Recordium Regenerati

One of my personal goals I’ve set for myself is to collect and hold a vast archive of books that span multiple occult topics for the sole purpose of allowing others to peruse them. Granted there are thousands of PDFs out there one can easily obtain and use without issue, but there is simply something inherently valuable about a physical paper and ink copy in your hands. Some books have been enchanted by the author for their own purposes, others hold memories of past practitioners within each turn of the pages. Some are spotted with ash, herbs, incense, the scent of ages, even (rarely) blood. Creases, smudges, the presence of other hands long passed, these are bits of history I cherish.

So then, when buying an occult book, which is better: new or old?

Some books are long out of print (darn you Sitra Achra!) and difficult to find, so inevitably you have to hunt these titles down through second hand means. Peruse thrift sites, eBay, second hand book stores and you will no doubt find treasures beyond what you search for…though older copies often come at a cost. Some are worth thousands, and as such far beyond affordability. Some are worn down with love and affection from previous practitioners and may need a bit of a helping hand to return them to prime. Yet the energy inherent in these books is always there.

New books come fresh, crisp and clean, flat and untouched by wayward hands. You can flip through each page uncovering the arts within and know you are the first hand to leave a mark on that book, the first touch on history. These books will last far longer than the used copies and often are much more affordable especially if they have just been released by the publisher, but there is always a fear of missing out if you cannot make the release time and your particular tome is sold out. The other concern with new books is trying your best to keep them pristine, especially if you have a mind to resell in the future. I will quell your worries now: you will not and cannot keep a book from earning its scars. It is okay to allow such minor infractions, for if the buyer is truly interested in what you have to offer, they will always buy.

Personally, I enjoy both sides of the coin. Well loved books have such a fascinating history to tell with each blemish and scar, and new books always smell like the press. Either option is never an incorrect choice if what you truly seek is the information within. Regardless, my library continues to grow both physically and digitally.

PDFs are always a potential source for occult books if one cannot find the funds needed for a physical copy, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just keep in mind it is always a welcome positive gesture to get said physical copy when you are able to, as the energy between your phone screen and the pages of a tome are a very noticeable difference when practicing the LHP.

Love your books, and they in turn will love you back.