5 esoteric manuals to make your library super spooky Just in time for Halloween

Must be the season of the witch, as someone once said—and indeed, we’ve finally entered the most magical season of all, autumn! It’s not only the time of red and orange leaves, steaming mugs of tea, and cozy Spotify playlists: autumn has always carried with it a special, almost magnetic energy that naturally ties into the esoteric imagination. It’s the season when nature prepares for rest, when the light grows dimmer and the shadows longer, and when people have traditionally celebrated the thin boundary between the visible and the invisible (culminating in Samhain at the end of October). No wonder this is the time of year when we feel most tempted to venture into mysterious worlds, open books of magic, discover ancient symbols, or even experiment with small (harmless, of course) “spells.”

Esotericism, too often reduced to film clichés or superstitions linked to the Full Moon, is actually much more than that: it’s a set of traditions, knowledge, and practices aimed at deciphering the hidden side of reality. Manuals, guides, and texts on the occult are not just tools for those who want to “predict the future,” but true journeys of discovery, both personal and cultural. With the right book, we can learn to read tarot as a form of introspection, to recognize the energy of plants and crystals to regain balance, or to rediscover the history of magic as a mirror of our culture. Flipping through an esoteric manual in autumn becomes a way to slow down, carve out time for ourselves, and nurture our most intuitive and creative side. Whether it’s a book on tarot, a guide to green magic, or a survey of occult arts through the centuries, the important thing is to let curiosity lead the way. Because if this is the season of transformation, esoteric manuals are the key to living it with the right awareness and connection.

Here are the manuals to add to your personal esoteric library!

Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with the language of the occult, these five manuals we recommend are the perfect companions for navigating this season (and beyond!) with a fresh perspective. Between symbols, rituals, and evocative insights, they’ll guide you not only through this early autumn, but throughout the year, perhaps helping you face whatever lies ahead… with the right critical eye.

Magic. An Illustrated Guide to Magic, Carlotydes (Gribaudo, 2023)

With Magic, Carlotydes opens the door to contemporary esotericism, with spells, crystals, herbs, and rituals that speak to the present. A book rich in illustrations and written in a light tone, it blends visual appeal with content grounded in accredited studies, offering a comprehensive and accessible overview of the magical world. More than just a guide, it’s an invitation to connect with your own energy and rediscover your full inner potential. Worth browsing for the illustrations alone.

History and Practice of Magical Arts, Daniele Palmieri (Libraio Editore, 2021)

Behind the veil of matter lies an invisible world, populated by forces and energies that have always accompanied humankind. This is where magic is born: not just theory, but a living art that weaves together knowledge, experience, and practice to influence both the visible and the invisible. In History and Practice of Magical Arts, Daniele Palmieri retraces the evolution of this ancient knowledge—from shamanic roots to mystery cults, from Greek Theurgy to medieval witchcraft, Solomonic magic, and Renaissance ceremonial practices, all the way to modern initiatory forms. It’s a fascinating journey through the centuries, uncovering the practices that allowed humans to converse with the hidden side of things, and an almost total immersion into the world of witches from both a historical and cultural perspective.

The Green Witch. Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and Stones, Arin Murphy-Hiscock (Armenia, 2019)

With The Way of the Green Witch, Arin Murphy-Hiscock takes us on a journey that intertwines nature, ritual, and inner well-being. Herbs, plants, and flowers become ingredients for potions and healing oils, while crystals, stones, and even twigs transform into tools for regaining harmony and balance. This practical yet poetic guide teaches us to reconnect with the elements of the Earth and with every living creature, offering recipes for sacred foods, herbal blends, daily rituals, and advice for listening to nature’s language. It’s an invitation to rediscover the ancient yet ever-relevant power of the green witch, with plenty of recipes and instructions to help us become one with Mother Earth once again.

Reading Tarot. A Guide and Many Ideas for Experts and Beginners, Valentina Divitini (Magazzini Salani, 2022)

The tarot are everywhere—in cinema, art, fashion, and even our daily lives, where their symbols still intrigue and inspire us. But how can we approach this fascinating, multilayered universe without getting lost? Valentina Divitini has the answer: with a practical approach, she guides us into the heart of the deck—how to choose it, cleanse it, activate it, and above all, how to use it to listen to what the cards have to tell us. A journey to reconnect with the most intuitive and wild part of ourselves, that inner voice so often silenced by rationality.

The Complete Grimoire. Magical Practices and Spells to Awaken the Witch Within You, Lidia Pradas (De Vecchi, 2021)

The grimoire has always been the heart of magical practice—a book safeguarding rituals, spells, and knowledge to be passed down and consulted in a witch’s daily life. With The Complete Grimoire, Lidia Pradas, creator of the nearly 400,000-follower Instagram profile Wiccan Tips, offers an accessible, contemporary guide for anyone wanting to approach witchcraft without clichés or unreachable mysteries. Blending illustrations with practical explanations, the book introduces readers to the core pillars of the craft: from essential tools to altar setups, from the properties of herbs and crystals to the celebration of Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year, all the way to working with deities and spirits. You’ll also find basic spells and rituals, like creating a circle, a sigil, or moon water. A clear, inspiring text that dispels common myths and becomes a precious companion—whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your daily practice.