Lately, I have become fascinated with the world of the occult. I have always had a strange attraction to the unknown, and delving into the realm of magic and mysticism has been a natural progression for me. One of my favorite pastimes has become searching for occult books that can provide me with deeper insights into this mysterious subject. Living in a big city has its advantages, and one of them is the abundance of bookstores. I consider myself fortunate to live near several stores that offer an extensive selection of occult books. The best part is that many of these stores specialize in rare and hard-to-find books on the subject, making it even more exciting for a curious explorer like me.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized. Mead a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley.
The best part is that many of these stores specialize in rare and hard-to-find books on the subject, making it even more exciting for a curious explorer like me. Every few weeks, I make it a point to visit these bookstores, spending hours browsing through the shelves filled with books on astrology, divination, witchcraft, alchemy, and other occult practices. The sight of these books lined up neatly is like an invitation to a secret and hidden world, just waiting to be explored.
Watkins Books | London’s Oldest Occult Bookstore
In the time of Samhain, it seems all things lead to the magical, the mysterious, the mystical. Though I know it’s not just me who feels led to such things, I also know some feel that the magical, the mysterious, the mystical don’t always make themselves known—they must be sought out. For those feeling the lure and seekers alike, there are places where those interests align with literary pursuits.
While many bookstores have small sections dedicated to subjects including mysticism and the occult, for seekers of the mystical, there is no place quite like a bookstore dedicated to such unusual endeavors. And for today’s Literary Destinations, I’ve found one of the world’s oldest bookstores with such inclinations.
Watkins Books
Watkins Books at Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
In the late 19th century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society focused on the study and practice of the occult, paranormal happenings, and metaphysics, was founded by three Freemasons. This society was structured similarly to the Masonic lodge, with initiations and three levels of Orders to which members belonged, progressing in their studies from esoteric philosophy and the basics of subjects including astrology and tarot, to the Second Order with studies including alchemy, magic, and scrying among others, to the most elite of the society—the Third Order. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn became one of the biggest, if not the biggest, influences on Western occultism. Its lasting effect is still seen in modern spiritual practices within Wicca and other religions. The Order was incredibly active within Great Britain, spreading and intensifying the interest in spiritualism and Eastern cultures and beliefs.
In response to this interest rose Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society in 1875. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was a Russian occultist and philosopher, a leading figure within the esoteric movement and, later, within the Spiritualism movement. She was a controversial figure during her life, not only for her beliefs and efforts to spread the ideas of Theosophy but because, once she moved to America, she claimed to be a spirit medium and was met with numerous claims of fraud.
Within her sphere of influence was John M. Watkins.
Inside Watkins Books
Watkins was a figure within the literary world; a translator, a bookseller through the first ever secondhand and remaindered book catalogue he founded in 1893, and owner of his own printing press. He was also a personal friend of Madame Blavatsky’s as well as one of her “disciples,” and his printing press was behind her pseudoscientific metaphysical book The Secret Doctrine. As the story goes, it was a comment from Madame Blavatsky in a conversation with Watkins that inspired the idea for Watkins Books. She spoke of London’s lack of options for places to buy books on the occult, metaphysics, and mysticism. And so, in 1897, Watkins Books opened.
Like this post? Save it to Pinterest!
Specializing in the very books those of the various spiritual movements of the age desired, Watkins Books became a fixture within London for those seeking out the obscure. W.B. Yeats, Irish poet and member of the mysterious Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, was a frequent patron of the shop. Other frequent visitors recognizable to those interested in spiritual, esoteric, and occult authors included G.R.S. Mead—a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society–and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley. He was a poet, novelist, painter, occultist, and “ceremonial magician.” A biography of Crowley claims he once made all of the books in Watkins Books magically disappear and reappear. Another notable piece of history attached to this bookstore is that when Geoffrey Watkins, son of John, took over the shop after his father passed away, he published Carl Jung’s 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos. Being a beacon for spiritualists and occultists, there was no shortage of notable figures frequenting this bookstore.
Tarot deck selection at Watkins Books
While Watkins Books has changed hands over the past century, it has remained true to its original purpose: to provide a bookstore for seekers of beliefs of a different kind, the mystical, and, of course, the magical. They continue to sell these unique books as well as crystals, tarot decks, statues, and the little oddities that could only be found at a store devoted to the spiritual and occult. These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine (Watkins Mind Body Spirit) and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site.
Inside Watkins Books
At over 120 years old, it is quite a notable thing for this strange little bookstore to still be around and thriving as it is in the modern world. There has always been a pocket of people to whom the subjects of this store’s inventory appeals, and in a world where charming, independent bookstores full of character are going out of business steadily, it’s fantastic to see a store such as Watkins Books continuing to go strong.
Watkins Books is rich in history and intrigue, a bookstore with an even more mystical allure than other normally charming bookstores. And at the time of year when the mysterious and mystical are on the forefront of more people’s minds, there’s no better time to take a trip to this historically significant, groundbreaking spiritual bookstore. While traveling to London isn’t in the near future for me, this literary destination is certainly on my list of must-visits in the city.
Sunday, 10/8: 12-4
Monday, 10/9: closed
Tuesday, 10/10: closed
Weds, 10/11: 3-6
Thursday, 10/12: closed
Friday, 10/13: 3-6
Saturday, 10/14: 12-5
Sunday, 10/15: 12-4
One particular store has become a favorite of mine. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, it has an old-world charm that instantly transports me to a different time. As I enter the store, a creaking sound accompanies the opening of the door, giving it an almost magical feel. The smell of old pages and incense fills the air, creating an ambiance that is conducive to deep exploration. The store is divided into different sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the occult. The range of books on offer is impressive, covering various traditions and practices from around the world. From ancient grimoires to modern interpretations of esoteric knowledge, there is something here for every seeker of hidden wisdom. One of the best parts about these bookstores is the knowledgeable staff. The employees are often enthusiasts themselves and are more than happy to guide me through their collection, recommend books, and share their own experiences. Their expertise adds depth to my explorations, helping me navigate through the vast sea of occult knowledge. As I collect more and more books on the subject, my personal library starts to resemble a mini occult bookstore itself. The shelves in my room are now lined with volumes that offer insights into the mysteries of the universe. Each new addition fuels my curiosity, providing me with a stepping stone to further my understanding of the occult. In this age of digitalization, where information is just a click away, there is something special about holding a physical book in my hands. The weight of the pages, the smell of the ink, and the tactile experience of flipping through the pages all contribute to a more immersive and personal journey. It feels like I am connecting with a long line of seekers who have come before me, all searching for hidden knowledge. As I continue my exploration of the occult, these books become my companions, guiding me through the labyrinth of ancient wisdom. They offer a glimpse into a world beyond the rational, a world where magic and mystery intertwine. They remind me that there is much more to reality than what meets the eye, and that the quest for knowledge is a lifelong journey. So, if you ever find yourself in search of occult books, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the enchanting world of physical bookstores. Let the smell of old pages and the knowledgeable staff take you on a journey of discovery, and who knows, you might just uncover hidden truths that will change the way you see the world forever..
Reviews for "Hidden Paths: Mapping Out the Occult Bookstores Close to You"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to find a book on the occult and spirituality, but "Occult books close to me" didn't meet my expectations. The selection was limited and mostly outdated. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful when I asked for recommendations. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with my experience.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was hoping to find some unique and enlightening occult books at this place, but it was a complete letdown. The shelves were poorly organized, and it was difficult to find anything specific. The store had a strange vibe, and the staff seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves than assisting customers. I ended up leaving empty-handed and frustrated. Definitely not a place I would recommend.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - As an avid reader of occult literature, I was excited to stumble upon "Occult books close to me." Unfortunately, the store fell short of my expectations. The selection was limited, and most books seemed to be common titles that I could easily find online. The prices were also quite high, considering the lack of variety. I left feeling like I wasted my time and money.
4. Amanda - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for this bookstore, but it was a major disappointment. The atmosphere inside was dark and gloomy, which made browsing uncomfortable. The staff was unhelpful and seemed disinterested in assisting customers. The book selection was underwhelming and did not cater to a wide range of interests. Overall, the experience was lackluster, and I would not recommend this store to anyone looking for quality occult books.