon Missae (b version) (pdf version)
LIBR016.txt Liber Turris Vel Domus Dei [B] (pdf version)
LibR017.txt Liber IAO. [D] (anyone have this send it please) (pdf version)
LIBR018.txt The Fountain of Hyacinth (same as 93)
LIBR021.txt Khing Kang King (pdf version)
LIBR024.txt De Nuptis Secretis Deorum Cum Hominibus Sexual magick. [B] (pdf version)
LIBR025.txt The Star Ruby [B] (pdf version)
LIBR025n.txt The Star Ruby Notes
LIBR027.txt Liber Trigrammaton [A] (pdf version)
LIBR028.txt The Ceremony of the Seven Holy Kings (pdf version)
LIBR030.txt Liber Librae [B] (pdf version)
LIBR031.txt Being A Part of the Diary of Frater O.I.V.V.I.O. (pdf version)
LIBR033.txt An Account of the A:.A.: (pdf version)
LIBR036.txt The Star Sapphire [D] (pdf version)
LIBR036n1.txt The Star Sapphire Notes 1 (pdf version)
LIBR036n2.txt The Star Sapphire Notes 2 (pdf version)
LIBRO41.txt THIEN TAO or, The SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN (pdf version)
LIBR044.txt The Mass of the Phoenix [D] (pdf version)
LIBR044n1.txt Comments on The Mass of the Phoenix
LIBR046.txt The Key of the Mysteries (pdf version)
LIBR049.txt The Collected writings of Jack Parsons (pdf version)
LIBR051.txt The Lost Continent (pdf version)
LIBR052.txt Manifesto of the O.T.O. (pdf version)
LIBR055.txt The Chymical Jousting of Brother Perardua (pdf version)
LIBR058.txt The Temple of Solomon the King
LIBR059.txt Across the Gulf [C] (pdf version)
LIBRO60.txt The Abuldiz Working (pdf version)
LIBR061.txt Liber LXI Vel Causae [D] (pdf version)
LIBR064.txt Liber Israfel [B] (pdf version)
LIBR065.txt Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente [A] (pdf version)
LIBR065c.txt Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente Comments
LIBR066.txt Liber Stellae Rubeae [A] (pdf version)
LIBR067.txt The Sword of the Song (pdf version)
LIBR070.txt The Cross of a Frog (pdf version)
LIBR071.txt The Voice of the Silence (pdf version)
LIBR073.txt The Um. (pdf version)
LIBR074.txt Liber vel Testis Testitudinis (pdf version)
LIBR076.txt Liber
LIBR077.txt Liber OZ (pdf version)
LIBR078.txt A Description of the Cards of the Tarot (pdf version)
LIBR081.txt Moonchild. (pdf version)
LIBR084.txt Liber Chanokh (pdf version)
LIBR090.txt Liber Tzaddi Vel Hamus Hermeticus [A] (pdf version)
LIBR093.txt The Fountain of Hyacinth (same as 18) (pdf version)
LIBR095.txt The Wake World (pdf version)
LIBR096.txt Liber Gaias, A Handbook of Geomancy [B] (pdf version)
LIBR097.txt Soror Achitha's Vision (pdf version)
LIBR100.txt Agape, Azoth. (pdf version)
LIBR101.txt O.T.O. An Open Letter to those who may wish to join the Order [B] (pdf version)
LIBR106.txt Concerning Death (pdf version)
LIBR111.txt Liber CXI Vel Aleph, The Book of Wisdom or Folly [B] (pdf version)
LIBR120.txt Liber Cadaveris, Ritual CXX, Of Passing Through the Tuat [D] (pdf version)
LIBR124.txt vel of Edan and the Sacred Oak (pdf version) (pdf scan version)
LIBR132.txt Apotheosis. (pdf version)
LIBR148.txt The Soldier and the Hunchback (pdf version)
LIBR150.txt Liber CL Vel {Lamed}{Ayin}{Nun], A Sandal, De Lege Libellum [E] (pdf version)
LIBR156.txt Liber Cheth Vel Vallum Abiegni [A] (pdf version)
LIBR157.txt The Tao Teh King (pdf version)
LIBR161.txt O.T.O. Concerning the Law of Thelema (pdf version)
LIBR165.txt A Master of the Temple. Pdf Versions (pdf version)
LIBR175.txt Liber Astarte Vel Berylli [D] (pdf version)
LIBR185.txt Liber Collegii Sancti (pdf version)
LIBR194.txt O.T.O. An Intimation with Reference to the Constitution of the Order (pdf version)
LIBR197.txt The High History of Good Sir Palamedes the Saracen Knight and of his following the Questing Beast [C] (pdf version)
LIBR200.txt Liber Resh Vel Helios [D] (pdf version)
LIBR206.txt Liber RU Vel Spiritus [D] (pdf version)
LIBR207.txt A SYLLABUS OF THE OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS OF A.'. A.'. (pdf version)
LIBR216.txt The Yi King (pdf version)
LIBR220.txt Liber AL Vel Legis, The Book of the Law [A] (pdf version)
LIBE220a.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: Old and New Commentary on the Book of the Law. (pdf version)
LIBE220b.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: Motta Commentary on the Book of the Law. (pdf version)
LIBE220c.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: Scarlet Sisterhood Commentary on the Book of the Law. (pdf version)
LIBE220d.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: Sam Websters Commentary on the Book of the Law. (pdf version)
LIBE220e.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: Benjamin Rowe Commentary on the Book of the Law. (pdf version)
LIBE220f.txt Liber AL Vel Legis: The Comment called D (The Djeridensis Working) by 666. (pdf version)
LIBR228.txt De Natura Deorum [B] (pdf version)
LIBR231.txt Liber Arcanorum ATU TAHUTI QUAS VIDIT ASAR IN AMENTI sub figura CCXXXI. Liber Carcerorum Qliphoth cum suis Geniis [A] (pdf version)
LIBR242.txt AHA! [C] (pdf version)
LIBR265.txt The Structure of the Mind. (anyone have this send it please) (pdf version)
LIBR300.txt Khabs am Pekht [E] (pdf version)
LIBR312.txt Liber A vel ARMORUM (pdf version)
LIBR325.txt The Bartzabel Working (pdf version)
LIBR333.txt The Book of Lies (pdf version)
LIBR335.txt Adonis [C] (pdf version)
LIBR341.txt Liber HHH [D] (pdf version)
LIBR343.txt Amrita, The Elixir of Life (pdf version)
LIBR365.txt The Preliminary Invocation of the Goetia. (pdf version)
LIBR367.txt De Homunculo. (pdf version)
LIBR370.txt Liber A'ASH Vel Capricopni Pnuematici [A] (pdf version)
LIBR400.txt Liber TAU Vel Kabbalae Trium Literarum [A] (pdf version)
LIBR412.txt Liber A Vel Armorum [D] (pdf version)
LIBR414.txt De Arte Magica Secundum ritum Gradus Nonae OTO (pdf version) OTO trying to block this one
LIBR415.txt Opus Lutetianum, The Paris Working [AB] (pdf version)
LIBR418.txt Liber CCCCXVIII The Vision and the voice (pdf version)
LIBR451.txt Liber Siloam Of Eroto-comatose Lucidity (pdf version) OTO trying to block this one
LIBR474.txt Liber Os Abymsmi del DAATH [C] (pdf version)
LIBR500.txt Sepher Sehpiroth (pdf version)
LIBR536.txt BATRACHOPHRENOBOCOSMOMACHIA [B] (pdf version)
LIBR555.txt Liber HAD [D] (pdf version)
LIBR570.txt Vel Ararita (pdf version)
LIBR633.txt De Thaumaturgia (pdf version)
LIBR666.txt The Beast (pdf version)
LIBR671.txt Liber Pyramidos [D] Version 1 (pdf version)
LIBR671a.txt Liber Pyramidos [D] Version 2 (pdf version)
LIBR671b.txt Liber Pyramidos [D] (Frank Bennett Version) (pdf version)
LIBR671c.txt Liber Pyramidos Comments (pdf version)
LIBR700.txt Liber vel Vesta (pdf version)
LIBR729.txt The Amalantrah Working [C] (pdf version)
LIBR777.pdf 777 vel Prolegomena. [B] (pdf version)
LIBR800.txt Liber Samekh Theurgia Goetia Summae, Congressus cum Daemone [D] (pdf version)
LIBR808.txt Serpentis Nehushtan. (anyone have this send it please) (pdf version)
LIBR811.txt Energized Enthusiasm (pdf version)
LIBR813.txt Liber DCCCXIII Vel Ararita Sub Figura DLXX [A] (pdf version)
LIBR831.txt Liber IOD [D] (pdf version)
LIBR837.txt The Law of Liberty [E] (pdf version)
LIBR850.txt The Rites of ELEUSIS (pdf version)
LIBR860.txt John St. John [C] (pdf version)
LIBR868.txt Liber Viarum Viae [B] (pdf version)
LIBR888.txt The Gospel According to Saint Bernard Shaw (pdf version)
LIBR911.txt A Note on Genesis (pdf version)
LIBR913.txt {Beth}{Resh}{Aleph}{Shin}{Yod}{Tau} Liber Viae Memoriae [B] (pdf version)
LIBR934.txt The Cactus. (anyone have this send it please) (pdf version)
LIBR963.txt The Treasure-House of Images [A-B] (pdf version)
LIBR_1151.txt Liber MCLI (Requirements for Minerval through Third in O.T.O.) (pdf version)
LIBR_1264.txt The Qreek Qabalah (pdf version)
LIBR_2261.txt A note on Genesis (pdf version)

[ArcaneAnimus]

I'd probably recommend ...
"Out of the Shadows; an exploration of dark paganism and magick" by John J. Coughlin. (Out of the Shadows - Preview (http://www.waningmoon.com/book/preview.html))

It might not be the best beginners book but its definately one I think most people on the spiritual path should read. Most defiantely if they choose a pagan path.

It's about creating balance in your beliefs and practices, and looking at things from a different perspective. Definately a mind opener.

Like any book you take what suits you and leave the rest, there is parts in it I do not agree with or use and other that really hit home.

Some of my favourite part of the book...
"Evil is a human term. It begins and ends with us. A tornado is not evil, yet it is distructive. Fire can be used to benifit or destroy it. Nature is neither good nor evil; it simply is. It follows no moral code and has no internal motive. Only humans, with our complicated set of emotions and intellect, can justify such categorizations."

[Dracophoenix]

It depends on what you want to learn. I like Crowley even though if you don't know and understand that when he gives you rituals it isn't the whole ritual rather part of a ritual. I like Gardner, Cunningham, Buckland and Silver Raven Wolf too. I would say read read everything you can get your hands on. Look for the common message that the writers on a subject are saying whether it's about tarot, runes, astrology, Witchcraft, Golden Dawn rituals etc. Read it all and make your own decision.

[IMtM]

Since I've only started to get into ocultism, I'm interested in buying books of the sort. The quickest bookshop I have near home is a Borders bookstore, so if any of you wish to recomend something, I'd wish it'd be something easy to get.

A book I'm thinking of buying is called The Golden Dawn which sparks interest since it also seems to be a valid source of information... I'm not actually very interested in spell books or any of sort, but actually something I can start with confterably. I'm just a beginer after all, and I'm only just starting to peek at these books.

A few months ago I tried to look at the autobiography of Aleister Crowley but I succeeded in nothing. I also wanted to look for his novels, 'Moonchild', and 'Diary of a Drug Fiend' but I also found nothing. I found 'The book of lies', although sadly I couldn't buy it since I didn't knew I would be interested in it.

The act of reading 'The Lazy Man's Guide to Relaxation'

[NewAeon93]

If you are looking for a general magickal overview, some must haves are:
The Golden Dawn- I. Regardie
Liber AL Vel Legis- Aiwass through A. Crowley
777, if interested in Quabalah, and if you intend to practice higher magick you should -A.Crowley
Many, many grimories (some are garbage, its easy to tell by skimming) but some have been around forever.

On Moonchild: when it comes to magickal references it is a book for advanced practitioners but can be enjoyed as entertainment by anyone. Look for Crowley's personality to come through in Simon Iff and sveral other characters

[NewAeon93]

Liber AL Vel Legis- Aiwass through A. Crowley

chuch of satan you know what this meens dont ya

golly guys more sheep follow in line ok bring your back up we sure luren them in guys they see weakness risk being sheep ok guys another ignorant one wow you guys gettin real boring

ill help you though follow in line with post below

Liber AL Vel Legis- Aiwass through A. Crowley

ty for your time and effort we treat sheep well here i guess caught another one



OK, so you're a Laveyan Satanist (maybe? who knows, definitely a conspiracy theorist or something, been reading your posts and most make little sense) and I'm not. I don't insult you or LaVey, although i find him almost a comical figure, so why don't you not insult me, Crowley, Regardie, etc. To each their own as long as it works

[NewAeon93]

satanists are kinda of comical when they have compassion for sheep like you by given them rules ya your right



What, exactly, is your problem? I'm a "sheep" because I follow an occult system different than yours? One that works for me, gets results that I can see, so I stick with it.

[NewAeon93]

ok, I'll humor you. Where can i find these "rules"?

[NewAeon93]

My mind is quite capable of reading posts, when they are written in proper English and spelled at least somewhat correctly. But I came here to read about and discuss magick, occultism in all its forms, etc, not argue with you, so you can bait me all you want, I'm done feeding the troll that somehow became a trial VIP member.

[hussey]

I would like to recomend the some books
ANDY AND THE LION
BARK, GEORGE
BRUNO MUNARI’S ABC
THE CARROT SEED
CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM
CORDUROY
FROGGY GETS DRESSED
And
GOOD NIGHT, GORILLA

thanks and remeber me in your prayers.

Term Papers (http://www.ghostpapers.com/)

[nettles223]

satanists are kinda of comical when they have compassion for sheep like you by given them rules ya your right

How are we sheep?

Protip: learn english

[I-S-O-N]

I would recommend reading anything related to anomalistic psychology and social psychology 1st if you wish to know something more scientific. I found out it pays to know when some thing is the real deal or just some one playing mind games with your head.

[lionlal]

No doubt the books are the really good source of the information and knowledge but don't rely on the books only. There are number of the articles available on the internet can be useful for you more than books.