Most Popular Books by Arthur Edward Waite

The classic text for the Rider-Waite deck. Discusses the major and minor arcana, what each card means, reversed card meanings, and how to do a basic reading.

"Secret societies have fascinated those on the outside since the beginning of time, and here, in this extraordinary 1921 work, the mysteries and riddles of one of the most famous the Freemasons are exhaustively detailed by a preeminent 19th-century expert in esoterica. Complete with all the original illustrations, this two-volume work is an essential reference for anyone enthralled by the secret and the arcane, and will particularly captivate students of our modern conspiracy-theory culture. Volume I covers everything Masonic from A Acacia: a tree connected to a memorable event in Masonic history to K Karl C. F. Krause: a 19th-century German Masonic philosopher and includes intriguing entries on: Casanova the Druids Egyptian initiation the Fugitive Mark the Holy Grail the Illuminati the Kabablistic tradition of Masonry the Knight of the Brazen Serpent and much more American-born British author ARTHUR EDWARD WAITE (1857 1942) was cocreator of the famous 1910 Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Among his numerous books are Devil Worship in France, The Holy Kabbalah, and The Book of Ceremonial Magic."

Arthur Edward Waite (2 October 1857 - 19 May 1942), commonly known as A. E. Waite, was an American-born British poet and scholarly mystic who wrote extensively on occult and esoteric matters, and was the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. As his biographer R. A. Gilbert described him, "Waite''s name has survived because he was the first to attempt a systematic study of the history of western occultism-viewed as a spiritual tradition rather than as aspects of proto-science or as the pathology of religion."

The Book of Ceremonial Magic Arthur Edward Waite - The Book of Ceremonial Magic by Arthur Edward Waite was originally called The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts. It was first published in a limited run in 1898, and distributed more widely under the title The Book of Ceremonial Magic in 1910. It is an attempt to document various famous grimoires, explain the history behind them (refuting many of the legends surrounding them), discuss the theology contained therein (e.g. raising the question why good angels would be summoned to kill an enemy), and to synthesize many famous grimoires into one system.Readers reviews:This is essentially a compilation and distillation of various medieval grimoires, with snarky commentary by Waite, the ubiquitous wet blanket of occultism. While his scholarship is impressive and the historical context of these writings instructive, Waite''s obvious contempt for his subject matter puts a somewhat of a damper on things. Additionally, he has made deliberate alterations or omissions from most of the included rituals with the aim of making them unusable (a puzzling practice, since he steadfastly claims not to believe in any of them.)In its day, this must have been quite a valuable resource, but since most of these grimoires are now readily available in English translation, it has become somewhat redundant. Still, it''s a handy reference work, although by no means essential.This book combines several works from the middle ages, all of them based around spells, invocations, experiments, black and white magic. what makes this book so interesting is the commentary from Waite. He is very critical and in my opinion thus ahead of his time. he first of all shows how the distinction between black and white magic is often stretched.. calling on a demon to do a good deed is still black magic? calling on an angel to do some mischief is still white magic? also Waite seems to not believe in any of the invocations and compiled them out of historical interest and interest in the occult. this book thus is exactly what i''d like to read, with more modern commentary, also thoughts on the origin and how most books are younger than what clerics tried to sell them for. there must have been a lot foul play in it, too. i was most amused by some spells in the grimoire, when there is an exact copy of the reply the demon will make. yeah, right, whatever demon i call upon will answer in the same fashion :D there is a lot ridiculous stuff, but then again it''s from the middle ages.

A complete history of alchemy revealing the subject as much more than the attempts in early science of turning base metals into gold or silver, this book goes about intimating the mystical experience underlying hermetic symbolism. It outlines some of the ‘secret’ inner meanings to alchemy - symbolism, metaphysics, and spirituality. This book contains a universe of information and is worthwhile reading for anyone wanting to know more on this engaging subject. Originally published in 1926.

This fully revised and updated edition explains the history of the tarot, the symbolism of the cards and how to use the cards.

1906 Contents: Hither Side of the Portal Life of the Mystic; Enterprise of Sanctity; Sense of the Infinite; Supernatural Goodness; a Question of Service; Asceticism & Mysticism; Foundation of Higher Magic. Vestiges of the Outer Ways - Lesser Myster.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is A. E. Waite''s influential guide to divinatory tarot, published in England in 1910 in conjunction with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. While Waite was an occultist, he was very concerned with the accuracy of the symbols he used for his deck, and he did much research into the traditions, interpretations, and history behind the cards.

A study of the Zohar & its connections. Some of the contents: Early Students of Kabalism; Hidden Church of Israel; Majesty of God in Kabalism; doctrine of Cosmology; Myth of Earthly Paradise; Serpent, Son of the Morning & Fall of the Angels; Fall.

Arthur Edward Waite was a scholarly mystic who wrote extensively on occult and esoteric matters, and was the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Arthur Edward Waite (2 October 1857 - 19 May 1942) was an American-born British poet and scholarly mystic who wrote extensively on occult and esoteric matters, and was the co-creator of the Rider-Waite tarot deck. As his biographer R. A. Gilbert described him, "Waite''s name has survived because he was the first to attempt a systematic study of the history of western occultism-viewed as a spiritual tradition rather than as aspects of proto-science or as the pathology of religion

The Grail legend is the centerpiece of Arthurian literature, and this classic work by the renowned scholar Arthur Edward Waite ranks among the most informative and profound books ever written on the subject. While the myths surrounding the Holy Grail are seemingly in harmony with orthodox religion, Waite reveals that beneath their pious surface, they are as subversive as any other form of mysticism — illustrating the symbolic nature of doctrinal teachings, no more intended for literal interpretation than is any fiction. With this informative study, Waite restores the full and true meaning of the knightly quests for honor and adventure as journeys of the soul.

First published in Latin in 1678, this collection of writings from ancient alchemical writers faithfully instructed all disciples of the Sopho-Spagyric Art how the Philosopher''s Stone could be found and held. Serving as a compendium to the early history of chemistry, this new unabridged paper edition combines two volumes into one and includes all original illustrations.

In "Devil-Worship in France; or, The Question of Lucifer," Arthur Edward Waite delves into the intricate webs of occult practices and the socio-political undercurrents surrounding them in late 19th-century France. The book melds rigorous historical analysis with literary flair, employing a narrative style that balances scholarly rigor with a captivating prose that invites readers to explore the darker aspects of human belief. Waite examines the cultural milieu of spiritualism and the resurgence of interest in demonology, framing his analysis within the broader context of European intellectual movements that grappled with the dualism of good and evil. Arthur Edward Waite, a prominent scholar of the occult, was deeply influenced by the esoteric traditions of his time. His extensive knowledge of Kabbalah, Tarot, and alchemical symbolism informs this work, revealing his commitment to exploring the interplay between mysticism and modernity. Waite''s personal experiences with the occult, along with his involvement in various esoteric societies, provided him with a unique vantage point from which to critique and analyze the phenomenon of devil-worship, particularly its manifestation in French culture. This compelling study is essential for scholars of religious studies, cultural history, and those fascinated by the occult. Waite''s eloquent prose and exhaustive research offer invaluable insights that illuminate the complexities of human belief and the cultural anxieties of an age caught between enlightenment rationalism and spiritual longing.

The Real History Of The Rosicrucians Arthur Edward Waite - This is Arthur Edward Waite''s study of the elusive Rosicrucians, a secret society of which the first public notice was in early 17th century Germany. Was this an actual organization, or just a fantasy? No actual Rosicrucians ever surfaced, but there was plenty of documentation about them. The problem is that these documents are, for the most part, obviously fictional. In time, a mythology grew up around the Rosicrucians. Today there are groups which claim the name. These date at the most to the late 19th century, although they usually claim pro forma to go back as far as Egypt or Atlantis. The Rosicrucians have also been woven by conspiracy theorists into their web alongside the Freemasons, Illuminati, Templars, and so on, even though there is not a shred of evidence for this.

This marvelous book by bestselling author Sasha Graham presents a deep dive into the Tarot Original 1909, a bold and brilliant edition of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, the most popular deck in the world. Sasha provides detailed insights on the symbolism and intuitive meanings of all 78 iconic cards.

This early work by Arthur Edward Waite was originally published in the early 20th century and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. ''The Turba Philosophorum'' is one of Waite''s works on the history of spiritualism. Arthur Edward Waite was born on the 2nd of October, 1857 in America. After the death of his father, Waite and his mother returned to her native England, where he was raised in North London, attending St. Charles'' College from the age of thirteen. Waite left school to become a clerk, but also wrote verse in his spare time. The death of his sister, Frederika Waite, in 1874 soon attracted him into psychical research. Waite became a prolific author with many of his works being well received in academic circles. He wrote occult texts on subjects including divination, esotericism, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry and ceremonial magic, Kabbalism, and alchemy.

Unlock the Wisdom of the Tarot with the Iconic Rider-Waite Deck-Now in Full Color Step into the mystical world of tarot with The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, the essential guide by Arthur Edward Waite, brought vividly to life with the original color illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith. First published in 1910 and now presented in a beautifully illustrated edition, this timeless volume unveils the esoteric symbolism, spiritual traditions, and hidden meanings behind the world''s most influential tarot deck. Discover how Arthur Edward Waite-a prominent Christian mystic and occultist-revolutionized tarot with this comprehensive guide to the Rider-Waite deck. Breaking from the Marseilles tradition, its fully illustrated suit cards and layered esoteric symbolism, heavily influenced by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, offer profound divinatory insights. Whether you''re an experienced reader or a curious beginner, this color edition invites you to explore the depth and enduring magic of a true classic. "The Tarot embodies symbolical presentations of universal ideas, behind which lie all the implicits of the human mind, and it is in this sense that they contain secret doctrine, which is the realisation by the few of truths imbedded in the consciousness of all, though they have not passed into express recognition by ordinary men. The theory is that this doctrine has always existed-that is to say, has been excogitated in the consciousness of an elect minority; that it has been perpetuated in secrecy from one to another and has been recorded in secret literatures, like those of Alchemy and Kabalism; that it is contained also in those Instituted Mysteries of which Rosicrucianism offers an example near to our hand in the past, and Craft Masonry a living summary, or general memorial, for those who can interpret its real meaning."

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is A. E. Waite''s guide to divinatory tarot, published in England in 1911 in conjunction with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Waite was very concerned with the accuracy of the symbols he used for his deck, and he did much research into the traditions, interpretations, and history behind the cards.

Karl von Eckhartshausen was an 18th-century German mystic. The Cloud upon the Sanctuary is Christian mysticism veiled in hermetic code and often considered a classic among Rosicrucians and Theosophists. Eckhartshausen was briefly a member of Adam Weishaupt''s Bavarian Illuminati but left for spiritual reasons. In this work, he cryptically mentions a "society of the Elect" that has existed from the very beginning of time as "the invisible celestial Church". He predicted that "it is the society whose members form a theocratic republic, which one day will be the Regent Mother of the whole World." This book would later become a strong influence on the 19th-century members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Arthur Edward Waite offers an informative, historical introduction.

"The Turba Philosophorum", also known as "Assembly of the Philosophers", is one of the oldest European alchemical texts, translated from the original Arabic around c. 900 A.D. First published in 1896, this volume contains an English translation of the ancient text by A. E. Waite. Arthur Edward Waite (1857 - 1942), more commonly referred to as A. E. Waite, was an American-born British mystic and poet. He wrote profusely on the subject of the occult and esoteric matters, and is famous for being the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. His work arguably constitutes the first attempt to systematically studying the history of western occultism, which he viewed more of a spiritual tradition than proto-science or pseudo-religion, as was the more common conception. Other works by this author include: "The Alchemical Writings of Edward Kelly" (1893), "Turba Philsophorum" (1894), and "Devil-Worship in France" (1896). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1800''s Edition.

Alchemy-the word itself conjures up images of charlatans mixing potions and concocting remedies during the Middle Ages in a futile quest to transform lead into gold. But the roots of alchemy can be traced back more than 2,500 years to locales as disparate as Egypt, India, and China, and it was considered serious science until as recently as the 16th century. In this highly regarded volume first published in 1888, Arthur E. Waite examines the lives and works of more than fifty alchemists, from the year 850 through the end of the 18th century. Readers will learn about such renowned figures as Thomas Aquinas, Roger Bacon, and Pope John XXII, and decide for themselves whether alchemy was the true precursor to modern chemistry or a pseudo-science populated by quacks. American-born British author ARTHUR EDWARD WAITE (1857-1942) was co-creator of the famous 1910 Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Among his numerous books are Book of Ceremonial Magic, Devil Worship in France, and New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.