November Bookshelf 2021
We’re back with another installment of our new Bookshelf series. In this post, we’re sharing some of our November reads, providing a quick snapshot of its contents, our reflections and a link to purchase or learn more if one happens to catch your eye.
We hope you find this series interesting and maybe even useful. Please let us know if you’ve read anything we’ve listed, have taken recommendations from these posts or have any suggestions for us! We’d love to hear it!
Alchemy - Marie Louise Von Franz
Julia’s Read: I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of Alchemy and it’s symbolism by Marie Louise Von Franz, who was a colleague of Jung’s. It’s a bit on the dense side, but so full of insight where spiritual alchemy is concerned. There was a lot in these pages that have enhanced my own understanding of psychological concepts, especially pertaining to the shadow and projection. I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in symbology, Jungian psychology, alchemy or personal growth.
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry - Manly P. Hall
Both Tim and I read this one in November. It was especially potent for Tim so I’ll let him share his thoughts which can speak for us both. See below.
A must-read amongst Manly P. Hall's vast collection of books and pamphlets, The Lost Key breaks esoteric Masonry down to its most essential components. Rather than thumb his nose at the uninitiated, Hall paints an enlightening portrait of the true purpose of the ancient craft - to awaken the human spirit from its "tomb" of matter to help each of us become a more balanced, effective person. Through the power of right action, thought, and emotion, it encourages us to serve the whole rather than our own interests - a lesson that is more important than ever in this current age.
The Kybalion - William Walker Atkinson
Julia’s Read: I was compelled to re-read The Kybalion this month as the hermetic laws it discusses kept touching on other topics I’d been exploring, and situations I was experiencing. The Kybalion, published under the code name “The Three Initiates” is a primer natural law, for example, Cause and Effect and Rhythm. This particular edition comes with a lengthy introduction and a secondary work called the Seven Cosmic Laws. Reflecting on it in November prompted further study with tarot, which you can read more about in a recent blog post (Meditation on The Kybalion with Tarot). Anyone with a passing interest in the workings of the universe would benefit from this read which holds immense practical and spiritual value.
The Anatomy of the Body of God - Frater Achad
Julia’s Read: I have enjoyed Frater Achad’s other works, particularly Crystal Visions through Crystal Gazing and The Egyptian Revival. There were parts of this though that I think I’ll need to come back to as I haven’t read Q.B.L. and I think that’s probably a better place to start, in terms of really grasping this take on The Tree of Life. There were plenty of insights though still to be gleaned, especially in terms of expanding one’s relationship with Qabalah, growing consciousness, connecting to the inner temple and tarot. I anticipate I’ll be coming back to this again for absorption on the things that didn’t quite sink in this round.
The Book of Tokens - Paul Foster Case
Tim’s Read: Often billed as a collection of Tarot meditations by the late, great master of the art, The Book of Tokens goes above and beyond its stated purpose. Simply put, it is a masterclass in the esoteric underpinnings of Tarot, from its Qabalistic numerology to the Hermetic laws depicted in the imagery, all tied together neatly in a series of twenty-two short passages. While it can be read in a sitting or two, I recommend sitting with one passage per day to absorb each line slowly and carefully. There are countless gems sprinkled throughout this insightful little book, so it certainly warrants more than just one read!
We’ll be back with another round up in December. You can find Julia on Good Reads in the meantime.
Happy reading!
Julia & Tim