Top 5 “Must Read” Books – In My Opinion | Aleister Nacht's Satanic Magic Blog

“The Beast 666 ordains by His authority that every man, and every woman, and every intermediately-sexed individual, shall be absolutely free to interpret and communicate Self by means of any sexual practices soever, whether direct or indirect, rational or symbolic, physiologically, legally, ethically, or religiously approved or no, provided only that all parties to any act are fully aware of all implications and responsibilities thereof, and heartily agree thereto.”

Aleister Crowley – Commentary to The Book of the Law I:51

Aleister Crowley is certainly a “superstar” in the occult world and he continues to inspire generations of occultists beyond his years. While mislabeled a Satanist, Demonologist and Madman, Aleister was in reality a Scientist of Magick. His research allows those of us years later to pick up where his work ended. Many have referenced his superb writings and have pointed out his brilliance as a Magus – Unparalleled.

I enjoy reading books from many other occult authors and I believe it is healthy for a person to consider other alternatives, interpretations and ideas. This is the only way to grow and evolve into who (and what) you want to be. I am constantly asked what my favorite books are and what authors “ring my bell”. I always point them to the favorite of my children “Book of Satanic Magic” however, that is more shameless “self promotion” than literary substance (in my opinion). I often digress and seriously offer the titles written by the “fucking superstar occult authors” who forgot more about magic, psychology and the dark arts than I will ever know!!! These authors are not faute de mieux; these artistic geniuses have easily concatenated the many beliefs of magic; which I am sure gives their “literary executors” an instant erection.

There are certain people who I am sure, are really gods of wisdom walking this ball of dirt. I have answered the following question so many times in email and face-to-face discussion that I have decided to add it here in my blog to be shared with everyone. You may not agree with my opinion and perhaps you have some titles that you want to share. If so, get off of your fucking ass and comment on this post so others can enjoy your suggestions also. We can all learn something from anyone and I must admit, finding a great book on the dark arts is pure “magic”. “Go ahead, make our day!!!!!!”

Let’s start with what I believe are the five best books and work our way from there……………….

#1 – The Book of the Law / Liber AL vel Legis* – Aleister Crowley*

This book, written in 1904 while in Egypt, The Book of the Law shot Crowley into the occult literary stratosphere (figuratively speaking). The body of the book was written by Crowley (over a three-day span) while he listened and recorded the vocalizations of a being named Aiwass; a messenger from the god Horus. The book explained the coming Aeon and Crowley’s role as a prophet. One of his most notable quotes is contained in the book. “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”, was further explained as people should learn to live in tune with their “True Will“. This simple, yet powerful phrase opened wide the doors leading to Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema. The opening lines of The Book of the Law set the reader on a road to magick, reflection, consideration and self discovery.

“Had! The manifestation of Nuit.
The unveiling of the company of heaven.
Every man and woman is a star.
Every number is infinite; there is no difference.
Help me, o warrior lord of Thebes, in my unveiling before the Children of men!”

I consider The Book of the Law to be a “must read” and every occult library should have a copy.

#2 – The Satanic Bible – Anton Szandor LaVey

It goes without saying that Anton was light years ahead of his time. The man “single-handedly” opened Satanism to the world. Compiled from a collection of essays, observations, and rituals published in 1969, The Satanic Bible is, in my opinion, the most important and relevant book on Satanic theology and philosophy. It has been, and will continue to be, the introductory text for searchers and is usually the first Satanic topic book that dabblers read. It contains the words of a god; Lavey himself. Written in a straight forward “pull no punches” format, it transforms the reader from a naive dabbler and sets their feet upon the path of enlightenment. While my personal philosophy, belief and experiences diverge from Lavey’s, I must admit the book is a must read for anyone wishing to view Satanism from a 360° perspective.

#3 – The Satanic Witch – Anton Szandor LaVey

“Undiluted Gypsy lore regarding the forbidden knowledge of seduction and manipulation”, The Satanic Witch is hardcore psychology and human nature as seen from a woman’s perspective explaining the art of manipulation using “lesser magic”. If you want to learn about rituals, spells, black magic and sex magic, this book IS NOT FOR YOU. The book teaches women how to accept themselves the way they are and how to use their natural skills to get the things they want out of life.

I have witnessed first hand as women, young and old, transform into Satanic Hawks instead of a shy, defenseless Doves. With the introduction penned by his daughter Zeena, this book will open a man’s eyes when he realizes just how much power a woman CAN secretly wield.

#4 – Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand

As the creator of Objectivism – “a philosophy for living on earth,” grounded in reality, and aimed at defining human nature and the nature of the world in which we live, Ayn Rand simplified the philosophy as having a reason and purpose for every action a person commits. While this book is a 1200 page novel, the tenants expressed are pure psychology application in a hypothetical setting. It is this demonstration that makes this book a good read. I think Rand would object to anyone blindly following her philosophy without actually believing in it and for that reason, the reader can take bits and pieces to use in their belief system. Satanic – No, Human Nature – Yes!!

Satanic Belief - "Satan is the King of this World!"

#5 – The Confessions of Aleister Crowley : An Autohagiography – Aleister Crowley

This book is a record of Crowley’s journey into the world of darkness and enlightenment. It reads more like a chemist’s experiment notebook as Crowley documents the areas of Magick and his Thelema theology. Crowley sets the tone by “cutting through pompous bullshit” and standing tall to ring the bell (symbolically speaking). A fantastic book for the searcher desiring a “deeper dive” beyond their normal comfort zone.

“…………..never to commit myself to any statement that I could not prove in the same sense as a chemist can prove the law of combining weights. Not only would I be careful to avoid deceiving people, but I would do all in my power to prevent them deceiving themselves. This meant my declaring war on the spiritualists and even the theosophists…………………”

Magnum Opus: Secrets From the Inner Sanctum

He describes the vivid details of his journey and provides the reader with insights; “I wanted to evoke the denizens of the other planes to visible and audible appearance. Now, for the first time, I felt myself prepared to expend my resources of every kind to attain my purpose”. Crowley also references the authors he respected and the books that influenced him along the way. He also references an author he described as “……..a pompous, ignorant and affected dipsomaniac”. He also provided candid observations as “For all their pretended devotion to Lucifer or Belial, they were sincere Christians in spirit, and inferior Christians at that, for their methods were puerile”.

Aleister Crowley greatly enjoyed writing poetry and while his verses and prose were sometimes lovely odes of tenderness and heart-felt admiration or lust, some leave no need for artistic interpretation or imagination. To illustrate this point, consider his “Leah Sublime”:

“Now from your wide

Raw cunt, the abyss,
Spend spouting the tide
Of your sizzling piss
In my mouth; oh my Whore
Let it pour, let it pour!”

“Rub all the much
Of your cunt on me, Leah
Cunt, let me suck
All your glued gonorrhea!
Cunt without end!
Amen! til you spend!
Cunt! you have harboured
All dirt and disease
In your slimy unbarbered
Loose hole, with its cheese
And its monthlies, and pox
You chewer of cocks!
Cunt, you have sucked
Up pricks, you squirted
Out foetuses, fucked”

In my opinion, this poem is well-crafted verbally articulated pornography. Raw, yet rhythmically quantized with every syllable, Crowley does open the imagination of the reader into that chasm where we suppress a natural urge to grab a beauty on the subway, rip here clothes off and get it anyway you want, for as long as you like. It is that supreme imagination that opens the mind’s eye at the precise moment of Coitus Interruptus, as you discharge your mass onto her magnificent breasts. I digress…….

Do you have a “must read” book of the dark / occult arts? Share it with everyone!!

Until Next Time,

Aleister Nacht