W. W. Norton - Occult: Hardcover

Occult by Peter Forshaw Focusing on a carefully curated selection of esoteric art and artifacts, Occult explores the meaning and mystic power of occult manuscripts, ritual objects, and symbols from around the world. The author identifies five central elements of occultism—alchemy, astrology, magic, mysticism, and divination. Key symbols are highlighted and examined, and important rituals and practices are explained to provide new insights into the philosophies and beliefs of occultists from antiquity to today. The book begins with an introduction that clarifies what we mean by "occult." Occult is then organized into three broad sections, each containing three themed chapters—exploring the foundations of the occult, the philosophy of occult magic, and the modern occult revival.