Rawn's Annotated, Selective Bibliography:
I offer here a list of several of the volumes from my own personal library that I cherish.
Alchemy:
Here are my twelve favorites out of the 100 or so books on Alchemy in my personal library. I've omitted listing the classic texts since the necessity of their possession is assumed.
[A note about Kessinger Reprints: Kessinger Publishing has released a large library of ancient and not so ancient Alchemical texts in a very simple, Xeroxed format. Unfortunately, the paperback binding is extremely poor and the text is often illegible. Nonetheless, this is an affordable and quick way to build an Alchemical library. I have some 22 of them myself, but here I will list only the two that I've found the most useful and interesting.]
Atwood, Mary Anne. A Suggestive Inquiry into Hermetic Mystery (1850) Yogi Publication Society Atwood.pdf (4.1 MB) <-- Right-click and "Save As..." to download.
This a very intriguing book! It's also a very dense, difficult book to read, but well worth the effort required.
Bardbault, Armand. Gold of a Thousand Mornings Neville Spearman (1975)
This is a lovely volume. Of greatest importance is that it deals directly with one aspect of Alchemy that is often spoken of only in the most enigmatic terms. Namely, that we must capture the aliveness of things and we must enhance the materia with it, and with the Electric and Magnetic Fluids. This book is long out of print and a rare find, but if you do ever come across it, snatch it up immediately!
de Rola, Stanislas Klossowski. The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century Thames and Hudson (1988)
This is the most comprehensive collection of 17th Century Alchemical engravings, all in black and white. Unfortunately it has long been out of print. Used, it is a rare and expensive find.
Encyclopedia Brittania (1771). Eighteenth Century Chemistry as it Relates to Alchemy Kessinger Publishing.
This "Kessinger Reprint" is an excerpt from the 1771 edition of the Encyclopedia Brittania. It's a very illuminating piece regarding the laboratory practices of ancient Alchemy.
Gettings, Fred. Dictionary of Occult, Hermetic and Alchemical Sigils Routledge & Kegan Paul (1981)
This is an essential resource for the serious student of Alchemy who wants to understand what all those little squiggles and marks actually mean. ;-) This is a well organized and accessible book.
Junius, Manfred M. The Practical Handbook of Plant Alchemy Healing Arts Press (1985)
This is the best primer available for the novice to laboratory Alchemy. An excellent handbook for the beginner!
Krummenacher, Beat. Spagyric Tinctures -- Tradition, Preparation and Usage The Philosophers of Nature (1997)
Of all the modern books about practical Alchemy, this is my favorite for its simplicity and directness. Even if you're not interested in pursuing laboratory Alchemy, this book will, nonetheless, be of value for its very clear explanation of the basic philosophy of Alchemical transmutation
McLean, Adam. A Commentary on the Mutus Liber (Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks #11) Phanes Press (1991)
The Mutus Liber first appeared in 1677. It's composed of 15 b&w engraved plates. Only two of its pages include words of any kind. It's considered an enigmatic work but I find it very inspirational. Adam's commentary is very insightful.
Patai, Raphael. The Jewish Alchemists Princeton Univ. Press (1994)
This is a very engaging book! It mentions every known Jewish Alchemist from the 11th through the 19th Centuries.
Roberts, Gareth. The Mirror of Alchemy: Alchemical Ideas and Images in Manuscripts and Books from Antiquity to the 17th Century Univ. of Toronto Press (1994)
This is another fine study of Alchemical art and ideas. Many images are presented in their original color.
Roob, Alexander. Alchemy and Mysticism Taschen (1997)
This is another excellent collection of Alchemical engravings, many of them in color! The only drawbacks were the price and the paperback binding. This really deserved a hardback binding.
Weidenfeld, Johannes Sergeus. Concerning the Secrets of the Adepts or of the Use of Lully's Spirit of Wine (1694) Kessinger Publishing. Weidenfeld.pdf (1.46 MB) <-- Right-click and "Save As..." to download.
I find that this work provides invaluable insight. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Kabbalah:
Bardon, Franz. The Key to the True Quabbalah Dieter Ruggeberg (1986)
Since I've written so much already about this book I won't go into detail here. I do prefer this edition over the newer Merkur translation titled The Key to the True Kabbalah.
Davidson, Benjamin. The Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon Samuel Bagster & Sons, Ltd. (1970, et. seq.)
Unless you can read Biblical Hebrew (as distinguished from Modern Hebrew) without any difficulty at all, a Lexicon is an essential tool for the serious student of Kabbalah. A lexicon lists every single word found in the Hebrew Holy Scriptures. For each word, it lists several things: 1) its root, if it is not itself a root verb; 2) its meaning, if it is a root or a special derivative; 3) its tense and type; and 4) a note, in many cases, of where it is found within the Torah. Most lexicons also have a preface explaining the rudiments of Biblical Hebrew grammar and structure, pronunciation, etc.
Lexicons take some getting used to. Some can be VERY confusing! This particular lexicon is the best that I've come across. It's oriented to the convenience of the English reader in that it opens and reads like a standard book. It also combines the Chaldean words in with the Hebrew words, so if you don't know that a particular word is actually Chaldean, you don't have to look in two sections when you don't at first find it. [Many other Lexicons split the Hebrew and the Chaldee into separate sections and this can be VERY confusing.]
I purchased my present edition, used, in 1992 for just $14.00, hardbound. There's a handwritten note inside the cover stating that it was available in 1992 for $27.95, new. I recommend spending the extra money for a hardcover edition since this is a book the serious student will be referring to often.
EKS Publishing. The First Hebrew Primer for Adults (2000) ISBN: 0-939144-15-8
This is an excellent self-study course for learning biblical Hebrew! Learning how to read and pronounce biblical Hebrew is essential for any serious student of Kabbalah and I know of no better place to start than this fine workbook.
d'Olivet, Fabre. The Hebraic Tongue Restored (1815) [Translated by N. Redfield] Kessinger Publishing Co. -- A Kessinger Reprint --
This is a fairly controversial work in which d'Olivet sought out a new manner of analyzing the structure of the biblical Hebrew. His basic premise is that Hebrew, instead of being based upon three-letter verbs, is in fact based upon two-letter nouns. Although I don't entirely accept his premise, this is still a very thought provoking and insightful book. I recommend it to the serious student of Kabbalah who is trying to make their own translations of original Hebrew texts. At times, I have found it helpful where a Lexicon fails.
Ginsburg, Christian. The Essenes + The Kabbahah Routledge & Kegan Paul (1955 et seq.)
This is actually two essays in one book: The Essenes: Their History and Doctrines (1864) and The Kabbalah: Its Doctrines, Development and Literature (1863). I immediately liked this book as a late 19th Century presentation of Western Kabbalah. In some ways, Ginsburg was Scholem's predecessor in the study of Kabbalah's historical development.
Haralick, Robert M. The Inner Meaning of the Hebrew Letters Jason Aronson, Inc. (1995)
I really enjoyed this book! Robert Haralick provides a wonderful insight into the Kabbalistic significance of the Hebrew letters from an Chasidic perspective. His use of gematria and tzeruph is flawless.
Idel, Moshe. Golem: Jewish Magical and Mystical Traditions on the Artifical Anthropoid (SUNY Series in Judaica) State Univ. of New York Press (1990)
This is an excellent, insightful and scholarly examination.
---------- Kabbalah: New Perspectives Yale Univ. Press (1988)
Idel presents his refreshing perspective on many new advances in historical scholarship.
--------- The Mystical Experience in Abraham Abulafia (SUNY Series in Judaica) State Univ. of New York Press (1988)
Abraham Abulafia was an important Kabbalistic mystic from the 13th Century A.D. He wrote extensively on the subject of ecstatic techniques and of greatest interest is his approach to the 231 Gates. With this book, Idel presents a very scholarly and insightful examination of the man and his techniques.
---------- Studies in Ecstatic Kabbalah (SUNY Series in Judaica) State Univ. of New York Press (1988)
Here is another fine study of the ecstatic Kabbalah by Idel.
Jacobs, Louis (Translator). The Palm Tree of Deborah by Rabbi Moses Cordovero Herman Press (1974)
I love this small book! Unfortunately it's long out of print and hard to come by. Cordovero is a very important figure in post-Zoharic Kabbalah and one of the most famous mystics from 16th Century Safed. The Palm Tree of Deborah is a mystical, devotional and eminently practical work, centered primarily around a Jewish conceptualization of "karma". I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Kaplan, Aryeh. The Bahir: Illumination Samuel Weiser, Inc. (1979)
[The Bahir ("Illumination") is attributed to Rabbi Nehunia ben haKana, master of a 1st Century esoteric school, but it did not appear in public until 1176 A.D. This is an entirely exegetical text. By 'exegetical' I mean that it is designed as a discourse between masters and pupils about the deeper meaning behind specific verses of the Torah. It is a very important work from the Kabbalistic literature of this crucial period in the evolution of Kabbalah. Unfortunately, it has been overshadowed by the Zohar in more recent times.]
In his usual scholarly and insightful manner, Kaplan presents the finest edition of the Bahir available for the English reader. The book opens with an informative Introduction. This is followed by his English translation of the Bahir text. Then comes his own commentary on the Bahir, which actually exceeds the length of the Bahir itself! Kaplan has also included the complete Hebrew text of the Bahir, and, bless his heart, he's actually created an index of the Bahir and commentary! AND, it's quite affordable. :) This is everything a student could hope for!
------------ Jewish Meditation: A Practical Guide Schocken Books (1985)
This is a wonderful little gem by Kaplan explaining the techniques of specifically Jewish meditation. For the serious student of Kabbalah, this is absolutely necessary information.
------------ Meditation and Kabbalah Samuel Weiser, Inc. (1982)
Here Kaplan presents an expose on the meditational techniques specific to Jewish Kabbalah. In my opinion, this is an essential work for any serious student of Kabbalah. Kaplan's presentation is very clear and is easily accessible to the western reader.
------------ Meditation and the Bible Samuel Weiser, Inc. (1978)
Another gem from the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Here he presents a very usable guide to meditational techniques found within the Torah. This goes a bit further than his book Jewish Meditation and is designed for the serious student.
------------ Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation, In Theory and Practice Samuel Weiser, Inc. (1990)
[The Sepher Yetzirah ("Book of Formation") is perhaps the oldest, clearly kabbalistic text that survives to this day. The religious opinion is that it dates back approximately 6,000 years, but more recent scholarly opinion theorizes that it was first written down circa 100 B.C., but this may, or may not, be indicative of its true date of origin. Unlike later writings such as the Bahir and Zohar, the S.Y. is not exegesis. It's style is enigmatic and has led to countless interpretations over time. This is an essential root text in the study of Kabbalah.]
In my opinion, this is THE BEST book on the Sepher Yetzirah for the English reader. Kaplan offers the most comprehensive study of the S.Y. in the English language, period. His translation is scholarly and well considered AND he provides the original Hebrew text for the student to make their own comparison to the English. He also presents a large array of alternate interpretations, so this volume serves well as a launching pad for more rigorous study. In the 1990 edition there were a few typographical errors and some minor errors in the Hebrew text (relevant only to the really serious student), but I understand that many of these errors have been corrected in the more recent edition. Included in this volume are several appendices containing three different versions of the S.Y. (English only), the text of "The 32 Paths of Wisdom" (English only), the 221 Gates AND the 231 Gates (Hebrew only), a thorough listing of editions and commentaries of the S.Y., and 48 pages of VERY interesting notes. This book is an essential ingredient to the library of every student of kabbalah. I paid an affordable $30 for the hardback edition, back when it first came out and it has survived my overuse admirably.
Mathers, S. L. MacGregor. The Kabbalah Unveiled Samuel Weiser, Inc. (1968 et seq.)
When I first began my study of Kabbalah, I consumed this book, but ultimately I do not like this book. I include it here only because it forms the foundation for much of the modern Western Hermetic Kabbalah. Despite its claims to the contrary, this is not Jewish Kabbalah -- this is a western interpretation of Jewish Kabbalah made by a non-Jew, based upon a very limited understanding of Jewish Kabbalah. I have absolutely nothing against Western Hermetic Kabbalah but I do think it important that the distinction between it and Jewish Kabbalah remain clear. If you are studying Jewish Kabbalah then it is important that you also read this book so that you might better understand the Western Hermetic viewpoint.
Odeberg, Hugo. 3 ENOCH or The Hebrew Book of Enoch KTAV Publishing (1973)
3 ENOCH is a work from the Merkabah (Chariot) tradition, circa 6th or 7th Century A.D., formerly titled "Sepher ha-Hekhalot". This predates Kabbalah proper and is an important precursor to Kabbalah's evolution. Of special interest is what this text has to say concerning Metatron and Shekhinah. This edition contains the original Hebrew text, an English translation, commentary and copious notes. This is an extremely complex document that is best suited to the advanced student of Kabbalah.
Patai, Raphael. The Hebrew Goddess Wayne State Univ. Press (1990)
This is an important work focusing upon the Hebrew concept of Goddess. Very scholarly.
Savedow, Steve (Translator). Sepher Rezial Hemelach: The Book of the Angel Rezial Samuel Weiser, Inc. (2000)
The Sepher Rezial (also spelled "Raziel") is an important work about Kabbalistic cosmology and magic. Especially interesting are its more Alchemical passages. This is a very recent English translation which seems quite good. In many respects, this is a very difficult text. To even begin to understand it, you must first have a good grasp of Kabbalistic philosophy and practice. It is not a book for the beginner. Unfortunately, the translator did not provide an original Hebrew text along with his translation.
Scholem, Gershom. Kabbalah Meridian (1978)
This a very comprehensive expose on the historical development, philosophy and important personalities of Kabbalah, written from the perspective of an historical scholar (i.e., not of a practitioner).
--------------- Origins of the Kabbalah Princeton Univ. Press (1987)
This is an essential resource for any student of Kabbalah. Scholem was a pioneer in the historical research on Kabbalah and in 1968, when this book was written, this was the definitive text. Since that time however, more recent scholarship has disproved a few of the details of Scholem's view of history. Nonetheless, this is THE place to start in the study of Kabbalah's evolution.
Sperling, Harry & Simon, Maurice. The Zohar (In Five Volumes) Soncino Press, Ltd. (1984, et. seq.)
[The Zohar first became public during the early 1200's A.D., but is (as is common with this sort of document) reputed to have much earlier origins. It is an entirely exegetical text with an interesting and often enigmatic content. To understand Zohar especially, you must be intimately familiar with Torah. This is a deeply mystical document that is, at the same time, eminently useful to the practitioner. The Zohar is, in truth, a corpus of intimately related works instead of a single manuscript, and through the ages it has been presented in many different formats and in more, and less, inclusive groupings. The Zohar stands as the immediate basis for most of modern Kabbalah, especially Lurianic Kabbalah, but by no means is this the only type of Kabbalah currently in existence.]
This is a sequential presentation of the Mantuan text of the Zohar, in English translation only. This edition is considerably cheaper than the Tishby edition but it is also not as accessible. I paid $50.00 in the late '80s for the five volume paperback edition, but it very quickly began falling apart. If you do not know where to find what you want within the confusing amalgam of the Zohar, you will be lost with this edition. It is good, however, for reading straight through. It is also not as complete as the Tishby edition and the translation often seems less useful. All in all, I prefer the Tishby edition.
Tishby, Isaiah & Lachower, Fischel. The Wisdom of the Zohar: An Anthology of Texts (In Three Volumes). The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization. Oxford Univ. Press (1991)
This is a wonderful presentation of the Zohar, given in subject order, as opposed to its original, seemingly random, ordering. It comes with extensive commentary. My only complaint is that it does not provide an accompanying Hebrew text. Overall, this is an accessible, comprehensive presentation of the Zohar for the English reader. It is, however, a bit expensive, but it's worth every penny for the sincere student of Kabbalah.
TORAH: The Holy Scriptures: According to the Masoretic Text The Jewish Publication Society of America (1955, et. seq.)
I highly recommend this edition of the Holy Scriptures. The Torah is the basis for the entire Kabbalah, so a good, easily accessible edition is essential. Several years ago I found this two-volume hardcover set for only $12 used and in excellent condition. Since it is ostensibly a Hebrew book, it is paged opposite most English books. On each page, a Hebrew rendition of the Masoretic text is presented in the right hand column and a standard English translation of same is presented in the left hand column. Both versions are well numbered for easy cross reference. This is an essential reference for the serious student of Kabbalah, since so many layers of meaning are lost in the translation from Hebrew into English.
The best, most useful books for the serious student of Kabbalah are always those that give both the Hebrew text and a translation. A commentary can provide very helpful guidance, but having the original text will always empower you to make your own interpretations, and this is essential if you wish to truly penetrate the mysteries of Kabbalah.
Verman, Mark. The Books of Contemplation: Medieval Jewish Mystical Sources (SUNY Series in Judaica) State Univ. of New York Press (1992)
Grouped here under the heading of The Books of Contemplation are 15 or so Kabbalistic works from 13th Century Spain, authored by a small enclave of Kabbalists known as the "Circle of Contemplation". This is an important and often unnoticed body of work. It seems untouched by the philosophy of the Zohar and indeed represents a different branch of Kabbalah's evolution. There are textual and historical clues that lead the author (and myself) to the conclusion that the "32 Paths of Wisdom" document also emerged from this same group of writers. This particular group of writings is more closely related to Bahir than to Zohar.
Verman provides the Hebrew text for every document but translates only about a dozen (all of the important ones) into English. His notes are scholarly and profuse, and his commentary is insightful. This is a very informative book from the scholarly perspective AND from the practical, magical and mystical perspectives. It is, however, aimed only for the very serious student of Kabbalah.
Weinstein, Ari (Translator). Gates of Light (Sha'are Orah) by Rabbi Joseph Gikatilla (The Sacred Literature Series) Harper Collins Pub. (1994)
This is a seminal Kabbalistic text from 13th Century Spain. Gates of Light is an intimate work, designed for the practitioner as well as for the philosopher. This is a clear statement of non-Zoharic Kabbalah and is indeed quite beautiful and inspiring.
Shortly after this edition was published, it sold out and used copies were going for a steep price. However, I was recently told that they have since renewed publication because of this unexpectedly high demand.
I have a friend who has studied the Sha'are Orah in its Hebrew original and is quite an authority. He tells me that the translation into English here is only so-so. Unfortunately, the publisher did not include an accompanying Hebrew text for the reader to compare. Nonetheless, I recommend this edition.
Miscellaneous:
Blum, Ralph H. The Book of Runes St. Martin's Press (1993)
This is an intuitive, inspirational work which presents the Runes in a Tarot-like or I Ching-like fashion. I love this little book even though it is not particularly historically accurate. I confer with my Runes frequently and actually prefer them to the Tarot when it comes to sparking my own intuition about events. Often, this book comes with a set of prefabricated Runes.
Campbell, Joseph. The Mythic Image (Bollingen Series C) Princeton Univ. Press (1990)
A wonderfully comprehensive volume by this icon of modern research and interpretation.
Edwards, Paul. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Philosophy (In four volumes) Macmillan Pub. (1967)
I was fortunate enough to find this four volume edition on a back shelf in an ancient used book store for a mere $50. Since I was the ONLY person to have expressed any interest in it over the years it had been collecting dust, the proprietor gave it to me for $30! I cherish this set. Over the years, it has been an invaluable asset. Every subject and author imaginable are listed.
Johnston, Charles. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Watkins (1974) Patanjali.pdf (1.7 MB) <-- Right-click and "Save As..." to download.
A wonderful edition (translation and commentary) of this seminal work of Yogic philosophy.
Kingsley, Peter. In the Dark Places of Wisdom The Golden Sufi Center (1999)
I enjoy books that challenge my understanding of history and urge me to consider an alternate perspective. This book provides ample food for thought.
Larousse. New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology Crescent Books (1968)
An encyclopedia of mythology is important to the serious student. I list this particular one because it is comprehensive (enough) and relatively affordable.
Masson, Marcelle. A Bag of Bones: Legends of the Wintu Indians of Northern California
I feel a great affinity with the spirit and culture of the ancient peoples who inhabited my native land prior to the time Europeans landed foot here. Of all the books I've read on these ancient cultures, this is my favorite. Herein are recorded the tales of a people from Northern California, as told by a fellow named Grant Towendolly (1873 -- 1963).
Ramacharaka, Yogi. Science of Breath The Yogi Publication Society (1905 et seq.)
This is a wonderfully simple, straight-forward guide to practical yogic techniques for breathing.
Wilhelm, Richard. (Translator) The I Ching: Book of Changes (Bollingen Series XIX) Princeton Univ. Press (1977)
This is my favorite presentation of the I Ching.
Wu, Dr. John C.H. (Translator) Tao Teh Ching by Lao Tzu St. John's Univ. Press (1961)
THE definitive work on the Chinese philosophy of Taoism.
Tarot:
Case, Paul Foster. The Book of Tokens: Tarot Meditations B.O.T.A. (1983)
This is an excellent series of meditations on the major arcana of the Tarot.
-------------- The Tarot Macoy Pub. (1947)
This is Case's seminal work on the Tarot. This is one of the few places you can find his "Pattern on the Trestleboard" in print.
Lotterhand, Jason. The Thursday Night Tarot Newcastle Publishing (1989)
Mr. Lotterhand was a direct disciple of Paul Foster Case (the founder of the B.O.T.A. and designer of the B.O.T.A. Tarot). This book is the result of several years of leading the "Thursday Night Tarot" classes in the San Francisco Bay Area. It provides a very comprehensive insight into the B.O.T.A. Tarot at both an esoteric and a practical level.
Western Hermetics, Magic and General Occult:
Bardon, Franz. Frabato the Magician, Initiation Into Hermetics, The Practice of Magical Evocation, Questions and Answers
Since I discuss these books so thoroughly elsewhere, I will not repeat myself here. Other than to say, buy them! ;-)
Bullock, Percy. (Translator) The Dream of Scipio by Cicero (Studies in Hermetic Tradition Series) Aquarian Press (1983)
An interesting and accessible study of the "cosmological and mystical doctrines of Neoplatonism and the Hellenic Mystery Schools."
Case, Paul Foster. The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order Weiser (1981)
An engaging examination of the Fama and the Confessio, plus an outline of the Grades of the Order using the major arcana of the Tarot.
Copenhaver, Brian P. Hermetica Cambridge Univ. Press (1995)
Copenhaver's fine translation of the Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius.
Godwin, Joscelyn. The Mystery of the Seven Vowels: In Theory and Practice Phanes Press (1991)
An excellent survey of the mystical and magical use of the seven vowels throughout western history.
Greer, John Michael. Paths of Wisdom: Principles and Practice of the Magical Cabala in the Western Tradition Llewellyn Pub. (1996)
I used to recommend Fortune's Qabalah as THE introduction for the novice to Western Hermetic Qabbalah, but now I recommend this book by John Michael Greer. In my opinion, it is the best modern introduction to the Western Tradition.
Jones, Dr. Marc Edmund. The Sabian Symbols in Astrology Aurora Press (1993)
I find the Sabian Symbols very useful in both natal astrology and ritual work.
Mathers, S.L. MacGregor (Translator). The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage Dover Pub. (1975 et seq.)
This is an important text concerning evocation.
----------------------------- The Grimoire of Armadel Routledge & Kegan Paul (1980)
A variant of the Key of Solomon.
----------------------------- The Key of Solomon the King Routledge & Kegan Paul (1976 et seq.)
Another seminal text on evocation.
McLean, Adam. The Magical Calendar (Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks #1) Phanes Press (1994)
This is Adam McLean's wonderful translation of, and commentary upon, an important 17th Century copperplate magical calendar.
------------- The Triple Goddess: An Exploration of the Archetypal Feminine (Hermetic Research Series Number 1) Phanes Press (1989)
This is an excellent, scholarly examination of the Triple Goddess in the Western Tradition.
Meyer, Michael R. A Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer Anchor Press (1974)
I find this to be the most useful volume for the interpretation of natal charts and for understanding natal astrology in general.
Regardie, Israel. A Garden of Pomegranates Llewellyn (1986)
A brief, though decent, review of basic Golden Dawn Qabalah.
------------ The Golden Dawn Llewellyn (1971)
THE source work on the Golden Dawn.
------------ The Middle Pillar Llewellyn (1987)
This is an excellent little book for the Golden Dawn beginner. It explains a bit about Qabalistic psychology and gives an extensive explanation of the "Qabalistic Cross", the "Middle Pillar Exercise" and the "Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram".
Scott, Walter. (Translator) Hermetica: The Ancient Greek and Latin Writings Which Contain Religious or Philosophic Teaching Ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus (In four volumes.) Shambhala (1985)
These are the Hermetic writings presented in English, along with both Greek and Latin text. Endless notes! The only problem is that it is only the "religious or philosophic" tracts that have been included.
Steiner, Rudolf. An Outline of Occult Science, The Philosophy of Spiritual Activity, Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment, Life Between Death and Rebirth, Theosophy Anthroposophic Press
Even though Steiner is a controversial figure in some circles, I find that his writings display a deep insight and can be very helpful to the aspirant.
Suares, Carlo. The Cipher of Genesis Weiser (1992)
This is an excellent and thought provoking examination of the deeper meaning of the Genesis creation story.
----------- The Resurrection of the Word Shambhala (1975)
Another intriguing volume from Suares. It WILL challenge you.
Three Initiates. The Kybalion Yogi Publication Society (1908 et seq.) Kybalion.pdf (255 kb) <-- Right-click and "Save As..." to download.
This is a must-have for any student of Western Hermetics. Within this small volume the entire corpus of Hermetic writings is condensed into simple, modern terms.
Townley, Kevin. The Cube of Space: Container of Creation Archive Press (1993)
There is no more comprehensive book on the Cube of Space than this. A monumental effort that clearly shows years of work and personal exploration.
Vinci, Leo. Incense: Its Ritual Significance, Use and Preparation Aquarian Press (1980)
A simple and very informative handbook for the incense maker and ritualist.
Wicca:
Cunningham, Scott. The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews Llewellyn (1989)
This, like all of the other books by Cunningham, is an excellent introduction for the beginner.
Evans, Arthur. The God of Ecstasy: Sex-roles and the Madness of Dionysos St. Martin's Press (1988)
An engaging study of the importance of ecstasy to both magic and worship.
Farrar, Janet & Stewart. The Witches' God Phoenix Pub. (1989)
This is an essential resource listing countless god-forms.
------------------ The Witches' Goddess Phoenix Pub. (1995)
A companion volume to the above. Equally valuable to the practitioner.
Gitlin-Emmer, Susan. Lady of the Northern Light: A Feminist Guide to the Runes The Crossing Press (1993)
This is a wonderful little book which seeks to provide a more historically grounded approach to the Runes than does Ralph Blum. Plus, it's from a feminist perspective!
Hugin the Bard. A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs Llewellyn (1996)
An excellent resource of Celtic pagan songs.