Need guidelines, trying to familiarize myself Options

Hello, people.

I won't waste many words on introduction Actually, I hope you don't mind if I proceed straight to the topic.

I'm really new to stuff of this sort - occultism and such - but lately I've been having a desire to educate myself in this field. Not really in-depth; what I had in mind was more of a general knowledge, which I could then deepen according to the means available. I guess it probably wouldn't be a good idea to try to learn everything from the web, anyway. It's also worth noting that it's not my goal to become a wizard or mystic or anything of the sorts. You could say my interest is based partially on sheer childlike fascination (or what's left of it, sadly) but mainly it's a consequence of the psycho/socio/anthropological leanings of my present, adult (well, kind of), mind.

Now, what I had in mind was if one of those who are versed enough in this field, could compile a list of books (preferrably those available online) which would serve as a basis of sorts; which would provide me with a general knowledge of various magical systems, schools, history, etc. I have, for instance, pdf copies of the three books on occult philosophy by Agrippa somewhere on my drive, and I must admit they have me defeated (you would have thought, from the title, that they were more of an introduction, heh), so what I'm looking for is much more basic. The kind of book that you would perhaps expect to find in a window of a new-age store. Occultism 101 sort of thing. But it has to be relevant, non-mainstream - meaning not watered down, and most of all - non-biased. I don't want to read preaching.

That's about it I guess. I hope you have at least a vague idea of what I'd like.... I'm not an english speaker and my english can be, at times, unintentionally over-elaborate, for a lack of a better word (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

That's it for now. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for your quick reply, bym!

I'd be more inclined to be helpful to someone who is more inclined to take the occult abit more seriously rather than a passing fancy to occupy your minds whimsy.

I can understand that, and if I'm honest with myself, I don't know how far I'm ready to go here, seeing as occultism is such a vast subject. I like to think, though, that I'm neither your typical wannabe witch teenager nor a disgruntled sociologist who takes occultism for a mere marginal element and is more amused than interested in it. I do have the desire... I just don't know if I'll have the time and will... We'll see.

Library where we have amassed quite a sizable and comprehensive collection, available for download (for a fee, stated in that section)

I've taken a peek into your digital library and I think it's very comprehensive, but the fee is going to be a bit of a problem, because I very much dislike dealing with cash over internet. I've never even bought anything that way. Let's say it's a bit of a whim on my part... Thanks anyway!


And on a more general note... thanks for your welcome. I'm not going to be a very active member of this community, I'm afraid... It's just the way I am - I've never participated in any forum for more than a month, and then I just lost the drive... I'm a more of an observer... I hope you won't take taht as a sign of condescension(sp?) or anything. You see, I'm not really a believer as of now - I've been gifted (cursed?) with a mind most sceptical, but I think that something must be behind all this complex knowledge and lore, and I am determined to find out what. Besides, deep inside, I really really want to believe fully.

I hope you know what I'm trying to say...

Good night to you all.