Symbols of the Occult

by Eric Chaline

Covering astronomy, demonology, witchcraft, ancient magic, and much more, this book serves as a directory to decoding over 500 signs, symbols, and icons of the occult. This expansive illustrated directory showcases the key signs and symbols of the occult. Each entry has been carefully selected for its powerful symbolism, and the stylish illustrations span from the myths and legends of the ancient world to the icons used in modern science. Award-winning author Eric Chaline introduces each topic with a short overview before featuring the key signs and symbols and exploring similar and related entries. Including signs from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as Aztec, Celtic, Slavic, Native American, and Hindu societies, Symbols of the Occult examines more than 500 symbols from history, art, and culture by decoding their iconography and exploring their historical significance. Arranged by topic, this volume collects the key areas of astrology and cosmology; witchcraft and mysticism; satanism and demonology; science and alchemy; math and sacred geometry; the natural world; and symbols of ancient and secret societies. This guide is the ultimate resource for the modern occultist. 500 color illustrations

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Occult, Spirituality, Crafts, Art, Magic

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Author, journalist and editor, winner of the Lord Aberdare Prize, 2018

Reviews

[Mateicee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein kurzer und knackiger Überblick über verschiedene Bereiche des Okkultismus und den ihnen innewohnenden Symbolen.

Ich dachte tatsächlich das es sich für mich um ein neues Themengebiet handelt das ich für mich erschließen wollte, war aber überrascht (und auch etwas enttäuscht) wie viel mir von dem Buch bereits bekannt war. Was auch erklärt wieso ich so schnell durchkam.

Das Buch ist sehr schön aufgemacht, die Drucke sind alle Hochwertig und in Farbe, die Texte sind gut zu lesen und einfach zu verstehen. Für mein dafürhalten aber etwas zu Oberflächlich.

Für Personen die sich noch nicht in irgendeiner Form mit dem Okkultismus, verschiedenen Religionen o.ä. beschäftigt haben ist es ein solider Einstiegsband, für mich leider nicht ganz was ich gebaucht hätte.

[Claudia Torkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skvelé, miestami fascinujúce informácie z jednotlivých kultúr obohatené o úžasné ilustrácie.

[Leon Konink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good images and symbols.

[nanyneitor · Rating 1 out of 5]

No está bueno la verdad… si tiene muchos símbolos y eso está padre, pero los textos que los acompañan son malísimos, no explican qué son ni para que se usan y cuando si se explica, es confuso. Además parte del problema con el texto también es la traducción al español, que es pésima.

[Esther ;) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro muy recomendable para los aficionados al ocultismo. Aunque no se extiende demasiado en cada apartado (no es una enciclopedia, sino una guía), se aprende mucho de simbología y de la historia del ocultismo, incluso de lo que ya creías conocer. El estilo es sencillo y el autor expone lo más importante de cada sección, así que se hace muy amena y didáctica la lectura.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fine for basic image references, but many VERY basic facts are painfully inaccurate. How someone can write an entire book on occult and esoteric symbolism but not even understand the fundamentals of the Greek and Roman pantheons, nor the planets used in astrology, is beyond me.

I bought this on a whim while on sale, thinking it would be a good addition to my collection. It’s too bad that I waited this long to read, because I wanted to throw it across the room after 15 pages and missed the return window.

If you want to learn more about this topic, look to publishers like Taschen, Llewelyn, and other publishing houses that are known for more thoroughly edited and well-researched comprehensive texts.

[Yaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super informal and filled with illustrations. I don't usually read non-fiction books like this, but it felt like a historical documentary-- which I love! Super great read if you're interested in this stuff.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did like the spread and tone of the editor.

However, the modern script version of some of the symbols, LOST visual/contextual information, to the point it was distracting.

I did appreciate the width of this but it should be a supplement, not a core book in your library.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous book, amazing quality and lots of information regarding the occult and its history.
I wouldn't say it's a symbols encyclopedia, but more like an introduction to different cultures and their history with the occult and religion.
Pretty interesting!

[Anne Lydolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of a long list of religious and occult symbols, old styles of writing and sigils. Very interesting and informative read.I did notice some inaccuracies and lack of information on the satanic symbols which made me wonder if this is prevalent for other topics that I know less about.

[Fruitymothman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to symbolism and spiritual beliefs that marked mankind during the ages. Touches upon quite a wide variety of topics. The commentary is pretty good too. Overall, a decent introduction into the subject.

[Miguel Ángel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro maravilloso para aprender los símbolos que distintas culturas, pueblos y civilizaciones, así como religiones, hermandades y otras organizaciones filosóficas han dejado como un gran legado a toda la humanidad.

[Fabio degli Spiriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ogni tanto anche un super fan della carta ruvida ed ingiallita dei vecchi libri riscopre il piacere di sfogliare pagine patinate come quelle di questo volume. Un’opera ricca di immagini che guida il lettore attraverso il tempo e lo spazio senza dilungarsi ma arrivando al punto della questione: una lettura piacevole, leggera ed accessibile a tutti. L’autore ha svolto un grande lavoro di ricerca privilegiando l’impatto visivo riuscendo ad essere immediato, accessibile e capace di aprire piccole porte di curiosità.

All’inizio temevo di non trovarci ciò che cercavo perché i temi trattati erano interessanti ma forse un po’ distanti dalle mie aspettative. Poi, dal quarto capitolo in avanti, il libro ha cambiato passo, restituendomi esattamente quel senso di meraviglia che speravo.

[alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was nice, insightful but also at times i couldnt understand shi especially when english isnt my first language 😭

[Danita Kartalova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbiased, very thorough and with good imagery.

[Zuzka]

I would have loved this as a child, good balance of text and pictures.

[Sara Sheikhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and nice with a lot of illustrations. I would have enjoyed a timeline or similar for the modern time.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

O no es exactamente lo que me esperaba o la distribución del libro es un poco caótica. Interesante

[Irene Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vale la pena más por lo bonito que es que por el contenido que tiene. Es más un libro de consulta que una lectura en sí.

[Thando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous easy read. Showed me how much I knew helped solidify things and taught me some things as well!


Worth it for the esoterically minded ♡

[Natspiral · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES AND YES.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely straight forward. Well organized and illustrated. No judgment on its subject matter.